In February, Lexus announced that its V8 engine is not dead yet. The 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance filled the V8-shaped hole of the disc, and the car that ran out on it looked like an absolute winner. But now the brand is taking things a step further with its limited launch edition, which it released on Friday.
It is now important to note that this restricted vehicle is not very much other than what the production model will become. But the adjustments that it has made for this 500 car race is beautiful and really shows what an impact a handful of adjustments can have on a car. And our lucky ducks here in North America will be the only people who have the opportunity to buy this model.
The biggest difference here is the exterior color scheme, called Incognito. This shade of gray is exclusive to the Launch Edition, and although I am not normally a big fan of shades for cars, this color is actually neat. I do not really know how to describe it. It’s almost matte in the way it absorbs light, but it still maintains a beautiful, shiny reflection that makes me think you would see your face reflected in it. It puts somewhbetween a more traditional gray and a white color. And because it’s a dull sound on paper, it’s translating beautifully to photos. I’ve heard it’s even better in real life.
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Here are the specifications and some of the big changes:
- 472 horsepower, 5.0 liter V8 with torque of 395 pounds
- Seven-spoke matte black of 19 inches BBS wheels
- Bdefect and gray Ultrasuede to decorate the seats, doors, a center console
- Silver ash wood finish on the steering wheel
- A plaque on the dashboard shows the number of your car
These models do not have a price yet, but they will probably be sent out later this fall.
Now Lexus just needs to learn the value in a simplified name.