IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition Is a True Head-Turner

Even Better Looking

As if the new Lexus IS 500 isn't awesome enough as-is, bringing serious style and V8 power back to the automaker's compact luxury sedan, Lexus will also offer an even better-looking version to a select few customers - the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition. Only 500 examples of this head-turner will be produced, and each will be sold exclusively in North America.

Photos: Lexus

Same Powerplant

The IS 500 Launch Edition will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 introduced in the standard IS 500, which is rated to produce 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. However, the Launch Edition comes with a host of exclusive adornments that set it apart from regular IS 500 models.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Upgraded Cabin

Those differences start inside the cabin, where the Launch Edition features two-tone black and gray Ultrasuede trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and center console, a silver ash wood treatment with black F-Sport Performance badging on the steering wheel, a serialized Launch Edition badge, and a Launch Edition startup animation in the car's instrument panel.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Lighter Wheels

On the outside, the IS 500 Launch Edition features standard 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS wheels taken from the IS F Sport Dynamic Handling Package, which are approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch IS F Sport wheel. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Coming Soon

The Launch Edition comes finished exclusively in Incognito, an all-new color for the Lexus lineup that looks simply outstanding adorning the new model's flanks. Lexus isn't providing any additional information on the Launch Edition IS 500 just yet, but did say it will be available this fall.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Performance Edition

That information will include the car's MSRP as well as its available options, which figure to be plentiful. But what's even more interesting is that Lexus notes an IS 500 Performance Launch Edition will be available as well, so we're intrigued to see what sort of performance upgrades that model comes with.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

One to Get

The reveal of the Launch Edition certainly doesn't come as a surprise, as they're the hot trend these days in the automotive world. But to us, this one is certainly the version of the IS 500 to get, even if we ignore the fact that it'll be a rare collector's item from day one.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.

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