Lexus IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition rolls in

The baddest Lexus IS model is now no longer a full blown F but an IS 500 F Sport. Still, it’s one hot looking sports sedan. Packing the same normally aspirated 351kW / 530Nm 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the Lexus RC F and Lexus LC 500, the IS 500 F Sport is good for a 0-100km/h dash time of just 4.6 seconds.

Unlike a Lexus F model however, the range-topping IS does not come with widened fenders, scoops and vents. It does have the F trademark bonnet bulge, though. So if that’s too vanilla looking, Lexus has released a Launch Edition of the IS 500 F Sport with the aim of further distinguishing the top dog from the rest of the range.

Limited to just 500 examples and for now only sold in North America, the IS 500 F Sport Launch Edition is exclusively available in the Incognito exterior colour, a brand new shade in the Lexus palette. Matching the unique paint work are 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy matte black BBS wheels, with each about 1.8kg lighter than those on the standard IS 500.

On the inside, the Launch Edition gets two-tone black & grey Ultrasuede trimmed seats, door accents, and center console, complemented with silver ash trim highlights throughout the cabin. Every IS Launch Edition also receives a serialized plate on the centre console.

We like what we see, but here’s hoping the IS F gets to see the day of light.