When Lexus said it wanted to take on the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it was dead serious about it. The result of that was the Toyota Altezza, but most of us know it as the Lexus IS.
The Lexus IS was introduced in 1999, a year after the Toyota counterpart was released in Japan. This year, the sports executive sedan celebrates its 25th anniversary.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Even the Toyota Corolla Cross has been turned into a race car
Surprise! CFMoto 800MT-X makes PH debut priced at P676,900
It’s a significant milestone, and to celebrate that, Lexus has given the IS a few updates and upgrades. Oh, and there’s a special edition version of the V8-powered IS500.
Okay, we’ll start with the standard models, namely the IS350. There are more standard features, says Lexus, along with optional BBS wheels for the F Sport model to set it apart from the standard versions.
But the big deal here is a limited edition version of the IS500. It’s exclusive to this top-spec model, and it looks rather loud, too. Simply dubbed the Lexus IS500 Special Appearance Package, it drapes the car’s body in Flare Yellow and adds BBS wheels to the mix.
Inside, there’s leather seats with suede inserts and yellow highlights. It also adds color-coordinated floor mats and key gloves, plus a SmartAccess Card Key. But the clincher here is its potential collectability as only 180 units of this car will be made.
The IS500 packs a wallop under the hood. It uses a 5.0-liter V8 with no turbocharger, making it one of the few naturally aspirated performance cars out there that's (somewhat) within reach. The result is 472hp and 525Nm, all channeled to the rear wheels. It then shifts with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Think of this then as a modern interpretation of the iconic IS F sold from the late ‘00s to early 2010s.
It’s unlikely that the limited edition Lexus IS500 will land in the country given its limited quantities. That said, it would be interesting to see the high performance IS be offered in the country someday. Now that would make for an awesome sweet 16 birthday present for Lexus Philippines.
Besides, there’s always room for a V8 sport sedan in the country.
