The 466bhp Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is a naturally-aspirated V8 saloon and we want one

Lexus has sold 1.3 million examples of its compact, rear-wheel-drive IS saloon since the first generation arrived in 1999, and to celebrate it’s launching a shameless special edition of the IS 500 F-Sport in North America called 'Ultimate'. Oh boy, this makes us miss the old IS F.

You may remember the 500 F-Sport uses a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 to make 466bhp and 395lb ft of torque. And yes, that’s kinda the only reason why we’re bringing you the news of this limited-run Ultimate Edition. As you might have guessed, just 500 will be available.

But what does the UE actually add? 19in forged BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black for a start, with contrasting red calipers and Brembo brakes. You also get a special shade of grey paint that Lexus has titled ‘Wind’. Stop sniggering at the back.

On the inside we’re told the special edition gets ‘Circuit Red’ and black trim, with seats covered in artificial leather and Ultrasuede. The LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob are finished in real dimpled leather, while the analogue clock gets ‘precision red laser etching’. Very Lexus.

Of course, we’d love to see all of these updates, but Lexus has only provided one picture of the Ultimate Edition so far (above). The IS 500 is an excellent-looking sports saloon though, so below is a little gallery of 2022 model year versions to get you excited about V8-engined sports saloons again.