Not too long ago, Lexus unveiled the 2022 IS 500 F Sport as the first vehicle in its ‘F Sport Performance Line’ Series. The car came with a V-8 engine under the hood that made close to 500 ponies and took under five seconds to sprint to 60 mph. A month post the reveal, the automaker has now unveiled the ‘Launch Edition’ of the hot car. It comes with the same V-8 mill and the changes pertain only to the exterior and interior.

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 472
  • Torque: 395
  • Transmission: Eight-speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What’s So Special About The IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition?

On the outside, the IS 500 Launch Edition will come with 19-inch split-seven-spoke BBS wheels finished in matte black as standard. This is the same set that will be offered as part of the IS F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. The set of four is said to be around 16 pounds lighter than the standard 19-inch wheels. The car will be offered in just one exterior shade, which is the new Incognito color new to the Lexus lineup.

On the inside, there are some exclusive touches here. For starters, the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition features a dual-tone black and grey color Ultrasuede upholstery. This material will be trimmed on front and rear seats, door accents, and center console. Heated steering wrapped in leather with unique silver ash wood treatment and F Sport Performance badging will be seen here. Behind it is the instrument cluster that receives updated startup animation, which again, is exclusive to this edition only. Lexus will also place a serialized Launch Edition badge in the cabin.

Since there are no changes made to the drivetrain, the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition will be offered with the same 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8 engine that makes 472 ponies at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of twist at 4,800 rpm. Power will be sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that also does duties in the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350.

The other notable features include:

-* LED headlights with boomerang-shaped daytime running lights

-* Eight-inch touchscreen as standard; 10.3-inch touchscreen system as optional

-* It will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

-* Dynamic Handling Package offered as standard, which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential

-* 14-inch brakes at the front and 12.7-inch at the rear

-* Quad-exhaust system with dual-stacked tailpipes

-* Offered with ‘Lexus Safety System+ 2.5’

The Performance Launch Edition is a limited-production edition as Lexus will make only 500 copies. It is expected to arrive in fall this year and will be exclusive to North America. The automaker will announce the pricing of the IS 500 F Sport closer to the launch.

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance specifications

Engine

5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8

Horsepower

472 HP @ 7,100 RPM

Torque

395 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM

0 to 60 mph

4.5 seconds