Lexus is attempting to keep high-performance sedans alive with the recent launch of the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance. To mark the introduction of the performance-oriented sedan, Lexus announced that it will be offering a limited-edition version of the vehicle called the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition. It’s more of a mouthful than the regular sedan’s name, but the special models bring a few noticeable changes over the regular model.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition will be an incredibly limited vehicle with only 500 units expected to be produced. All 500 units will be sold in North America. Before we get into the changes, the Launch Edition models will come with the same 5.0-liter V8 engine as the regular model that’s rated at 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission will also be standard.
The unique touches that the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Editions bring over the regular model are mostly cosmetic. The most obvious special touch is the “Incognito” paint scheme on the outside, which looks like a really cool matte gray, which’s an all-new color for Lexus. Along with the gray paint job, the Launch Edition comes with 19-inch BBS wheels that have been plucked from the IS F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. Beyond looking fantastic, the wheels are four pounds lighter than the standard 19-inch wheels.
On the inside, the Launch Editions come equipped with special materials, which include two-tone black and gray Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, center console, and door accents. The leather-wrapped steering wheel sports silver ash wood trim and a prominent F Sport badge. The F Sport instrument cluster features a unique startup animation compared to the regular model, while numerous F Sport Performance badges will be found throughout the cabin. Each Launch Edition will come with its own unique serialized plaque.
The only other Lexus that we remember that was offered in a Launch Edition was the LC 500 and LC 500h when it came out in 2017. Unlike the IS F Sport Performance Launch Edition, the limited-edition LC 500 and LC 500h came with white exteriors and blue interiors. The special editions for the LC models were only available in Europe.
Lexus hasn’t announced pricing for the IS F Sport Performance family yet. We don’t know when the sedan will go on sale either. We think pricing for the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will start at around $70,000, while the Launch Edition is sure to be more expensive. With just 500 units to be built and special touches, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Launch Editions cost an extra $10,000 to $20,000.
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