May 2025 brings bittersweet news for fans of the Lexus IS: the brand is wrapping up the iconic rear-wheel-drive performance sedan with a limited Ultimate Edition, suggesting there may be no 2026 IS on the horizon. With only 500 units to be produced, this sendoff is likely a final salute to the naturally aspirated 5.0 L V‑8 that made the IS500 legendary.
🎯 What Makes the IS Ultimate Edition Special?
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Powered by the revered 5.0 L 2UR‑GSE V8 delivering 472 hp and 395 lb‑ft of torque, tied to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic gearbox.
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Exclusively rear-wheel drive, preserving the pure driver’s car ethos
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Striking “Wind” exterior color and matte-black 19″ BBS forged wheels with red Brembo calipers.
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Unique Interior: Circuit Red + Black Ultrasuede and NuLuxe seats, red seatbelts, and a serialized badge commemorating each car.
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Retains IS500 F‑Sport Performance specifications—0–60 mph in ~4.3 seconds.
This looks like a farewell V‑8 bang, with Lexus rolling out an exclusive trim level rather than investing in a full redesign.
📅 Is This Truly the Last IS?
Lexus has officially remained silent on future plans, stating it "could not comment on future product plans" . But the signs are undeniable:
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Previous “Ultimate” editions from Lexus often precede model discontinuation.
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Mention that this 500-unit run “signifies there will be no 2026 IS in the U.S.”
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Stuttgart insiders and Lexus fans on Reddit believe the NA V‑8 chapter is closing—and that future IS models may shift to turbocharged four‑ or hybrid engines
“I hope this isn’t true… New IS is the only thing that interests me from Lexus potentially.”
Enthusiasts are torn: nostalgia for a driver’s car versus the prevailing industry pivot towards electrified powertrains.
🏁 What’s Next for the IS?
If the IS nameplate continues past 2025, expect the following trends:
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Downsized turbo engines (2.0 L turbo‑4) or hybrid assistance—in line with Lexus' electrification strategy.
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A tech overhaul, since the current interior dates back to 2014 with only a 2021 refresh, and critics say it’s "dated for 2025"
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A possible shift to AWD, especially if electrification becomes standard.
Still, some suspect the IS500 trim may vanish, even if the base IS models remain.
🏎️ Why This Matters to the Carbon Fiber Community
Here at Vorteq Carbon, we’ve seen firsthand how the IS500 fanbase reveres this car as a modern classic. With production ending, demand for aftermarket carbon fiber upgrades—like front lips, spoilers, diffusers, and lightweight hood options—will likely surge as owners look to preserve and personalize one of the last naturally aspirated V‑8 sedans.
💭 Final Thoughts
The 2025 Lexus IS Ultimate Edition may very well be the last hurrah of the V‑8 rear-wheel-drive IS. While rumors swirl around a potential successor, this model feels like a graceful goodbye—designed for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who grew up chasing that V‑8 soundtrack.
If you're lucky enough to own one, this is the perfect moment to add carbon fiber upgrades that honor its legacy—and ensure your IS500 stands out long after the V‑8 era ends.
First Generation (XE10; 1999–2005)
The Lexus IS debuted in 1999 as the IS 200 and IS 300, aimed squarely at compact sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series. Initially sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza, it carried over a distinctive design with a chronograph-style gauge cluster and tight, rear-wheel-drive handling.
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Engine Options:
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2.0L inline-6 (IS 200)
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3.0L inline-6 (IS 300)
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Transmissions: 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual (IS 300 manual added later)
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Notable Features: Optional LSD, sharp steering, analog dash design
Second Generation (XE20; 2006–2013)
The second-gen IS took a more refined approach with a curvier design, more premium materials, and a broader lineup. The IS 250 and IS 350 became staples, and the high-performance IS F entered the scene in 2008.
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Engine Options:
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2.5L V6 (IS 250)
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3.5L V6 (IS 350)
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5.0L V8 (IS F – 416 hp)
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Transmission: 6-speed and 8-speed automatics
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Performance: The IS F was Lexus’ first true attempt at taking on BMW’s M3
Third Generation (XE30; 2014–2020)
With a sharper, more aggressive design, the third-gen IS introduced the signature spindle grille and a more athletic stance. It didn’t get a full redesign until much later but received multiple refreshes.
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IS 200t / IS 300 / IS 350:
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Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 (IS 200t, later renamed IS 300)
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3.5L V6 (IS 350)
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IS 300 AWD: Used a detuned 3.5L V6
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Transmission: 8-speed RWD, 6-speed AWD
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F Sport package: Aggressive styling, tuned suspension, and bolstered seats
Major Refresh (2021–2024)
Rather than releasing a full redesign, Lexus opted for a significant overhaul in 2021. The updated IS kept the same chassis but saw stiffer body construction, new suspension tuning, updated tech, and a refreshed exterior.
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IS 300 / IS 350 F Sport: Continued with V6 engines
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New infotainment: Modernized interior with touchscreen display
IS 500 F SPORT Performance (2022–2025)
In 2022, Lexus stunned enthusiasts by shoehorning the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 from the RC F into the compact IS, creating the IS 500 F SPORT Performance. With 472 horsepower, it was the ultimate send-off for the rear-wheel-drive IS platform.
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Powertrain: 5.0L V8, 472 hp, 395 lb-ft
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0–60 mph: Around 4.3 seconds
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Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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Exclusivity: Limited production volumes, especially for special editions
2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition – The Final Chapter?
The Ultimate Edition is expected to mark the end of the IS line in North America. It features unique matte-black BBS wheels, red brake calipers, red-and-black interior accents, and numbered plaques—limited to 500 units.
Lexus hasn’t officially confirmed the discontinuation, but after a decade-long run of the current platform, the writing is on the wall. With the market shifting toward electrification and SUVs, the IS may become yet another sedan lost to time.
Interested in premium carbon fiber parts for your IS? Visit [Vorteq Carbon’s IS500 parts collection] to explore hoods, splitters, spoilers, and more tailor-made for this exclusive final edition.