Lexus IS500 makes a comeback with "Climax Edition"

Let's say that this was lost in translation, and that it probably has an innocuous meaning in Kanji. That, or someone on the Lexus board was feeling a little repressed. Either way, Lexus gets its freak on with a special-edition IS500: The aptly named "Climax Edition", which comes equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine offering 474bhp and 535Nm of torque.

This is a model that's literally "packing" with attention to detail, with Brembo front opposed aluminium callipers and ventilated disc brakes. In addition, the brake callipers are painted red, as if the name wasn't sultry enough.

In the event a Grab driver happens to use this particular model, would the car's full name appear on the app? Food for thought

Neutrino grey has been newly added to the exterior as a body colour, which given its cheeky title, is not a bad way to tone things down. Red would've driven most petrolheads over the edge, literally. But of course, Lexus states that adding metallic to the solid light grey "expresses a worldview of sporty, speedy driving". In essence, the Climax Edition goes so fast, one might presumably not see it coming.

Inside, seat coverings made of synthetic leather sport a black and flare red base, whilst the steering wheel and shift knob feature dimpled genuine leather. Somewhere in the world, you can probably imagine a PETA fanatic quivering in rage.

In the middle of the dashboard, the IS500 Climax Edition's analogue clock features a three-dimensional dial painted in multiple layers, reminding its owners that it is filled to the brim with attention to detail. As well as that, the 8.0-inch TFT LCD metre features an opening screen exclusive to this special-edition car. Lexus describes this as creating a sense of exhilaration - or euphoria, if you will - when starting the engine.

In any other dealership other than a Lexus one in Japan, asking for the Climax Edition might get you dirty looks and a rough shove out the door

Innuendos aside, there's actually a very practical reason for its rather interesting moniker: Lexus states that production of the IS500 and the IS300 will come to a grinding halt in November 2025, with sales coming to a finish when orders reach the production volume up till the aforementioned date. Still, you've really got to appreciate the double entendre here.

Oh, and the Lexus IS500 Climax Edition will only be sold in limited quantities of 500 units in Japan from August 2025 onwards. What a shame. Though I suppose if one wasn't living in Japan and wanted one, they could always have it shipped over. A rather expensive and time-consuming climax, that.