The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition With Naturally Aspirated V8: A Final Tribute for Car Enthusiasts

【PCauto】Lexus has launched the new IS 500 Ultimate Edition in the North American market, making it one of the few naturally aspirated V8 performance cars available. Limited to just 500 units, the Ultimate Edition differentiates itself from the standard version through its unique exterior and interior color schemes and emblems, with sales set to begin this fall.

The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is powered by the familiar 2UR-GSE 5.0L V8 naturally aspirated engine, paired with an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission.

As Toyota's last mass-produced V8 engine, the 2UR-GSE has held a special place in the hearts of performance car enthusiasts since its introduction in 2007, thanks to its distinctive mechanical charm. Initially debuting in the Lexus IS F, this 5.0-liter V8 engine has since been utilized in models like the GS F and RC F, and now remains solely within the North American IS 500 lineup.

The 2UR-GSE engine features a classic 90-degree V8 configuration with a bore and stroke of 94.0mm × 89.5mm, resulting in a displacement of 4969cc. With a DOHC setup and four valves per cylinder, this engine produces a maximum power output of 472 horsepower at 7100 rpm and peak torque of 535 Nm at 4800 rpm. Notably, the redline reaches an impressive 7300 rpm.

In terms of real-world performance, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 equipped with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h.

The 2UR-GSE engine incorporates Toyota's latest technologies in the naturally aspirated realm, with the key feature being the D-4S dual injection system, which combines direct fuel injection and port fuel injection, automatically switching based on operating conditions. This system not only improves fuel efficiency but effectively addresses fuel supply issues at high RPMs and minimizes carbon buildup.

The VVT-iW wide variable valve timing system enables a broader efficient operating range. It allows for a variable timing angle of up to 50 degrees on the intake side, facilitating a seamless transition between the Otto cycle and Atkinson cycle. This design ensures robust power output at high RPMs while optimizing fuel efficiency at low RPMs.

In terms of weight reduction, the 2UR-GSE utilizes an all-aluminum block and cylinder heads, keeping the total engine weight around 210 kg. High-rigidity forged crankshafts and lightweight piston-rod assemblies enable this large-displacement engine to handle high RPMs above 7000 with ease. Certain versions (like the RC F Track Edition) even come equipped with titanium exhaust valves for further weight savings.

Similar to other large-displacement V8 engines, the 2UR-GSE showcases the typical power delivery characteristics of a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. The low RPM range (below 2000 rpm) is relatively smooth, but as the revs surpass 3000 rpm, torque escalates rapidly, maintaining near-peak power output until reaching the redline.

This characteristic translates into a driving experience where urban driving is leisurely, and the power is readily available with a simple increase in RPM for urgent acceleration. While it may not produce as much low-end torque as contemporary turbocharged engines, its linearity and continuity at high RPMs remain unmatched.

As a premium V8 engine, the tuning of the exhaust note is also a highlight of the 2UR-GSE. Toyota engineers designed a specialized exhaust system, comprising short-path exhaust manifolds and a dual-mode tailpipe with valves. At low RPMs, the exhaust valves remain partially open, creating a deep sound; at high RPMs, the valves fully open, producing a loud and exhilarating note.

In comparison to German high-performance V8s, the 2UR-GSE's sound is less aggressive yet more refined, aligning with Lexus's brand style. On the IS 500, engineers have further optimized the exhaust path to allow a portion of the sound to enter the cabin, enhancing the sensory experience while driving.

Amidst the global shift towards electrification in the automotive market, the existence of the 2UR-GSE engine is particularly valuable. Very few models continue to feature naturally aspirated V8 engines, making the IS 500 a strong contender for becoming the last of its kind.

The Lexus IS 500 is primarily positioned in a niche segment, catering to enthusiasts who still passionately pursue the V8 engine experience. Unlike turbocharged or electrified powertrains, the linear output of the V8 engine offers a unique driving sensation.

Additionally, Lexus's long-standing reputation for reliability significantly enhances the appeal of the IS 500. In the 2023 rankings by Consumer Reports, Lexus placed first, indicating that the IS 500 can deliver stable and reliable performance over the long term, contributing to a relatively high resale value.

While the IS 500’s EPA combined fuel consumption stands at 15.7 L/100km—much higher than competitors like the BMW M340i at 9.8 L/100km—this could be a disadvantage in an era that emphasizes energy conservation and emissions reduction. However, for a select group of consumers, the Lexus IS 500 retains undeniable allure. It appeals to those who favor the naturally aspirated engine's sound and value long-term durability in a performance vehicle.

For these enthusiasts, the IS 500 is more than just a car; it represents a cherished emotional connection and a tribute to the era of traditional gasoline engines. As electric vehicles continue to dominate the landscape, models like the IS 500, featuring naturally aspirated V8 engines, are likely to become increasingly rare. Thus, the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition undoubtedly stands as a final offering for car enthusiasts .