The Top Five “Special Edition” Lexus Models of All-Time
Lexus is best known for producing luxurious and sporty car models and although the company has been doing it for many years, there are probably a few models that are so rare you might never have come across one. These include some special editions that came out for specific markets or categories of drivers. The said rare models are not the typical Lexus model you know as they come with different features that you will not find across the board on most models. To bring you up to speed with information about few of these special editions, here are five you should know about.
1. Lexus IS 300 SportCross Wagon
The Lexus IS 300 SportCross wagon is probably among the rarest models of Lexus that you have never seen. The car was built in early 2000s and it is said that only about 14 people across the world own them today. So, what’s so unique about it that it had to sell so few? There is something different about this car as it does not entirely possess the characteristics of a Lexus as people know. It had a sporty rear suspension and ran a rear-wheel-drive system. The car had a powerful 3.0-liter straight six engine, which is similar to what the turbo Toyota Supra ran. It achieved over 200 horsepower, but the only drawback of the Lexus IS 300 SportCross is that Lexus never made a manual transmission version of the car. Many expect a car this sporty should have at least included a manual transmission version.
2. Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA was produced between December 2010 and December 2012, and came in batches of 20 units every month. Lexus had scheduled to produce only 500 units in total and most of the features included in the car were made to meet the custom specifications provided by the buyer. The Lexus LFA ran a powerful V10 engine and had a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer body. Only 65 percent of the car’s body contained CFRP materials by mass. The LFA entered into the market with a base price of $375,000 and there was a circuit–tuned version that was produced in 2012 that cost $445,000. Production of the Lexus LFA ended in 2012 and cumulatively 500 cars were made. Lexus said there would be no future plans to reintroduce the car as they wanted to keep the legacy intact.
3. Lexus NX 300H S CVT
The 2014 Lexus NX 300H S is also a rare model as only 17 units were produced. The car combines an impressive SUV design and comes with a hybrid twin-motor four-wheel E-four system. It features a CVT transmission system and courts a long-standing fondness for the transmission type, which is comparatively efficient and light when you compare it to the traditional torque converter used on other high-end models of the Lexus. It featured a 2492cc four-cylinder 16v engine that is backed by an electric motor, which helped to boost the output to 195bhp. Its design is more focused on luxury with a bit of sportiness.
4. Lexus CT 200h F Sport Special Edition (2012)
The 2012 model of the CT 200h hybrid came with a Sport Special Edition of the car that featured three colors including Tungsten Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, and Starfire Pearl. The car came with anti-sway bars on its F Sport suspension and had slightly stiffer springs for the sporty feel. It also had black floor mats that were reinforced with blue stitching. It also had some metallic trim on the dash panel as well as a premium audio package.
5. Lexus LS 460 4X4 Auto
Photo above is NOT of the 4×4 version
Lexus also had a 4X4 version of the Lexus LS 460 saloon. The car featured an 8-speed automatic gearbox and was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 375 bhp. Released in 2008, only one unit made it off the production line and this is the one that was showcased in 2008 during the Moscow International Motor Show. It also had electric motors that would kick in when the revs on the engine went low and there was not a huge demand for power. It is one of the most efficient hybrids from Lexus, but unfortunately not many were made to warrant mass sales. However, there were models made later as a continuation of the model that sold in hundreds but with different features from the special edition.
