Frankenstein Lexus Spotted in Qatar

Car Capture, an exotic carspotting blog, managed to snap some photos of a freakish Frankenstein “Lexus” in Qatar: Let’s see—I’m guessing ES 300 body, BMW headlights and LX rear lights, though who can really tell with all that body work. My favorite touch? The Mercedes V12 badge on the trunk. Fantastic. For larger images, visit …
Kevin · March 18th, 2009

Rumor of a Lexus IS-F Evolution

According to Japanese auto magazine Best Car, Lexus continues to work on a lightweight version of the IS-F, dubbed the IS-F Evolution. The main focus on the IS-F Evolution would be reducing weight, where up to 300lbs could be dropped by using carbon fiber anywhere possible. Possible body panels would include the front bumper, front …
Kevin · March 10th, 2009

Flickr Find: More Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

I’ve been scouring Flickr for the last couple days, waiting for images of the F-Sport models at the Chicago Auto Show to appear — and my patience was rewarded today when I spotted this close-up of the GS taken by pcriso2: Great shot for sure — so I contact pcriso2 to see if he had …
Kevin · February 17th, 2009

Lexus Expands F-Sport to Include the GS & All IS Models

Lexus announced at the Chicago Auto Show today that the full range of F-Sport accessories will now be available for the GS, IS 250 AWD, and the IS-C 250/350. These first-party mods, which were only available for the IS 250/350 RWD previously, add a much sportier edge and include options like front/rear brake upgrades, lowering …
Kevin · February 11th, 2009

Club Lexus California Meet Photos

I just discovered a pile of photos of various Club Lexus meets in California, all taken by The Perfect Exposure — take a look at some of these rides: Blacked out is my hands-down favorite look right now, and that IS is just proves the point. Love the red L wheelcaps. (And that’s just a …
Kevin · February 10th, 2009

Lexus IS-F: Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition Body Kit

No matter how much I wished it, these official photos of Wald International’s Lexus IS-F Sports Line Black Bison Edition haven’t yet disappeared from the Internet, so I have little choice but to post them here: Let’s get honest: the IS-F is not a vehicle that need any additional visual complexity, the stock look is …
Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus SC on 26″

Just in case you’ve been wondering if 26″ wheels will fit on your first-gen Lexus SC, a Craigslist seller has proven it possible: No details on if the car is from Oakland or how you’re supposed to turn the wheels, but it can be yours for only $14,000! (For more photos, check out the seller’s …
Kevin · January 28th, 2009

The Lexamino

Seen on the Street has spotted what can only be called The Lexamino in Birmingham, Alabama — a first-gen LS 400 with a truck bed: I incorrectly assumed this poor LS400 was the victim of some type of accident, possibly involving a Ryder truck backing into the rear and smashing the back window and roof. …
Kevin · January 27th, 2009

More Lexus Photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon

Website Speedhunters also posted some photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon, including this rather unique Mercedes/Lexus love child: Well, considering this is Japan, I should have said Soarer/Mercedes love child, but let’s move along. Take a look at this Artisan Spirits SC 430: I’m not usually a fan of such high contrast two-tones, but that …
Kevin · January 16th, 2009

Lexus Photos from Toyko Motor Salon

Photographer Anthony Carbone attended the Tokyo Motor Salon and came away with some great photos of the Lexus in attendance (click the photos to go to the full gallery): Wald International Lexus IS-F Black Bison Edition Club Linea Lexus LX 570 DAD Lexus LS 460 I had to do a double take on that DAD …
Kevin · January 15th, 2009

Custom Lexus IS-F Exhaust by Royal Muffler

Listen to this custom Lexus IS-F exhaust treatment from Royal Muffler, a company based out of California: This design is unique among the current IS-F options as it’s using four race mufflers rather than the more typical muffler/resonator combination. According to Club Lexus, the price is $2,300, which includes install and lifetime warranty. Certainly on …
Kevin · December 22nd, 2008

The Swarovski Crystal Lexus SC 430

To promote the launch of their Crystallized collection in Taiwan, Swarovski partnered up with Lexus and designer Zheng Zhiren to create this one-of-a-kind crystal SC430: All told, there’s over 300,000 Swarovski crystals covering the SC, pushing its total value up to NT 10,000,000 ($306,045USD). Now that’s a lot of bedazzle! [Source: YAM | Via: Born …
Kevin · December 17th, 2008

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 2 Video

These designer interview videos from Lexus provide some great insight into their SEMA lineup, it’s really quite impressive how much effort must have went into the co-ordination of all these different teams — once again, dig up the headphones because the audio is really low: That super-charger in the 0-60 Magazine IS-F looks insane.
Kevin · November 6th, 2008

Lexus Project GS Photos from SEMA

I have to post this link to Autoblog’s photo set of the Project GS on the floor at SEMA — there’s always a concern seeing a vehicle outside of the highly manicured official photo environment, but the GS doesn’t disappoint. Take a look at this rear close-up: Looks almost cartoonish to me, I love the …
Kevin · November 6th, 2008

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 1 Video

Get out your earphones, because the sound on this Lexus SEMA video recap from the first day is incredibly quiet: It’s always interesting listening to the people behind these cars talk about their creations — I’m especially impressed by Troy Sumitomo and Five Axis, both their Project GS & Project IS-F cars really managed to …
Kevin · November 5th, 2008

Five Axis Lexus Project GS Unveiled

The eagerly awaited Project GS by Five Axis has been unveiled, and it’s quite handedly the best looking GS I’ve ever seen. Just take a minute and click through each of these images to get an up-close-and-personal look: From the extensive widebody conversion right down to the Five:AD R5:F onyx rims, the Project GS hits …
Kevin · November 5th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Video Feature on the Icon Lexus LX 570

This video feature on the Icon modified Lexus LX 570 currently showing at SEMA is a great in-depth look at the matte-black, TRD braked, faux-carbon-fiber-fitted stealth SUV: Very interesting way of applying the carbon fiber pattern to the OEM interior wood, but it does diminish the appeal. I have a feeling this is a vehicle …
Kevin · November 4th, 2008

Video of Artisan’s Twin Turbo Lexus IS-F

We’ve seen the official photo and technical breakdown of the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F that’s debuting at SEMA next week, and now here’s the twin turbo kicking it on a dyno: It’s a good thing this thing is strapped to the dyno, because I don’t imagine it would be easy to video otherwise.
Kevin · October 31st, 2008

SEMA 2008: ICON’s Lexus LX 570

The fact that I’m only now getting around to posting about the details of ICON’s custom Lexus LX 570 is probably the biggest indication to just how overwhelming yesterday was in terms of Lexus news! Regardless, here’s the official image of the SEMA-bound LX, plus the full breakdown of the modifications: Click the image for …
Kevin · October 30th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s the Fox Marketing IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Lexus IS-F by Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s the Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition Import Tuner Magazine and TEIN suspension company put their collective heads and expertise together to create an IS F that’s focused on …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Motorworld Hype’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s Motorworld Hype’s IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: 0-60 Magazine’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and rather than post them all up in a lump, I’m going to take it one at a time, starting with 0-60 Magazine’s Modifed IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition With track performance a …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

ICON’s Custom Lexus LX 570 Revealed!

When Lexus announced their SEMA lineup, I was especially interested in what ICON’s modified LX 570 would look like, especially given that it was described as the “anti-bling” version, subdued and super functional. Well, the cat’s out of the bag, I stumbled onto Icon’s project page at CarDomain and all the secrets were revealed. Here’s …
Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

HKS Release Lexus IS-F Speed Delimiter

In other IS-F modification news, Japanese performance company HKS has released a speed delimiter that allows the IS-F to pass its computer imposed speed limit of 170mph (273km/h). Dubbed the Velocity Advanced Computer, or the VAC, this tiny black box is wired into the IS-F’s ECU and will let speed-crazy drivers test the upper limits …
Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Prussian Blue Body Kit for the Lexus IS-F

It’s unfortunate that Japanese bodykit manufacturer Prussian Blue’s new front/rear lip underspoiler combo for the IS-F is overshadowed by what may be the strangest set of rims I’ve seen in a while. But let’s put them behind us and focus on the two spoilers: Not bad, I’m not all that impressed with the front end, …
Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Five Axis GS 460 Confirmed for SEMA (Plus More!)

Lexus & Five Axis will be making another big splash at next month’s SEMA — last year, the Project IS-F was the result of their collaboration, and this year, Five Axis is turning their attention to the Lexus GS 460 (click for a larger version): I know it’s a sketch and everything, but this is …
Kevin · October 16th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Greddy Supercharger & Exhaust in Action

Last time we checked in on the 0-60 Magazine’s SEMA-bound IS-F, they had just started working on their modified entry. Fast forward until now, one week away from their deadline, and this video of the custom Greddy supercharger and exhaust system shows just how far things have come: Seriously, look at this thing: The 0-60 …
Kevin · October 15th, 2008

WedsSport Reveals Lexus IS Drift Racer

WedsSport, a Japanese performance tuner, has revealed its Lexus IS 350 drift car, which is destined to compete in the D1 Grand Prix,  the preeminent professional drifting series. NZ Performance Car has some details: …the company has been slowly developing this new car which is, not surprisingly, powered by a Supra derived 2JZ-GTE motor. The …
Kevin · October 13th, 2008

Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F in Dallas this weekend

The orange modded Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance will be making an appearance at the Hot Import Night in Dallas this Saturday. Here’s a brand new photo of the car along with some other details: [Brian Fox will] have the car at the Dallas HIN on Saturday, and from there he plans to take …
Kevin · October 10th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus GS on 360 Forged Mesh Eights

It was only days ago that I posted a Flickr photo, but this new set from 360° Forged photographer William Stern (see previous feature here) is beyond stunning: The wheels are 360° Forged Mesh Eights, matte black and super. You can see the rest of the set here. (In fact, this car/wheel combo is right …
Kevin · September 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Import Tuner’s Lexus IS-F (Work in Progress)

With four modified Lexus IS-Fs expected at SEMA this year, it’s only a matter of time before each and every one of them makes an Internet appearance. We’ve already seen the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance IS-F, and now Import Tuner Magazine has posted some work-in-progress photos of their project car, including the shot above of an …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2008

SEMA 2008: Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F will produce 600hp

There’s been some new(ish) details released regarding the Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F that’s scheduled to be shown at SEMA. As is my tendency these last couple days, let’s outline the mods in convenient bullet-points: The engine will be pumping out an abundant 600hp (estimated) due to a twin-turbo setup using compressed air, JE pistons, Crower …
Kevin · September 9th, 2008

Lightweight Lexus IS-F Planned

Although it seems like a rehash of known information, German Dutch magazine Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus will not only release a coupe/convertible version of the IS in 2009, but that work continues on a lightweight IS-F. Motor Trend summarizes: Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus has been channeling Lotus and already has a lightened test model running …
Kevin · September 1st, 2008

Policeman Talks about the Oakland Lexus SC Style

This is hilarious. You may remember me posting up photos of some first generation Lexus SCs done up in grand style, like the one above. Well, it seems like they’ve also been noticed by local police, including Officer “Smith”, who blogs the following: The latest fad to strike the Bay Area is the uncontrollable urge …
Kevin · August 27th, 2008

700hp Lexus IS Engine Explosion

Not every day you get to see a souped 700hp Lexus IS engine blow up (make sure to turn the sound down, loud rap music ahead): Not sure on the full story, but I can’t help but think whoever made this video of must have wanted to rub it in — either that or it …
Kevin · August 27th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F by 0-60 Magazine Coming to SEMA 2008

We’ve seen the finished version of the the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F that will be displayed at this year’s SEMA, and now another has surfaced — this time it’s a work-in-progess by 0-60 Magazine: So far, the plan looks to be replacing the hood, front fenders, side skirts and the trunk lid with carbon fiber versions, …
Kevin · August 21st, 2008

SEMA 2008 Lexus IS-F from Fox/Artisan

The Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F project car scheduled for display at SEMA 2008 has been unveiled early, and brings with it some very exciting news for IS-F owners: The vehicle will be debuted at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas alongside 3 other IS-F’s from different aftermarket companies. These companies will be showcasing and developing …
Kevin · August 15th, 2008

JM Lexus Creates Mega IS 350 for Mega Meet

Every year, the JM Lexus dealership in South Florida sponsors the Lexus/Supra Mega Meet, a two day event set up for enthusiasts to both check out and show off some custom rides. To mark the occasion, JM Lexus put together a heavily modified IS 350, featuring not only every F-Sport accessory available but also a …
Kevin · August 5th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Interior Mods from L-Tuned Parts

L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements: Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake: Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2008

Modified Lexus IS-F Coming to SEMA 2008

The IS-F will be making Lexus-sponsored appearance at SEMA again this year, this time in collaboration with the Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance. The person-in-charge of the modified version is Brian Fox, who’s been posting photos of the work-in-progress to his
Kevin · July 30th, 2008

DRC’s Lexus IS-GTF Race Results

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details: The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice …
Kevin · July 24th, 2008

Crazy Lexus IS 300 with 713hp

Normally, I wouldn’t post a video like this, but the insane power of this car needs to be shared. (Funny thing is, at lower speeds, it still managed to retain its Lexus characteristics.)
Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …
Kevin · July 16th, 2008

Video Interview with 5Axis’ Troy Sumitomo

When I started watching this video interview with 5Axis founder Troy Sumitomo, I wasn’t really expecting to learn anything new about his company’s Project IS-F concept, but it turned out to be pretty interesting, especially the insight into design inspiration: Note: This is potentially NSFW, Bikinis abound. It’s very easy to picture the concept car …
Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Flickr Find: Project IS-F Widebody

Speaking of the Project IS-F concept, I’ve been meaning to post this photo from Flickr user artistmg for some time now: I would have thought I’d be long past posting images of this car, but every once and a while an image jumps out at me. The Project IS-F looks especially wide here, and all …
Kevin · July 13th, 2008

Photos of Hennessey’s Lexus IS-F

Hennessey announced earlier this year that they would be training their eyes on some heavy-duty Lexus IS-F modifications, and now Jalopnik has some photos of a seemingly-stock IS-F from their tour of the Hennessey factory. Jalopnik also reiterated that the performance engineering company was working on headers and a new exhaust system for the super …
Kevin · July 10th, 2008

Motor Trend tests the Lexus F-Sport Mods

Motor Trend took delivery of a Lexus IS 250 deked out with the entire F-Sport catalog, and was generally impressed with the difference the factory modifications made: The brakes, for example, are of the same six-piston front, four-piston rear, two-piece ventilated and drilled rotor design found on the IS F — and they’re brilliant, hauling …
Kevin · July 9th, 2008

Flickr Find: Pink Lexus SC, San Fran Style

There must be something special about crazy Lexus SC’s in the Bay Area, because San Francisco resident Kristie Wells spotted another variation on what seems to be a local phenomenon: I don’t know what astonishes me more, that there would be three strikingly similar cars all within a 100 mile radius, or that a photo …
Kevin · June 25th, 2008

Wald Lexus IS-F Body Kit Teaser

For whatever reason, Wald International decided that the IS-F was in need of a body kit, and the above photo is a digital mockup of the potential design. Here it is from the rear: Hopefully this goes through the same process as the IS body released last year, which started off as an over-the-top photochop. …
Kevin · June 9th, 2008

Tom’s New VP17 Lexus Rims

Checking out the latest offerings from Tom’s, the Japanese tuning company specializing in Lexus, I came across these fantastic VP17 wheels:
Kevin · June 9th, 2008

Lexus F-Sport Air Intake Video

After seeing the video of the Lexus F-Sport exhaust system, I did some research into the other performance accessories offered in the line. Lo and behold, I found a very extensive video of the F-Sport air intake being installed and tested (along with a Tanabe exhaust system): In terms of sound, it’s hard to determine …
Kevin · May 19th, 2008

Lexus F-Sport Exhaust Video

One of the accessories available through the new Lexus F-Sport Line of performance parts is a replacement exhaust system for the IS, and here it is fully installed and revving for action: The audio in the video is pretty bad, but it certainly delivers on Lexus’ promise of “powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound”.  (The exhaust system …
Kevin · May 16th, 2008

Video of the mystery Lexus IS surfaces

The mysterious Lexus IS spotted yesterday has made a video appearance, albeit rather brief and shaky: The engine note is hard to read, though I would say it’s a V6. The hood bulge would indicate there’s something unusual going on, but whether it’s a hybrid system or even a supercharger is anyone’s guess. [Via: Jalopnik] …
Kevin · May 8th, 2008

More Video of the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype

It’s a simple equation: The more time the Lexus LF-A racing prototype spends on Nürburgring racetrack, the more video footage pops up. The proof: The folks over at Motor Authority have a lengthy video of the supercar making its rounds around the ‘ring (click on this image to visit the video): My favorite part of …
Kevin · May 2nd, 2008

Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!

The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown: Super-large fixed rear wing Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a …
Kevin · April 16th, 2008

Hennessey to Tune Lexus IS-F

Best known for for their insanely souped-up Dodge Vipers, Hennessey Performance Engineering will be turning their attention on the Lexus IS-F: In an interview with Inside Line, John Hennessey dropped some broad hints as to his next project: “We have a new IS-F coming in next week. Our plan with that car is to test …
Kevin · April 15th, 2008

Flickr Find: Rolling in a Pink Lexus

Flickr user senti-mental1 spotted, of all things, a pink Lexus LS 400 in San Jose: One thing’s for sure, the gold badging has never looked more appropriate.
Kevin · March 31st, 2008

New Job Design Lexus LS Body Kit

Job Design, a Japan tuning firm specializing in Lexus & Toyota modifications, has released a new body kit for the Lexus LS, consisting of front wheel vents, a super-dropped suspension and new front & rear bumpers. {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1133”} I think it’s only natural, in light of the LS’ rather somber and elegant design, that body …
Kevin · March 18th, 2008

In Motion: Project IS-F by FiveAxis

It’s coming close to four months since the FiveAxis Lexus Project IS-F show car appeared at SEMA, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen it in motion: Just looking at photos, it was hard to really get a sense of how wide this kitted-out IS-F really is, or how low it sat. Another …
Kevin · March 11th, 2008

Stretch Lexus LX 470 Limo

I always get a kick out of limousine conversions, and this 2004 Lexus LX 470 is no exception, if only because of its entirely mammoth size. Currently for sale on Ebay, this mega-limo is a full 200″ long, with room for eighteen people. I’d just like to know what they did to the inside roof, …
Kevin · February 15th, 2008

Video of the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept @ The Tokyo Auto Salon

Putting aside the hoopla surrounding the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept for a minute, here’s some jumpy video footage of the car from the Toyko Auto Salon show: I think I would have liked this vehicle a whole lot better if it had been done up like an actual race car, with the decals and flashy …
Kevin · January 24th, 2008

The Lexus IS-F Racing Concept gets even more confusing

The confusion surrounding the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept has taken a turn for the absurd, with German auto magazine AutoBild now asserting that it’s not a Lexus at all, but a reworked Opel Opel Vectra DTM racer: From the article, it’s not exactly clear how they came to this conclusion, but it clearly goes against …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2008

Flickr Find: The Project Lexus IS-F Revisited

The 5Axis Project IS-F for last year’s SEMA was a real eye-catcher, with many preferring the look to the production IS-F. Yet, there didn’t seem to be any real quality shots of the car, and certainly nothing like this photo from Scott Dukes: Just stunning, the photo really shows off the bulging bodywork, and makes …
Kevin · January 20th, 2008

Details on the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept

Details are finally coming out in regards to the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon last week. Due to the body styling and rear wing, it was thought that this was a precursor to Lexus’ entry into the DTM Racing series, but in actuality, the vehicle was a one-off design experiment …
Kevin · January 17th, 2008

The Lexus IS-F Racing Concept to be Shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan’s annual automotive aftermarket tradeshow, will see the debut of the Lexus IS-F Racing Concept, with all the body molding and performance modifications you’d expect. Details are non-existent, and the only image is the one shown above, taken from Lexus Japan’s TAS mini-site. In all honesty, I didn’t think it possible …
Kevin · January 4th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus SC, Oakland Style

If these first-gen Lexus SC’s are any indication, Oakland rolls with a style all of its own: Both of these photos were captured by Oakland resident Kitty Holmes, who was lucky enough to glimpse these wonders in real life.
Kevin · December 19th, 2007

Lexus IS-F/R Planned?

From the Japanese mag BestCar to Winding Road to you comes a rumor of the Lexus IS-F/R, a lighter and slightly boosted version of the super sedan. The specs, as reported, will see the IS-F’s weight cut down by 220lbs, and a performance boost of 12hp and 6 pound-feet torque increase, bringing the totals to …
Kevin · December 12th, 2007