Lexus will be making another big splash at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Lexus is bringing nine cars to SEMA 2011, with each vehicle either having been modified by a respected aftermarket tuner or displaying some of Lexus' in-house F Sport handiwork.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Lexus IS sedan and convertible will be the best represented models at the Lexus SEMA booth. No fewer than four Lexus IS examples will be offered on display, including a stock Lexus IS F high performance sedan (416 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8) and both a Lexus IS 350 sedan and Lexus IS 250C convertible featuring F Sport upgrades from the brand's extensive catalogue of accessories. The convertible will be wearing upgraded wheels, tires and brakes, as well as a sport exhaust system, while the sedan will show off a track-oriented suspension and steering system in addition to an aerodynamic body kit and unique interior trim.
Lexus will also be showing off a Lexus IS 350C convertible put together by VIP Auto Salon, a longtime partner of the Japanese premium car company. The convertible has been given "chameleon" paint that changes color depending upon the perspective of the viewer, a carbon fiber hood, suspension components from the F Sport bin as well as a number of other performance-oriented touches.
The all-new Lexus GS mid-size luxury sedan will be shown off at SEMA in both F Sport and aftermarket editions. The latter has been tuned by Five Axis and is called the Project GS F Sport. An air suspension system gives the driver total control over the vehicle's ride height, and a widebody conversion dramatically enhances the GS 350's already macho stance. StopTech brakes and a white paint job with gray accents serve to punctuate the Project GS F Sport's dramatic presentation.
Like the GS, the Lexis CT 200h will also be presented in F Sport and Five Axis versions. For the smaller hybrid hatchback Five Axis has elected to once again go with a widebody look, one which rides ultra-low to the ground thanks to a TEIN coilover suspension system. Lexus is highlighting the use of EcoDesign suede upholstery in the automobile, and the compact hatch offers a StopTech big brake kit that is similar to the one found on the Project GS F Sport.
The final member of the Lexus SEMA entourage will be a version of the Lexus LX 570 SUV built by JT Grey Racing. The LX heads in a different direction when compared against the other vehicles on display from Lexus by accenting the SUV's excellent off-road capabilities. The JT Grey Racing LX 570 has been beefed up with 37-inch all-terrain tires, King Racing shock absorbers and a full off-road lighting kit, giving it an ultra-aggressive appearance that stands in contrast to its luxury reputation.
2011 Lexus LX 570 pictured
