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 entirely gutted interior.

They also outlined their goals for the car, and included a digital mockup:

…reliability is key. We’re going to go light on the engine mods (it does come stuffed with a V-8…stock) and heavy on the chassis and suspension. Cue Tein. A lot of our efforts will also be spent on lightening the vehicle to improve its power-to-weight ratio and tuning the suspension components.

To test the capabilities of our IS F, after SEMA, our Lexus will compete in the Street Class of the Super Lap Battle time attack finals at Buttonwillow Raceway, CA.

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 rods, a Mishimoto radiator, and an exhaust made by Artisan themeselves.
• The one-off bodykit includes custom front/rear bumpers and new side skirting.
• The rims are by iForged, with 20×9.5″ in front and 20×11.5″ in the rear. The rubber is Toyo T1R tires.
• The orange paint is Glasurit Sunset, and made by BASF.

The plan is for the Artisan exhaust to go on sale in October, followed by this car to make its appearance at SEMA in November. More custom IS-Fs are expected as well, stay tuned!

[Source: Autoblog]

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 to purchase a Lexus SC300.

Used of course. Preferably pre-1999 vintage. Aged well.

But to simply purchase one is not enough. Next, you must paint the car in some candy color that simply does not belong on a car. We’ll say candy grape purple. Then, you have to choose a contrasting color, say bright piss yellow perhaps, in which to paint a large Lexus “L” symbol on both doors because, of course, the rest of us are far too stupid to know the car is a Lexus. To further assist us idiots, please remember to paint a smaller “L” on the rear fenders as an added reminder.

Maybe you could even get personalized plates to the effect of LXS DUBZ, or some such nonsense.

I had myself in stitches by the time I was done reading his post. Best of all, he used the images from this site. Such a small world.

[Source: Officer "Smith"]

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, and some custom exhaust work from Greddy, but what I really want to do is highlight just how crazy the IS-F is without its engine cover:

No matter how many times I see the unmasked engine, it still manages to astonish me.

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 new aftermarket parts for the IS-F. Artisan will be offering an exhaust, intake, pullies and a turbo kit for the IS-F.

Last time we saw this IS-F it was in mid-build, and the finished project doesn’t disappoint. The flared-out fenders remind me of the 5Axis IS-F from last year, and the burnt orange exterior and carbon-fiber roof are just fantastic. Very tastefully done. [Via: Club Lexus]

Here’s the full gallery:

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 full reworking of the interior & exterior.

Anthony Barbosa of JM Lexus filled me in on the details:

Originally this project vehicle was designed for the purpose of the Mega Meet and advertising for the dealership. The main goal of this project was to be able to showcase what we here at JM Lexus could do in house…we are excited to be able to make our Lexus customers get their own unique/personalized vehicles all done in house.

What’s more, the IS 350 was sold long before it made its Mega Meet debut, selling for a price of $96,000 (!!!). (Of course, looking at the full list of mods minimizes the sticker shock quite a bit.)

For the full effect, Anthony was also kind enough to send me a number of photos, including some taken during the build:

Exterior Modifications:

1. Custom Two-tone Paint Pearl White Factory White With The Top Half Is-f Blue
2. Custom Black Solid Hand Painted Stripe
3. Lexus Oem Ground Effects
4. Custom Lexus “IS” Painted Factory Grille And Badges

Interior Modifications:

1. Custom Leather White Inserts
2. Custom Black Headliner And Pillar Posts
3. Llmar ATX Window Tint

Electronic Upgrades:

1. JL Audio 500/1v2 Amplifier
2. JL Audio G6600 Amplifier
3. Two JL Audio C-5 6 1/2 Component Speakers
4. Two 10″ W3v3 Subwoofers
5. Custom Fiberglass Enclosure Painted To Match
6. Custom Trunk Lid Cover w/ Two Monitors And F-Sport Logo
7. Embroidering F-Sport Into Stock Floor Mat
8. PS3 In Trunk
9. Front Video Conversion
10. Rossen Dual Headrest Monitors
11. Rossen ½ Din Dvd Player In Glove Box

Mechanical Modification:

1. F-Sport Engine Cover
2. F-Sport Brake Upgrades Front And Rear
3. F-Sport Exhaust System
4. F-Sport Performance Air Intake
5. F-Sport Shock Set
6. F-Sport Lowering Springs
7. F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace
8. F-Sport Sway Bar Set
9. MHT Mantra Chrome Wheels 19″ W/ Custom Powder Coating
10. Pirelli P-zero Nero 235/35/19 Front, 265/30/19 Rears High Performance Tires