Lexus IS: 2nd Generation (2005-Present)

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

I tend to be very picky when it comes to wheel designs, but this staggered look is fantastic. The spokes could stand to be a bit thicker, but would probably wreck the entire look.

As for specifics, these are 19″ forged alloy wheels that will fit all current IS and GS models and are currently available from Carson Lexus for $1200. Top-notch.

I may have linked to the Lexus Canada’s IS 350 paddleshift game last year, but it turns out I didn’t do well enough to see this secret super revving video:

I’m a big fan of these types of sound visualizations, and near the end it almost looks like the inside of an engine, which in turn reminded me of this excellent BMW M3 commercial.

(Special thanks to Jimmyeater, who’s quick-shifting discovered this.)

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 what’s caused by the air intake as opposed to the replacement exhaust system, but two of them together is a winning combination.

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 retails for $1,470 and is available through US Lexus dealerships.)

There’s been plenty of photos of the Lexus IS 250/LF-A duo currently racing in the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance series, but I just wanted to feature these two images from Flickr user nordschleifenfan, a photographer seemingly stationed at Nürburgring:

nordschleifenfan has put together quite a collection of Nürburgring racing images, be sure to check them out to see the photos straight from the source.

Lexus UK is launching a special edition of the Lexus IS 250, dubbed the SR edition, and it features a full body kit, some very nice 10-spoke alloy rims and some sporty interior upgrades, including some aluminum pedals.

The body kit’s very subtle, but it works, especially with the wheel combo. Once again, I was tricked into thinking that there was a matte black paint option, but it’s just the photography.

The Lexus IS 250 SR goes on sale May 19th, and will retail for £24,990 (manual) and £25,800 (automatic) respectively.

[Via: World Car Fans]