No sooner do we announce that an all new GS F Sport will be heading to this year’s SEMA Show than we unveil a set of even wilder Lexus vehicles that will be sharing the bright lights of Las Vegas. For its fifth appearance at the show, Lexus is presenting nine cars, three of them special commissions that explore the potential for more extreme styling and performance.
The 2011 event will once again showcase the work of America’s top customisers, with Five Axis, VIP Auto Salon and JT Grey Racing all displaying their uniquely customised Lexus models. Of course, Lexus will also be taking centre stage with its own F Sport range, with the new GS F Sport joined by sporting versions of the CT 200h and IS coupe-cabriolet and saloon, plus the ultra-high performance IS F saloon.
Let’s take a look at the somewhat more extreme custom models…
Project GS F Sport by Five Axis
Troy Sumitomo and Five Axis return to SEMA with a new take on the all new GS F Sport. Finished in Glacier White with Slate Gray accents, the car has a bespoke widebody conversion, a custom-built twin-tailpipe exhaust and AirRunner TC-5 air suspension. The flared wheelarches house FIVE:AD S5:F alloys and a Stop Tech Big Brake kit is fitted.
CT 200h by Five Axis
Five Axis has also worked its magic on the CT 200h, focusing on maximum fun with a widebody conversion, a JDSU Dark Passage paint finish and a TEIN performance suspension system. The cabin is just as edgy as the exterior, with seats that have laser etched inserts in UltraSuede, a synthetic microfibre material from EcoDesign and an illuminated headlining, also finished in UltraSuede. The upholstery has been created by California specialist Turinmodel. This one-off low-riding CT 200h has custom FIVE:AD 19-inch forged wheels and a Stop Tech braking system.
IS coupe-cabriolet by VIP Auto Salon
VIP Auto Salon has modified many Lexus models in the past and for this year’s SEMA show it has given the IS coupe-cabriolet a stop-and-stare reworking with a Chameleon paint finish by K&W and a carbon fibre body kit and bonnet. The car also gains a high performance exhaust, lowered springs, Bilstein shocks and F Sport 19-inch full-faced forged alloy wheels. A Power Enterprise Rotex Supercharger kit by Apexi and VIP Auto Salon sharpens engine performance, with a TOM’S-engineered brace for the upper shock towers strengthening the car’s rigidity.
Top Stitch have created special seat inserts for the show car, and even the lighting has been customised, with high-intensity discharge fog lights and LED running lights.
Lexus LX 570 by JT Grey Racing
Although no official pictures have been released, we do know the latest ultra-tough LX 570 racing SUV from JT Grey Racing will be taking its place alongside the customised specials. Last year the team campaigned the LX to an overall championship victory in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing competition, including a maiden win in the gruelling Baja 1000 for driver Joe Bacal.
The LX 570 – a close relation of the UK’s Toyota Land Cruiser V8 – is equipped for the extreme racing environment with 37-inch BF Goodrich BAJA TA race tyres, interchangeable with 17-inch F Sport forged off-road wheels, plus Custom King Racing Shocks, a battery of roof-mounted 70-Watt carbon fibre high intensity discharge lights and Sparco race seats. Power is provided by a 5.7-litre V8 engine.
The SEMA show opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center on 1 November. For a reminder of what took place last year, click here. Alternatively, for more images of the 2011 models, visit our Lexus at SEMA Show 2011 photo gallery.
