January 2011

Lexus SEMA Display Turns Over a Green Leaf

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada is a chance for automakers to stand shoulder to shoulder with aftermarket performance and accessory manufacturers and show off their latest and greatest homegrown custom creations. Lexus made the 2010 SEMA show something to remember by bringing six unique automobiles for visitors to admire at its popular display.

 

Several of the Lexus SEMA vehicles were produced in partnership with leading custom shops known for producing eye-catching, attention-grabbing rides. One such model was the Lexus HS 250h VIP Auto Salon, which took the hybrid sedan and provided it with a nip and tuck that included a Branew Aero Package, 20-inch Work Gnosis wheels, Huper Optik window tints and JDM-style window visors. A Branew sport exhaust highlighted the exterior, and the vehicle’s interior was turned out by VIP Auto Salon and Top Stitch.

 

VIP Auto Salon also contributed a second hybrid model to the Lexus display, a revamped Lexus LS 600h L. This extended wheelbase hybrid flagship was dropped to the ground on a full air suspension and sprayed with a unique hue of Macadamia paint that was set off perfectly by 21-inch WALD wheels (nine inches wide in the front and 10 in the rear). Huge 15-inch brake discs and six-caliper pistons were added, as was a performance exhaust and a custom VIP/Top Stitch interior.

 

The Macadamia-colored Lexus LS 600h L was joined by a Glacier Green custom based on the same platform and produced by Fox Marketing. This “double green” hotrod featured an Artisan Spirit body kit and an adjustable ride-height suspension system, as well as HID foglamps, smoked taillights, 14.1-inch brake rotors in the front and Rotiform BLW 20-inch wheels (again wider in the rear).

 

Lexus hybrid luxury utility vehicles were also given the chance to shine at the SEMA display. Paul Tolson’s EST tuning shop let loose on a Lexus RX 450h, dramatically transforming the vehicle through the installation of aggressive new body panels – particularly in the front – and by lowering it using an air suspension system. The vehicle’s wide body look from Hired Gun Paint Werks included fender flares that added serious visual heft to the crossover, and the RX 450h also included 21-inch wheels (10 inches wide in the front and 12 inches in the rear) and from Leon Hardiritt.

 

Lexus also highlighted the fact that its hybrid models are not only efficient, but also have the power to back up their sporty styling. The Lexus GS 450h produced by 0-60 magazine took that philosophy to the extreme by featuring an enormous rear wing, race-inspired five-piece body kit and Rays/Volk forged race wheels. Suspension was handled by a set of TEIN coilovers at all four corners, 18-inch wheels (9.5 inches wide in the front and back) and GReddy provided a titanium race exhaust system that sounded as good as it looked.

 

The final Lexus hybrid car on the scene at SEMA was a Lexus original, the Lexus CT 200h F Sport Concept. This four-door compact showed off more than just its 42-mpg fuel economy rating thanks to its F Sport 18-inch wheels, a high-performance Big Brake Kit and an F Sport performance adjustable suspension system and adjustable shocks.

 

No SEMA visit would be complete without the hottest car in the luxury brand’s lineup, the Lexus LFA. This all-around supercar features hand-assembled build quality, a roaring, 552-hp 10-cylinder engine and some of the most advanced, exotic materials construction and chassis design on the market.

 

Its presence at SEMA was a solid reminder that Lexus is dedicated to giving each of its automobiles – green or otherwise – plenty of style and “go” to match their impressive engineering.