Lexus has pulled the wraps off two modified concept cars at the 2012 SEMA show. The custom GS and LS saloons are part of a six-car exhibition at the Las Vegas-based event, marking six years of Lexus attendance at SEMA.
What’s new on the Lexus LS show car?
Starting with a standard Lexus LS460 F Sport, design studio Five Axis equips the limo with a full bodykit, painted matt silver with contrasting grey accents. The only mechanical changes are 22-inch alloy wheels shod in Yokohama rubber, and air suspension components courtesy of Air Runner.
An executive limo with attitude, then. What’s next?
The new Lexus GS has been breathed on by VIP Auto Salon, with a supercharger kit from Apexi. There’s no word on just how much extra power the supercharger develops over a normal GS350’s 306bhp, but VIP has equipped its tuned GS with stronger Brembo brakes and wider 20-inch wheels.
Naturally, the GS wears an extended bodykit. It’s more subtle that the SEMA LS, building upon the cues of the normal F-sport package.
What are the details on Lexus’ other SEMA show-goers?
The LFA you’re familiar with: CAR is a big fan of the sublime carbonfibre, V10-powered supercar, in both standard and track-ready Nurburgring spec. You’ll recognise the LF-CC concept from last month’s 2012 Paris motor show too: the hybrid coupe previews the next IS 3-series rival, and in particular a new Lexus coupe to fight the Audi A5.
The Scrabble-named IS FCCS-R racing car is a Pikes Peak hillclimb competitor based closely upon the IS-F supersaloon. Powered by the same standard 416bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine as the road car, the competition-spec car benefits from a racing exhaust, carbonfibre bodywork, 18-inch SSR wheels and racing brakes.
What exactly is SEMA?
Although the Speciality Equipment Market Association might sound rather underwhelming, the long-running show for members of the modified car trade has a big cult following in the US, with many manufacturers clamouring to get their vehicles seen at the show.