TORRANCE, California — Aftermarket interest in the Lexus IS F is gaining traction, so much so that when Lexus recently offered four "loaner" IS Fs to the tuner community to modify for the upcoming 2008 SEMA Show, Toyota's luxury division received nearly 30 proposals. This might be unremarkable if Lexus also paid for the modifications, but that's not the case.
Instead, the four chosen tuning shops are footing the bill, and each group has something different planned for its IS F SEMA showcar.
Fox Marketing was the first to complete body modifications on the IS F. Fox is also working with Artisan Performance on a twin-turbo makeover of the IS F's 5.0-liter V8, along with several other enhancements.
Import Tuner and TEIN have teamed up to create an IS F that's even more focused on track performance, while remaining street-legal. Weight reduction, a stiffened chassis and a few well-chosen engine modifications are part of its IS F plan.
0-60 Magazine is also focusing on track performance with its IS F project. A supercharger is in the works as well as a roll cage for extra stiffness and safety, and it's also planning some auxiliary audio and video equipment that can easily be removed for track play.
MotorworldHype is taking another path that is a bit less aggressive and more accessible for the average consumer. A well-rounded package of suspension, brake, engine and cosmetic changes are in the works.
Inside Line has also learned that Lexus has commissioned another design study for the 2008 SEMA Show, this time on the GS platform. Five Axis, designer of the Project IS F car shown at last year's SEMA show, is crafting this one as well.
What this means to you: Look for the completed IS F cars in Lexus' SEMA display beginning November 4. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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