Lexus Brings Overlanding SUVs, a 600-HP IS, and an Electrified Sedan Concept to SEMA
Lexus
It’s a virtual world these days, and auto shows seem to hold less interest for automakers with each passing year, but SEMA is a notable exception. The aftermarket show is a great place for car companies to showcase their products in new ways, and Lexus is out to do that with these six unique builds for SEMA 2022. The creations vary in purpose and style, from a 600-hp Lexus IS concept powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 to a GX460 concept built to withstand serious overlanding voyages. Here are the highlights:
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The IS600+ concept is based on the IS350 F Sport but now produces more than 600 horsepower through the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine it picked up from an LS500. Or at least it will when filled with E85 fuel.
A custom four-point roll cage was integrated to stiffen the chassis as well as to allow for upgraded KW coil-overs. Carbon-ceramic brakes from the RC F were added, while the rear seats were removed and the hood and trunk were replaced with carbon versions from Seibon.
The front seats were replaced with Sparco seats and harnesses to provide weight savings and a more secure connection to the car.
Built by Annex Marketing to fill the evergreen market held by people who reside in an urban setting but want an off-road-capable vehicle just in case. We get it. We’ve been those people too. This particular LX600 features both a body kit and exhaust system from Artisan Spirits. Braking is handled by eight-piston front caliper Brembo brakes while the Satin Bronze HREs are wrapped in a set of 285/40R-24 Proxes ST III all-season tires.
Did Lexus partner with the Abominable Snowman? Not quite. It did join forces with Hiraku to add things like the 10-gauge “Modular Dissent Off-Road Body Armor System,” carbon over fenders, and Rigid Industries lighting, among other things. Lexus also teamed up with the outdoors brand Yeti to add items including LoadOut GoBoxes, Tundra coolers, and Trailhead camp chairs (pictured at top). We would love one these for our next Bigfoot-hunting expedition.
Built by Cruiser Outfitters and based on the 2022 GX460 Blackline Edition, the GX460 Overland concept is prepared to conquer the unknown. The Overland concept has a self-recovery winch from Warn and a set of 275/65R-18 Toyo Open Country MT tires, which should be enough to get out of most dicey situations. A 40-inch Rigid Radiance light bar sheds light from the top of the vehicle, while a 20-inch bar shines from the grille. The skid plates, roof rack, and rocker protection all come from CBI Offroad, and the suspension was upgraded by Old Man Emu to increase ground clearance and account for gear weight.
Serious overlanding requires serious storage solutions. The GX460 has that covered. The roof rack provides a space for the rooftop tent as well as a small amount of additional storage. What doesn’t fit up top will find its way into the Goose Gear drawers or somewhere between the ARB air compressor, traction boards, recovery gear, Air Down, and fridge/freezer. Not to mention the Kaon kitchen system built right into the back of the Overland concept, complete with a drop-down table and tableware.
What makes this a SEMA car is mainly the Matte Violet Metallic wrap, which Lexus calls “eye-catching” in a feat of understatement. The RX for SEMA also gets 22-inch Rays wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The RX500h F Sport is the top performance model of the 2023 RX lineup revealed earlier this year.
The Lexus Electrified Sport is the SEMA concept that portends the future. Created by the automaker’s Calty design outpost in California, the electric Lexus is envisioned as (possibly) having solid-state batteries, a 430-mile range, and the ability to reach 60 mph in “the low-two-second range.” It also looks good.
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