<![CDATA[Jalopnik: IS F]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: IS F]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/is f http://jalopnik.com/tag/is f <![CDATA[ Lexus Tuner Sextet Heading To SEMA ]]> Lexus is bringing a fleet of vehicles to the SEMA show next week, including an IS 350 as close to an F as possible without being a Lexus IS F. Just in case you prefer the IS F, the company handed four of them over to various tuners and magazines, including one to our friends at 0-60 mag, to do up for the Vegas extravaganza. In addition to the quintet of IS models, they're also bringing an ICON-tuned Lexus LX 570 SUV for that plastic surgeon with Botox money burning a hole in his or her pocket. More details in the really enthusiastic press blurbs from Lexus below the jump.


Project IS F by Five Axis


Following its stunning debut in 2007, the Five Axis Project IS F went back to the shop for another makeover, this time in the engine compartment. With 416 hp on tap right out of the box, the standard IS F is no slouch. But the Project IS F concept brief included exploring the performance potential of its direct-injected 5.0-liter V8, so it now sports 5.8 liters while receiving ported and flowed cylinder heads, a new exhaust system and changes to the electronic controls. The upshot is enough power and torque to put an evil grin on even the most jaded enthusiast’s face


IS 350 with F-Sport Accessories


The IS 250/350 is Lexus’ entry point into the luxury sport sedan arena. It’s a tuner-friendly and robust platform that responds extremely well to performance upgrades. This car is fully loaded with all the offerings from the F-Sport performance accessory catalog. It also sports a new concept ground-effects body kit designed to complement the increased performance and aggressive stance provided by the F-Sport components.


IS F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance


Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves the numerous bodywork changes, which enhance rather than rethink the lines of the IS F, making it look even more muscular in the process. ‘Aggressive’ can be applied to the engine which gets the full twin-turbo treatment. Fox expects the changes will yield something north of 600 horsepower.


IS F by Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN


Import Tuner Magazine and TEIN suspension company put their collective heads and expertise together to create an IS F that’s focused on track performance, while still remaining practical for the street. Weight reduction, added chassis stiffness, special suspension and big sticky tires take care of the corners, while a comprehensive nitrous system boosts the engine for bursts of overtaking power. Coming soon to a track near you.


IS F by 0-60 Magazine


With track performance a common theme among IS F builders, 0-60 Magazine ups the ante on their IS F project with a supercharger to tease out another load of horses from the big V8. Carbon fiber body components reduce weight while lowering the center of gravity and a custom roll cage adds stiffness and protection. A beefy brake-
upgrade kit was added to balance the performance equation.


IS F by MotorworldHype.com


MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce some unwanted mass and a well-rounded package of suspension, brake, engine and cosmetic changes provide sharper responses in all directions.


LX 570 by ICON 4x4 Design


ICON specializes in 4x4s that are typically off-road oriented. But they envisioned something different for the plush yet rugged LX 570. Their approach here is to give the LX a clean and stealthy appearance through clever use of colors and trim, then top with performance improvements to further enhance the appeal of Lexus’ premier luxury utility vehicle.

[Source: Lexus]

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Jalopnik-5070473 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:20:00 EDT Matt Hardigree http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5070473&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Team Lexus Entering ALMS GT2 With Lexus IS 350 GT2 ]]> Hoping to put the Man back in the American LeMans series, Lexus released pictures of their new Panoz-fighting Lexus 350 GT2. Powered by a V6 that should generate more than 470 horsepower, the new Lexus hopes to compete with the likes of the M3, Viper Competition Coupe, Ferrari F430 GT and eventually the upcoming Aston Martin Vantage GT2.

According to the team owner, Lexus was originally planning to enter the GT2 class in 2006. The first race for the Lexus will be the Twelve Hours of Sebring this March 15-18th. Let's just hope they don't drain the battery trying to synch their blackberry's phonebook with the bluetooth memory module. [World Car Fans]

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Jalopnik-342130 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:15:00 EST Matt Hardigree http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=342130&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lexus IS F for the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book ]]> If it's October, it must be time to see what automotive finery will grace the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. This year ladies who lunch in West Palm, Dallas and Orange County had better hang on to their cocktail bags — it's the IS F Special Build Sedan. Neiman's $68,000 Lexus "fast" comes with an interior design of black with white accent stitching, a unique steering wheel with white leather accents, front headrests embossed with the F logo, hand-polished finish for the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge. But wait! There's more! You, or the real-estate developer hubby, also get a personalized half-day of pro-driver training compliments of the Skip Barber Racing School, so winding out the 400-hp, 5.0-liter V8 won't be a matter of downing six dirty martinis before turning donuts in the Breakers parking lot. The special IS F will hit the Neiman phone bank at noon (EDT) on October 18. Start dialing early, because these things are harder to get than a seaweed wrap at the Ritz-Carlton without an appointment.

Press Release:
I'm Dreaming of a Fast Christmas
Lexus creates the Neiman Marcus IS F Special Build Sedan for Neiman Marcus' 2007 Christmas Book
10/02/2007

Torrance CA - October 2, 2007 - The holidays are right around the corner and what better way to ring them in than with the ultimate holiday gift? The Neiman Marcus 2008 Lexus IS F Special Build Sedan debuts as this year's fantasy car in the renowned Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the upscale retailer's wish book featuring the most luxurious gifts for the holidays.

The IS F is the fastest production car Lexus has ever built...so fast that the Neiman Marcus Special Build Sedan includes a personalized half-day of pro-driver training compliments of the Skip Barber Racing School. Owners will have the chance to take the high-performance vehicle to the limit¾learning real racing skills and experiencing what the IS F can do on and off the road.

Delivering more than 400 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8, the IS F can go from 0 to 60 in under 4.9 seconds. It has the world's first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox and a specially engineered Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system featuring a high-performance sport mode. If the heart-pounding power and speed aren't enough, the Mark Levinson® state-of-the-art CD/DVD Premium Surround Sound Audio System with navigation and Bluetooth® technology will surely get the blood pumping.

Only 50 Neiman Marcus IS F special build sedans will be made. These limited edition vehicles will be among the very first IS Fs off the line and have an exclusive interior design of high-style black with white accent stitching. Each will feature a unique steering wheel with white leather accents, front headrests embossed with an F logo, hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge.

To place orders, customers may call toll free 1.888.747.4504, beginning at noon EDT on Oct. 18, 2007. This Neiman Marcus edition is offered exclusively in the Christmas Book and is priced at $68,000.**


About Lexus
Lexus has become synonymous with luxury since its introduction in 1989. By offering some of the finest quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service, Lexus has remained the top-selling luxury nameplate in the United States for seven years in a row. Lexus and its 223 dealers have repeatedly achieved high honors for both the products they sell and the customer service they provide.

About the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book
For millions, the annual launch of the Christmas Book has become the official start of the holiday season. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts.

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Jalopnik-306457 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:13:59 EDT Mike Spinelli http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=306457&view=rss&microfeed=true