The SEMA show is back for 2018 in Las Vegas, and
this time Lexus is heading to the aftermarket-focused exhibition with a handful
of customised models. Arguably the most subtle of the group here is the customised 2019
Lexus ES 350 F Sport which has been given a custom red paint job for its
exterior, an Artisan Spirit body kit and a set of 20-inch Rays Avventura
Stratagia wheels, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
The interior of the customised ES 350 F Sport has
apparently been crafted with those who appreciate wine; the luggage compartment
in particular has been decked out to accommodate a wine refrigerator and wine
glass holder, housed within custom oak flooring and frames, while the side of
the compartment also features a wine bottle holder.
A set of refinished oak barrel accents complete the
theme in the trunk. Meanwhile in the passenger compartment, much of the ES’
interior remains intact, albeit re-trimmed with cross-stitched suede accents on
sections of the front seats and door cards. The front headrests also get
stylised graphics depicting cutlery and wine glasses, as if to drive home the
wine-and-dine theme of the car.
Powertrain appears to be unchanged for this ES 350 F
Sport SEMA show car, which in standard form produces 300 hp and 355 Nm of
torque from its naturally aspirated, direct-injection 3.5 litre V6 petrol mill,
mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The next customised car uses an LS 500 F Sport as a
base, which has been treated to an Artisan Spirit body kit and an Avery Denison
custom wrap in Gloss Dark Grey. This set is also joined by a set of 22-inch
Work wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, which house a set of Brembo
brakes. These are six-piston calipers on 404 mm discs in front, and four-piston
calipers on 381 mm discs at the back. As standard, the LS 500 is
powered by a turbocharged 3.5 litre V6 engine which produces 415 hp and 600 Nm
of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A customised 2019 RC 350 F Sport also joins the fare
with its own set of modifications. The facelifted two-door coupe is decked out
with a set of 20-inch Vossen Hybrid Forged HF-1 wheels finished in gloss black,
and are fitted with Nitto NT 555 G2 tyres.
Suspension gets a tweak with an RS-R USA spring kit,
while the engine gets fitted with an Apexi N1-X Evolution Extreme muffler.
Helping draw attention is a set of Rock Sport underbody lights, while the car’s
exterior gets an Avery Satin Rushing Riptide body wrap.
The recently unveiled UX compact crossover also gets
the SEMA treatment, where like the aforementioned cars, it also gets a full
exterior body wrap. This is augmented by an NIA Auto Design lip kit, a set of
Vossen VFS-1 wheels and Nitto Invo tyres, Apexi N1 EXV dampers, Apexi N1-X full
cat-back exhaust system and an Inno Base Rack system with slim fork lock for
mounting bicycles.
The Lexus UX is the smallest SUV in the marque’s
line-up yet, and as standard comes with two powertrain options – the first is
the NX 200 with a 168 hp naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre Dynamic Force engine
mated to a CVT gearbox, and the second is the UX 250h hybrid which uses the
same engine paired with electric drive.
Last but not least, Lexus brings to SEMA 2019 a new
aesthetic take on its flagship, the LC 500. As part of its Inspiration Series,
the LC 500 show car features Flare Yellow paint contrasted by a set of black
21-inch forged alloy wheels. The LC 500 also flaunts its carbon-fibre roof and
active rear spoiler here.
Inside, the LC 500 Inspiration Series concept
receives bespoke yellow Alcantara trim inserts, while the touring-specification
seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. This
same stitching extends to the instrument panel, console and glovebox for a unique
look in the cabin.
The LC 500 Inspiration Series concept carries over
the factory standard powertrain, which comprises of a 5.0 litre
naturally-aspirated V8 with 471 hp at 7,100 rpm and 540 Nm of torque at 4,800
rpm. These outputs are sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic
gearbox with AI-Shift, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of
270 km/h.