SEMA 2022: Wild 450kW Lexus IS revealed
Lexus DSPORT IS 600+ Project Build wows crowds in Vegas alongside fast RX and rugged LX and GX SUVsLexus has revealed a swag of concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, headlined by a mighty super-sedan based on the latest-generation Lexus IS.
The Japanese BMW M3 rival, dubbed the Lexus DSPORT IS 600+ Project Build, is said to boast more than 600hp (447kW), despite originally starting life as the 228kW IS 350 F.
Helping it generate almost twice as much power, engineers simply turned up the boost and increased fuel pressure of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, while tweaking the Lexus sedan to run on E85 ethanol-petrol mix.
To cope with the increased power and huge bump in torque (which hasn’t been disclosed), the eight-speed automatic transmission has been dumped for a race-spec six-speed sequential gearbox that also offers much faster changes.
Developed to be the “most aggressive performance-focused project car” Lexus has ever displayed at SEMA, the IS 600+ has also had its body stiffened with the addition of a four-point roll cage.
The standard IS suspension has been swapped out for coil-overs sourced from KW. Powerful carbon-ceramic brakes have been borrowed from the Lexus RC F coupe, while lighter 19-inch Volk racing wheels are wrapped by wider Michelin tyres.
Accommodating the broader rubber, Lexus has fitted a wide body kit that’s sourced from Artisan Spirits.
Helping save weight, the rear seats have been junked, while the bonnet and boot lid have been replaced by lighter carbon-fibre versions.
Inside, there’s ultra-light Sparco seats and four-point harnesses, plus a MoTeC Motorsports dash that offers on-board telemetry.
Lexus has not revealed whether or not the IS 600+ will go on to inspire the much-rumoured Lexus IS F, although that car is set to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8.
In any case, we’re unlikely to see any hot versions of the current IS – or any other versions – as it was banned for sale here back in November 2021 as it no longer meets federal side impact regulations.
Rubbing shoulders with the fast IS on the SEMA stand is the Lexus RX 500 F Sport Performance AWD that sits on large 22-inch Rays wheels and features a matte purple metallic wrap.
Not one, but two Lexus LX 600 SUVs are also on the stand.
The LX 600 Alpine Lifestyle Concept gets a novel racking system that allows you to haul extra kit when you’re feeling adventurous – we’re talking coolers, camp chairs and protective plastic cases.
The concept also adds a roof rack with side awning, extra lighting and features carbon-fibre fender flares and large 20-inch rims.
The LX 600 Urban Concept, meanwhile, bags lowered suspension and gets a sporty body kit that includes a large spoiler, side skirts, a faux rear diffuser and satin bronze alloy wheels. A titanium sports exhaust is also fitted.
Finally, the GX 460 Overland was created in co-operation with Cruiser Outfitters and gets jacked-up off-road suspension, a Warn winch, extra bash plates, rock sliders and a roof-mounted tent.
Inside, there’s even a fridge and camping stove.
Related: Lexus LX 500d 2022 Review
Related: Lexus IS F could return for last hurrah
Related: Lexus models killed off by new side impact regs
Related: Lexus RX 450h 2021 Review
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