We recently posted another SEMA 2008 show preview of a Lexus IS F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance but that was just a tip of the iceberg that Lexus is rolling out on the floor of this year’s SEMA show.

(images and more info after the jump)

Other Lexus cars that will be showcased at the 2008 SEMA show will include:

Five Axis “Project IS F” with a newly fortified engine.

Five Axis “Project GS” luxury sport sedan.

Four new projects based on the IS F high-performance sport sedan.

F-Sport-equipped IS 350 with a new concept body kit.

A specially modified LX 570 luxury utility vehicle.

Lexus marks its return to the SEMA Show with another selection of exciting project cars following its official debut at the 2007 show.

All of the vehicles will be available for viewing at the Lexus exhibit tent, located outside between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tent sits next to the Motor Trend Proving Ground powered by Lexus, where the 416-horsepower IS F and an F-Sport equipped IS 350 will be available for test drives.

[Source: Lexus USA]

(click thumbnails above for larger image)

As we ramp up for this years SEMA show, which happens to start November 4th, we look to some moded Lexus vehicles as a preview to the 2008 SEMA auto show in Las Vegas, NV. Below are a few images of the Lexus renditions done by Five Axis on the Lexus GS 460 and Fox Marketing on the Lexus IS-F. They love getting their hands on some of the latest Toyota products. Have they done it justice? Well, that’s for you to decide. Post your comments below!

Who will win when you have a new BMW M3 up against the New Lexus IS-F?

While I am on a roll writing about BMW stuff why not post up the videos of the new BMW M3 up against the Lexus IS F. Bang for your buck? Well that depends. It’s a fair fight this time because it is 2008 and we have two beasts ready to pounce on each other. One from Germany and one from Japan. Who is the better of the two when it comes to pure performance? We added a little bonus with some hot chicks and a little something to get their hearts racing! WOOT WOOT!

Stats on each of the beasts: (provided by lethistorylive.com)

BMW M3

BMW M3 with 4-litre V8 (based on the S85B50 5-litre V10 that powers the E60/E61 M5 and the E63/E64 M6 to date) delivers 420 DIN-hp (309 kW, 414 SAE-hp) at 8,300 rpm and peak torque is 400 N•m (295 ft•lbf) at 3,900 rpm. 0-60 mph: 4.8 Sec. Top Speed: 161 mph (259 km/h) indicated/155 mph (249 km/h) electronically limited, 203mph (308kmh) delimited with DKG (320kmh)

Lexus ISF

Lexus ISF features a 5.0 L direct-injected V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6,600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft•lbf (503 N•m) at 5,200 rpm. 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 4.6 seconds. Electronically limited top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h).

You be the judge! Enjoy the Fifth Gear videos!

Do Chicks Digg it? Which drives the Chicks crazy? Forgetabout the rollercoaster ride, strap these hunnies into a Lexus ISF and then the BMW M3! Check it out!

Seriously, it looked like they were holding on for dear-life in the BMW M3! GO figure!

Bonus Video:

Enjoy! – MotorWeek’s Hybrid Round Up:

Lexus tops the J.D. Power 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for the 14th year straight.

It comes a time were most of us just have to admit that Lexus has quality vehicles. Even if you had a bad experience with Lexus you really cannot sway too far away from the FACT that the build quality is excellent, they last a long time, and they have less problems per 100 vehicles as shown on the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

If you ever wonder how they get these numbers or conduct the survey then you can visit the source directly on J.D. Power and Associates web site link for the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) here.

Never before has there been so much hype over who has the fastest lap time around the Nurburgring. So I sat down and really thought what sparked all of this hype. Was it the Nissan GT-R’s stunning lap time that everyone is ever-so-fast chasing? Is it because more auto manufacturers are starting to conduct post-production tests of their new vehicles on the Nurburgring? Is it because the Nurburgring is such a vigorous test track and true representation of pushing a vehicle to it’s limits? I honestly believe it is a combination of all of these factors put together.

I remember when everyone was chasing BMW because it was a benchmark setter for a certain class of vehicles. Now it seems everyone is battling to get the best lap time such as the new Audi R8 V10 that is claiming to beat the new Corvette ZR1’s time of 7:26. The Nissan GT-R’s time of 7:29 is said to be beat out by the new Spec-V version of the GT-R doing a 7:25. The Lexus LF-A test car coming in with a 7:24 time so it does not get laughed at. And then there is the Porsche GT2 lap time of 7:24. The list goes on and on. Everyone is trying to top everyone.

If one car claims the best lap time does it really constitute that it is the best and fastest thing out there? We really don’t think so. What do you think?

Should the Nurburgring be a true test for a cars performance? Are the cars mentioned above “The Benchmark” setters that every other car looks up too now?

Corvette ZR1 Nurburgring Run Video:

Post your comments… I want to know what you think!

The all-new 2008 Lexus IS F high-performance sedan is the first Lexus to wear the brand’s ‘F’ marquee, and is the fastest Lexus production car ever built. Based on the robust IS sport sedan platform, the IS F delivers 416hp from a specially engineered 5.0 liter V8 engine giving it the power to accelerate to 60mph in just 4.6 sec. and hit a top speed of 170 mph. This potent all-aluminum V8 engine features a dual air intake system, high-flow cylinder heads with titanium valves designed by Yamaha, VVT with intelligence, and an electrically controlled intake cam. You’ll love the loud, throaty roar when you mash your foot on the throttle and get kicked back into your seat.

The engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with a quick and direct special lock up clutch, and a control system that enables ultra-quick manual up-shifts (0.1 sec.), and blips the throttle for precision down-shifts. You can shift manually using either the console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters when driving in either Drive mode (D) or Manual mode (M).

You get smooth and imperceptible shifts in Drive when convenience and comfort are the top priorities; and powerful, quick, shifts in M for spirited performance driving.

Tested and tuned on some of the world’s most challenging racetracks including Germany’s world famous Nurburgring and Japan’s Fuji Speedway, the IS F has been designed for ultimate performance. Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations of the standard IS platform, the IS F benefits from a multitude of track-proven modifications that include increased spring and damper rates as well as larger-diameter stabilizer bars. The IS F also sits one inch lower and features suspension bushings and a calibrated Electric Power Steering system tuned for a more direct feel. The ride is firm but never harsh, and you have a console-mounted button to choose Comfort or Sport.

In addition to the finely tuned suspension, a specially calibrated version of the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is equipped to provide superior handling dynamics and traction control to keep you on your chosen path.

The IS F is also outfitted with a heavy-duty Brembo brake system designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2 in. ventilated and drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6 in. ventilated and drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. The front calipers are powder-coated black with the Lexus logo in white, another first for a Lexus automobile.

With new and distinctive high-performance design features, the IS F is set apart from standard Lexus models. The IS F exterior styling has a muscular stance with unique front fascia, hood, fenders, underbody, and rear spoiler all shaped to optimize airflow management and give the IS F a signature look. Unique ‘F’ badges composed of silver, blue and black are located on both front fenders followed by a third badge on the trunk lid. Four exhaust diffusers, stacked tow per side in a vertical arrangement, are integrated into the rear bumper and leave a lasting sporty impression to cars behind you.

The IS F continues to differentiate itself from its siblings even more with 19 in. forged-alloy wheels produced by BBS that feature a distinct dark-gray finish. These high-performance wheels are wrapped with high-performance, low-profile tires.

The interior is a perfect blend of Lexus comfort and luxury with just the right amount of sporty cues. The sporty cues include heated, leather trimmed, 10-way powered, front sport bucket seats with extra side bolstering to keep you firmly in place during hard cornering; a sport-styled, 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescope; aluminum-faced foot pedals; white and gray carbon fiber wrapped center console and door switch plates. The unique IS F instrument cluster features blue needles in the 180 mph speedometer and 9,000 rpm tachometer.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector, power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings, three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, all power windows with automatic up/down operation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink programmable garage door opener, SmartAcess keyless entry and push-button Start/Stop, Lexus Premium Audio System with six-disc in-dash CD changer, automated rain-sensing wipers, Lexus signature floor mats, and heated, auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated puddle lamps.

Options include a DVD Navigation System with backup camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System, Intuitive Park Assist, Pre-Collision System and headlamp washers.

While the 2007 Lexus LS460 has taken the full-size luxury sedan segment to new, higher-levels of luxury and automotive high-technology, Lexus has now turned its eye toward conquering the ultra-high-performance segment competing against the new

BMW M3, Audi RS4, and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedans.

2008 Lexus IS-F Test Drive
‘TURNING AN EYE TOWARDS HIGH PERFORMANCE’

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Type: Midsize Sedan

Where Built: Japan

EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Exterior

Height: 55.7 in. Wheel Base: 107.5 in.
Gross Weight: 4660 lbs.

Interior

Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Rear Head Room: 36.7 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.9 in. Rear Leg Room: 30.6 in.
Maximum Seating: 4

Performance

Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 416 hp
Max Torque: 5200 rpm Drive Type: RWD
0-60mph/seconds: 4.6

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 16 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 270.4 mi. / 388.7 mi.

Insideline has somewhat confirmed that the new Lexus LF-A will cost a bit over $200,000. Lexus officials stated that the new LF-A will have a number “two” in the beginning of the price tag. We know for sure it aint $20,000 so that only leaves $200,000. This will make the new Lexus LF-A the most expensive Lexus (or Toyota) ever.

Many of us have seen spyshots of the new Lexus “Supercar” on the Nurburgring race circuit sporting a possible sub 7 minute run just about on par with the infamous Nissan GT-R. But at $200,000 shouldn’t this be the car to defy laws of physics. Many will argue that the Nissan GT-R defys some of the laws of physics by just being a big bully in the super-car world that’s half the price. But really, are we comparing a Nissan to a Lexus? How dare us.

At $200,000 this new Lexus LF-A better do some amazing tricks like the one in the movie “Transporter 2” where the Audi does a 360 degree barrel roll and lands back on all fours. Yes, it better be that good. Look at some of the Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s, that cost upwards of $200K, they all can do that right?