Lexus Announces Debut Of New Performance Accessory Line At SEMA

In addition to the presentation of nine projects tuned by the specialty-equipment industry, Lexus will also unveil an all-new performance accessory line at the SEMA Show on October 30. The Japanese firm didn’t give any details in its press release but expect something of the likes of Audi’s “S-Line” or BMW’s “M-Pack”. Also, Lexus added that the 400 HP IS-F will be available for test drives on the Motor Trend Proving Ground during the show. All you SEMA Show registered members can simply go to www.lexus.com/isfdrive and sign up for a lap around the circuit. -Press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: As part of its first official participation with the SEMA Show, Lexus will debut an all-new performance accessory line at a noon press conference, Tuesday, October 30, during the 2007 Show.

"The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, and Lexus is thrilled to participate this year,” says Brian Bolain, national Lexus interactive and automotive events manager. "SEMA is the perfect venue for the launch of our new performance line, to display our performance-oriented project vehicles and showcase our all-new Lexus IS F high-performance sport sedan.”

The press conference will be in the Lexus exhibit tent located outside, adjacent to the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The exhibit tent sits next to the Motor Trend Proving Ground powered by Lexus, where the 400-plus horsepower performance-tuned Lexus IS F will be available for test drives. Drives will be offered in 15-minute intervals Tuesday through Thursday on the proving ground track. Scott Pruett, Lexus' 2007 Grand Am Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona champion, will be on hand to lend some advice to those ready to take their turn behind the wheel of the 5L, V8-powered IS F.

For a chance to drive the IS F on the Motor Trend Proving Ground, SEMA Show registered members can simply go to www.lexus.com/isfdrive and sign up for a lap around the circuit.

For those wanting an off-track experience with the IS F, Lexus will provide two virtual driving options. Located in the Lexus exhibit area will be an IS F mounted to a rear-wheel dynamometer, which will allow attendees to experience the high-performance feel, sound and power that the IS F has to offer. SEMA members can sit behind the wheel of the IS F and, using a pair of paddles located within a fingertip's reach, perform ultra-fast upshifts. Gear changes come within a tenth of a second, and downshifts are accompanied by incredibly precise throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed.

In addition, three synced racing simulators featuring an IS F sports seat with vibration and sound and three flat screens, will allow gaming fans a chance to virtually drive the all-new Lexus and compete against each other on a choice of three tracks. A fourth flat screen showing all three cars in race mode will be available for observers. Attendees will be able to take home a CD version of the specially designed video game.

The tent will also feature a Lexus project car showcase, illustrating the high-end potential the car offers the specialty-equipment industry, including:

• IS F Super Car by 5 Axis Models
• IS 350 concept car by TRD
• SC 430 by BRS Autodesign
• GS 430 by Blitz
• GS 430 by GReddy
• LS 460 by Fesler Productions
• LS 460 by VIP Auto Salon
• RX 400h by 714 Motorsports in partnership with MOMO USA
• LS 460 by CEC Wheels

All Lexus activities will be held at the exhibit tent or the Motor Trend Proving Ground powered by Lexus except where noted. Lexus' schedule of activities for the SEMA Show includes the following:

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.: Exhibit space open
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.: Press conference and lunch at Motor Trend Proving Ground
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.: IS F course drives

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.: IS F course drives and exhibit space open

Thursday, November 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.: IS F course drives and exhibit space open

Friday, November 2, 2007
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: exhibit space open

Lexus will also join the CEC Wheels annual fashion show on Thursday, November 1, at the beautiful Bali Hai Golf Club. The LS 460 and IS F CEC project cars will join other modified luxury models in taking a turn on the catwalk. This annual event has proven to be one of the most coveted invitations during Show week.