Fan's Vision of 2014 Lexus IS 350 Comes to Life at SEMA Show

Watertown, USA, 11/07/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Back in August, Lexus teamed with the artist social network DeviantART to ask fans for their customized visions of the all-new 2014 Lexus IS sport sedan, with the winning entry to actually be built and displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from Nov. 5 to Nov. 8. Judges pored over more than 600 creative submissions before selecting the tricked-out Lexus IS 350 by Rob Evans of Seattle, Wash., citing the entry's original, executable design and its compatibility with the Lexus brand.

Built by VIP Auto Salon, the special Lexus IS 350 dons oversized front air vents on an extended front apron, adding to the aggression of its massive black-mesh spindle grille. Along the sides, bulkier fenders accentuate the sport sedan's already broad stance, while sculpted side skirts complement the more expressive design lines of the new Lexus IS. Though the exterior of Rob Evans' Lexus IS is painted in a subtle off-white, the large three-piece wheels stand out with what appears to be either a deep-chrome or gold finish.

"The Lexus IS received a much more aggressive design for the 2014 model year, and Rob Evans took that idea and ran with it when creating his own vision," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Lexus of Watertown, a Lexus dealer in Boston. "Even if buyers don't intend on making any alterations to their Lexus IS, they are getting a sedan that not only looks sporty but rides like it, too."

In addition to bearing the brand's new bold spindle grille, the production 2014 Lexus IS receives swooping L-shaped LED daytime running lights that emphasize the sport sedan's wider, more athletic stance. Meanwhile, body rigidity has increased significantly, combining with a new multilink rear suspension and a revised front suspension to create a smoother, more responsive ride. Buyers can choose between a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 204 horsepower in the IS 250 or a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 unit in the IS 350.

For drivers who want unique sporty touches without having to make modifications in the aftermarket, the 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT offers exclusive 18-inch wheels, larger cooling ducts and a full-faced, black-mesh version of the spindle grille. Inside, owners enjoy bolstered front sport seats, aluminum sport pedals and a Thin Film Transistor instrument display pulled from the Lexus LFA supercar.

"The Lexus IS may be the auto brand's entry-level model, but its range of style and performance options ensure that the sedan gets your heart pumping just like the rest of the lineup," added Liuzzi. "The model serves as solid proof that Lexus is 100 percent serious about making every one of its cars appealing to driving enthusiasts."

About Lexus of Watertown:
Lexus of Watertown is a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards, given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888-677-9785, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Mass.