Custom Lexus IS F Has Us Asking, ‘Who Needs a Widebody?’

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SEMA 2019: Custom Lexus IS F Has Us Asking, "Who Needs a Widebody?"

Combining trends to create an all-new look is a time-honored hot-rodding tradition utilized to great effect in this build.

We’re live at the SEMA show all week, and we just stumbled upon this awesome Lexus IS F. It’s on display at the Meguiar’s display, alongside several other customized rides.

The black IS F is in great company, sharing space underneath the Meguiar’s awning with a wide selection of cool machines. There’s a classic Ford Bronco for the off-road guys, an Audi R8 for the supercar fans, and a first-gen Chevy Camaro for fans of American muscle.

SEMA 2019: Custom Lexus IS F Has Us Asking, "Who Needs a Widebody?"

Of course, if you’re into tuner cars, the Lexus seen here steals the show. Unlike lighter colors, black hides nothing – if the body’s not perfect, you’ll notice it in a second. That makes the IS F seen here a perfect showpiece for Meguiar’s, who sells detailing products to help your car look its best.

Unlike the crazy widebody builds seen elsewhere at SEMA, this IS F takes a more subtle approach. Combining aspects of Time Attack, VIP, and mainstream tuner styles, the overall look is surprisingly cohesive, and altogether unique.

SEMA 2019: Custom Lexus IS F Has Us Asking, "Who Needs a Widebody?"

At each corner, you’ll find an 18″ Advan TC-4 wheel wrapped in grippy Nexen rubber. While the car’s lowered stance may evoke typical street tuner style, there are several hints that this car is not your average four-door.

Up front, you’ll find a giant lip spoiler, with carbon fiber canards taking care of downforce up front. Carbon side skirts and a carbon fiber rear diffuser round out the aero package down low, while a vented hood and a subtle pedestal-mount rear spoiler take care of the rest.

SEMA 2019: Custom Lexus IS F Has Us Asking, "Who Needs a Widebody?"

Inside, a pair of Sparco seats keep the driver planted during high-speed maneuvers, while the rest of the stock Lexus interior keeps the driver in a cradle of comfort. The car even retains its stock sunroof.

We’re very intrigued by this build, and how it seamlessly combines styles to create something entirely new. The next time we bring a new Lexus project home, we’re sure we’ll get plenty of questions about our plans for it. “Will you build a tuner? A track toy? A VIP-style car?” Our answer will be “Yes.”

Photos by Derin Richardson for Club Lexus

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Cam VanDerHorst has been a contributor to Internet Brands' Auto Group sites for over three years, with his byline appearing on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Corvette Forum, JK Forum, and Harley-Davidson Forums, among others. In that time, he's also contributed to Autoweek, The Drive, and Scale Auto Magazine.

He bought his first car at age 14 -- a 1978 Ford Mustang II -- and since then he’s amassed an impressive and diverse collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including a 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Mystic Cobra (#683) and a classic air-cooled Porsche 911.

In addition to writing about cars and wrenching on them in his spare time, he enjoys playing music (drums and ukulele), building model cars, and tending to his chickens.

You can follow Cam, his cars, his bikes, and his chickens at @camvanderhorst on Instagram.

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