Daily Slideshow: Fresh Off the Line and Already Modified LS500h

First In, First Down

Only days after Lexus dealers in Japan started selling the LS500, late last year, the car you see here popped up at the StanceNation Japan G Edition event held in Odaiba. Which means somebody was on the ball and that somebody was Japanese purveyor of "Automotive Intelligence Solutions," Lexon Exclusive. And by "Automotive" they mean the primarily Lexus performance solutions they offer, with a side of Toyota. This Lexon-dropped Lexus is an LS500h F Sport model, and while a slammed luxury sedan may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's hard not to admire the effort involved in the two-day turnaround that produced a show-ready car. 

>>Join the conversation about the lowered LS500h right here in ClubLexus forum!

The Leader

As luxury sedans go, the LS500 is typically Lexus, meaning every detail has been obsessed over and functions flawlessly. Based on a stretched version of the same steel and aluminum Lexus GA-L platform that underpins the company's LC coupe, the LS retains the sleek and low look of a coupe. Lexus set out “to reset the luxury benchmark” with the LS, meaning they aim to best Mercedes-Benz's S-Class, but on Lexus's own terms. Those terms include an efficient hybrid option (we'll get to the engine in a minute) and some of the most forward-looking design, in both the interior and exterior. But does that style lend itself to lowering?

>>Join the conversation about the lowered LS500h right here in ClubLexus forum!

The Lowered

Lexon might have hit on something with the LS500. The spindle grille, especially the F Sport version with all those extra facets, seems to take to being lowered—there's a rightness about it as the barrier between grille and ground decreases. The black wheels on this show car also seem to offset the slam job, lightening up the profile while blending in better with the black F Sport trim than the polished factory rims. Especially in contrast with this car's Ultra White paint. The wheels on the stanced Lexus are forged RAYS Volk Racing G25Edge items in 22x9 inches all around, up from the 20-inch stock wheels on their 245/45 front and 275/40 rear rubber. Lexon lowered their LS500h with technology, adding a control unit that patched into the Lexus's air suspension, decreasing pressure in the air bladders, thereby lowering the vehicle. While some large sedans look odd dropped, like a chair with its legs cut off, the LS500 seems to look at home, possibly due to the adaptability of the car's ultra-modern exterior styling. 

>>Join the conversation about the lowered LS500h right here in ClubLexus forum!

The F Sport

Lexon chose to apply its efforts to the hybrid version of the LS500, meaning that under the car's (now lower) hood resides a wonderful-sounding naturally aspirated 295 hp 3.5 liter V-6, which combines with the LS's dual electric motors to provide 354 total available hp. While that's less than the 415 hp dished out by the twin turbo version of the V-6 found in the non-hybrid LS500 F Sport, the hybrid accelerates faster to 60 mph—5.2 seconds compared to the turbo's 6.0 seconds. That may not make AMG drivers quake in their boots, but it's a more than respectable number for a luxury sedan with 5258 lb curb weight. And remember, Lexus is redefining luxury, and the economy offered by a hybrid flagship is sure to win points with friends of the planet. 

>>Join the conversation about the lowered LS500h right here in ClubLexus forum!

The Lowerer

Lexon's been busy bringing cars closer to the planet since the StanceNation Japan show, wasting no time in dropping the LC500 as well. In addition to the air suspension controller, they offer lowering link kits for the LS500 as well. Also in the works for your LS are a front lip spoiler, side splitters, a rear diffuser, and an exhaust system. All of their projects have a clean look, are made from top grade materials, generally blending in and enhancing rather than standing up and shouting look at me. You could almost say they're Lexus-like that way. Check out Lexon's Instagram to see what trouble they'll get into next. 

>>Join the conversation about the lowered LS500h right here in ClubLexus forum!

To keep your Lexus on the road and running right check out the How-to section of ClubLexus.