The Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F project car scheduled for display at SEMA 2008 has been unveiled early, and brings with it some very exciting news for IS-F owners:

The vehicle will be debuted at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas alongside 3 other IS-F's from different aftermarket companies. These companies will be showcasing and developing new aftermarket parts for the IS-F. Artisan will be offering an exhaust, intake, pullies and a turbo kit for the IS-F.

Last time we saw this IS-F it was in mid-build, and the finished project doesn't disappoint. The flared-out fenders remind me of the 5Axis IS-F from last year, and the burnt orange exterior and carbon-fiber roof are just fantastic. Very tastefully done. [Via: Club Lexus]

Here's the full gallery:

The IS-F will be making Lexus-sponsored appearance at SEMA again this year, this time in collaboration with the Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance.

The person-in-charge of the modified version is Brian Fox, who's been posting photos of the work-in-progress to his CarDomain pageand dropping hints here and there on the direction, including an announcement that Artisan will be releasing an IS-F turbo kit.

Another piece of info I found very interesting was this:

We will help Lexus market, position, and brand the IS-F to appeal to a savvy, European type buyer. Look for our version of the IS-F to debut very soon in the Lexus booth at SEMA Show 2008.

After reading that, my first thought was that we might be looking at more "sleeper"-looking revamp, but from the work visible in Fox's photos, that doesn't look to be the case. One thing's for sure, it's going to fun following along.

High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image.

It's all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size):

It always amazes me just how creative people can be taking photos in such a controlled space. Fantastic.

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details:

The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice lap. The team opted to sit out qualifying, as well, and, thus, started at the very back of the pack of the 30-car SPEED World Challenge Grand Touring class grid...Yet, never underestimate 2007 SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg, for he managed to finish the race in 24th place, only one lap down from the first 19 cars, and ahead of five Dodge Vipers and a Chevrolet Corvette, delivering a very credible first effort.

Hard to expect anything in a race when you start in last place, so placing 24th is a good result. The RDC IS should see action again at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, scheduled for August 10th.

Even if there's nothing really new to look at, this Car Magazine video clip of the London Motor Show does feature the LF-A's engine suspended in glass:

Looks smaller than I would expect.

Whatever the reason, every time the Lexus IS-F & racing are linked together, it ends up being super-confusing. Case in point: My.IS has posted a story about pair of race-modified IS-Fs owned by DRC Motorsports that are about to enter the GT class of the SPEED World Challenge -- only they're not really IS-Fs, but the two race cars purchased from Team Lexus.

Regardless, the cars are powered by a 510hp 4.7-liter V8, and the first one will be making its debut this weekend in Ohio. The driver, Jeff Altenburg, was last year's SWC Touring Car champion. The race itself will be broadcast on SPEED TV on Thursday, July 24 at 1:00pm.

[Source: My.IS via Autoblog]