Lexus Japan has built a museum to display the new RX before its launch in February, though I think it’s safe to say it’s more of an art installation. Take a look at some of these photos:

The site is certainly unique, unfortunately it’s also entirely in Japanese so there I can’t really grasp more than the basic idea. However, there is a gallery with a very nice assortment of RX photos, like this one:

In preparation of the debut of the new HS 250h hybrid sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus has updated their website to include a small microsite.

While it’s basically just an email form and the above badge image, there is one other interesting detail. According to the microsite, the HS 250h will not be released until Fall 2009, which is later than expected (most rumors suggest a Summer 2009 release).

This is hilarious. You may remember me posting up photos of some first generation Lexus SCs done up in grand style, like the one above. Well, it seems like they’ve also been noticed by local police, including Officer “Smith”, who blogs the following:

The latest fad to strike the Bay Area is the uncontrollable urge to purchase a Lexus SC300.

Used of course. Preferably pre-1999 vintage. Aged well.

But to simply purchase one is not enough. Next, you must paint the car in some candy color that simply does not belong on a car. We’ll say candy grape purple. Then, you have to choose a contrasting color, say bright piss yellow perhaps, in which to paint a large Lexus “L” symbol on both doors because, of course, the rest of us are far too stupid to know the car is a Lexus. To further assist us idiots, please remember to paint a smaller “L” on the rear fenders as an added reminder.

Maybe you could even get personalized plates to the effect of LXS DUBZ, or some such nonsense.

I had myself in stitches by the time I was done reading his post. Best of all, he used the images from this site. Such a small world.

[Source: Officer "Smith"]

We’ve seen the finished version of the the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F that will be displayed at this year’s SEMA, and now another has surfaced — this time it’s a work-in-progess by 0-60 Magazine:

So far, the plan looks to be replacing the hood, front fenders, side skirts and the trunk lid with carbon fiber versions, and some custom exhaust work from Greddy, but what I really want to do is highlight just how crazy the IS-F is without its engine cover:

No matter how many times I see the unmasked engine, it still manages to astonish me.

L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements:

Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake:

Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & $1150USD respectively). This is also ignoring the cost of installation.

(Also available are two replacement shift knobs (one & two) and some additional carbon fiber for the center console.)

[Via: Club Lexus]

The Lexus Canada website is just full of surprises — first we had the web game that led to a secret video, and now TPP reader Jarrett mentions that there’s also an IS-F ringtone available for download. Here’s a preview, though I recommend turning your speakers down:

Granted, it’s pretty intense, and only spent about three minutes as my default ringtone, but it would be great for freaking out your passengers while driving.

The IS-F ringtone is available here.