The automotive Mecca that is the annual SEMA show is getting closer folks, and that means crazy modified rides that bend the definitions of power, style and good taste are not far away.

One such car that will be making its public debut at SEMA ‘08 is the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance IS-F, which will showcase Artisan’s upcoming twin-turbo kit for the 2UR-GSE, as well as a low restriction intake and exhaust system and a set of underdriven pullies.

To safeguard against any unwanted block-to-conrod interaction, Fox Marketing have also fitted JE pistions and Crower rods to the Yamaha-tuned V8.

So, what’ll she do? Fox says the turbo kit is good for at least 447kW - or an even 600hp - which is a handy step up from the IS-F’s standard output of 311kW. Nice.

Styling changes are subtle, but considering the IS-F comes straight from the factory with a fair bit of built-in muscle that’s not a bad thing. Fox Marketing has modified the front bar, extended the side skirts and pumped up the rear guards a smidge to give the IS-F a little more visual brawn to match its aural bark. A carbon-finish roof and BASF paint certainly helps catch the eye too, as do those 20-inch iForged rims.

The Fox/Artisan IS-F will be exhibited alongside a raft of other tweaked IS-F’s at SEMA as part of a display put on by Lexus to demonstrate the tuning potential of their new halo car. If the Fox/Artisan car is indicative of what else will be on show, then we can’t wait to see what all the other tuners have in store for Lexus’ V8 performance sedan.

[Source: The Passionate Pursuit]
[Images: The Passionate Pursuit]