The auto show season is quickly approaching and this means that we have to start thinking about the upcoming SEMA->ke216 show. Apparently, Lexus->ke47 has been thinking about SEMA for far longer than we have, as it and DeviantART held a contest that put some of the best design artist in the nation head-to-head in an attempt to create a bad-ass concept based on the 2014 IS Sport Sedan for the 2013 SEMA show.

Lexus whittled the contest down to 25 finalists and finally announced a winner and his creation today. Above, you can see Rob Evans' first-place-winning rendition of the IS Sport Sedan->ke142. His mods are subtle and extreme at the same time -- if that's possible. Up front, you can see a mesh spindle grille, an extended front apron with massive air vents and a front splitter for some added downforce.

Down the side, he added in wider fenders that look to add at least 5 inches to the car's stance, a set of side skirts that look like they were formed by the wind and a large rear vent to help keep the rear brakes cool. And we certainly cannot miss those monstrous concave wheels that are coated in a deep bronze or gold.

From the rear three-quarters shot, you can see fender flares cut off abruptly, adding a futuristic touch to this already stylish sedan. He also added a large rear bumper insert and diffuser with integrated trapezoidal tailpipes to cap off the design.

The real-life version of this Lexus IS will be in Lexus's SEMA stand in the front of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center between November 5th and 8th.

Click past the jump to see the second- and third-place entries.

2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan DeviantART by Rob Evans

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan DeviantART by Rob Evans
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 204 @ 6400
  • Torque: 185 @ 4800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Second Place (Lucia Lee)

Lucia Lee came in second place with this awesome concept that features widened fenders with vents and a modified front apron with LED-wrapped air intakes, smoked headlights and a carbon-fiber splitter up front. Around back, Lee included a custom rear apron with diamond-shaped exhaust exits, a stylish diffuser and a custom trunk lid with an integrated spoiler. Don the side, Lee tossed in custom side skirts with air intakes.

In terms of performance, Lee added a big-brake kit and an IS F performance suspension setup that lowers its center of gravity and increases its handling capabilities.

Third Place (Guanghao Huang)

Guanghao Huang took third place with a matte-silver-painted model that features a red pinstripe that highlights the shoulder line and the spindle grille. Huang also added custom seven=spoke wheels, revamped LED taillights, a blacked-out hood with nostril vents, vertical LED fog lights, and revised front and rear bumpers.