The IS 350 gets hand-drawn lines, the RZ gets brass brake calipers, and Lexus gets interesting
4 hours ago
by Michael Gauthier
- Lexus has introduced new IS and RZ art cars.
- The former was created with artist Alex Alpert.
- The RZ celebrates Miles Davis’ 100th birthday.
Lexus must be feeling artistic as the company has introduced two separate one-off vehicles in the past week. One embraces style, while the other is focused on music.
Without further ado, the automaker teamed up with Alex Alpert to unveil a unique IS 350 at EXPO Chicago. It embraces the artist’s “signature line-art style” and features black lines that largely accent the shapes of Lexus’ entry-level sedan, giving it the look of something sketched before it was built.
More: The Next Lexus IS May Go In A Very Different Direction
The F Sport variant has black wheels, matching mirror caps, and dark window trim. It should also have a familiar 3.5-liter V6 developing 311 hp (232 kW / 315 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
Besides the art car, Alpert will paint custom IS 350 hoods at NYCxDesign and Art Basel. They’ll feature a “series of symbolic illustrations that connect to Lexus brand values and Japanese heritage, including motifs representing Lexus’ elite and precise craftsmanship, hospitality, engineering precision, performance, and smooth driving.”
RZ Blue In Green
The second model is an RZ that celebrates what would have been the 100th birthday of musician Miles Davis. It was created in collaboration with Laufey and was inspired by her “reimagined interpretation of Davis’ iconic composition Blue In Green.”
As part of the makeover, the electric crossover features a unique paint job that “shifts from deep blue to green as light moves across its surface.” The model also sports a custom illuminated “L” badge as well as brass-colored brake calipers that are a nod to Davis’ trumpet.
The brass theme continues inside, where it’s joined by red and black upholstery. Other highlights include written lyrics in the cargo area as well as a unique startup sequence that plays the first notes of Davis’ Blue In Green.
Context:
Lexus created two art cars: an IS 350 with comic book-style line art and an RZ honoring Miles Davis' 100th birthday.
Context:
These unique vehicles show luxury brands using art collaborations to attract younger, culturally-engaged consumers.
Context:
The Miles Davis RZ features color-shifting paint and plays "Blue In Green" notes when started up.
