Lexus IS Design contest-winning SEMA show car announced

The winner of the Lexus IS Design contest has been chosen, with their design to be built by VIP Auto Salon for the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Lexus and competition partner and online art community deviantART have revealed the first, second and third place winners, with Rob Evans of Seattle, Washington, taking first place. Second place went to Lucia Lee of Pasadena, California, with Guanghao Huang from Southfield, Michigan third.

The winning design sees the IS significantly lowered and fitted with a serious set of fenders that neatly integrate into the IS' distinctive rear lamp shutline. These cover huge deep-dish gold rims.

As well as having his car built for the show, Evans has also won a one-year lease of the IS, $2,000 and a trip to this year's SEMA Show to see his concept in the metal (and fiberglass).

The judging panel, including Alex Shen, Calty Design Research studio chief designer, came to their decision after narrowing down more than 600 entries to a shortlist of 25. They were chosen based on being true to the essence of the IS' design, consistent with the brand's image, originality and potential to be realized.

To view more of the winning designs and all the semi-finalists' designs visit the contest website.

By Rufus Thompson