Lexus IS Wax Edition Is Every DJ's Dream Ride
DJs on the move will love the IS Wax Edition, which features an integrated record player.
Spinning on Wax
Lexus has been cranking out some pretty cool collaboration projects for the all-new 2021 IS in recent weeks, including teaming up with influencers for an ad campaign and even creating a one-off pair of shoes inspired by the luxury sedan. Now, it has gone so far as to create a mobile DJ booth with a working record player, and the automaker calls it the Lexus IS Wax Edition.
Photos: Lexus
Killer Collab
The IS Wax Edition has a fully functional turntable built into the dashboard, which is capable of playing vinyl records while the car is in motion without missing a beat - even on a bumpy road. To demonstrate its capabilities, Lexus and Pitchfork brought together legendary DJ and producer MC Madlib and chart-topping artist and producer KAYTRANADA for the first time to create a brand-new double-single on vinyl and debut it in the IS Wax Edition.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Video Series
This fusion of music and automobile was captured in a two-episode documentary series, "Driven by Sound," created in partnership with Pitchfork. Episode One offers a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of Madlib and KAYTRANADA. Episode Two documents the creation of the in-dash turntable and reveals the Lexus IS Wax Edition. It features music from the highly anticipated release of the artists' joint double-single. Vinyl Me, Please (VMP), a monthly record subscription club that curates and creates vinyl packages, will distribute the exclusive 7" vinyl to select members as part of their subscription.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Making Impossible Possible
"When I make music, I usually do it in headphones, so I hear everything clear," said Madlib. "And I take it to the car, test it out. Every time. That’s the big test. To have the turntable in a Lexus? That's beyond." "When Lexus said they wanted to build this car, I didn't think it was possible," added KAYTRANADA. "It was amazing to see and hear vinyl playing while cruising in a car."
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Concept to Reality
To bring the concept car to life, Lexus commissioned SCPS, a world-renowned creative technology and custom fabrication studio based in Los Angeles. The record player, created with a 3D printer and modified with carbon fiber and machined aluminum, fits snuggly into the vehicle's glovebox and is large enough to play a full-size 12-inch record. Once the needle hits the grooves, a rotating motor helps stabilize the turntable to avoid skipping while the vehicle is in motion.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Going All In
"Like audiophiles who go 'all in' to create the purest listening experiences, we went 'all in' to design the new 2021 Lexus IS as the purest expression of a sports sedan," said Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing. "The Lexus IS Wax Edition exemplifies the ultimate union of our respective passions, bringing together vinyl and cars in a fresh new way."
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Rolling Test Bed
As one might imagine, the Lexus IS Wax Edition is a one-off concept that will not be going into production. However, the concept will be on display at future Lexus events for the public to check out. And we imagine that more than a few audiophiles and musicians will be eager to do just that.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS Wax Edition right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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