Upgrade or Downgrade? 9 Tom’s Edition Lexus & Toyota Models
Tom's Racing is known for updating the style and flair of many Lexus & Toyota models. But, do these nine unique Tom's Editions improve or ruin great designs?
Tom's Racing Japanese Flair
Toyota and Lexus fans are undoubtedly aware of a company named Tom's Racing, which has been churning out various parts and accessories for vehicles from certain automotive brands since 1974. We've featured plenty of Tom's Lexus and Toyota models over the years, but the Japanese company just rolled out a fresh lineup to mull over, with a catalog that now includes nine models from that particular universe. But what do you think? Do these Tom's Editions improve upon or ruin great designs?
1. Tom's Lexus RX
First up, we have the Tom's Lexus RX, which is a rather sporty take on the brand's best-selling model in the U.S. Like many of the company's kits, this one includes a full body kit with a front splitter and front bumper garnish, over fenders, a spoiler, and a rear diffuser, though customers can also opt for a "barrel" exhaust system for a little extra sound and performance as well.
2. Tom's Lexus IS
Tom's take on the Lexus IS offers up a similar look, with a full body kit that ramps up the already sporty looks of that sedan. However, it also gets a body brace and a full Tom's Racing Sport Suspension kit, which are aimed at increasing chassis rigidity and handling performance. (TLDR: we'd love to drive one of these gorgeous sedans!)
3. Tom's Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is a rare machine in today's world as an affordable, rear-wheel drive coupe with a manual gearbox, so it makes for a great fit when combined with Tom's bodywork, which in this case is inspired by the Supra GT racers. However, this example also gets a racing steering wheel with a built-in rev indicator, as well as an upgraded exhaust system as well.
4. Tom's Toyota GR Yaris
The Toyota GR Yaris is available in two different guises from the Japanese outfit - the regular Tom's GR Yaris, which gets a unique body kit, as well as the Type TK, which is named after famed rally driver Takamoto Katsuta. The latter example ramps things up a bit with the addition of a WRC-inspired front bumper, a center-exit exhaust, and a unique rear under-diffuser. Alas, the GR Yaris remains unavailable in the United States.
5. Tom's Toyota Corolla Sport
As for the Toyota Corolla Sport, it takes inspiration from the historic Tom's Starlet KP47 race car, which racked up three championships, 22 poles, and 20 wins in its storied career. Tom's has applied the same sort of functional aero bits to the production hatch, along with a suspension kit and a new exhaust for improved performance. Those quad tips look particularly muscular; we'd love to see something like that on a future GR Corolla.
6. Tom's Lexus LC
Tom's take on the Lexus LC is an interesting one in that it ditches the factory spindle grille in favor of a new design, which may very well appeal to some - though we think the LC looks great as-is. Regardless, the sporty coupe/convertible also gets new wheels, and a revamped rear bumper with a diffuser and quad exhaust tips.
7. Tom's Lexus GX
The ultra-popular Lexus GX is one of the latest models to get the Tom's treatment, and it's undoubtedly one that will conjure up mixed opinions. Regardless, the intent here was to create an SUV inspired by running shoes, with a variety of colorful hues adorning the revamped bodywork, which includes a full-blown kit with overfenders.
8. Tom's Lexus LX
Tom's gave the Lexus LX a bit more of a stealth look than the GX, with a blacked-out exterior in this case, covering the same host of body modifications. It rolls on a set of black 22-inch wheels as well, perfect for those who want to stand out without being too audacious.
9. Tom's Lexus LM
The Lexus LM is certainly a model that many wish were sold in the U.S., but sadly, that isn't the case. However, those in other markets where the LM is sold can get a pretty sweet Tom's upgrade, complete with a body kit, 22-inch wheels, and a dark theme. Additionally, Tom's offers a Gold Limited Edition LM that adds a host of Champagne Gold accents to the mix as well.
