Rowen Hits Tokyo with Tasteful Body Kit for LC 500
Daily Slideshow: How do you make a car as beautiful as the LC 500 look even better? Rowen decided to take a crack at it. While they are classically know for going to extremes with their designs, this time they dialed it back and simply enhanced what Lexus had made.
Restraint
The Japanese tuning company Rowen has never been known for subtlety. Rowen has been making body kits since the early 2000s with their aim set on luxury vehicles and VIP style builds. They also are a large player in the custom van culture of Japan. So when Rowen unveiled their new body kit for the LC 500, the Tokyo Auto Salon was shocked by how restrained it was.
Images courtesy of Rowen
Enhance
Instead of reinventing the wheel like they normally do, Rowen decided this time to simply enhance the already beautiful lines on the LC 500. The lip kit that is part of the complete package is somewhat subtle, looking almost like a factory option. What really makes this kit stand out though are the other pieces that highlight and exaggerate certain features. The rear garnish highlights the long taillights, extending them even farther, giving it more of a concept car look than anything that would make it to production.
Images courtesy of Rowen
>>Join the conversation about this Rowen bodykit for the LC right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Stance
Of course, to complete the look of any car requires the right stance. Since this car hails from Japan, home of the silkiest and smoothest of roads, this demo LC 500 can sit super low. The car is supposedly equipped with air ride, but no pictures of it aired up can be found. I understand why, sitting super low on top of the 21" Savani SV83's, the car just looks right. I just hope the speed bumps in Japan are not too big.
Images courtesy of Rowen
>>Join the conversation about this Rowen bodykit for the LC right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Options
My only personal issue with the body kit is how tacked on some of the pieces look. Due to the thickness of the trim pieces, at certain angles, they really stick out and look cheap. However, this body kit is far from cheap, coming in at 1,260,000 yen, or $11,300 for the full carbon kit. Of course, all pieces are available separately as well, so if you are like me and like most of the kit but rather leave off a couple of pieces, Rowen is more than happy to meet your request.
Images courtesy of Rowen
>>Join the conversation about this Rowen bodykit for the LC right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Sound
On top of making body kits, Rowen also makes high-quality high-end exhaust kits. Rowen's exhausts cover everything from the humble Toyota Prius to a Lamborgini Aventador. The LC 500 has two different exhaust options, but the one you should get is the switchable unit seen here. It allows the car to go from sporty sounding to complete V8 madness with the push of a button. Lexus and Yamaha did a great job making the 5.0L V8 sound great, and Rowen makes it even better. I suggest going to Rowen's site and having a listen for yourself. With the parts available from Rowen you can turn your LC 500 into a delight for not only the eyes but the ears as well.
Images courtesy of Rowen
>>Join the conversation about this Rowen bodykit for the LC right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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