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Lexus Serves up the Sriracha IS: Making a Hot Car Spicy
Luxury automaker brings a playful spin to the stylish IS sedan by partnering with Huy Fong Foods' signature sauce

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the launch of the 2017 Lexus IS sports sedan, Lexus created a bolder, spicier customized version of the original: the Lexus Sriracha IS. By joining forces with the authentic, beloved sauce made by Huy Fong Foods, Lexus turns up the heat with custom auto detailing, foodie finishes and an arsenal of Sriracha within easy reach for emergency situations. The specially modified vehicle will be on display at The Los Angeles Auto Show from Nov. 18–27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7952851-lexus-launches-sriracha-is-sedan

"The new Lexus IS is so hot, we decided to make it Sriracha hot, with all the custom details every Sriracha fan will appreciate," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing.

"I feel so humbled to see my Lexus and Sriracha friends' love for my hot sauce," said David Tran, CEO and founder of Huy Fong Foods. "The Lexus Sriracha IS is really the perfect mix for a 'hot' and 'spicy car' – just the way I like it."

To bring the concept to life, Lexus commissioned the elite crew at West Coast Customs. Lexus also created a light-hearted video for fans to enjoy. "Sriracha In Everything" highlights the vehicle's custom details and how Sriracha makes everything hotter. It can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/U2mtILDZRgI.

The special features of Sriracha IS:

  • Official Sriracha IS Paint Job
    Lexus experimented with a range of mixtures and methods—including adding Sriracha sauce to the paint itself—to create the Sriracha Red color, complete with flecks of chili-like flakes. The custom paint job was designed to mimic Sriracha sauce inside the bottle and topped with a clear coating.  

  • Sriracha-Injected Steering Wheel
    A Sriracha-like liquid was cast in resin, then formed into a Lexus steering wheel, complete with a warning for "Hot Handling."

  • Sriracha Temperature Settings
    The settings for the seat warmers and AC/heating system have been upgraded to go from cool to Sriracha hot.

  • Sriracha Driving Mode
    Sriracha mode tunes the powertrain for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping.

  • Handcrafted Seats
    Plush leather seats are hand-embroidered with the Huy Fong rooster logo, the Sriracha IS logo and green accents.

  • Sriracha IS Badging
    Custom badging on the side, rear and door wells identify this model, while illuminated callouts under the passenger and driver's doors add a level of exclusivity.

  • Sriracha Green Accents
    Touches of green are a signature element of official Huy Fong Foods products. Bottle-cap green details throughout the car include:

    • Spindle grille outline
    • ­Hand-painted calipers
    • ­Interior cabin mood lighting
    • ­Chrome side view mirror accents
    • ­Hand-stitching on the seats

  • Fully Stocked Trunk
    The trunk is stocked with 43 bottles of Sriracha for emergency condiment situations.

  • Key Fob with Remote Emergency Sriracha Activation
    The key fob includes an emergency chili button that dispenses the sauce from a nozzle on the fob, so drivers are always prepared.

Sriracha IS Driving Accessories:

  • Driving Jacket
    A hot car deserves a hot driving jacket. For this collaboration, Lexus created two one-of-a-kind jackets that feature hand-embroidered images of the Sriracha IS and custom Sriracha IS patches to commemorate this sizzling venture. 

  • Driving Mitts
    Some cars require driving gloves. The handling on the Sriracha IS is so hot, custom oven mitts are necessary.

About Lexus
Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

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Lexus Sriracha IS spindle grille

 

Sriracha-injected steering wheel

 

Sriracha temperature settings

 

Sriracha IS fully stocked trunk

 

Sriracha IS Handcrafted seats

 

Lexus Logo.

 

SOURCE Lexus

For further information: Kat Kirsch, (310) 437-2164, kat.kirsch@teamone-usa.com; Leigh Anne Sessions, (310) 468-8034, leish.sessions@lexus.com