Yes, it’s true. You’re looking at a supercharged 550-horsepower, lifted, fully-equipped Lexus LS. Named the Lexus J201 Concept, it is the raddest iteration of Lexus’s four-wheel drive flagship. It is, according to the brand, an instrument meticulously crafted to enable and embrace “the most salient of retreats imaginable.”

There are several reasons as to why Lexus built the J201. The global number of off-road enthusiasts who adore their Lexus SUV is growing. Second, they aim to bring forward the brand’s sense of creativity and enhancement, bringing their sense of craftsmanship to a new level.
The Lexus J201 is what the brand’s hospitality is all about when it leaves the paved path. The enhancements start with a CBI Offroad front bumper with a winch mount and recovery points. Naturally, they also added a Warn Zeon 10-S winch and a Rigid Industries 30-inch RDS SR-Series Pro light bar. At the back, the rear bumper has been replaced by a CBI Offroad bumper with rear ladder, spare tire mount, and 5-gallon water cans.

Giving the J201 added lift, Lexus adjusted the OEM height sensors giving it between 51 mm to 122 mm in added height. They also fitted Evo Corse DakarZero 17-wheels and LT285/70R17 General Grabber X3 tires (33-inch), upgraded upper/lower control arms, and CBI Offroad rock sliders and skid plates. Drilled front and rear disc brakes from StopTech complete the handling package.

Under the hood, the J201 slapped on a Magnuson Supercharger enabling this SUV to deliver 550 horsepower and 746 Nm of torque. It also gets performance differentials with a 4.30 ratio for both the front and back, ARB air lockers, a raised air intake with snorkel, and a twin on-board compressor.

Rugged and capable as the J201 outside, inside, it remains a testament to Lexus’s luxurious craftsmanship. Aside from the standard leather and wood, it adds an ARB Linx accessory interface, Goose Gear drawer module for tools, and of course, Zero Halliburton luggage.

Lexus says they’re fielding the J201 at the Rebelle Rally where it’ll be used by current champions Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles. The 10-day women’s event will span over 2,000 kilometers of challenging topography and climates throughout California and Nevada.

With nothing but maps, compasses, and roadbooks, Rachelle and Taylor will put J201 through the ultimate field test. How’s that for a debut?