The Lexus GX550 is getting a subtle exterior makeover from Japanese tuner Novel Racing, which has developed its first project focused on a real off-roader. The new body kit draws on the company’s racing background while giving the GX550 a more distinctive appearance without changing its interior or performance.
Novel Racing Turns to the Lexus GX550
Japan’s automotive culture has long embraced self-expression through tuning and aftermarket parts, with numerous companies offering aesthetic upgrades for different vehicles. While performance cars have traditionally attracted much of that attention, aftermarket support for SUVs and off-roaders has become an increasingly prominent segment.
Novel Racing is a Japanese race team that competes in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring using Lexus vehicles. Its racing experience has helped establish the company as a Lexus specialist, while another part of its business focuses on performance and aesthetic modifications for privately owned, road-going Lexus models.
Its latest project targets the GX550, one of Lexus’ in-demand SUVs. Novel describes itself as a proud “Made in Japan” brand, emphasizing its approach to craftsmanship and its goal of creating products that are completely new and unlike anything else.
A Subtle Body Kit With Racing Inspiration
The GX550 project represents Novel’s first attempt at dressing up and outfitting a real off-roader. Rather than being simply an aesthetic package, the company incorporated aerodynamic properties into the kit based on its racing background.
The front spoiler has an appearance reminiscent of an air inlet, while the rear features a diffuser-shaped under spoiler. The sides are designed to resemble air vents, giving the GX550 a more aggressive appearance while maintaining a relatively subtle overall design.
The kit can be easy to mistake for a factory offering unless examined more closely. Novel lists it strictly as an exterior upgrade, with no changes to the GX550’s interior or performance.
Lexus GX550 Kit Pricing and Availability
The Novel GX550 kit is available either as individual components or as a complete body kit. In Japan, the full kit is priced at $3,200 when converted.
Individual components include the front spoiler, rear fender duct, rear under spoiler and front fender duct. Prices for the individual pieces range from $600 to $1,200 when converted.
For now, the Novel GX550 kit has only been announced for Japan. NOVEL’s U.S. website does not currently carry the kit.
