2003 Lexus Review

Specifications

What if?

How do you enhance the sporting image of a brand quickly, and effectively? If youre Lexus you send a better than average performing vehicle to one of the worlds best tuners to outfit it with upgraded engine components, perhaps a race-tuned suspension and ride, and if luring in a younger audience, looks that slay and a sound system that shocks - not literally.

Whats been described above is what Lexus has done in order to convert their 3-Series/A4 competitive IS 300 sedan into a street-smart hotrod to grab the attention of this years SEMA show-goers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lexus, in close co-ordination with Rod Millen Special Vehicles (RMSV), has created a powerhouse IS set to put fear in the eyes of those who drive high performance luxury sedans. Theyve shoe-horned a 4.3 liter V8 with variable valve timing, the same engine fitted to the GS 430, SC 430 and LS 430, into the much smaller IS engine compartment. Not only that, the 290-hp stock engine has been beefed up with a hi-flow radiator, a stainless-steel exhaust system, specially-designed air intake setup and other modifications, creating an estimated output of 340 horsepower, and torque thats on the high side of 300 lb-ft.

RMSV president, Rod Millen commented on the conversion, stating that “The standard IS 300 is a robust and well balanced sport sedan, so we thought it would respond well to the additional power of the Lexus V8 engine. With a package of complementary modifications, it has exceeded our expectations.” The new engines power is fed through a short throw Getrag six-speed manual transmission. It is, of course rear wheel drive, like the standard IS.

Power isnt the only thing that Lexus wanted Millen to enhance in the IS 430 concept. In the transformation from mild to wild, all aspects of performance were considered, including handling, ride and braking. Those familiar with the aftermarket scene will be interested to see the variety of performance products featured. Tien springs fitted with electrically-adjustable shock absorbers featuring sixteen settings help give the car a lowered look while improving road holding, reduced pitch, dive and roll. Theyre also noted for maintaining a comfortable ride.

The IS 430 concept sits on a set of 18-inch 3-piece gray-painted SSR alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup rubber - 225/40ZR18 up front and 265/35ZR18 in back. To help control the cars extra power and slightly greater curb weight - estimated to be 3,350 lbs vs. 3,285 lbs for stock in base trim - the IS 430 is fitted with four piston Brembo calipers that bite down on massive diameter 14.0-inch cross-drilled discs.

Another company that has worked with Lexus to display their abilities on the IS 430 is Mark Levinson. A world-recognized home audio company on the leading edge of quality and performance, Mark Levinson fits powerful yet sophisticated audiophile quality equipment into Lexus automobiles on a regular basis. The IS 430 concept features a system that M-L refers to as the next generation of in-car entertainment systems. Around the cockpit, 20 strategically placed speakers are integrated to create perfect sound. Total power on the system is rated at 720 watts, which leads to an impressive 7.1 surround sound capability. The other part of this entertainment system consists of a removable 6.5-inch wide-screen display hooked up to a proprietary DVD-player, completing the most high-tech and powerful ICE setup fitted to a factory-backed Lexus.

Though the IS 300 is an aggressively styled vehicle, featuring a poised front end, angled headlights and clear brake lights, these characteristics merely show as minor blip on visual attention. Once all internal modifications were prepared, the IS was shipped off to Foose Design where it received full body makeover. An exterior enhancement package, consisting of Rhys Millen front and side skirts, has been added to beef up the cars styling. The body shell is finished in a radical gloss black over lipstick red paint scheme, divided by a silver pinstripe.

Lexus maintains that the IS 430 is simply a project vehicle designed to show its entry sport models potential and cool factor. Though its doubtful that something so radical will ever leave Lexus factories, theres always hope the brand that sits highest in quality ratings will also offer up a performance sedan to rival the M3s, C32 AMGs and S4s of the world.