Lexus IS 250C Design Project
Beautiful. The custom-built “IS 250C” was commissioned by Lexus and built by 0-60 and Design Craft Fabrication.
It’s based on the standard 2-door convertible model. And it’s something you could build yourself. We like that idea…
Note the nicely subtle ”0-60″ decal on the leading edge of the hood.
The only thing that would have made this even better, and more exclusive, would be to incorporate the IS-F powertrain.
Very nice seats and door panels, although we’re surprised they didn’t incorporate a power rack.
We would hope the roll hoop behind the drivers seat is something more substantial – and structural – than the tin-and-plastic poseur bars favored by Mustang enthusiasts.
Here are the specs, in Lexus’ own words:
Build Purpose and Objectives:
- Build an aggressive performance enhanced daily drivable luxury coupe
Interior
- SparcoUSA – custom leather-wrapped lightweight racing seats
- Suede inserts with custom contrasting stitch design
Exterior
- Ings+1 – Exterior body kit
- Custom graphite paint
- Seibon – carbon fiber hood
Performance
- Motul – oil and lubricants
- Greddy Performance – engine management computer and gauges
Brakes
- Brembo brakes – custom front and rear big brake kit (rotors and calipers)
Suspension
- KW Suspension – Coilover system
Wheels
- Advan Racing – lightweight 1 piece racing wheels
Tires
- Continental Tires – performance tires
Partners/Contributors
- Design Craft – customer fabrication and installation
When a simple swap isn’t enough: Brad Bedell’s IS300 supercharged 4.3 V-8
We first reported on an IS300 with a 4.3 liter V-8 back in 2006 when the swap was first accomplished.
It was an exceptionally clean swap expertly done by Brad Bedell of Dallas Texas. Brad once did some work on a Supra TT owned by a friend of ours and we’ve followed his adventures in Dallas ever since. Brad is a swap genius, and is probably even better known for his V-6 MR-2 swap. You can see all the details on his site here: http://www.bedellracing.com/
But sometimes the initial engine swap isn’t enough. The V-6 MR2 got a boost – literally – with a supercharger and nitrous. Now it’s the turn of the V-8 IS300 to get a supercharged, and that project is taking place right now.
Brad is also creating a new set of equal-length long tube headers to replace the custom set he built for the original swap.
Follow along here:
- Brad’s V8 swap page: http://www.bedellracing.com/v8swap/
- Diary on My IS forums: http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=287373
Lexus GS450H hybrid goes racing in Japan
WorldCarFans.com has the inside scoop on Lexus testing it’s hybrid GS450H in Japan by taking it 24-hr endurance racing.
A very smart move by Lexus… one that has been echoed in the United States by both Honda and Acura with efforts involving the RSX, TSX, TL, and RL. The RL competed earlier this year in California: http://www.DrivingEnthusiast.net/sec-blog/2006/01/12.html#a1175
The purpose of course isn’t just to win a race and get publicity – it’s to demonstrate the engineering prowess of the manufacturer and the integrity of the hardware. The GS450H and the RL will never be used by anybody as race cars – but the outcome of the test demonstrates how well the technology holds up under adverse conditions and gets feedback into engineering to further improve the products.
This kind of simple investment translates directly into a better and longer-lasting car for the consumer. Very smart move… and if your favorite manufacturer isn’t doing this you need to do some rethinking….
Continue at the link in the title to WorldCarFans.com
WorldCarFans is a very well-done site with excellent worldwide coverage of automotive events for enthusiasts. Note their blog and RSS feed.
200x Lexus IS460?
Went to look at an IS350 this morning. 306 HP and a good suspension makes it of interest, although a closer look at the upcoming Infiniti G35 replacement would be a good idea before buying. This reminded me to look up an spy pic I’d seen some time ago.
This is an old spy pic, but one worth hanging on to. It’s an IS350, rumored to be powered by a 4.6 liter engine. Keep in mind the new Lexus 4.6 DOHC engfine makes 375 horses. It was shot at the Nurburgring.
Note the air extractors in the hood – this is a very tight engine compartment with the V-6, so the V-8 would have cooling challenges. And the weight balance a very important part of the dynamics equation – would be seriously upset. So this may not be a good choice – if it ever happens.
If you’ve got the current car and need to disable the VDIM – see this: http://www.is350forums.com/index.php?showtopic=127
And if you’re looking at the current car, be sure to read this: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/content/11350239991324407406/
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