KW automotive » IS Fangs

IS Fangs ( 11.09.2009 )

For most, the Lexus moniker doesn’t necessarily invoke images of smokie burnouts or all out performance. What most don’t realize however, is that Lexus can have fangs. Ranging from its new F line vehicles like the IS-F and the uber exotic LF-A, to its long motorsports heritage from its parent company Toyota, Lexus actually knows a lot about going fast.

But in a soft economy, Lexus knows that fast cars don’t sell. So instead of scaring away its typical soft comfort loving clients with pure sports cars, Lexus commissioned the staff of the popular performance and tuning magazine 0-60 to build and showcase a one off, but more masculinized version of its new IS 350 convertible. While the original car is loved by sissys and grandfolk alike, the 0-60 rendition seems to hint of the fangs found Lexus’ Toyota pedigree.

The undertaking isn’t easy and for now, stage one consists of undoing some soft potpourri and ribbons motif of the original IS convertible and filling in the gaps by infusing some testosterone and sofistication. Gordan Ting and the 0-60 team knew the key started with the exterior. First to go were the stock skinny OEM wheels and tires, which were replaced with much wider Yokohama Advan wheels wrapped in Continental tires that fully filled out the wheel arches. Knowing there’s nothing worse than big wheels and wimpy brakes, Ting also filled in the depths of the wheels with a custom offset Brembo brake package that speaks volumes when it comes to making a performance statement. Behind the massive rotors, Ting chose a set of KW coilovers for both performance as well as mature comfort.

On the body, the original pearl white color was offset and accented by harsh black features to make a conservative but serious statement. Black details like the blacked out front grills, rocker panel call out, front splitter and various dark voids from the front bumper to the vented carbon fiber hood all tactfully hint at the true intent of the driver.

If these accents weren’t enough of a suggestion for the ignorant masses, the roll over hoop that breaks the emptiness where there use to be a roof and pillars hopefully does the job. Just to be sure there’s no mistaking this for a oversized Miata, leather wrapped Sparco bucket seats drive the true intent of this IS home.

Unfortunately, stage one doesn’t dive into the engine much. For now, there is only a bolt-on Greddy intake and exhaust to help this IS make the right noises. But looking in the custom interior and guage clusters, will hint to the future of this build as a Greddy engine management system and display are already in place, just waiting for the right hard parts and power adders.

Spec Box	0-60 Magazine IS350 convertible
Engine	Greddy intake and exhaust
Engine Management	Greddy e-Manage Ultimate
Suspension	KW suspensions V3 coilovers
Brakes	Custom offset Brembo big brake kit
Wheels and Tires	Advan wheels and Continental Sport Contact 3 tires
Exterior	Wings & body kit, Seibon CF hood
Interior	Custom leather wrapped Sparco seats, roll hoop fabricated by Design Craft, Greddy gauges