Joined: Feb 18, 2003 Posts: 2349 Location: Tarzana CA
Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 9:46 am Post subject: Rod Millen Releases IS430 !!!!! PICS!!!!
1,event);" onmouseout="hidetrail()">11/03/2003 Las Vegas, NV
November 3, 2003 -- Las Vegas, NV -- Lexus unveiled a one-off example today of its IS 300 luxury sport sedan powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine from a Lexus GS 430. Seeking to demonstrate the potential of the IS 300, Lexus commissioned Rod Millen Special Vehicles (RMSV) to build the car. The resulting "IS 430" was completed last week at Millen's shops in Huntington Beach, Calif.
"We wanted to explore the performance possibilities of the IS 300," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "The marriage of our 4.3-liter V8 with the sporty IS 300 creates a classic muscle car."
The potent V8 engine was paired with a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission and lightweight flywheel, which drive the rear wheels through a stronger limited slip differential and GS 430 driveline components.
Total Performance Approach
The concept direction from Lexus required that handling be matched to the high-powered V8 while maintaining reasonable ride comfort and noise levels. TEIN springs and 16-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers work with the original IS 300 front suspension in addition to selected GS 430 rear suspension components, which help ensure durability against the higher torque of the 4.3-liter V8. Large, sticky Michelin Sport Cup tires on 18-inch Speed Star SSR alloy wheels put the power to the ground.
A similar approach was taken with the cooling system and brakes. A GS 430 radiator was fitted to provide ample cooling for the high-output engine. Large Brembo brakes with vented, cross-drilled rotors and four-piston aluminum calipers are there to arrest the newfound acceleration and speed of the IS 430.
"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," said Rod Millen, president of RSMV. "With a package of complementary modifications, it has exceeded our expectations."
Although not a simple conversion, the V8 and 6-speed fit well within the compact IS 300 body structure. Curb weight is slightly higher than the standard IS, some of which is due to larger/stronger components needed to deal with the increased performance and some from the new audio/video system.
"Fitting the 4.3-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission to the IS 300 was fairly straightforward," said Millen. "The larger challenge was to develop an electronic interface that would allow the V8 engine to work with the manual transmission and IS 300 body - something it was never designed to do."
RMSV's engineering team met the challenge with expertise developed through years of successful racing and building special vehicles for military and automotive clients. They focused on designing the electronics interface while simultaneously working through the mechanical conversion and enhancements. Numerous parts were specifically fabricated for the IS 430 including stainless steel exhaust headers and dual exhaust system, transmission adaptor, engine and transmission mounts, air intake system, wire harnesses and fluid connectors.
"Next Generation" Entertainment System
Pushing the IS 300 performance envelope was not limited to vehicle dynamics. Lexus also wanted to discover the potential of what might be termed a "next generation" in-vehicle entertainment system. Lexus naturally turned to its premium audio systems partner, Mark Levinson®, whose system engineers were eager to gain experience with their advanced system development work and receive feedback from users in the field.
The goals for the experimental system were the introduction of a discrete multi-channel 7.1 surround sound experience suitable for automotive use, complete system integration of audio and video, and advancement of sonic performance beyond previous OEM premium systems.
The result of their vision is a 20-speaker/24-channel, 720-watt* audio/vi
deo system using a proprietary DVD video player and removable 6.5-inch wide-screen video display. This prototype Mark Levinson® system is well suited to the expanded performance of the IS 430.
Functional Aggression
To complete the package, Chip Foose from Foose Design was employed to give the IS 430 a more aggressive yet functional appearance. Foose used subtle upgrades including a Rhys Millen Racing front lip spoiler and side skirts with a black over red exterior color scheme that emphasizes the wedge profile of the tightly drawn IS body. A mesh grille and gray headlamp treatment is used up front, and the taillights and rear badging are modified for a simpler look at the rear. Dual exhaust tailpipes not only improve performance, but also help advertise the potent 4.3-liter V8 engine.
Wheels:
Speed Star SSR 5-spoke aluminum – 8x8 inch front, 18x8 inch rear/
17x7 inch 5-spoke aluminum
Tires:
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup – 265/35 ZR18 front, 325/40 ZR18 rear/
215/45 R17 front and rear
Curb Weight:
3,350 lbs. (estimated)/
3,255 lbs.
Body Components:
Rhys Millen Racing front lip spoiler and side skirts; IS 300 optional rear spoiler/
Optional rear spoiler
Paint & Bodywork:
Foose Design/Chris Guinn – solid black over red with silver dividing pin stripe/
Absolutely Red
Audio System:
Mark Levinsonâ discrete multi-channel with 20 speakers and DVD video system; 720 watts*, all channels driven; six-disc CD changer/
Lexus Premium 4-channel with eight speakers; six-CD changer
*All channels driven, 20-20kHz, with no more than .01% Total Harmonic Distortion.
The Lexus IS 430 is a one-off vehicle built to study of the considerable performance potential of the IS 300 luxury sport sedan. There are no plans for a production version.
Joined: Apr 9, 2003 Posts: 132 Location: West San Fernando Valley
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 2:44 am Post subject:
I WANT IT _________________ 2001 Solar Yellow IS300. Graphite polished rims, LSD. (Officially TOTALLED)
New Ride: 2004 G35/ 5AT/Performance package/Premium package/Aero package.
Still very much a Lextasy member!!!!!
Joined: Feb 18, 2003 Posts: 2349 Location: Tarzana CA
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2003 6:00 am Post subject:
Do you guys like the paint scheme? I was thinking of doing that setup on my Graphite Grey pearl but MSM Silver on the bottom half. _________________ Lexus accessories
Joined: Feb 20, 2003 Posts: 103 Location: The Valley in Cali
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2003 12:13 pm Post subject:
I saw that car at SEMA in the toyota booth. It was sick. They need to make this a production car.
The paint scheme is nice, but the front end should be all black and the red should just end at the wheel well. _________________ Flatline Graphix
Signs- Stickers- Design- Custom Shit
Joined: Feb 20, 2003 Posts: 103 Location: The Valley in Cali
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:39 am Post subject:
340 stock hp is pretty good if you ask me. It is 10 more than the 01 M3 and 10 less than the 02 and up M3. That could deliver some nice ass kickin. Add a Supercharger and you are in the 400 and up club... That is very comforting in my opinion. Remember, it is 340 reliable hp. That is a great base to start at, much better than starting at 215. _________________ Flatline Graphix
Signs- Stickers- Design- Custom Shit
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