Nitto Auto Enthusiast Day 2017: Modified Lexus Out in Force

By Jake Stumph - August 16, 2017

Lexus showstoppers had a big presence at Angel Stadium event.

Angel Stadium played host to the fourth annual Auto Enthusiast Day. Put on by Nitto Tire, the event had all corners of automotive culture represented. However, Toyota and Lexus, in particular, had a very strong showing under the Southern California sun.

Let’s jump into the fray with this second gen GS.

Perhaps given the aesthetic and attitude maybe we should be calling it an Aristo. This GS is rocking several wild trends that are currently popular in the show car scene. Of course, the obligatory exaggerated overfenders are present. The outlandish bodywork is paired with the glittery black “‘hot boy” paint job that many modified Japanese cars are adorned with these days. For what it’s worth, it appears to be sitting on SSR GTX01 wheels. However, this Aristo clearly has the guts to back up the looks, note the front-mounted intercooler. This GS is packing a turbocharged 2JZ engine for full JDM effect.

Auto Enthusiast Day comes out swinging. If that’s too much for your sensibilities, perhaps something more subtle would appeal.

Granted, this Lexus LS isn’t exactly your dad’s family cruiser.

This LS 430 F-Sport has traded the adaptive suspension for air ride. The LS has alwasy lent itself well to the VIP look, though the rear end treatment has been received in a divisive manner in the office, even for a late-model Lexus adorned with a spindle grille. Airing out the suspension exaggerates the massive wheels and giant brakes behind them.

If you couldn’t tell from the family photo in the middle, the Air Runner suspension group brought out several other Toyota/Lexus products, including a previous gen GS, IS and a slammed Prius at the end. Check out the wood flooring in the GS, classic VIP material.

VIP styling isn’t exactly my thing, I prefer cars that can go fast around corners, and, preferably, also look fast when parked. This very yellow RC350 F-Sport, and its blue RC-F stablemate seem to do the trick. Did I mention how yellow this thing is?

Alright, let’s wrap this up. This last one is my personal favorite.

The RC seems to be the tuner favorite in the Lexus lineup.

Of course, being a muscular, sporty coupe, it’s only natural that car enthusiasts would be drawn to it. Funnily enough, however, the already beefy RC gets further muscle from the Rocket Bunny widebody kit. Naturally, this Lexus RC show car is on air ride, all the better to get it sitting pretty for pictures.