PRESS RELEASE: Lexus Unveils V8-Powered IS 430 Project
11-03-03, 03:52 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
PRESS RELEASE: Lexus Unveils V8-Powered IS 430 Project
Liberating the Beast Within: Lexus Unveils V8-Powered IS 430 Project
11/03/2003 16:00 EST LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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(R), 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/video system using a proprietary DVD video player and removable 6.5-inch wide-screen video display. This prototype Mark Levinson(R) 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.
Key Features and Specifications
IS 430 IS 300
Engine: 4.3-liter DOHC V8, 3.0-liter DOHC I6,
normally aspirated normally aspirated
Horsepower: 340 (estimated) 215
Torque: 300+ 218
Exhaust System: Custom-fabricated tubular Tubular stainless steel
stainless steel headers; headers; dual
dual hi-flow catalysts and catalysts; single
dual low restriction mufflers outlet
Transmission: Getrag 6-speed manual 5-speed manual
Driveline: GS 430 Standard IS 300
Differential: 3.769:1 limited slip 3.727:1 limited slip
Suspension: Double wishbone with Double wishbone
adjustable-height 16-way
electronically adjustable
shock absorbers
Brakes: Brembo ventilated and Vented front, solid
cross-drilled 355x22 mm front, rear discs: twin-piston
345x28 rear rotors; Brembo front, single-piston
4-piston aluminum calipers rear calipers
Wheels: Speed Star SSR 5-spoke 17x7 inch 5-spoke
aluminum - 8x8 inch front, aluminum
18x8 inch rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup -- 215/45 R17 front and
265/35 ZR18 front, 325/40 rear
ZR18 rear
Curb Weight: 3,350 lbs. (estimated) 3,255 lbs.
Body Components: Rhys Millen Racing front Optional rear spoiler
lip spoiler and side skirts;
IS 300 optional rear spoiler
Paint & Bodywork: Foose Design/Chris Guinn -- Absolutely Red
solid black over red with
silver dividing pin stripe
Audio System: Mark Levinson(R) discrete Lexus Premium 4-channel
multi-channel with 20 with eight speakers;
speakers and DVD video six-CD changer
system; 720 watts*, all
channels driven; six-disc
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.
SOURCE Lexus
CO: Lexus
ST: Nevada
SU: PDT
http://www.prnewswire.com
11/03/2003 16:00 EST LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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(R), 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/video system using a proprietary DVD video player and removable 6.5-inch wide-screen video display. This prototype Mark Levinson(R) 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.
Key Features and Specifications
IS 430 IS 300
Engine: 4.3-liter DOHC V8, 3.0-liter DOHC I6,
normally aspirated normally aspirated
Horsepower: 340 (estimated) 215
Torque: 300+ 218
Exhaust System: Custom-fabricated tubular Tubular stainless steel
stainless steel headers; headers; dual
dual hi-flow catalysts and catalysts; single
dual low restriction mufflers outlet
Transmission: Getrag 6-speed manual 5-speed manual
Driveline: GS 430 Standard IS 300
Differential: 3.769:1 limited slip 3.727:1 limited slip
Suspension: Double wishbone with Double wishbone
adjustable-height 16-way
electronically adjustable
shock absorbers
Brakes: Brembo ventilated and Vented front, solid
cross-drilled 355x22 mm front, rear discs: twin-piston
345x28 rear rotors; Brembo front, single-piston
4-piston aluminum calipers rear calipers
Wheels: Speed Star SSR 5-spoke 17x7 inch 5-spoke
aluminum - 8x8 inch front, aluminum
18x8 inch rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup -- 215/45 R17 front and
265/35 ZR18 front, 325/40 rear
ZR18 rear
Curb Weight: 3,350 lbs. (estimated) 3,255 lbs.
Body Components: Rhys Millen Racing front Optional rear spoiler
lip spoiler and side skirts;
IS 300 optional rear spoiler
Paint & Bodywork: Foose Design/Chris Guinn -- Absolutely Red
solid black over red with
silver dividing pin stripe
Audio System: Mark Levinson(R) discrete Lexus Premium 4-channel
multi-channel with 20 with eight speakers;
speakers and DVD video six-CD changer
system; 720 watts*, all
channels driven; six-disc
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.
SOURCE Lexus
CO: Lexus
ST: Nevada
SU: PDT
http://www.prnewswire.com
11-03-03, 08:07 PM
#3
Lexus Connoisseur
That's what i'm talking about! 
11-04-03, 02:23 AM
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11-04-03, 03:47 AM
#8
Pole Position
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Oh man oh man.......
must resist urge to spend money and buy one from Rod Millen....maybe I can tell my wife it is a tax write off for entertainment purposes for the business...I can convince the IRS that too...........oh man oh man...I wan't one......
must resist urge to spend money and buy one from Rod Millen....maybe I can tell my wife it is a tax write off for entertainment purposes for the business...I can convince the IRS that too...........oh man oh man...I wan't one......
Last edited by UncleNick; 11-04-03 at 03:48 AM.
11-04-03, 05:46 AM
#9
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
"Gentlemen, we can rebuild him, we have the technology. We have the capability to make the worlds first Bionic car. IS430 will be that car. Better than he was before. Better. Stronger. Faster." 
11-04-03, 10:03 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
IS430
Yes, definitely....bring this car on. it would be absolutely perfect competition for the upcoming Holden GTO.....no doubt with much better Lexus build quality. Pontiac builds some nice looking cars, but their build quality isn't worth a damn.
11-04-03, 12:51 PM
#12
EV ftw!!!
That's what I call an M and AMG killer!!! This is exactly what Lexus needs to do to compete with the M's and AMG's from Germany. This car looks so sweet!!!!! I love how the wheels fill out the wheel wells and those exhaust mufflers look so wicked!!
