Lexus IS 430 is the First-Gen IS F We Never Got
Daily Slideshow: At one time Lexus was a cushy reliable luxury brand that didn't have much focus on performance. The IS430 was a show of what Lexus could do in the world of sports cars.
A Different Time
The early 2000’s were a different time for automobiles. Giant faux grills weren’t plaguing front ends, Chevrolet was pumping out C5 Corvettes with the interior from a Trailblazer, and the Germans hadn’t fully figured out the “luxury” part of the luxury sports sedan. Most importantly, Lexus brought something to SEMA that would forecast their entire lineup up to this point. The IS430.
What Is It?
The IS430 was a SEMA build done right. Before the show was so overloaded with stanced Civics that the good builds couldn’t be seen anymore, Lexus brought the IS430 in 2003 and showed what they had in mind for the next 15 years. Nearly directly comparable to the BMW M3 of the time, the IS430 showed what Lexus could do.
From what started as a standard IS300 with a 3.0l straight six, Rob Millen of Rob Millen Special Vehicles ripped out the original drivetrain and shoved in a powerful Lexus V8.
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Out With The Old
The original naturally aspirated 3.0l straight six produced around 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque. Millen took out the smooth I6 in pursuit of more power. He replaced it with a 4.3l V8 found normally in the Lexus GS and LS. Known internally as the 3UZ-FE, the naturally aspirated powertrain produced 340 hp and 300 lb-ft, a large bump from the stock performance.
Lexus didn’t slack on the transmission either. A proper Getrag 6-speed manual transmission was fitted. Normally found in BMW’s of the “M” variety, it’s a proper trans that can bring any platform up to competitive levels.
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More Than Just an Engine Swap
Lexus didn’t just stop at the powertrain either. The scales were tipped to a heavier 3,350 lbs, so Lexus made sure to compensate for the weight with a full suspension upgrade. TEIN springs were fitted and 16-way electrical adjustable shocks were there to control the stiffer springs. Brembo brakes were installed on all four corners to bring the Lexus to a stop. Michelin Pilot Sport Cups adorned the SSR wheels. On top of this, a stronger limited-slip diff was installed between the rear wheels to help take the higher torque figures down on the road.
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Dated, But Still Looks Good
The IS430 is clearly from another time. The two-tone paint is very 2000’s, but still actually looks fairly good. It's reminiscent of the release paint scheme of the Bugatti Veyron. The chrome SSR wheels would look completely out of place on the Las Vegas Convention Center floor today, but in 2003, they were the style of the time. The overall look of the car is clearly from another era, but with the upgrades and powertrain that were fitted, this car would drive as fun as any other early 2000s sports car, including the M3 it was snidely aimed at.
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus IS430 concept right here at ClubLexus Forum!
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