With the new Lexus IS250 and IS350 out, we decided to take a look back at the generation IS that first made landfall in the states. Otherwise known as the Altezza in Japan, us Americans received a tuned down version of the vehicle on the stateside. Many of the owners of the IS300 desired more power and Tyler Defibaugh of Maryland did just that. Representing Team Emotion, Tyler knew he couldn’t just go half-ass on his project. He had to go all out not just underneath the hood, but on the exterior and everything in between.
On the exterior, the silver sedan received a body makeover consisting of a full kit. The front end is a Vertex front bumper straight from Japan, while the side skirts and the rear bumper are courtesy of L Sportline. Subtly accenting the trunk is a L Sportline rear spoiler. The final touches on the aesthetics came in the form of Ganador mirrors, giving the IS300 a sportier look. Giving the car any stance it needs whether it be on the street or on the show floor, a set of TEIN Flex coilovers gave Tyler the adjustability he desired. An EDFC was also installed for easy in car control. Hotchkis front and rear sway bars balances out the sedan’s handling. With the car lowered, a set of staggered 18-inch Axis Reverb wheels filled up each wheel well. Wrapped with Dunlop SPMaxx tires, this IS300 has no problems getting traction despite the power its producing. Coming to a stop has been made an easy task as well, with a Rotora Big Brake Kit in the front and the rear. Utilizing Rotora’s stainless brake lines, the front 6 piston caliper and rear 4 piston caliper makes braking easy.
Easily noticing the huge front mount Spearco intercooler in the front bumper, popping the hood reveals the force induction of the IS300. A PFS stage 2.5 turbo kit was installed, consisting of a Garrett 60-1 turbo. Exhaust duties have been handled with PFS custom piping including the exhaust manifold, downpipe, and mid pipe. A Rod Millen stainless steel exhaust frees everything from the car. The PFS stage 2.5 turbo kit came complete with plenty of fuel upgrades and Turbosmart goods. An NOS wet kit gives Tyler additional fun on demand, while the intercooler spray bar ensures the air is nice and chill when forced into the system.
In car entertainment is aplenty with a series of Defi gauges and Dynaudio components and ARC audio subwoofers and amplifiers. An Alpine head unit along with a Sony Playstation 2 makes for good entertainment at Hot Import Nights.
What will become of the new IS250 and IS350 on the tuner market? Only time can tell, but from what we’ve already seen the successor to the ever popular IS300 will be no disappointment.
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