The Bold And The BeautifulApproaching the IS 300 from the outside, you would have to be blind to not be struck by the complete makeover, courtesy of SARD. The front fascia, side skirts, rear valence and grille are all carefully designed to accent the factory lines. A Shift Sport carbon-fiber hood and vented fenders really set off the SARD pieces, while a TRD rear spoiler and Modellista side mirrors add the trim. A host of JDM Altezza pieces, such as carbon-fiber pillars and emblems flesh out the Japanese-pimp look. The paint itself is a custom violet pearl with silver metallic base whipped up by M.O.B. Works in a well-executed rush job just prior to a show.
With mere weeks to get his entire car painted and his entertainment system hooked up, Huang went to Creative Car Audio in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., for a professional rush job. Finished at 5 o'clock the morning of the show, the IS 300 now hosts a complete custom-fiberglass display layout with acrylic panels and neon lighting in the background. Powered by two Optima blue-top batteries, the RCR 7-inch LCD monitor and DVD/VCD/CD player blasts notes to Diamond Audio mids and highs. A Clarion pre-amp equalizer is hooked up to two Diamond Audio D7401 monoblock amplifiers and one D7104 four-channel amplifier. From the amps, the volts then come screaming out of two Diamond M6 12-inch subwoofers, nestled around a 15-inch Accel LCD monitor in the trunk.
Slip into the driver's seat and the first thing you'll notice is the grip of the Recaro SR-III Top Gun seats. Like sitting in the palm of a giant hand, this IS 300 won't let you go anywhere. Cinch yourself in with the Takata harnesses and close the door, now you're completely surrounded by a sea of suede, all assembled by StitchCraft of Huntington Beach, Calif. Gripping the Altezza steering wheel and noteing the JDM Altezza gauge cluster, you turn the key. The Lexus springs to life and the HKS DB Chrono boost, EGT, oil temperature, and HKS CAMP display system all light up to keep you informed. Aim the lever for the big D, feel the TBKO shifter kit assault the JUN Carbon driveshaft, and you're off.
Suspension EquationWith a fine list of mechanical specifications, the IS 300 on paper seems to be a capable, but not hardcore, handler. Huang tightened up the car with a set of HKS Hipermax II coil-overs and HKS purple series sway bars. Chassis braces include the Cusco front stage 1 tie bar, rear stage 1 and stage 2 tie bars, and a HKS Kansai rear tower bar. Factory stoppers are also gone, replaced by a Brembo Gran Turismo brake system featuring 13.5-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers fed by stainless-steel braided brake lines. With factory wheels no longer able to cover the calipers, not to mention their factory appearance, Huang threw on a set of 19-inch Volk Racing LE-37T wheels covered in BF Goodrich KDW tires.
With lots of hard work, cash and time, Huang has built his IS 300 into the dominating show car he always wanted. With a Best Lexus award at IAS Los Angeles, and a Best in Show award at the Nisei Week Showoff, Huang now has a growing number of trophies to keep him company. Shine them well, sir.