2003 Lexus IS 430 Concept

What if?

How do you enhance the sporting image of a brand quickly, and effectively? If you're Lexus you send a better than average performing vehicle to one of the world's best tuners to outfit it with upgraded engine components, perhaps a race-tuned suspension and ride, and if luring in a younger audience, looks that slay and a sound system that shocks - not literally.

How do you enhance the sporting image of a brand quickly, and effectively? Swap a the inline-6 for a V8. (Photo: Toyota/Lexus)

What's been described above is what Lexus has done in order to convert their 3-Series/A4 competitive IS 300 sedan into a street-smart hotrod to grab the attention of this year's SEMA show-goers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lexus, in close co-ordination with Rod Millen Special Vehicles (RMSV), has created a powerhouse IS set to put fear in the eyes of those who drive high performance luxury sedans. They've shoe-horned a 4.3 liter V8 with variable valve timing, the same engine fitted to the GS 430, SC 430 and

With the help of Rod Millen Special Vehicles (RMSV), Lexus has created a powerhouse IS set to put fear in the eyes of those who drive high performance luxury sedans. (Photo: Toyota/Lexus)

LS 430, into the much smaller IS engine compartment. Not only that, the 290-hp stock engine has been beefed up with a hi-flow radiator, a stainless-steel exhaust system, specially-designed air intake setup and other modifications, creating an estimated output of 340 horsepower, and torque that's on the high side of 300 lb-ft.

RMSV president, Rod Millen commented on the conversion, stating that "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. With a package of complementary modifications, it has exceeded our expectations." The new engine's power is fed through a short throw Getrag six-speed manual transmission. It is, of course rear wheel drive, like the standard IS.