Lexus IS200 is Transformed into a Proper Track Car
Daily Slideshow: Korea might not be the first place you think to go for an incredible Lexus build, but this IS200 is sure to change that. Check it out inside.
Korean Built, Korean Proud
Car culture is alive and well, pretty much all over the globe. More so in certain countries than others, of course. Japan and the U.S. are obvious hotbeds for custom Lexus activity, but Korea? Not so much. Or at least we thought so until we laid eyes upon this amazing IS200 build. The Lexus just so happens to be the personal ride of Jaewoo Kim of Korea-based MotorKlasse Corp. And it's one heck of a rolling business card, we'd say.
And Then...a Problem
According to Kim, motorsports and the automotive aftermarket indeed have quite a ways to go in Korea. Heck, simply obtaining any model other than a domestically built Kia or Hyundai is difficult. But Kim wanted to build a time attack machine based on the Lexus IS200, not one of those boring offerings. So he imported one and got to work. But this presented a problem.
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Keeping it All Natural
The IS200s imported to Korea weren't exactly specced out for racing. In fact, all Kim could get his hands on was an IS powered by the 1G-FE straight-six equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Sure, he could have just slapped a turbo in there and called it a day. But Kim wanted to stay naturally aspirated, so he instead swapped in a JDM Beams 3S-GE and 6-speed manual.
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
More Problems
Of course, this particular engine wasn't designed to work in a left-hand drive car. So Kim got to work modifying the exhaust manifold and swapped in electric power steering to make it all mesh. He then stroked out the mill to 2,211 cc and installed bigger camshafts and valve springs, AE111 throttle bodies, and a custom exhaust. An AEM EMS-4 engine management system controls it all, sending power back to a 4.30 geared limited-slip rear end.
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
She's Got the Go and the Whoa
To make the Lexus handle curves as well as it goes, Kim got to work on the suspension. In went a set of aluminum coilovers sporting Hyperco 900lb/1100lb springs, reinforced subframe mounts, upgraded bushings, and rigid collars from Spoon. Kim didn't forget the brakes either, upgrading to StopTech STR40 Trophy calipers with beefy 355mm rotors. Wheels are Enkei RS05RRs, measuring 18x10 at each corner, all of which are wrapped in 265/35R18 Hankook TD tires.
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Lookin' Good
Kim couldn't do all that work without upgrading the appearance of his Lexus, of course. And yet, everything he did to the body prioritizes form over function. The widened front bumper and flared fenders were added out of necessity, making room for the beefy rolling stock. And the custom front splitter, Spoon rear diffuser, and Bros GT wing all add much-needed downforce.
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
All Business
The interior is likewise all business. From the polycarbonate windows to the 6-point roll cage and Recaro SP GT-II racing seats, it's all about safety and performance. There's no doubt about this car's true intentions, from the Bros Laptor R2 GPS data-logger to the quick-release steering wheel. By looking at Kim's IS, you would never guess it was constructed in Korea. But the build is concrete proof that it's about time we start taking their upstart car culture seriously!
>>Join the conversation about the MotorKlasse IS200 right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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