If there’s a fine line between genius and insanity, when it comes to building cars, New Zealander Carl Thompson walks that line. Need proof? Then look at his latest creation, because this built-to-drift Lexus GS300, is both brilliant and at the same time borderline crazy.
If you’re social media savvy then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve already seen – and heard – the car in question; albeit via a short, off-the-cuff YouTube clip walk-around shot by Speedhunters’ own Mad Mike Whiddett. Within the space of just one week it had generated over quarter of a million views. If you haven’t done so already, turn up your speakers and watch it, then you might understand why.
I first laid my eyes on the car back in 2011 when it was nothing more than a bare, rolling shell having its roll cage sorted at M3 Racing after some serious chassis modification courtesy of M3 and Rolling Addiction. I chanced upon it again last year when it was in the throes of having its engine fired up at CBR. Now, three years on since Carl and his father Jamie set out to build what is quite possibly the craziest Lexus drift machine the world has ever seen, we meet again – this time on its own turf.
The Thompson compound is a very cool place, and while the guys did some last minute detailing I took a walk around what is essentially Jamie’s private auto museum. I’ll show you a little more later in the post…
Amidst a large collection of old school classics, I found the car that started it all off for Carl. He got the Corolla when he was just 13, and within five years it had gone from stock 4K-powered to pushing close to 450hp to the rear wheels through a built 1.6L, turbocharged 4A-GZE. And that was without factoring a large shot of nitrous oxide at the ready should the need for even more power arise. Which, for Carl, it did.
In many ways this rabid (and rapid!) little Toyota was the catalyst for the Lexus build. Having owned three GS300 (aka JDM-spec Toyota Aristo) road cars previously, Carl had his mind made up on exactly where he wanted the drift project to start. Engineering the car with a similar power-to-weight ratio and the same questionable demeanor as the Corolla is where he wanted end up.
To that end the Lexus was essentially built as a “scaled up” version of the Corolla, but with pure race car functionality and absolute high-end build quality in mind.
On the flip side, Carl had clear intentions about what the car should look like too; and in this respect wheel type, ride height and fitment all shared the number one spot on his priority list. Of course, there are two ways you can go about achieving perfect stance: the right way, and the wrong way. This one’s had custom chassis work including a 7″ body drop and tubbing for the cause, so I don’t think I need to spell out which route was taken.
Meticulous attention to detail is common theme throughout the car, and absolutely no corners were cut, or compromises made, during the intensive build period.
When I was talking to Mike about the car a few months ago, he suggested that it might just be the best drift build he had ever seen. I don’t think he’s wrong either, because the more you look, and the deeper you delve into the car, the better it gets. Take the 18×12.5″ Work Meister wheels, custom full floating Endevor Engineering hubs and dual Wilwood 4-pot calipers (one pair exclusively for the e-brake) on the rear end for example.
And that said, there was absolutely no questioning the fact that it needed a limited edition Speedhunters #MAXIMUMATTACK sticker stuck on it!
The one detail that did change during the build is actually its defining factor. Initially a Toyota 2J-GZE was destined to give the big car the big power it needed – four digit horsepower output the required goal. Although started that engine build was never completed, at by which time Carl had his sights set on a less conventional approach.
And the flame-throwing and subsequent metal-warping result of that idea is nothing short of spectacular.
At the heart of the GS300 is one of the angriest rotary engine packages you’re likely to find outside a methanol-guzzling drag motor. It’s the handiwork of Curran Brothers Racing – or more specifically the man behind the Auckland-based operation – Brent Curran. In it’s simplest form you’re looking at four-rotor peripheral-ported motor built from a quartet of CBR race-prepped 13B rotors and housings, wrapped around a Precision Engineering (NZ) four-rotor crankshaft. Even without pushing the ignition switch it’s a work of automotive art. When it fires into life it’s nothing short of mind-numbing.
A four-rotor engine on its own is cool enough, but for the task at hand the motor required a little extra motivation. That’s come about through a custom BorgWarner turbocharger of substantial size, and a greater system that features dual 600x300x75mm intercoolers with custom aluminum pipework and a TiAL 60mm V60 wastegate employed to control boost pressure. With 1.5kg/cm (22psi) dialed up, 900hp at the rear wheels – an easy thou’ at the crank – is the result.
To meet the engine’s high RPM demands there’s an equally serious ancillary system. For spark, eight MSD coils are employed…
…Powered up through of pair of MoTeC Capacity Discharge Ignition System (CDI) modules. This photo also shows one of four D2 Racing air jacks on board.
A custom-built 80L fuel cell in the trunk supplies a strict diet of E85 to the engine through large braided lines via a mechanical pump, an Aeromotive adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and eight 1600cc/min fuel injectors. The cell shares space in the truck with an oil tank – one part of the Peterson dry sump system – along with shroud (complete with electric fan) that draws heat through…
…A rear-mounted Griffin oil cooler. Ducting from both rear side glass-coated Lexan polycarbonate windows to channel cool air towards the core is still to be fitted. It’s mounted here mainly through a lack of available space at the front end of the car, but also because of the safety factor in case of a frontal impact.
Meanwhile, a MicroTech engine management system tuned by CBR looks after fuel control.
As it stands the engine is making good numbers but the turbo has proven to be the limiting factor, especially in regard to whereabouts in the rev range maximum boost is produced.
Installed but not yet employed is a big ol’ shot of nitrous, which like in the Corolla will be used mainly to bolster performance through the low and mid-RPM rev range.
And when that happens, an extra 200hp will be available, and right where the engine needs it.
Before that happens though, there’s a larger BorgWarner turbo to be fitted, and more boost – 2.0kg/cm (30psi) – to flow from it. For the time being, however, Carl can only imagine what kind of hell will break loose when the package is full sorted and the nitrous switch is tripped. When that happens I’ve been promised a ride, but I’m not entirely convinced that accepting it would be a good idea…
Another important aspect of the car, but one you can’t see, is the rear-end set up. Some serious work has gone on in this region including the fitting of a Strange Engineering 9″ differential (currently running 3.75:1 gears) in a Moroso Competition Racing housing. Local company Endevour Engineering supplied a pair of race-ready axles and the aforementioned full floating hubs. Suspension-wise Koni custom-valved dampers and platform-adjustable King Springs coils hold up all four corners. Revised arms allow for alignment adjustment and roll center adjusters are also used. And just in case you’re wondering – no, the current ride height, which was wound low for the car’s official unveiling at the 2013 4&Rotary Nationals in Auckland this weekend, is not the height it’s driven at. Low – yes, but not this low.
In the cockpit you’ll find pair of Sparco Evo Plus seats and Sparco harnesses. From this angle you can also see some of the custom steel work inside the car; the revised tunnel – part of an entirely replaced custom floorpan – and the enlarged rear wheel tubs, which happily accommodate 285-section wide tires, at a very low ride height.
The suspension set up also features adjustable blade sway bars front and rear by M3 Racing, which can be tightened up or softened off depending on requirements and track conditions. The gear lever drives a Roltek 4-speed straight-cut dog box via a Direct Clutches twin-plate clutch, although using the clutch to make shifts is not required once the car is moving.
Remote reservoirs allow fluid levels to be monitored from within the cabin, while an array of Auto Meter Pro-Comp gauges keep an eye on the engine’s operating condition.
The battery is one of many components specifically positioned in the car to improve weight distribution. Furthermore, the GS300 has been subject to a session of corner weighting.
Along with the performance focus, the car has plenty of personality too. Mr. Mad Mike Whiddett can be credited with all the vinyl and pin-striping work.
The body on the other hand is mostly factory-spec fare. Carl’s not big on body kits, instead relying on subtle enhancements – in this case cut and boxed front steel fenders to allow the 18×10.5″ wheels to fit – to pull the look together.
To line-up with the fenders, the front bumper was cut though the middle and widened to suit.
At the rear the fenders have been massaged outwards, but they’ll soon be sliced up to make way for removable fiberglass over fenders that will run to the taillights.
Having such a competitive package at his disposal, the only thing left for Carl now is to gather as much seat time as possible. At its first private track shakedown a month back it showed stacks of promise straight off the trailer, and according to Carl, felt exactly as he hoped it would – just on a slightly larger scale than he’s become accustomed to with the Corolla.
Crazy or brilliant? In my mind this might just be the perfect combination of both…
Before I wrap up this post, I thought I’d include a few more photos from inside one of the coolest garages I’ve had the pleasure of spending a day in.
The iron clad shed doubles as an office for Jamie, but at the same time houses a collection of old oil tins and cans.
The collection is predominantly Ford-based, but there’s still room for Carl’s Toyotas, of course.
Gas bowsers and model cars are well represented in the collection, and perfectly displayed to boot.
If you saw my post on the 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing you might have seen the actual Cologne Capri this model was scaled from.
Big thanks to Carl and Jamie for letting Speedhunters drop by!
Brad.
SPEC
Engine: Curran Brother Racing (CBR) custom-built 26B four-rotor Mazda rotary; Precision Engineering four-rotor eccentric shaft; 8x MSD coils; 8x 1600cc fuel injectors (E85); CBR-spec BorgWarner turbocharger; TiAL 60mm external wastegate; TiAL 50mm blow-off valve; 2x 600x300x75mm front-mount intercoolers; custom aluminum intercooler pipes; 5″ exhaust from turbo, 2x 3.5″ side-exit pipes; 2x MoTec CDI modules; custom engine mount plate; Peterson dry sump pump; Peterson dry sump tank; Griffin rear-mounted oil cooler; Griffin aluminum race radiator; 90mm throttle body; Aeromotive adjustable fuel pressure regulator, Aeromotive mechanical fuel pump; custom 80L fuel cell; custom fuel surge tank; custom header tank, catch can and power steering reservoir; XRP steel braided lines & fittings, Nitrous Oxide Systems 200hp kit; custom wiring
Engine Management: MicroTech, tuned by CBR
Driveline: Roltek 4-speed straight-cut dog box; Direct Clutches twin-plate clutch; custom 2-piece driveshaft; Strange Engineering differential; 3.75:1 gears; Moroso Competition Racing 9″ diff housing; Endevour Engineering full floating rear hubs; Endevour Engineering custom-built axles;
Suspension: Front/Rear – custom-built Koni adjustable dampers; King coil-over springs; M3 Racing adjustable blade sway bars front/rear; modified arms, custom castor arms, performance bushes; adjustable roll center
Brakes: Front – Wilwood 365mm rotors, Wilwood 6-pot callipers; Rear – Wilwood 330mm rotors; twin Wilwood 4-pod calipers; Wilwood adjustable bias; hydraulic e-brake
Wheels/Tires: Front – 18×10.5″ -14 Work Meister alloys; 245/45R18 Nitto NT05 tires; Rear – 18×12.5″ -14 Work Meister alloys; 285/35R18 tires
Body: Factory Aristo; widened front bumper; cut/widened front fenders, Lexan glass-laminate door and rear windows
Interior: Custom-chassis rail modifications & 7″ body drop; front & rear wheel tubs; MSNZ-spec roll-cage; Sparco Evo 2 seats; Sparco harness belts, custom dash panel; Auto Meter gauges; Sparco suede steering wheel; D2 Racing air jacks; Sparco plumbed-in fire suppressant system; custom floorpan
Thanks: Colin @ Rolling Addiction, Kerry @ M3 Racing, Brent @ Curran Brothers Racing, Karl @ Elite Automotive, Mike @ CRE8GRFX, Matt @ Nitto Tires/YHI New Zealand
DESKTOPS
Video! plz!
Video! plz!
Video! plz!
Video! plz!
fucking insane!
fucking insane!
fucking insane!
fucking insane!
VIDEEEEEEOOO!!!!
VIDEEEEEEOOO!!!!
VIDEEEEEEOOO!!!!
VIDEEEEEEOOO!!!!
Awesome!!!
Awesome!!!
Awesome!!!
Awesome!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaC19p4Avp4 here's a peak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaC19p4Avp4 here's a peak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaC19p4Avp4 here's a peak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaC19p4Avp4 here's a peak
sick. loving the wheels!
sick. loving the wheels!
sick. loving the wheels!
sick. loving the wheels!
Excellent. Everything is beautifully laid out and properly executed. This is Form = Function or Function = Form. Hellaflush meets Formula D. Bippu meets D1GP.
Excellent. Everything is beautifully laid out and properly executed. This is Form = Function or Function = Form. Hellaflush meets Formula D. Bippu meets D1GP.
Excellent. Everything is beautifully laid out and properly executed. This is Form = Function or Function = Form. Hellaflush meets Formula D. Bippu meets D1GP.
Excellent. Everything is beautifully laid out and properly executed. This is Form = Function or Function = Form. Hellaflush meets Formula D. Bippu meets D1GP.
Excellent. Everything is beautifully laid out and properly executed. This is Form = Function or Function = Form. Hellaflush meets Formula D. Bippu meets D1GP.
I had an orgasm when I first watch the video of this car, so imagine how I felt when I watched this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA8PclZBbj4 Oh, and is Carl gonna compete in any competitions with this car anytime soon? D1NZ perhaps? Anyhow, did you managed to cover V4 & Rotary Nationals Brad? Also would love to see a feature on the PPRE 6 Rotor RX-4.
An awesome machine...true evil genius !!
zoom zoom! what a beautiful build, lovin' the rotary!
I don't see where the 7" body drop is?
WAR machine !!!!
i am a fan of the drift/vip mashups like this, supermade, 326 power, etc. coming from the show side this is still an impressive vehicle, and i've been to enough track events to appreciate the sound of a beastly rotary.
Just to let you know you put enders instead of fenders on pic 33
Rad. I'm feelin this
No words... haha. NZ rocks!
Just a WOW from me
completely mental, totally unique, and a very clean execution. Alot of obvious time, money and attention went into it....and I am soooo not a drift car guy at all
@GT418 well said
It is going to be hard for ANY build to top this one this year. Well done! I love the bonkers engine and relatively simple white color scheme and body. Amazing
OMFG this is sex on wheels
Awesome, rotors rule. Next up, what's mad mike going to to his Rotas?
I thought the same thing. either its amazingly well done... or there was a typo, but im willing to believe either one if Mr. Lord will confirm for us.
Perfect, except for the helladerp wheel/tire combo. I hope he runs something more reasonable when he isn't hard parking it.
I love how the caption says, "pure race car functionality and absolute high-end build quality" and the very next picture is of a destroyed fender and a stretched tire. Might be a halfway decent car if he put some real wheels and tires on it and got rid of that rotary.
I'm obviously bias but get rid of the rotary? Really? Would the car have been cooler with a 2jz or Lsx swap? Not a chance. This is a fantastic build.
Car is an absolute work of art in every way. Spot on build Carl, keep it up sir.
#Jake Lardass, your an idiot !
Clean and bold execution, a whole new approach on VIP lol. That garage deserves a feature of its own.
Superb project, well done!
What car is parked behind the red corolla? Fourth and Fifth pictures from the top, and the last picture.
I spent the last 24 or so hours trying to think of something I could post here to add to this... but I got nothing. I mean, just holy crap.
D-:) **stunned**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaC19p4Avp4
And you are using hashtags on a website that doesn't utilize that feature, and you don't know the difference between 'your' and 'you're'.
Jake Laird Im gonna geuss this car has cost the owner a very large amount of money to build. I think what the owner should have done is contacted you and built it how you want it done so you are then happy with it?? No lets not build cars outside the square, lets not be creative. Congratulations to the owner in building the car he wanted with HIS money.
Jake Laird Im gonna geuss this car has cost the owner a very large amount of money to build. I think what the owner should have done is contacted you and built it how you want it done so you are then happy with it?? No lets not build cars outside the square, lets not be creative. Congratulations to the owner in building the car he wanted with HIS money.
Jake Laird Im gonna geuss this car has cost the owner a very large amount of money to build. I think what the owner should have done is contacted you and built it how you want it done so you are then happy with it?? No lets not build cars outside the square, lets not be creative. Congratulations to the owner in building the car he wanted with HIS money.
Jake Laird Im gonna geuss this car has cost the owner a very large amount of money to build. I think what the owner should have done is contacted you and built it how you want it done so you are then happy with it?? No lets not build cars outside the square, lets not be creative. Congratulations to the owner in building the car he wanted with HIS money.
Jake Laird Im gonna geuss this car has cost the owner a very large amount of money to build. I think what the owner should have done is contacted you and built it how you want it done so you are then happy with it?? No lets not build cars outside the square, lets not be creative. Congratulations to the owner in building the car he wanted with HIS money.
got to admit this is one of the best things i'v seen on this blog damm i am so glad you speedhunters share all this stuff with us .. ....thank you speed hunter keep up the good work .....i have no more words to say when i first say this my inside felt different and alot of guys out there know what i'm talking about ...
got to admit this is one of the best things i'v seen on this blog damm i am so glad you speedhunters share all this stuff with us .. ....thank you speed hunter keep up the good work .....i have no more words to say when i first say this my inside felt different and alot of guys out there know what i'm talking about ...
got to admit this is one of the best things i'v seen on this blog damm i am so glad you speedhunters share all this stuff with us .. ....thank you speed hunter keep up the good work .....i have no more words to say when i first say this my inside felt different and alot of guys out there know what i'm talking about ...
got to admit this is one of the best things i'v seen on this blog damm i am so glad you speedhunters share all this stuff with us .. ....thank you speed hunter keep up the good work .....i have no more words to say when i first say this my inside felt different and alot of guys out there know what i'm talking about ...
got to admit this is one of the best things i'v seen on this blog damm i am so glad you speedhunters share all this stuff with us .. ....thank you speed hunter keep up the good work .....i have no more words to say when i first say this my inside felt different and alot of guys out there know what i'm talking about ...
Jake laird, your a fucking chump stick your scooter you fuck butty boy. What the fuck do you know you stupid waste of a penis...
Jake laird, your a fucking chump stick your scooter you fuck butty boy. What the fuck do you know you stupid waste of a penis...
Jake laird, your a fucking chump stick your scooter you fuck butty boy. What the fuck do you know you stupid waste of a penis...
Jake laird, your a fucking chump stick your scooter you fuck butty boy. What the fuck do you know you stupid waste of a penis...
Jake laird, your a fucking chump stick your scooter you fuck butty boy. What the fuck do you know you stupid waste of a penis...
@B rad There is no need to be upset, my son. This is a place of peace.
@B rad There is no need to be upset, my son. This is a place of peace.
@B rad There is no need to be upset, my son. This is a place of peace.
@B rad There is no need to be upset, my son. This is a place of peace.
@B rad There is no need to be upset, my son. This is a place of peace.
@nzjoleeh It's called an opinion, dude. And I have the freedom to share my opinion, be it something you agree with or not. If the owner is happy, then great. I'm glad for him. But I personally think this car sucks. Sorry.
@nzjoleeh It's called an opinion, dude. And I have the freedom to share my opinion, be it something you agree with or not. If the owner is happy, then great. I'm glad for him. But I personally think this car sucks. Sorry.
@nzjoleeh It's called an opinion, dude. And I have the freedom to share my opinion, be it something you agree with or not. If the owner is happy, then great. I'm glad for him. But I personally think this car sucks. Sorry.
@nzjoleeh It's called an opinion, dude. And I have the freedom to share my opinion, be it something you agree with or not. If the owner is happy, then great. I'm glad for him. But I personally think this car sucks. Sorry.
@nzjoleeh It's called an opinion, dude. And I have the freedom to share my opinion, be it something you agree with or not. If the owner is happy, then great. I'm glad for him. But I personally think this car sucks. Sorry.
@Elliott
@Elliott
@Elliott
@Elliott
@Elliott
@Elliott , look like a 97 EL Ford Falcon GT. but that is only a guess.
@Elliott , look like a 97 EL Ford Falcon GT. but that is only a guess.
@Elliott , look like a 97 EL Ford Falcon GT. but that is only a guess.
@Elliott , look like a 97 EL Ford Falcon GT. but that is only a guess.
@Elliott , look like a 97 EL Ford Falcon GT. but that is only a guess.
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
So he's running two spark plugs per rotor to ensure a proper burn of the mixture? I wasn't aware people had to do this on rotaries? What's the compression ratio of the motor?
This is completely nuts and the kind of build I love to see.
So he's running two spark plugs per rotor to ensure a proper burn of the mixture? I wasn't aware people had to do this on rotaries? What's the compression ratio of the motor?
This is completely nuts and the kind of build I love to see.
So he's running two spark plugs per rotor to ensure a proper burn of the mixture? I wasn't aware people had to do this on rotaries? What's the compression ratio of the motor?
This is completely nuts and the kind of build I love to see.
So he's running two spark plugs per rotor to ensure a proper burn of the mixture? I wasn't aware people had to do this on rotaries? What's the compression ratio of the motor?
This is completely nuts and the kind of build I love to see.
So he's running two spark plugs per rotor to ensure a proper burn of the mixture? I wasn't aware people had to do this on rotaries? What's the compression ratio of the motor?
This is completely nuts and the kind of build I love to see.
" im my opinion i would have rather selected a xxx motor" etc. your first statement didnt sound like an opinion but rather "hating on it because you dont like it" not trying to start an argument just think every car should be appreciated as something the owner has put a lot of time into. Theres lots of cars i dont like but each to their own.
" im my opinion i would have rather selected a xxx motor" etc. your first statement didnt sound like an opinion but rather "hating on it because you dont like it" not trying to start an argument just think every car should be appreciated as something the owner has put a lot of time into. Theres lots of cars i dont like but each to their own.
" im my opinion i would have rather selected a xxx motor" etc. your first statement didnt sound like an opinion but rather "hating on it because you dont like it" not trying to start an argument just think every car should be appreciated as something the owner has put a lot of time into. Theres lots of cars i dont like but each to their own.
" im my opinion i would have rather selected a xxx motor" etc. your first statement didnt sound like an opinion but rather "hating on it because you dont like it" not trying to start an argument just think every car should be appreciated as something the owner has put a lot of time into. Theres lots of cars i dont like but each to their own.
" im my opinion i would have rather selected a xxx motor" etc. your first statement didnt sound like an opinion but rather "hating on it because you dont like it" not trying to start an argument just think every car should be appreciated as something the owner has put a lot of time into. Theres lots of cars i dont like but each to their own.
Rotaries run factory a leading and trailing spark to ensure maximum burn.
Rotaries run factory a leading and trailing spark to ensure maximum burn.
Rotaries run factory a leading and trailing spark to ensure maximum burn.
Rotaries run factory a leading and trailing spark to ensure maximum burn.
Rotaries run factory a leading and trailing spark to ensure maximum burn.
@nzjoleeh ^Yup. The elongated combustion chamber has inherit thermodynamic inefficiencies. Two plugs help with ignition. The 787B running a 26B four rotor had 3 spark plugs.
@nzjoleeh ^Yup. The elongated combustion chamber has inherit thermodynamic inefficiencies. Two plugs help with ignition. The 787B running a 26B four rotor had 3 spark plugs.
@nzjoleeh ^Yup. The elongated combustion chamber has inherit thermodynamic inefficiencies. Two plugs help with ignition. The 787B running a 26B four rotor had 3 spark plugs.
@nzjoleeh ^Yup. The elongated combustion chamber has inherit thermodynamic inefficiencies. Two plugs help with ignition. The 787B running a 26B four rotor had 3 spark plugs.
@nzjoleeh ^Yup. The elongated combustion chamber has inherit thermodynamic inefficiencies. Two plugs help with ignition. The 787B running a 26B four rotor had 3 spark plugs.
Beautiful !
@jake Laird
real wheels? have you had a proper read?
and get rid of the quad rotor?the only thing that should be gone is you.
hopefully you didnt froth over the pics and spawn more kooks...
Epicness Carl badass car bro
@ApexHunter @nzjoleeh "R"26B, plenty of people can build 26b's but that r makes a world of difference
Wow how amazing this build is.
@Muzaffar Musa
he is goin in d1nz just spent this season getting everythin right from what i know
@ApexHunter @nzjoleeh Ok I'm going to look into that more, I didn't know that guys. Thanks! So what is the timing on the spark? How far apart do they fire? Did not know the 787B ran 3 plugs per rotor.
I'm going to look more into this, but if you can provide a solid link I would appreciate it a lot.
Hey Brad, do you plan on doing another post of a walk-around of the shop? It looks sexy as hell!
@Rod79 @Elliott Yep 97 EL GT in green & man trans
So how should i put it...Give me.Why do i get a feeling that this build kicked something fundamental up a notch across the board.
@JDMized <fainted>
:>
@Rotary Despite the inefficiency of the rotary, and the lack of torque there is something inherently badass about a triple / 4 rotor revving its nuts off. I love the way they sound. Got to drive a 300hp 13b one time and the torque wasn't very impressive, but in terms of uniqueness they check all the right boxes.
This car sounds badass and must go like sh*t off a shovel.
Simply incredible!
@B rad Sounds like somebody's jimmies got rusted real good.
@B rad Sounds like somebody's jimmies got rustled real good.
NEED TO HEAR
This is savage, also loving the number plate! Is the car street legal???
Mad. Beautifully MAD
ricky bobby!!!
oh yeah, the car is awesome too. heheh.
"At the rear the fenders have been massaged outwards, but they’ll soon be sliced up to make way for removable fiberglass over fenders that will run to the taillights"
" the current ride height, which was wound low for the car’s official unveiling at the 2013 4&Rotary Nationals in Auckland this weekend, is not the height it’s driven at."
"At its first private track shakedown a month back it showed stacks of promise straight off the trailer, and according to Carl, felt exactly as he hoped it would "
So there's this thing called 'reading comprehension', and with it you can read an article and then proceed to not make stupid, asinine statements that make you look completely illiterate. You should try it sometime.
I'm more of a pistonhead than a rotary guy, but this thing is absolutely wicked. I think the combination of the 4 rotor and the big sedan just makes it for me. A 4-rotor in an RX-7 is cool if you're a rotary guy, and a car guy in general I guess, but the uniqueness of this build is through the roof.
OMG yes, now that is how it's done! I want to shove like every stance guys face into pictures of this car. I dare to say it's even almost the best of both worlds. That looks amazingly good. I will say that the look and build of this car is not something I would ever do. I'm not big into drag racing but you gotta be crazy not to like this build in all honesty. They put in the work and cleaned it up beautifully. Bravo!!! Brad Lord, good post!! Best car I've seen on here all year 2013 as far as overall build is concerned.
@davidfryklind this is the kind of escalation I fully condone An escalation in quality!!!
@FunctionFirst Right on haha!
ABSOLUTELY NUCKING FUTS!!! My jaw is on the floor.
I was reading the title "THE 1000HP 4-ROTOR, TURBO, NITROUS, LEXUS GS300" saying WTF after each word, nice build, its gonna be hard to better
@BenjaminSaucier Its for drifting not drag racing.
BLOWN AWAY! Sweet, sweet build.
"Yeah, I wanna go fast!" - Ricky Bobby
This car raises the standard on so many levels and is a direct reflection of the owners. Function, character and definitely presence! Build of 2013? This will be another interesting year. Let the games begin!
I must see a video of this!!!
Interesting how many commenters have missed that this is a drift car
@Rotary what a rotary inherenly lacks in torque for it's designated hp, it obviously makes up for in other ways. Far less rotating parts, far smoother at any rpm level, and generally a higher rpm threshold vs a similarly 'sized' piston engine. The torque can often be made up via achange of final drive
These is a mean build.. This guy was clearly thinking even if i had endless amounts of gwop ( money ) I wouldnt thought to build such a car EVER!... This is car porn at its finest.... This car is crack i agree must see a drift vid of this
@2jz tt AristoNZ I think I was way too tired and excited when I wrote that haha... he sure doesn't have the tires for drag. 2nd time looking at this car today, just too nice.
Wow, just wow. That is how you start the year off with a bang, and that bang is the sound of the extremely tall benchmark being set for 2013 gentlemen.
so much for "Bensopras 380SX will be 2013s most talked about build" ; )
Bonkers
That is absolutely stunning, but why do all of these monster 4 rotor beauties always have to be for drag racing or drift? I'd love to see another time attack or wheel to wheel build. Curran will most likely be building the NA 4 rotor for my Rx7, (Time Attack) and I've got nothing for respect for those guys.
@iscratchmymind Here you go: http://youtu.be/LaC19p4Avp4 (though obviously hearing it in the metal would be much better!)
its wonderful!!!!
Respect from Moscow!
normally i'm not a big fan of rotary swaps, but i'm ok with it here for some reason. maybe because it's not yet another LS
though now that i;ve said that, i bet it'd be sort of funny (the kind of funny where you write lol in a text but you didn't actually laugh) if someone put some kind of LS in a lexus LS
What. In. The. Serious. F*CK.
Seriously...
Oh look New Zealand again...
Ridiculous. Just insane.
No shoutout to Riki@668 Automotive for the paint? Rat shit
That is some brilliant engineering and fabrication. And huge respect that the Toyota has been kept by him for years and years
http://perpetualroad.wordpress.com/
That build is incredible! Cant wait to see a video of it drifting.
Car's awesome, but that noise!!!!!!!!!!
Here is another 1000hp lexus GS300/Toyota jzs161 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcj9i6TVqZ
Here is another 1000hp lexus GS300/Toyota jzs161 http://youtu.be/Mcj9i6TVqZU
Lets be honest, cram a 4 rotor into anything, it instantly becomes a badass. VW beetle+4 rotor=poor mans porsche!
Lets be honest, cram a 4 rotor into anything, it instantly becomes a badass. VW beetle+4 rotor=poor mans porsche!
Yeah this is on point.
SebastianBlix There is one coming from Australia...
This is the sickest shit I've ever seen.
SeBaBunea 1996 - 2001 I believe
can that thing even turn?