With so many interesting cars populating the San Jose Convention Center during Wekfest the other weekend, it was difficult to pick favorites. But with that said, there were still a few machines which clearly stood out from the crowd.
One of them was Adam Mao’s Lexus GS300 – arguably the best all-around GS/Aristo build on US shores.
While the preferred route for most GS owners is to go with a cosmetic-only VIP build, that’s not the case with Adam’s car. This one is equal parts show and go – and by ‘go’ I mean long smokey drifts.
Then again, the GS still has a style that would put many VIP cars to shame, thanks largely to a full BN Sports kit with Serial Nine over-fenders in the rear and custom wide fenders up front.
It’s hard to think of a more fitting color to bring the body together than a dark purple hue with a heavy dose of gold flake, and the Voltex Type II GT wing in the rear further helps to show this isn’t your typical luxury car.
Few wheels better symbolize late-1990s and early-2000s drift car style better than the SSR Agle Minerva – the ones on Adam’s car measuring 19×11-inch up front and 19×12-inch in the rear.
And then the piece that makes it all go – a fully built 2JZ-GTE with a Comp Turbo CT4-6265 turbocharger that makes 624 horsepower and 562 pound feet of torque to the wheels. The transmission is a fully strengthened R154 5-speed.
Despite the custom rollcage, hydraulic e-brake and aggressive Bride bucket seats, the cabin of the Lexus still retains most of the factory items, making it clear that this thing sees plenty of street use.
Big style, big power and a whole lot of personality. America needs more drift cars like this one.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia_media
mike@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
I like it but, it seems to be borderlining on the VIP style.
This is sick. As sick as HKS/Vertex Aristo
looks like a fast and furious nightmare.
Love it. Nice work.
I think thats the whole point.
Nothing better than an ARISTO
Lol I saw this car in super street and I was going to buy the issue just cause of this car but here it is on speed hunters so yeah I'm not gonna buy that issue. I love this car! It's so amazing. WE (as in America) NEED MORE 4 DOOR DRIFT CARS! The GS is nice cus its not too big but big enough for big guys like me. It's cuz of this car I now want a GS. I was also wanting to do a Nissan M45 DRIFT car but I still feel like that car is too big but idk we'll see.
Lol I saw this car in super street and I was going to buy the issue just cause of this car but here it is on speed hunters so yeah I'm not gonna buy that issue. I love this car! It's so amazing. WE (as in America) NEED MORE 4 DOOR DRIFT CARS! The GS is nice cus its not too big but big enough for big guys like me. It's cuz of this car I now want a GS. I was also wanting to do a Nissan M45 DRIFT car but I still feel like that car is too big but idk we'll see.
@Tom way to sum up how print died in a single sentence - I went to Super Street's website to find photos of this car - since I do still subscribe - they didn't have any up - yet the photos they did have of the Offset Kings Japan show looked eerily familiar...........
That's a 2jz ge not a GTE you can tell by looking at the rad hose (A GTE hose is sorta S shaped)...... some pointless information for you.
horrible paint and body work
VIP drift machine
WayneW that one looks way better
2JZ no shiit;);)
cruzdiddi Word I have a hard time getting past that too. I know its a drift car, but since its supposed to be equal parts drift and style I seems like a bit more car could have been taken in the spray booth.
SS will eventually put the article on their site but for now we get to enjoy it on SH.
I wish this car came with a stick but as far as I know the stick is being phased out. I wish this guy would put a video of him drifting this thing.
MPistol SH, SS, The Chronicles all follow the same scenes so yeah, coverage will be shared. To be honest I love the print, my computer doesnt go in the bathroom or on the airplane with me like multiple issues do. Mags dont require an internet connection either, so when I am living my life away from my house or wi fi, I got my mags in tow to read and get inspiration from...
MPistol SH, SS, The Chronicles all follow the same scenes so yeah, coverage will be shared. To be honest I love the print, my computer doesnt go in the bathroom or on the airplane with me like multiple issues do. Mags dont require an internet connection either, so when I am living my life away from my house or wi fi, I got my mags in tow to read and get inspiration from...
We need video of this car or it just another show queen.
I'm diggin it.
I'm diggin it.
Jagdroach cruzdiddi Come on guys ! It's obviously built to be abused
Nick. You say that like it's a bad thing !
Great looking car with some quality in the build. I understand it's meant to be used and abused, I get it. But, I wish they could've used just a bit more clear coat. I love the color, love the flake and love where he went with the car. It's just the luster, or lack thereof, leaves much to be desired, unfortunately. Other than that, thumbs up, wish I could see it sliding around lol
Great looking car with some quality in the build. I understand it's meant to be used and abused, I get it. But, I wish they could've used just a bit more clear coat. I love the color, love the flake and love where he went with the car. It's just the luster, or lack thereof, leaves much to be desired, unfortunately. Other than that, thumbs up, wish I could see it sliding around lol
Boohoo. Wheres ur hella sick 600hp lexus drift car with better paint?
Such a boss ride. My next car has gotta be a VIP GS300/400/430. Love it!
Such a boss ride. My next car has gotta be a VIP GS300/400/430. Love it!
...............ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND it's for sale.
Crap bodywork is still crap..
Casual Yuta Akaishi in the last pic
Casual Yuta Akaishi in the last pic
car looks like ass - coming from a VIP guy here
car looks like ass - coming from a VIP guy here