The rear-drive Lexus IS 300 doesn't get the street cred the car deserves. Despite its modest 200-hp rating, the sedan and wagon each offer a more rewarding driving experience than the numbers suggest. Rod Millen Special Vehicles built this project car by tapping the GS 430 parts bin, pulling out a 4.3-liter V-8, six-speed manual transmission, and rear suspension. Power reaches the pavement through Michelin Sport Cup tires fitted to 18-inch Speed Star SSR wheels. Vented, cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes provide the stopping power. The exterior is dressed with a Rhys Millen Racing front lip spoiler and side skirts, along with an IS 300 rear spoiler. The Mark Levinson-designed entertainment system also pushed to new heights boast 720 watts creating a discrete 7.1 surround sound experience through 20 speakers. For us, the only sound system needed in this car is the exhaust.
