Lexus lights up the road

Japanese luxury car manufacturer Lexus is on a mission to change its image from that of a hybrid drive, executive sedan specialist to a high-performance big player.

A hot Lexus is almost a myth here in Mzansi, with only the IS-F and the super-rare LFA anything that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

That's set to change, and not only in future models the company is showing, but also with mainstream models - such as the now available-to-order IS350 and the IS-F CCS, pictured here.

CCS denotes Circuit Club Sport and was teased as a concept of an even hairier IS-F version some time ago.

While the standard V8 engined IS-F has been through the grinder after being eaten alive by its rivals - mainly the BMW M3 and Mercedes Benz C63 AMG - this Circuit Club Sport looks as if it will not take a beating lying down.

Produced by Toyota's racing division - or TRD in pimp-speak - this special Lexus is a grand IS-F now trimmed to instil fear.

Teletubbies colour aside, the TRD tuning programme is mainly an aerodynamic enhancement, thanks to a more prominent rear end diffuser which helps channel air underneath the car faster.

A massive bootlid-mounted spoiler is optimised to create downforce.

The front features a new bumper with larger air intakes while the bonnet lid, which can be painted in the main colour or left naked in carbon black, is replaced by a newer, lighter unit.

The game plan here is about lightness with the use of carbon fibre and tweaks to its aerodynamics to minimise drag.

There is also the addition of an even better performing exhaust system.

With its fiery engine, this IS-F CCS looks a good bet for production, but we just never know. However, what we can take from this exercise is that this car with its 311kW V8 engine and the stiffer, racier suspension - plus the use of lightweight materials - will translate into a scintillating sports sedan.

The beauty is that all the components can be sourced locally giving a wonderful opportunity to an owner of an IS-F, with some change to spare, for this kind of pimp.

Visit any of the local tuning houses with a reputation for highly-skilled workmanship on exotic brands.

They should be able to source the exact parts or - if push comes to shove - they can manufacture their own versions.