Lexus is sending an IS-F to this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb challenge, and it’s coming in heavy, armed to the teeth. Called the IS F CCS-R, this racing Lexus is stripped out of its luxury equipments on the inside, and heavy body panels on the outside. It uses carbon fiber components, polycarbonate windows and 18-inch light alloy wheels. It’s the real deal.
Like the standard IS-F, the Pikes Peak version is powered by a V8 engine developing 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque, connected to an eight-speed transmission and a limited-slip diff at the back. That combined with the lightweight body should make it a helluva lot faster than the base car.
To cope with the competition, the CCs-R is also fitted with uprated suspension with reinforced bushing and mounts, racing brake kit, racing exhaust system, and upgraded cooling system. Other features include 120L fuel cell, Air jack system, Fire extinguishing system, Data logger, Kill switch, and Tow strap.
To top it all off, Lexus has painted the car in an orange mica, complemented by the exposed carbon fiber parts. Inside the cabin the entire dashboard is replaced with a sort of carbon fiber box, while the seats and the steering wheel are replaced with racing versions.
All this so the car can make it up the hill a bit faster than the next guy.