Lexus aims for Pikes Peak class win
The IS F CCS-R is being driven by Kenshiro "Ken" Gushi, a celebrated drift champion and racing driver, who is targeting victory after finishing second in the Exhibition Class (and 32nd overall) last year with a time of 11 minutes and 35.17 seconds.
"I have had a lot more seat time in the IS F CCS-R now, which is really important in a unique event like Pikes Peak," said Gushi, who drove a Lexus LFA up Pikes Peak this week to familiarise himself with the course ahead of the practice sessions and the official run on Sunday.
"Upgrades have given the engine more power and we've got more grip thanks to Yokohama's development of their Advan tyres for Pikes Peak.
"I am feeling really good about competing strongly and hopefully taking out the class on Sunday."
The Lexus IS F CCS-R features a host of modifications from the road car to make it suitable for the demands of the 19.9-kilometre, 156-turn hill climb that finishes at the 4,300 metre summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, USA.
These include carbon-fibre bodywork, stripped out interior and polycarbonate windows, which combine to trim 314 kilograms of weight from the standard IS F road car. It is also fitted with a racing roll cage bolted to a reinforced monocoque for additional stiffness, as well as racing brakes, suspension and exhaust system.
The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 engine from the IS F, which develops 311kW of power. The engine drives through an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission with paddle shift, also from the IS F.
With the road to the summit all-tarmac for the 2012 event, faster times have been recorded by most competitors. For the Lexus, Gushi will run Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres fitted to 18-inch wheels.
The IS CCS-R will also carry a unique decal that features 14,000 fan names gathered via social media. The decal is part of a collaboration between Lexus and the Tony Hawk Foundation, which helps create high quality skate parks in low-income communities across the USA.
After Pikes Peak, Lexus will donate a new generation IS sedan to raise additional funds for the foundation.
