The Worlds Most Insanely Modified Lexus GS300

Nowadays, the first- and second-generation Lexus GS300 is often seen as a great platform for modifications as it came available with the favorable 2JZ-GTE engine. A common style of modification for the Lexus GS300 is the JDM style known as VIP, where people usually lower the car with air suspension and add large flashy-looking wheels. Occasionally people modify these to be used for drifting as most came with a RWD layout and a powerful 2JZ engine.

The Lexus GS300 was to be a gentlemen’s car, acting as the middleman between the IS and LS series. Although the GS300 was available with the infamous 2JZ-GTE engine all GS’s only came with automatics. But that hasn’t stopped Carl Thompson who at the time wanted a drift car, a GS300 drift car to be more specific. But this GS300 doesn’t have the 2JZ engine, arguably, it has something even cooler.

Carl Thompson’s Modified Lexus GS300

This build started over 10 years ago, by the man known as Carl Thompson. Carl’s an Australian bloke, so he knows a thing or two about drifting. At the time of the build, the majority of the cars being used for drifting were Nissan’s S-chassis or the occasional Skyline or Chaser. But Carl didn’t want to drive the same drift car as everybody else. So, he searched for something more unique, that still had the capability of becoming a great drift car.

At the time, the second generation GS300 was a few years old, and a high mileage one could be had for a fairly reasonable price. So, he went and purchased himself a Lexus GS300.

Back in the early 2010s, if you were drifting a Lexus GS300 you definitely stood out of the crowd. However, Thompson was not satisfied although the GS300 featured a 2JZ. So, he did the only reasonable thing anything could possibly think of. He swapped the GS300 with a 26B 4-Rotor engine, stripped the entire interior, and added a full roll-cage and a sequential gearbox.

But it didn’t stop there. For good ole’ Carl, those modifications were just a necessity. This setup alone likely netted him 500-600hp, but that was clearly not enough. The Lexus GS300 got some more modifications, methanol injection AND nitrous were added and this resulted in an output of about 1,000hp from the 26B 4-rotor engine. It goes without saying that this was enough power considering even a stock 120hp car can drift fairly well.

Let me tell you, this build might be extremely “overdone” but man, what a car. The sound this car produces is just out of this world. The side-exits exhausts produce a sound so clean and crisp that you’d sell your left arm just so you’d hear it, take a listen!

Considering it has over 1,000hp it comes as no surprise that this is a fast car. But it’s hard to envision just how fast this car actually is until you see it coming at you sideways at over 120 mph. This car wasn’t built for technical tracks, but for high-speed drift tracks. Just watch the video below and you’ll understand what we mean.

Even though the entire interior is stripped out this GS300 still bears the marks of its old self. One would think that this car in its current state should be quite light. Well, that’s not the case. As it stands currently, the owner claims this beast of a vehicle comes in at around 1,750 kg (3860 lbs.). But I suppose that is nothing you think about when sliding sideways in a 4-rotor Lexus GS300.

Even though this car was built over 10 years ago it is still being driven today, although under a new owner. But it’s nice to see that the hard work put into this car is still being maintained. A lot of heavily modified JDM cars are only maintained for a short period of time before getting retired due to high maintenance costs. And considering this is a 4-rotor engine I’d imagine the costs are quite high for this build. I suppose this car is just so good that it’s worth the money required to keep it running.

4-Rotor Lexus GS300 Specifications

Engine: 26B 4-Rotor Mazda Rotary – Build by Curran Brother Racing (CBR).

Engine Accessories: 1600cc fuel injectors; CBR BorgWarner Turbocharger; 5” exhaust from the turbo into 3.5” side-exit exhausts; Nitrous Oxide System (+200hp)

Transmission: Roltek 4-speed straight-cut dog box; Twin-plate clutch; Strange Engineering differential

Wheels: Rear tire – 18×12.5” – 14 Work Meister Alloys; 285/35R18

Front ties – 18×10.5” – 14 Work Meister Alloys; 245/45R18

Suspension: Custom Koni adjustable dampers with King coil-over springs