Lexus IS430 I do not like the paint scheme of this Lexux. Blechh. Red and Black done bad. The rims suck. Go get some wheels here at cheap rims. Cheap rims is a start. Next get some fat tires. These skinny ones novelty has worn off. Looking to demonstrate the potential of the IS300, Lexus commissioned Rod Millen Special Vehicles (RMSV) to build a one-off IS430 concept. "Fitting the 4.3-liter V-8 and six-speed manual transmission to the IS300 was fairly straightforward," said Millen. "The larger challenge was to develop an electronic interface that would allow the V-8 engine to work with the manual transmission and IS300 body—something it was never designed to do." The result is a car with about 340 horsepower and over 300 pound-feet of torque, at a vehicle weight not much heavier than the IS300 donor car. The potent V-8 engine was paired with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission and lightweight flywheel, which drive the rear wheels through a stronger limited-slip differential and GS430 driveline components. TEIN springs and 16-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers work with the original IS300 front suspension along with selected GS430 rear suspension components, helping cope with the higher torque of the 4.3-liter V-8. Michelin Sport Cup tires on 18-inch Speed Star SSR alloy wheels put the power to the ground. A GS430 radiator was fitted to provide ample cooling, while big, 14-inch Brembo brakes with vented, cross-drilled rotors and four-piston aluminum calipers handle the newfound speed.
	Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Due to go on sale in the U.S. in spring 2004, the Mazdaspeed Miata is fitted with a turbocharger and a Denso tube-fin air-to-air intercooler, boosting the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine's output to 178 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 166 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Combined with a short-throw, six-speed gearbox and Mazdaspeed sport-tuned and lowered suspension, the new drivetrain promises a much mightier Miata. The turbo conversion required an engine-block modification to accommodate a turbo oil line and a cooling system with increased radiator core volume. In addition, the six-speed manual transmission, clutch and pressure plate, driveshaft and differential all have been optimized. Chassis performance was enhanced by the inclusion of shorter springs with increased spring rates, Bilstein dampers, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, and a front strut-tower brace. The increased power is routed through a Bosch torque-sensing limited-slip differential to 17-inch Racing Hart aluminum alloy wheels shod with Toyo Proxes R28 205/40R-17 tires. The exterior, painted in either Velocity Red Mica or Titanium Gray Metallic and discreetly tattooed with Mazdaspeed badging, sports smoked headlamps and a unique front underspoiler with recessed fog lamps. From the back, a rear underspoiler, a rear deck spoiler, and a large exhaust tip with a Mazdaspeed logo identify the new, more-muscular Miata.
	Mazdaspeed RX-8 Robert Davis, senior vice-president of marketing and product development of Mazda North American Operations, said of this exhibit: "We created this Mazdaspeed RX-8 using dealer-available parts and accessories." In front, there is an extended air intake and a low-projecting lip spoiler. Low-slung side skirts, aerodynamic side-view mirrors, and carbon-finished B-pillar garnishes carry the sleek look rearward. An adjustable rear wing and rear underspoiler create downforce in the tail. Gunmetal-effect 18-inch aluminum wheels cover Mazdaspeed-badged brake calipers fitted with high fade-resistance pads. Tuned shock absorbers and higher-rate springs drop the ride height 20mm. Larger-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars are fitted along with front and rear strut-tower braces. Inside the cockpit, a Sport Meterlink System houses oil-pressure, oil-temperature, and water-temperature gauges. The inner door handles, door switch panels, and rearview-mirror cover are carbon-finished, and sport seats -- available in black, red, or blue -- act in conjunction with special kneepads affixed to the door panels to restrain the driver and passenger during performance driving.
	Acura TL A-SPEC Acura is relaunching its Acura Factory Performance program as Acura A-SPEC, and the A-SPEC kit for the 2004 TL seen here is now available. The kit features track-tuned shocks and springs that lower the car by approximately one inch. The suspension modifications are accompanied by performance brake pads (on automatic-transmission models), and by 8.5-by-18-inch alloy wheels shod with Yokohama high-performance tires. A decklid spoiler and aero kit are included, both color-matched to factory specifications. The A-SPEC package will be priced at approximately $5000, not including installation.
	Honda Element concept Seen here is an interesting interpretation of Honda's quirky Element. We think it's a distinct improvement on the original and hope they soon produce a kit as part of the Honda Factory Performance system.

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