GPR Auto IS300

Change.  Change seems to be the the theme of the last few years, everybody seems to be stressing change.  Whether it's in politics, the economy, or something as simple as a new look, change is what's hot right now.  Change is always good though.  It pushes the boundaries, breaks the mold, gets people's attention, and sends a message.

Guillermo Escamilla, from Kosoku, based out of Southern California took a look at the current Lexus IS scene and decided to change it forever.  What happened next changed the IS game, and in the grand scheme of things, the car scene for good.  The reviews are mixed, but this is exactly what the scene needed.

Clearly, the look is a love it or hate affair, but wherever you fall, you cannot help but look and stare.  The slammed stance, the crazy, aggressive wheel setup, the insane amount of poke, the ridiculous stretch, and of course, the graphics.  What started simply as just adding a black vinyl wrap to the hood, which them became covered with stickers and graffiti, has now turned into a style all its own.  The giraffe print on the hood, bumper, fenders, quarter panels, and even the interior, is something that cannot be ignored.  One cannot help but stare.  Why the giraffe print?  Well, why not?  Outside of the box, different, going against the grain, however you want to call it, it certainly gets the job done.

The graphics weren't the main goal though, although it certainly is a highlight.  What steals the spotlight though is the wheel setup.  I remember when I started in the IS game back in 06 and remember seeing +20s on a IS300 and thinking, "wow, that's aggressive!"  Well, Guillermo certainly showed what can be done with fitment on the IS300.  His IS wears a set of Leon Hardiritt Ordens, sized 18x9 +7 and 18x10 -5.  Let me retype that; 18x9 +7 in the front and 18x10 -5 in the rear.  Just about on any car that is considered aggressive, but absolutely unheard of on an IS300.  With the car slammed to the floor, the setup is more than flush.  Forget hellaflush, this is hellaPOKE!  With 215s stretched on every corner, the presence this car gives is quite astonishing.  It makes some drool while others want to smash their keyboard in anger.  Like I said, it really is a love it or hate it look, and controversy definitely surrounds this car.

Whether you love the look, or absolutely detest it, there is no ignoring the fact that this car came and changed the game up.  The off-the-wall styling, insane wheel fitment, and the low n' slow style certainly make this car noticed wherever it goes, and it certainly goes far.  With over 160,000 miles on the odometer, this is no show queen.  Driven daily-dumped on the streets of SoCal, this car makes a statement wherever it goes.  Despite its fair share of haters, Guillermo silenced his critics and the Wek Fest event back in Feb where he took home 1st Place in the IS Series category, as well as a spread in S3 magazine.  This car came along and changed the scene with one of the most unique looks in a long time.

For more info check out GPR Auto's page on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Daniel Kroothanooch and used with permission by the owner of the car.