There’s no disputing the Japanese tuner car “glory days” of the early 2000’s. Import car shows were at an all time high, companies producing parts for Hondas and Nissans were still experiencing the boom from the original Fast and the Furious movie, and new motorsports series around time attack and drifting were being formed in the US. Having already owned an Acura Integra and a Nissan 240SX, Kenji Nishimura was ready for a new project car.
Nishimura was a big fan of the styling of the big body Lexus sedans of the era, and started seeing photos of cars with a new type of styling commonly referred to as “Bippu,” or VIP-style on the internet. At the time, none of these VIP-style vehicles had shown up at the shows in the Pacific Northwest where Nishimura lived at the time, so he was excited to help bring the trend to the region.
Starting Slow
Like many car builds, Nishimura’s vehicle was initially a daily driver. The car was lowered on Tein coilovers, an intake and exhaust ware added, and Nishimura started to research some lip kits and other small styling upgrades. Eventually, Nishimura settled for the Explosion bodykit, which was one of the few full bumper replacement kits that was available at the time. When the bodykit arrived from special order, Nishimura had several customization requests for AK Autoworks in British Columbia prior to mounting the bumpers. His changes helped preserve the big-body VIP look while simplifying the lines. Later, an RMM 3-piece trunk wing, UGO roof spoiler, Toyota Aristo badges (representing the Japanese version of the vehicle we know as the Lexus GS 300 in the US), and Sonar taillights would add to the exterior look.
The exterior has continued to evolve over the 15+ years that Nishimura has owned this car, constantly tweaking and improving the look to give car show attendees something new to discover each year. While there have been upgrades like the SRT ECU and Nitrous Express kit to improve the speed of the car, the priority was never horsepower or 0-to-60 times.
Going Low
VIP cars are all about the visual effect, and while the body kit and exterior tweaks help to create that presence, VIP cars are really defined by their low appearance. When the Tein coilovers couldn’t achieve the full look Nishimura was hoping for, he upgraded to a full AirRunner airbag suspension setup. As with many VIP cars, the look was setup to accentuate the wheels. Just like how you’d order a Rolex watch, VIP cars push the limits with big faced wheels, often with a chrome or highly polished finish. Nishimura selected the timeless Weds Kranze Bazreia wheels in 19×9 and 19×10 sizing as the shoes of choice, with Nitto Neo Gen tires in 215/35/R19 and 245/35/R19 positioned on each corner of the car.
To push the wheels out to the very edge of the custom-vented fenders, a set of Project Kics wheel spacers ensure the credit-card thin fitment that is desired by VIP builders all around. Of course, once you upgrade the wheel sizing, the brakes are a natural next step, and Nishimura went with a Stoptech big brake setup both front and rear, paired with stainless braided lines to help stop the massive wheels.
Comfort First
Inside the Lexus GS300, the feeling of plush comfort was emphasized from start to finish. While many other VIP builds go with a subdued, black leather look, Nishimura chose a lighter color palette. All seating was refinished in tan leather, and chocolate brown suede was used as an accent color.
To accentuate the feeling of comfort and luxury, Nishimura had his upholsterer diamond stitch the seat inserts, door panels, and even floor mats. A slew of Junction Produce interior trim items like a fusa and tsuna, neck pillows, and others accent provide an additional layer of comfort and style, while Garson Swarovski crystal accessories like the rear view mirror, shift knob, and other small accents give a shimmer to the surfaces surrounding the driver.
Layering in a few wood grain accents around the passenger cabin including the Lexus RX300 steering wheel, rear passenger seat tables, and pedals provides an additional texture to please the eye. Overall, the layout looks elevated and refined, much like you would expect in a luxury condo or high-end restaurant.
Bumps and Beats
While today’s modern luxury vehicles have elaborate info-tainment and audio systems, the early 2000’s were not as luxurious. The stock Lexus GS300 stereo system sounded only marginally better than the Toyota Camry cousin, so Nishimura replaced nearly every aspect of it in his car. Up front, a Sony in-dash DVD receiver powers the system, while passengers are treated to 7” headrest monitors.
Every speaker and amp in the vehicle was replaced with a Memphis Car Audio solution, with M-class multi-sync speakers in the doors and dash, a pair of M1 10-inch subwoofers in the trunk, M-class amps powering all the speakers, and the appropriate wiring and capacitors to support the system throughout the cabin. The custom trunk enclosure was then airbrushed by Easy Choppers and Tattoo artist Keahi Hooe with an eclectic Japanese-inspired design that is unique yet aesthetically pleasing.
The trunk install, incorporating the audio setup as well as the nitrous and air ride tanks, is clean yet functional. Nishimura has a clear consideration for the functionality of the car over the years despite all the modifications he has made.
Awards and Honors
Nishimura and his GS300 have been a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest car show circuit for nearly two decades. Despite the near-guarantee that his car will place in the awards, Nishimura continues to attend car shows for a very different reason. “I enjoy going to the shows to just spend time and represent with my team” says Nishimura. Alongside his fellow Team Menace teammates, Nishimura’s GS300 is one of the most award-winning and recognizable vehicles on the show circuit.
“I walk around and other VIP builders often ask for opinions or recommendations on their cars, and it’s fun to give my input and see them take their vehicles to the next level.” Nishimura notes that many of the builders of the VIP cars he’s competing against now often comment about how his car inspired them to get into the VIP style. Being that motivator to see the VIP scene grow from a sole competitor back in the mid-2000’s to the VIP classes that have more than 20 vehicles at some of the shows Nishimura attends these days has been a fun evolution to watch.
Spec Sheet: Kenji Nishimura’s VIP-style Lexus GS300
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Toyota 2JZGE 3.0L Inline 6; SRT intake, SRT Race ECU, TRD Oil cap, HKS Cam Gears, Cusco oil catch can, Nitrous Express nitrous oxide kit, Tanabe Super Hyper Medallion Touring exhaust, Mishimoto Radiator & cap, Mishimoto electric fans, Mishimoto transmission cooler, HKS Circle Earth grounding kit, colormatched 2005 engine cover, Hose Techniques silicone hoses, custom chrome plating and colormatching throughout the engine bay |
Keyword: First of its kind in the PNW: VIP Style Lexus GS300