Lexus takes the IS F CCS-R to Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak remains a showcase of quite curious models and widely varied interpretations, some of them reaching extremes that are official for the different brands. Among the many automotive Frankensteins we will have the chance to see at the famous climb, there is room for isolated attempts with prototypes or concepts such as Lexus, with the (get ready) IS F CCS-R.

Before anything else, let’s clear up the picture and the alphabet soup surrounding this Lexus. The Lexus IS F CCS-R (Circuit Club Sports Racer) is a track-day machine based on the Lexus IS F, while if you dig a little deeper into the Japanese brand’s lineup, you’ll find there is also an IS F CCS (Circuit Club Sport), similar to the previous one but more oriented toward road use. Lexus has decided to take the first one up the haunted mountain, as could not be otherwise.

The IS F CCS-R has come from competing in several races in Europe (German VLN) and Japan, and its most recent outing has been the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. It is fitted with a 5-litre V8 producing 416 horsepower with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and weighs just 1,396 kilos.

So you can judge for yourself whether this Lexus is capable of taking on Pikes Peak, here is a video of its latest participation in one of the Nürburgring races (even though it’s like comparing different planets), and tell us what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhVDHsg0zv4&feature=player_embedded