Lexus IS C
Lexus IS C

Lexus IS C Powers Saito – Apr 30, 2013– Melbourne, Australia  (Techreleased) – Japanese drift star Daigo Saito won the Achilles Formula Drift Asia season opening round on the weekend in his Lexus IS C.

Lexus IS C
Lexus IS C

Lexus IS C Powers Saito

Saito, the reigning Formula Drift Asia and USA champion, fended off a spirited challenge by Australian Tom Monkhouse to win the final on Sunday at Calder Park, north of Melbourne.

Despite being Saito’s first time driving at the track he said he quickly felt at one with the layout.

“I had a fantastic time this weekend and am very happy with the result,” the 32-year-old said.

“It was a great battle with Tom and now I’m looking forward to the next round.”

Saito’s Lexus IS C is a stripped out, purpose-built drift car powered by a 3.4-litre 2JZ-GTE turbocharged inline six cylinder engine with Brian Crower internals and an NOS nitrous system that develops nearly 900kW.

The 2JZ-GTE belongs to the family of engines that powered the first generation Lexus IS 300 and GS 300 models.

The IS C drift car also has a Holinger sequential transmission, Willwood dual calliper brakes, carbon-fibre body parts and Achilles racing tyres.

The next round of the three-leg Formula Drift Asia season takes place on June 29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.