Lexus IS F CCS-R has finished second in its class at its first attempt at Pikes Peak hill climb. The Lexus team had run over a 20-kilometre course consisting of 156 turns - concluding at 14,110 feet above sea level.

In fact, it is interesting to assume that the thin air at the summit of Pikes Peak robs vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power. However, the pilot behind the wheel - US racer Ken Gushi, has completed the feat in 11 minutes, 35.17 seconds. This made him second in class behind a lightweight V12 race car.

The car driven in this competition debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010. In order to be suitable for the race, the vehicle is modified and includes enhancements in terms of performance.

In details, some of them feature lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details as well as polycarbonate windows. These help reducing the standard vehicle's weight by 314kg.

In addition, this Lexus also has a reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system. The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 of the IS F that generates 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (373 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

LEXUS IS F CCS-R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 2730mm, Overall length: 4759mm, Overall width: 1815mm, Overall height: 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight: 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation: 2UR-GSE, Displacement: 5.0-litre, Power: 311kW @ 6,600rpm, Torque: 505Nm @ 5,200rpm, Fuel system: SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive, Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint, Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage), Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator, Polycarbonate windows, Lightweight doors

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR: 18x8.5J, offset 30 front; 18x9.5J, offset 40 rear; Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres: 245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hoses

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver's seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

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Source: Lexus