Lexus IS-F CCSR Heading to Pikes Peak

With raceday approaching, more of the cars set to compete in this year’s Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb are starting to emerge.

The latest comes from Lexus: an IS F CCS-R boasting 416 hp. In a little more than a month on July 8, racers will test themselves by running up the mountain.

As can be expected, there isn’t much left of the original car. The black and orange paint hides extensive carbon fiber bodywork while polycarbonate windows help the Lexus shed even more weight.

Inside, the car is also stripped down to cut weight. The dashboard is replaced with carbon fiber, and there are lightweight seats. In total, it weighs in at 3,087 lbs, which is 693 fewer than the production version.

A 5.0-liter V8 provides that 416-hp rating along with 371 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Cars like this are going to face new challenges this year with competitors like “Monster” Tajima hoping to break his old record in an EV. Electric cars might actually run the race better because the drivetrain won’t be bothered by elevation in excess of 14,000 feet, but gasoline engines often are.

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