SP Rides: Something Wicked Comes This Way

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By Michael Kitchens

Name: Christian Acosta
Age: 22
Occupation: Fresh2Death Detailing, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Hobbies: Cars, food, traveling, dance, watching anime
Year/Make/Model: 2001 Lexus GS430
Color: Black Onyx
Engine: Flowmaster Exhaust System, Injen Intake
Exterior: LS460 rear bumper conversion, Silk Blaze front Lip, Kazz grill, Land Cruiser foglight conversion, LS600 Retrofit headlights, Junction Produce full set taillights, Central Pine Dancing LED taillights, clear side-markers, Luxury Abstract Diamond Stitch pillars, Luxury Abstract Diamond Stitch rear license plate frame, carbon fiber rear window wing
Interior: Garson DAD Curtains, Garson DAD Vega Pillows, Garson DAD Vega Neck Pads, Garson DAD Vega Seatbelt Cushions, Junction Produce Extra Large Fusa Tassel, Jaguar Rear Seat Trays, Hannya Mask, I.C.E.: NESA Tablet Deck, NESA headrest monitors, Hertz Highs/Mids/Tweeters
Suspension: AirRex Air Suspension Struts / Accuair Switchspeed Management with 3-gallon tank, 340cc compressor, switchspeed controller, Tein Engine Strut Bar, camber kit
Wheels and Tires: Work Varianza Wheels 18×10 all around with Nexen Low Pro tires at 215/35/18
Additional Lighting: White LED door lights, dome light, map lights, sun visor lights, headlight and tail-light signals, reverse/hazard lights, rear license plate lights, door handle strips, puddle light sideskirts

Sleek, scintillating…absolutely black; This 2001 Lexus GS430 is the sickest pearl on four wheels you’re going to see amidst the streetlights and asphalt of Oahu.  It’s owned by twenty-two year old Christian Acosta, from Kalihi Valley, and it is a perfect example of the hi-lux VIP styled theme that’s quite popular with today’s youth.

Lexus introduced the second generation GS in 1997 as the world’s fastest production sedan with the tagline “Something Wicked Comes This Way”.  The amount of horsepower and torque in the 4.0 liter luxury sedan was considered massive at the time.  Fast forward to 2001 and the high end GS430 was created with a facelift and a 4.3liter V8 3UZ-FE which equates to over 300HP/325TQ.

Although the stock look of the car screams luxury, to truly roll as VIP, Chris had to make some changes.  His priority was the exterior first-off and immediately upgraded the visuals. A Silk Blaze front lip was added along with a Kazz front grill which immediately changed the front end of the car.  The rear end wasn’t neglected with a full LS460 rear bumper conversion.  For a little more body styling a carbon fiber rear window wing was combined with some one-of-a-kind Luxury Abstract diamond-stitch pillars.

This car is so sleek that a little glow was needed to make it stand out amidst the darkness. Rare retrofitted LS600 front headlights add a touch of blue while Land Cruiser fog lights were also included for the front bumper.  A set of Junction Produce rear tails with Central Pine Dancing LEDs help to put on an incredible show.  And what a show…all of the exterior lights are capable of putting on an amazing LED light show at the push of a button, it’s like being at a disco. In addition, more white LEDs were added all along the car n various spots such as the door lights, sun visors, and puddle light side-skirts.

The interior carries on the luxury thanks to an awesome NESA Tablet Deck with additional headrest monitors.  Garson amenities were added throughout the cabin including DAD curtains, Vega pillows, neck pads, and seatbelt cushions.  Of special note are the slick Jaguar rear seat trays that have been added for that super VIP look.  An evil black Hannya mask combined with a Junction Produce fusa tassel glares ominously from the front window.  The Hannya mask really brings across the whole Asian VIP essence Chris has created.

With all of the luxury, you have to be able to roll deep, and Chris has treated his suspension right.  The car features a full AirRex Air Suspension Struts package with an Accuair Switchspeed Management system.  This popular system allows the car to drop low on Work Varianza Wheels fitted at 18×10 all around with Nexen low profile tires.  A camber kit allows some needed adjustment for the drop.

Chris doesn’t enter to win at shows with his ride…he wants the exposure.  He prefers to be known for how he rolls and his preferred style.  “To all the young car enthusiasts out there, prove people wrong.  Find a car you really want, and just motivate yourself to build it how you want it.”

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