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INFLUENTIAL STATUS  |  Photography by P R A V A N Photography

The art of modification allows a car enthusiast the opportunity to take a blank canvas, and have them mold and create something that is expressed through the path of modification. The common route for this expressions are the eye-catching, attention-grabbing forms that we have come to expect from most builds. But now and then, we come across special builds that speak-volumes without having to scream at you. Subtle and powerful, once you see it, you can’t take your eyes off of it. Alberto Medina’s 2008 Lexus IS350 is one of those examples.

Alberto’s Lexus IS350 build is one that follows the ” VIP” line of luxury, but adds a twist of sport to the mix with his choice of wheels. While not as extreme as other VIP builds that we see on a daily basis, the combination of parts and the fluidity of the execution of this build are where the beauty lies. The Volk Racing TE37’s are a classic set of wheels that have continued to stand up to the test of time. The Mag Blue wheels combined with the Vertex front lip/canards, Tom’s carbon-fiber diffuser, Jun-TW carbon-fiber roof spoiler and Vorsteiner Ventross custom-painted trunk reveal a host of elegant modifications that flow perfectly.

Carbon-fiber accents throughout the exterior, coupled with the aggressive IS-F rear bumper conversion, Project Mu Rotors and blue-accented TRD Calipers complete the look. A peek inside and you’ll find Junction Produce window curtains, head rest and carbon-fiber accents. The custom sound system and custom Candy Blue powdercoated air-tank round out the interior modifications. Meanwhile, under the hood, a touch of HKS, Tom’s and more carbon fiber.

Thanks to Accuair air management, Tein coilovers and UAS airbags, this IS350 can tackle the concrete jungle when necessary, and then sit pretty without breaking a sweat. In this day and age of air suspension, it’s comes across as a true blessing. While some purist may dispute that statement (and we can respect those that live the “static” life), the bottom-line is Alberto chose to go that route because he drives his Lexus through the streets of New York and New Jersey on a daily basis. His priority is keeping his ride as pristine as possible while enjoying it as much as possible. And we can definitely appreciate that.

Alberto Medina’s Lexus IS 350 is the perfect example of building a ride with “subtle beauty” in mind. It goes to show that you don’t need to be the loudest to get noticed. A double-take can change your whole perspective on things, and in a day and age when many enthusiast go for the craziest, most attention-craving routes of modification, seeing a build such as Alberto’s can be a breath of fresh air. Take note fellow enthusiasts.

EXTERIOR:

CF Front Lip – (Vertex Digna) | Canards – (Vertex) | UnderLip – (EZ Lip) | CF Side Splitter – (SE Tuned) | Side Skirt GFX – (OEM) | Rear Bumper – (IS-F Conversion Kit) | CF Diffuser – (Tom’s) | Rear Bumper – (LED in Reflectors) | CF Roof Spoiler – (JUN-TW) | CF Trunk – (Vorsteiner Ventross + Custom Paint) | Window Visor – (JDM) | CF Mirror Cover | CF Eyelids | Head Light – (Custom Paint 1G0, Iron Man LED) | Fog Light – (Custom Paint 1G0, Iron Man LED) | Fog Light Bulb – (JDM Yellow) – 9006 | Head Light Bulb – (JDM Yellow) – 9005 | Small Head Light Bulb – (JDM Yellow) | License Plate Bracket – (JDM) | Fender Washers – (NRG) | Tow Hook – (GodSpeed) | Rear IS-F Muffler Tips – (Powder Coating-Gunmetal)

WHEEL and BRAKES: 

Volk TE-37 – Mag Blue | Fender Rolled | Wheel Lugs – (Project Kics REVO) | Valve Stems – (Volk) | Brake Disc Rotors – (Project Mu) | Project Mu Rotors – (Powder Coating-Candy Blue) | Caliper OEM – (Powder Coating-Candy Blue) | Caliper OEM – (TRD Emblems)

INTERIOR:

All Season Floor Mats – (OEM) | Windows Curtain – (Junction Produce) | Head Rest – (Junction Produce) | Shift Knob – (TMW) – M8 x 1.25 | CF Seat Belt Clip | Custom Music System | Custom Trunk for Air Suspension

SUSPENSION:

Air Bags – (UAS) | Air Tank – (Powder Coating-Candy Blue) | Air Management – (AccuAir) | Full Coilover Shocks – (Tein CS) | Front Upper Strut Brace – (JUN-TW) | Strut Brace Arms – (Powder Coating-Candy Blue) | Rear Camber Kit – (Megan Racing) | Toe Kit – (Megan Racing)

ENGINE: 

2GRFSE – GSE21 3.5 L – 306 HP – 277 Torque – V6 | Intake – (AFE) | Oil Cap – (HKS-D1 Limited Edition) | CF Engine Cover – (F-Sport) | CF Radiator Cover | Throttle Body Control – (Tom’s) | Exhaust – (F-Sport)

About the author

Co-founder, Managing Director, Photographer, and editor for SNTRL. To many in the Tri-State, Kenny aka "MAD JDM" needs no introduction. Always out there, always ready, always down.