Getting the lowdown on a Vossen equipped VIP-style Lexus GS300 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
[Not a valid template]It is an unquestionable fact (FACT!) that the Lexus, flexes, from Long Beach to Texas and a GS300 rolllin’ on Vossen rims is always gonna look the money. Dubai has its very own unique take on what constitutes a VIP-style car which, unfortunately, normally descends in to absurdity and bad taste. Strangely, for a city that has an abundance of cars with VIP potential, you rarely see many genuine Bippu buses floating around.
I had been trying to shoot Omar’s GS300 for months since seeing the Lexus at a Toyotaku meet. Finally, the planets aligned and a casual arrangement to meet on the Boulevard about the Burj at “whatever time is cool” pans out. I catch him rollin’ down the street – not smoking indo and not sippin’ on gin and juice – and I attract his attention with an arm out the window and a raised thumb.
It’s all that is needed to get a nod of recognition and the Lexus pulls into formation behind. It is a sticky hot night with humidity hitting a level that’ll bring out a dormant fungus in the best of us. Lights are out on our prime location and ‘Plan B’ goes in to operation. Ditching my ride, I jump in to the Lexus and ride shotgun with Omar while scouting for a suitable alternative.
This Lexus is a comfy big bus with a full custom suite of rich red leather and, naturally, Omar also has his in-car audio sorted. It is still looking fresh for a 1999 car and that is a credit to both Lexus build quality and the owner. Exterior is kitted in Junction Produce with a rear bumper next on the shopping list, however, it’s those Vossen VVSCV3 rims – 20×9 front and 20×10.5 rear – that really hit the sweet spot. Engine is pretty much stock 2JZ but this Lexus is built for cruising not racing.
Gonna need lights to catch the GS at its best and we drop down to a subterranean level and park up. If anything, the humidity is worse down here. Car is steaming up, camera lens is steaming up and Omar’s glasses are steaming up and he flings them on to the back seat of the Lexus. Summer nights in Dubai are better spent inside with the air-con cranked up to eleven.
It is a quick shoot in less than perfect conditions but Omar hangs back and lets me get on with my work. Snap snap snap, and I am getting the pics that I need then move on to the interior. SNAAAP! Um, that wasn’t the camera.
Up until now, Omar has been cool just hanging out with a dude from crankandpiston who does bad Snoop D.O double-G impressions. However, I have just sat on – and completely mangled – his glasses. I look at Omar. I look at the baseball bat on the back seat. I look back at Omar again.
I really don’t wanna take a trip to the MIA.
