From the streets of the roughest cities to the board rooms of Fortune 500 companies you will find representatives. Representation stands at the core of modern government, on the clothing of the famous, and often at the beginning of your favorite song. When it is deemed necessary we select individuals to create or supplement and image displayed to our peers, constituency, or audience. The concept is universally applicable and probably best illustrated in the world of modeling – you look good so we look good. In the automotive realm of sponsorships and SEMA-builds the effects can be just as powerful.

The origins of representative vehicles of companies, shops, or clubs vary; they can be chosen from customers, owned by employees, or built specifically for the purpose. Regardless, the rolling “face” must draw attention from the target demographic for the correct reasons. With such high-expectations providing the base of criteria it is easy to see why these cars are often regarded as the best-of-the-best, the cream of the crop, or any other creative synonym we use to describe things that are a step above the status quo.

Futura Design Brakes didn’t have to look far to find their flagship. Giovanni Dichiara, or Gio, is the owner of this 2004 Lexus LS430 and he is also a managing partner for the Texas-based company. A cutting-edge build such as this made the perfect choice for breaking necks in their direction, while it simultaneously represents Gio’s crew — Refined Elegance. Gio has a big family (comprised of his wife and 5 daughters) and an affinity for big sedans, as evidenced by the aptly selected UCF30 platform.

When you first snap your head around to catch a glimpse of the Texas Lexus you’ll find your stare has fallen down, way down as this LS is laid-out properly in traditional VIP fashion. It rides low in the most sophisticated of manners, visually floating across the ground like the tail of a ballroom dress. A custom air setup incorporating UAS bags and BC coils suspends the sedan, the system expertly controlled by Accuair’s E-Level management system.

If you follow the body of the car you note the subtle Vlene aero, however the craftsmanship of the custom body components by Dorbritz Design and Original Garage can almost be mistaken for OE offerings. The kit compliments the natural lines of the UFC30, instead of overpowering them. However, he still managed to incorporate modern styling cues literally from the front to the rear of the LS, beginning with 2012 Porsche Cayenne LED DRLs in the fascia and one-off LED acrylic accent lighting integrated into the headlights. Finishing off the rear of the vehicle are the sleek 2012 Hyundai Azera exhaust tips molded into the bumper. A thin, teal pinstripe breaks up the visual mass of the large-sedan and ties the exterior package together wonderfully. Gio certainly has a thorough understanding of the high-impact subtle differences make and his perception of that concept manifests itself in the quality of execution.

Naturally your gaze is captivated by the shoes, meticulously fitted in dimensions seemingly chosen by Goldilocks to be “just right.” The forever stunning OZ Futuras wear custom barrels and lips, achieving their unorthodox sizes of 20×9.75” in the front and 20×11.25” aft. Displayed behind the appropriately-named Futuras is the gorgeous, teal-hue Futura Design brake system from Gio’s’ company employing 8-piston front calipers and 6-pistons clamping on the rear.

There are dozens of proverbs that teach us it is the inside the counts and the Futura LS does not disappoint that discipline. Supple Ferrari/Rolls-Royce Magnolia leather flows throughout the cabin, replacing the black factory upholstery. The luxurious furnishing is accompanied by vanilla pinstriped piano black trim, a theme that continues in the engine bay and around the audio system. Each stripe was painstakingly hand-painted over the wooden trim and the final result is breathtaking. The Futura Design namesake is found inside as well on the illuminated door sills and floor mats.

It doesn’t matter what the situation may be, the rules of proper representation are clear – make the best statement to the specific audience in the right manner. Gio’s LS meets the standards for Futura Design fantastically, despite the tough road it took to get there. This isn’t the first UFC30, both an accident and theft attempted to prevent Gio’s dream from seeing completion. They say the 3rd time is a charm and his persistence has paid off well – proving that it’s not the car but the man behind the project that was truly selected to speak for his company, his crew, and his state. Represent, Gio.

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[toggle_item title=”Wheels/Tires/Suspension” active=”true”]OZ Racing Futura (custom built)
20×9.75 fronts 20×11.25 rears
Stainless steel outer-shells, anodized center rings, polished logo
Brakes by Futura Design
Anodized 8 piston front, 380mm 2 piece floating drilled discs
6 piston rear with 356mm 2 piece floating drilled discs
BC Coils over UAS Bags w/Accuair VU4 solenoid with mufflers, managed by Accuair E-Level
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[toggle_item title=”Exterior” active=”false”]Aero kit by Vlene Japan
Roof spoiler by Vlene
Aero kit modified front and rear bumper.
Rear bumper by Original Garage.(clean rear valance, contoured, fitted 2012 Hyundai Azera exhaust tips)
Front Bumper by Dorboritz Design (modern contouring lines, custom lower horizontal grille, 2012 Porsche cayenne Sport LED/daytime running/turn signal)
Headlights finished in black, Custom LED/acrylic tubes
Winker outside mirrors by 2010 Lexus GS
Emblemless front Grille.[/toggle_item]

[toggle_item title=”Interior” active=”false”]Rolls Royce/Ferrari Magnolia leather (90’s catalog) double stitch diamond pattern design (new bentley catalog)
Black suede headliner
Futura Design floor mats
Interior Woodgrain Panels modified (Piano black finish/hand pinstriped vanilla)
Custom illuminated entry by Futura Design
Kenwood Excelon DNX 8150 radio with navi
Audio control equalizer/line driver
Hertz Hi Energy 6 1/2 component set
Hertz Hi Energy 6 1/2 coaxial
Kicker 8″ Solo classics x 4
Rockford Fosgate 1500.1
Rockford Fosgate 400.4
Kinetic battery
Audiocontrol 4.1 eq[/toggle_item]
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