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Issue Preview April 2008
Auto shows like SEMA and the Tokyo Auto Salon are often where new tuner-friendly platforms are showcased for the first time. We found the Cusco WRX featured on this issue’s cover at the Cusco booth at the 2007 SEMA show. Built by Vivid Racing, this was the first complete and extreme build of a new WRX we’d seen. We also traveled to the Tokyo Auto Salon in search of the most thoroughly reworked versions of the new GT-R, EVO and STI, platforms you’ll see plenty of in our TAS coverage starting on page 114.
But we’re just as much about go as we are show, as you’ll see from our coverage of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill road race, where Senior Editor Dave Pratte survived the madness that is racing in the darkness. Even more impressive, our Scion tC, built by Marshall Pruett Motorsports Engineering, crossed the finish line in one piece, making it the first Scion in history to complete a professional endurance race. Add to that a couple of engine build tech stories along with our usual lineup of killer feature cars and you’ve got an issue you’re going to read from cover to cover the first time you pick it up. So tell your girlfriend to go shopping for a few hours so you can sit on the throne and fully enjoy the experience!
Cover Car
Built in just five weeks for the SEMA Show, Vivid Racing’s awesome WRX is proof positive that the new Impreza platform has serious tuner potential. Far from a typical rushed show-car build that features only bolt-ons and blingy wheels, Vivid pulled out all the stops to build this 400-whp monster, including an Agency Power GT35R turbo kit, custom Chargespeed body kit, Rotora big brakes and just about everything Cusco could possibly make for it. This ain’t no decal-wearing show queen, it’s the real deal from top to bottom, so check it out.
Modified Features
25 Hours of Agony and Ecstasy
Senior Editor Dave Pratte takes on Thunderhill in a Scion tC.
Impressive Impreza
An STI that is as close to perfection as any.
EG-Missile
A Honda Civic EG destined to destroy the competition.
Boost-Addicted tC
454 whp makes this tC all business.
Event Coverage
2008 Tokyo Auto Salon
Makuhari Messe Convention Center
Tokyo, Japan, January 11-13, 2008
