The Fairplex at Pomona was the place to be this Saturday; it was full of cars, girls, and live DJ’s. As soon as the doors opened the lines were long as expected and as you walked in you were greeted by 2 lovely ladies handing out fake tattoos next to a beer pong section. All of the expect imports were there from BMW’s to Hondas and even some Mustangs located outside. Here is our coverage of the show. Enjoy!

HIN is bringing it back to where the Import show scene began. The 2012 HIN Tour includes 12 events that include a Nightclub Stage, Model search, Miss HIN LA, and GoGo Competition. Come out and enjoy a night of full of girls, music and of course the cars.

Some of the incredible cars that will be making an appearance at the show include: High-End Auto Concept Elite’s GTR Skyline (WekFest SF 2012 Best of Show), Randy Riggs R-Rydes Infiniti G35 (AutoCon Best of Show), Jamari Whitside’s Subaru WRX (HIN LA Best of Show). Plus HIN continues the tradition of attracting the best of the best cars at every show with more than 300 of the top tuners in the country and from around the Southern California area competing for cash prizes and most importantly bragging rights.

Venue: The FAIRPLEX – Pomona

When: Saturday March 10th, 2012

Hours: 3pm to 10pm

TICKETS: $25 per individual or $20 for groups of 4 or more

Enter the code TUNER for $5.00 off tickets

https://xdc.webconnex.com/fairplextickets2012

For more information please visit hotimportnights.com

In another effort to share a great build thread, we bring you this car; something you might not expect from Modified. This Audi Quattro started life as a long wheel base model, the owner stripped everything completely down, actually cut and shortened the body, and then built everything from the ground up to make a purpose built one-off racing car.

At the very beginning of the build, we are greeted by a modified GT3582 turbocharger, always a good sign of things to come. The owner of this car did nearly everything himself, in his home garage. 

The engine has been torn down and rebuilt from the ground up with high quality components, including JE Pistons, ARP connecting rods, RS2 head gasket, and extensive headwork and custom sizing of certain parts for optimized performance and reliability. It's clear that this guy knows what he's doing, and wants this car to really kick some serious booty.

The suspension and running gear is all pieced together from different cars, the details of which can all be found in the full build thread.

We like this car because it's a great example of what can be done with plenty of patience, knowhow, and perhaps most importantly, the will to make something truly unique and cool out of an admittedly dull starting point. Too bad this guy's not in the US, we would love to see this thing run!

Check out the full build here:

http://www.lancerregister.com/showthread.php?t=333749 

In the spirit of sharing some of our favorite build projects, we wanted to share this project which is currently being undertaken by our friends over at Sportcar Motion in San Diego CA.  The car in question is a Honda some of you may recognize, the former owner Mike Chang of Evasive Motorsports experienced a successful couple of years behind the wheel as a Street Class time attack car before selling it to Renzo Marsano, owner of the '94 Civic we featured back in October 2010 (Always In Motion, Oct. '10). Renzo has some serious plans for his newest pick up, so lets start from the top.

Shortly after purchasing the car, Renzo decided that the top end needed a bit of beefing up. He turned to respected and well-known Honda tuners Skunk2 for a complete head package. At this point, the car was still on a stock bottom end K20A, so nothing really that crazy going on here.  But if you doubt the ability of the chassis, just wrap your head around this for a minute.  During competition at the 2011 Super Lap Battle finals, Renzo was able to run a 2:02.xxx at Buttonwillow clockwise configuration 13, a time that is less than 2 seconds off pace with our own former Project EVO X, an AWD turbo car with significantly more power and grip.  That's pretty impressive for a N/A FWD car, but not impressive enough for Renzo and the guys over at Sportcar Motion.

Renzo's next phase of the build was to increase the displacement, and after installing a 2.4 liter bottom end, he was able to reach the 2:00.xxx mark in December of 2011. With further plans for increased aerodynamics and wider tires, Renzo hopes to break into the 1:58.xxx zone in 2012. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on the build!

Specs & Details

'08 Honda Civic Si

Engine Honda K24 naturally aspirated inline-4 Engine Modifications 12:5 CP X-forged pistons; Cunningham rods; IPS KME cams; complete Skunk 2 valvetrain, Pro Series intake manifold, Mega Power header; OEM Acura TL throttle body; P2R throttle body adapter plate; Custom 2.5 inch exhaust; Hytech custom oil pan; Sportcar Motion custom oil cooler; ATI super dampener; RC 650cc injectors; Mugen low temperature thermostat; 

Engine Management Hondata Flash Pro

Drivetrain '08 Civic SI transmission w/ 4.7 final drive; Kazz LSD

Suspension/Tires/Wheels Tein Monoflex coilovers; J's Racing roll center adjusters; ARP wheel studs

Wheels/Brakes/Tires Weds TC05 wheels 17x9 (f) & 17x8 (r); Dunlop Starspec tires; Endless Si big brake kit w/ Endless race pads

Interior Recaro bucket seats; Takata harness

Exterior JDM FD2 full conversion (f/r) w/ rear wing; Seibon 

Mugen style carbon fiber lip (f)

Not too long ago, we were poking around online (as we often do) and we found ourselves scrolling through a very long build thread. Then all of a sudden, we realized that the best part about this particular build was the ability to see what is going on behind the scenes. The actual build up process itself has been so well documented that we thought we would start sharing our favorite build threads from various forums. Here is our first, a '92 Nissan 240SX.

This build is kind of like a restoration meets modification, a "restomod" is the term hot rodders use. It's a bit odd in this case, because the 240 is less than 20 years old, but anyone who has tried to build one knows how Hard most of these cars' lives are.

As you can see, the owner spared little expense over the course of this build. This kind of attention to detail is truly inspiring, and it makes us happy to see how positive the response is from the forum.

This car is powered by a turbocharged KA, which is also a bit different than what we see most often these days. The choice of subtle 180SX OEM aero, paired with the crazy bright teal green paint is a winning look that we would be proud to park in our own garages.

The owner says his goal was to build the cleanest example of an S13 that he possibly could, a car that would be "like new" to him when finished. We think it's safe to say he has accomplished this!

Check out the full build here:

http://zilvia.net/f/chat/417009-levans-93-hatchback-resto-custom-180sx-build-thread.html

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford brought out a production spec Focus ST model which is scheduled to be on sale in late 2012.  In case you're not familiar with the ST, this is the coveted performance beast that Ford has rudely kept away from North American markets...  Until now!

The 2013 model looks awesome right away, with it's angular body and sharp looking 18-inch wheels. The giant front grill is a bit much, but we're sure it's there for a reason - cooling. The ST is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which makes a nice even 247 horsepower and 250 torques in this configuration. The ST also utilizes Ford's unique Torque Vectoring Control, which is in a nutshell, a way to achieve the effects of a limited slip differential without actually using a mechanical LSD.

On the inside, the ST is a bit more exciting than the base model Focus' (as you would expect.) The sporty leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum shifter and pedals, and racing inspired gauge display all hint at the ST's racing heritage. The driver and passengers are held in place by performance oriented Recaro seats, yet it's worth noting that these seats retain all the comfortable characteristics of a street car. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

Pricing has not been announced yet, but you can expect the ST to be the priciest of the Focus line up for obvious reasons. Look for this bad boy on showrooms late 2012. 

After what seems like years (years? Yea, it actually has been) of rumors, concepts, spy shots and speculations, the newest entry into the compact car performance market is finally here. Last night, Scion hosted a gala event in Hollywood to release the highly anticipated FR-S to the North American market.

Powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4 cylinder producing 200 horsepower, transferred to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission with a limited slip differential. The FR-S is rumored to weigh in under 2800 lbs, which is really not a bad starting point for a modern car with safety and comfort kept in mind throughout the design process. This rear wheel drive coupe promises to fill the void automotive enthusiasts have suffered in the lightweight rear drive department since the Honda S2000 was retired in 2009. 

The principle behind the FR-S is one of balance, not one of outright power. The car is claimed to retain the spirit of the classic Toyota AE86 Corolla, making it light weight, fun to drive, and (hopefully) easy to modify and race. Until the car is made available for us to test drive, we can only speculate on the actual performance of the car. So instead of guessing, we will wait patiently for the call telling us we can drive one for ourselves. Pricing has yet to be announced, and the FR-S officially goes on sale in Spring of 2012.

Each year, the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls through town in a bustle of press releases, vehicle announcements, and invitations to mingle with the OEM manufacturers. It seems that the LA show tends to be where car companies announce their new electric and fuel efficient vehicles, admittedly stuff that's not really up our alley at Modified. However, there is also a Tuner Hall at the LA Auto Show, a place where you never quite know what to expect. Since the show is so close to SEMA, a lot of the cars you'll see downstairs are going to be things you've already seen just a few weeks prior.  This year, the downstairs hall had some iterating stuff, and some not so interesting stuff.  For lack of a better term, we saw the good, the bad, and of course, the ugly.  Here's our take, we'll start with the less than ideal vehicles:

"This GT-R had a very unique style to the body kit. We're not sure how or why they decided that the quarter panels line behind the door should protrude randomly from the rest of the body, but at least the color is subtle...  Right?"

"Egads!  In case you were wondering how to make a Ferrari 458 Italia, one of the most beautifully designed supercars of all time, look cheap and tacky...  Here you go."

"We're going to have to go ahead and categorize this 350Z in the 'WTF were they thinking' file. We can see a vague inspiration being drawn from the Japanese Super GT aerodynamics styling trying to make it's way to the surface, however the overwhelming and generally awful aesthetics sadly take all our attention away from what could have been a pretty cool Z car."

"This Dodge Stratus (we're pretty sure that's what it is) looks like it's straight out of the year 1998...  But not in a cool nostalgic way."

"We recognize this car, it looks much better now on gun metal wheels than when we featured it in our May 2010 issue.  With so much power (compound charged inline-4) and such a unique looking custom wide body, it's not surprising that this car gets a lot of attention."

"No pinching?"

"This original Mini Cooper is a pretty cool little number. The color choice is a bit intense, but it looks pretty good, and the car is powered by rear-mounted a turbocharged Honda K Series. Not bad we say!"

"Here's a couple of fun SAE Student project race cars. You gotta start somewhere, and we can bet these little guys are fun as heck to throw around a karting track."

"Another Lotus, this one much more close to the stock form. You don't need much to make the Evora a fantastic car - straight out of the box, it's one of the best things we've ever driven!"

"This was our favorite European 'VIP' styled cars. We know that 'VIP' is probably not the correct term, but this car is clean, has good taste, does not have excessive amounts of useless vents and louvers, and above al else, it just looks damn good no matter how you slice it."

"A little good old fashioned American muscle never hurt no body. This '55 Bel Air means business with a massive blower poking out from beneath the hood. You can't go wrong with a classic like this."

"This Ford Fairlane looks great in it's rat-rod style. And check out the roof, that is just plain awesome, I don't care who you are."

"And here's something that we really appreciated, file this one under "more than you can afford, pal." The German company Mechatronik who built these two cars is a special tuning haus who takes modern Mercedes Benz components (like engines, suspension, interior technology, etc...) and seamlessly blends the modern technology into classic Mercedes chassis'. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?"

"And to finish it off, here's a couple halo cars - The Bugatti Veyron and Lamborghini Aventador." 

Stay tuned for our coverage of the OEM halls coming soon!

Every year in November, the Time Attack community converges on the small truck stop town of Buttonwilow California for one purpose. (No, it's not the BBQ pork ribs ate Willow Ranch.) The Super Lap Battle final event plays host to the biggest chance for bragging rights in North America, and this year, like always, there were a few new records set.

FX Motorsports Development is a name you're probably familiar with - the team has campaigned several Time Attack cars in recent years, most notably a Mitsubishi Eclipse and an Acura NSX. The NSX is one of the most badass unlimited class cars out there, and for the last several years FX has been chipping away the tenths of seconds slowly and surely. Last year, the team was able to set a new track record for a rear wheel drive car, a time of 1:41.949 with Billy Johnson at the helm. This time was a huge achievement for the team, because not only did the yse ta new class record, but they actually beat the previously long held overall track record by nearly 2 seconds.

But as you might expect, simply having the class record would not suffice. This year, on a cool and balmy Wednesday afternoon, FX set a new overall track record! With Tyler McQuarrie behind the wheel of the unlimited rear wheel drive class beast, the car was propelled to a blisteringly fast 1:40.981. The defending champions' (Sierra Sierra Enterprises EVO IX) time of 1:41.046 was bested by a mere 0.065 seconds.  Talk about intense!

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for our full coverage of the 2011 Super Lap Battle finals in an upcoming issue!

High performance synthetic lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple recently expanded its Porter, Texas production facility.  Six new 35,000 gallon blend tanks were added.   According to Royal Purple Production manager Leigh McClellan, the additional tanks were added in order to help Royal Purple to stay ahead of its double digit sales growth.

'We've see increased demand for both industrial and consumer markets products', says McClellan.   "New tankage was necessary for us to continue JIT production".  Royal Purple will also install two new packaging lines, doubling production's packaging capacity.

This year Royal Purple has introduced several new products to the automotive retail market including the new High Performance Street (HPS) series of high performance automotive motor oils, its new High Performance Marine (HPM) line of lubricants, a 0W-20 API SN-licensed motor oil and a new Racing ATF.  

Royal Purple manufactures synthetic products for numerous industrial and consumer needs. More information about its products is available at www.royalpurple.com. 

One of the leading aftermarket suspension manufacturers, TEIN is proud to announce the international launch of the new Street Basis suspension line. Packed with features such as revised internals, a ZT coated damper sleeve, Delrin thrust washer, and ride height adjustment, the Street Basis combines "made in Japan" quality with a low starting MSRP of just $700.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1aWlwWQy9A

To coincide with the launch, TEIN has released two originally produced videos. The first is a photoshoot on wheels, combining beautiful driving footage with emotive narration and crisp backgrounds. Using popular street car platforms, the video takes tuning car enthusiasts from the urban cityscape to the curves of mountain roads.

Produced simultaneously in English, Japanese, and Chinese, the full length Street Basis video speaks to both potential buyer and educated dealer alike. The piece features detailed product shots and information on the Street Basis' construction, quality, design, and features. Using actual TEIN R&D staff and showcasing their in-house prototyping process, the video takes viewers through the Street Basis' design and testing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0hNtYI7S0E

 Dai Wins the Championship and McQuarrie Takes the Event Victory

Formula DRIFT come back to the Toyota Speedway for the final event of the 2011 season where Tyler McQuarrie in the Falken Tire Nissan 350Z took the event victory! Keep an eye out to get the entire story on Modified Magazine. More images coming soon!

 Round 7: Title Fight Ticket Buyers Have Chance to Win Prizes 

Formula DRIFT prepares for what many are anticipating as the largest event in Formula Drift history with the finale at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. Round 7: Title Fight ending one of the most exciting seasons to date on October 7-8. Tickets are on-sale now. 

“Round 7: Title Fight is slated to be the largest drift event in our history and we are on pace for another capacity crowd,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “To encourage fans to purchase their tickets early and guarantee their spot at the Finale we have partnered with a few of our sponsors to give away some great prizes to lucky pre-sale ticket buyers.” 

Along with the purchase of tickets, Formula DRIFT will be holding a contest for all pre-sale ticket buyers. 

For those that purchase 2-day Reserved Grandstand Tickets, the following prizes will be raffled off:

- Twenty five (25) individuals will receive one (1) Trident mobile phone or iPad case each.

- One (1) individual will receive a Falken Tire/HPI R/C drift car

- One (1) individual will receive a set of four (4) Enkei Fujin wheels plus one (1) set of matching Nitto Tires.

For those that purchase VIP Tickets:

- One (1) individual will receive two (2) tickets to the Formula DRIFT Awards Banquet being held on October 9, 2011 with one (1) night hotel stay at the official banquet hotel. Winner must be 18 or older to qualify.

- One (1) individual will receive an $800 credit toward any set of Falken Tires redeemable at any America’s Tire / Discount Tire location. Labor costs not included.

Winners will be announced on September 26 on the Formula DRIFT website, www.formuladrift.com. Prizes have no cash value. More prizes to be announced at a later date. Each ticket purchased counts as one raffle ticket.

Tickets are available for Round 7: Title Fight on October 7-8, including reserved seating, 2-day ticket packages, and VIP tickets. Tickets can be purchased through www.formuladrift.com. Ticket prices start at $26 online. 

 Take a closer look at the 7th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show at the Queen Marry in Long Beach this past Saturday September 10th. We captured some images of the old school imports along with a few vintage bikes that also attended this show. 

 Season Opener Premieres on Sept. 17 Exclusively on n3D, Powered by Panasonic 

 DIRECTV and Formula DRIFT are following last year’s successful 3D broadcast of Formula DRIFT’s “Round 7: Title Fight” event with the premiere of the 2011 season opener, “Round 1: Streets of Long Beach” on Sept.17 at 8 p.m. (ET). This is the first-ever drifting event that takes place on actual city streets to be produced in 3D and will be available exclusively on DIRECTV’s 3D channel n3D, powered by Panasonic (channel 103).

The season opener, held in Long Beach, Calif., on April 8-9, was the only drifting event on the circuit to legally use real city streets. The 3D TV event showcases the action and excitement from the race and is co-hosted by Formula Drift vice president & co-founder, Ryan Sage and the “Voice of Formula Drift” announcer Jarod DeAnda. Footage from the event includes: 

• Complete coverage of Round 1: The Streets of Long Beach, 

• Exclusive interviews with Formula DRIFT pro drivers,

• And coverage of off-the-track action including fans, vendors, garage area, import models and more.

DIRECTV tested new production techniques for this event, including new camera angles of the course and in-car cameras that will give viewers the driver’s perspective of the track. In addition, DIRECTV has also signed on to produce Formula DRIFT’s season finale “Round 7: Title Fight,” in 3D this October at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., and will air it exclusively on n3D later this year.

“Besides being the most challenging course on the circuit, Round 1 truly sets the stage for all of the drama and excitement that will build up throughout the season and come to a head at the finale in Irwindale next month,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “The new 3D production techniques that we used while shooting this race will add another level of excitement for both 3D and racing fans.”

"After a successful 3D program of last year’s season finale, DIRECTV captured the excitement of drifting that takes place on actual city streets at Round 1: Streets of Long Beach this season,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder, Formula DRIFT. “Drifting will be showcased in the perfect medium with the 3D technology bringing the action to the fans’ home."

DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D, powered by Panasonic (Ch.103), the nation's first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. n3D offers customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV's award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions; the 2011 DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl and Guy's Big Bite in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA are all powered by Panasonic. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform. For more information on n3D, powered by Panasonic, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D. 

Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars.

 Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”  The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

S. Res. 154 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 154 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.  

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.  We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come.”

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country.  ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan said, “On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country.  We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.” 

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.  Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.  Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Ashley Ailsworth, SEMA Research and State Affairs Manager at ashleya@sema.org or 202-783-6007 x. 39.

 Lexus today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which will be priced at $29,120. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

With its starting price of $29,120, CT 200h will have the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup and offer the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers have come to expect.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The optional sixth-generation navigation system features a backup camera and Lexus’ exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback.  The innovative controller, similar to a computer mouse, eliminates the need for touch screen controls, allowing the pop-up navigation system screen to be mounted further up the center stack and away from the driver.  This helps the driver benefit with a clear, high-resolution screen, improved site lines and reduced eye movement.         

For comfort and convenience, the CT 200h is available with a moonroof and heated seats.  Consumers can also add an optional Premium Audio Package which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.  An optional Leather Package includes perforated leather seats, heated front seats, driver memory, and rain sensing wipers.  Other optional equipment available for the CT 200h includes: LED headlights with headlamp cleaners, backup camera in rearview mirror, and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

JOINS A DISTINGUISHED LIST OF VEHICLES FEATURED IN THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING RACING FRANCHISE 

Eighth Annual Awards Ceremony at SEMA Show Recognizes the Best of Car Design and Innovation

 LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) hosted its eighth annual Gran Turismo® Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show last night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrating automotive design excellence and showcasing the latest franchise offering, Gran Turismo 5™. Each year, the Gran Turismo Awards offer SEMA show exhibitors the opportunity to join the ranks of the famed Gran Turismo® racing franchise – one of the top-selling video game franchises of all time with more than 56 million units shipped worldwide – with a feature spot in a future Gran Turismo title. After reviewing more than 100 entries, the judging panel and Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself, crowned Best Hot Rod winner, Mark Stielow for his 1969 Chevy Camaro as the 2010 “Best in Show.”

“For the past eight years, the Gran Turismo Awards has recognized and rewarded automotive enthusiasts who demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for car customization, design and performance,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise and President of Polyphony Digital.  “The Gran Turismo franchise is committed to providing gaming fans and car aficionados with a realistic racing simulator that embodies racing nirvana, so we are always on the hunt for the next hot ride. We continue to be blown away by the quality of the vehicles that are submitted to the Gran Turismo Awards each year and are excited to add the 1969 Chevy Camaro to our list of distinguished winners and to the Gran Turismo franchise.” 

SCEA – Gran Turismo Awards’ Best in Show 2-2-2-2

Additional prizes were awarded to:  

•“Best Truck/SUV” – Nick Moncure, 2007 Chevy Colorado

•“Best Domestic Car” – Gary Mulder, 2011 Chevy Camaro SSX Concept and Tommy Z,  2010 Chevy Camaro Super Sport

•“Best Asian Import” – Jamarii Whiteside, 2006 Subaru WRX STI and Stef Papadakis,1986 Toyota Corolla

•“Best European Import” – Marcel Horn, 2010 HPA Scirocco

•Best Hot Rod” – Mark Stielow, 1969 Chevy Camaro

The 12-year old Gran Turismo franchise is recognized as the world’s best and most authentic driving simulator. Gran Turismo 5, releasing exclusively on the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system this year and now for the first time in stereoscopic 3-D, offers more than 1,000 licensed cars from the world’s top manufacturers and racing organizations such as NASCAR and more than 20 tracks with 70 variations, including famous world circuits, city courses, and other environments. Additionally, players have the ability to custom create their own racing course and participate in a robust online system. Players can race online with up to 16 players through PlayStation®Network and transfer vehicles unlocked in Gran Turismo® for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) into their garage in Gran Turismo 5. Featuring exciting gameplay to suit newcomers, automotive enthusiasts, and seasoned fans, Gran Turismo 5 truly raises the bar on delivering an ultra-realistic driving experience with unparalleled visuals and lifelike graphics that are difficult to distinguish from a live race. Some new key features include a completely new physics engine improving steering feel and dynamics during turns and drifts, a deep track editor function, vehicle damage, an online mode and more. 

  Dear Fellow Car Enthusiast:

It is with great pleasure, and a sense of excitement, that I write to introduce myself as the new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

As a lifelong gearhead with roots tracing back to the Motor City, I am very proud to take on the responsibility of leading America's premier automotive enthusiast network in the battle to protect our cherished heritage.  In an era of increasing governmental involvement in the hobby, it is imperative that we remain organized and stand together.  We must continue to ensure that lawmakers, both on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the nation, hear our voices loudly and proudly.  We will not stand idly and allow America's automotive traditions to be legislated out of existence.  In addition, we will promote pro-active policies that benefit the hobby.  As I assume the mantle of this great organization, that is my pledge to you.

I come to this job abundantly aware that the fight to defend the hobby from aggressive regulation may not be easy, but it is a necessary one.  For 14 years, the SAN has staved off attacks from forces seeking to create obstacles to our responsible enjoyment of this hobby and made strides towards ensuring its future.  Continue to stay informed.  Respectfully let your legislators know where you stand on the issues.  Most importantly, spread the word.  Let your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts know the vital importance of SAN's mission and to join the cause.  As always, joining the SAN at  http://www.semasan.com/san/join.aspx  is FREE and carries no obligations.  
 
I look forward to meeting each of you at events across the country and working together towards the preservation of our hobby.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at miked@sema.org.  

Very Respectfully,
Mike Dingell

 Project Car Features

 Project RX-8

To solo s STX and beyond

Project S2000

Building the ultimate time attack machine

Project DC2

Onward and upward

Project WRX

Ready or not. Project WRX gets it close up

Regulars

Tech Talk

Understanding the new GF-5 motor oil standard

Spinout

News from the sport compact world

Top Car Challenge

Part:3 Final preparations before race day

First Drive

'11 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Casting call for the 2010 Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge. Calling all cars! It's that time of year again; we at Modified are looking for the best street car contender to represent us in the 2010 Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge.

Castrol Top Car Challenge

Modified is looking for the best street car contender to represent us in the 2010 Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge.

April 08, 2010
Casting call for the 2010 Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge.  Calling all cars! It's that time of year again; we at Modified are looking for the best street car contender to represent us in the 2010 Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge. This is your chance to pit your ride against the best of the best, and compete in time attack, acceleration, cornering, stopping power and engine horsepower for ultimate bragging rights and a $10,000 purse. Pretty sweet huh?

The car selected to represent Modified will go up against the top readers ride from Super Street, Import Tuner, Honda Tuning, eurotuner and 5.0 Mustang for the chance to win it all and secure our bragging rights for another year. Good luck! For more details and to enter, log on to syntectopcarchallenge.com

 New desktop wallpapers from the latest issue has been uploaded!

 Your favorite photos from the December 2009 issue of Modified Magazine has been uploaded in desktop wallpapers form.

Here is a preview of what you can find:

Head over to our Wallpapers section to download yours now!

Equip your desktop with your favorite automotive photographs found in the pages of our issues.

Here's a sample of what has just been newly uploaded..

So head on over to our wallpapers page (http://www.modified.com/wallpaper) to give your desktop a lift!

JDM Option presents another grip/drift event for the Orange County, CA locals in the blistering summer heat at the ex-El Toro Marine Base.

By Vanessa Lam

Sunday was yet another hugely successful grip/drift combination event hosted by JDM Option and their crew members in the sexy desert heat of Southern California’s ex-El Toro Marine Base. This event included more courses (to accommodate a wider range of driver skills) along with even a mini swap meet on the side. In attendance were some of the most fascinating cars including a fully caged Toyota Corolla wagon and an Ariel Atom tearing it up at every course.

Dai’s Driving  Academy has proven itself with their growth in sponsorships and attendees. This was evident by the hefty grab bag of goodies that all drivers received upon registration which included items such as JDM Option cell-phone dangles, posters, work gloves, and a wide-array of decals from companies including Yokohama, Tomei, D-Max, etc. The team from Soy’s Lap Timing came out to provide free timing and score cards to all participants of the 1-mile loop grip course.

More drift courses were available this time around. A donuts course, figure 8s course, and mini-course were available for all beginners. In addition, the Driving Academy opened up an intermediate course next to the advanced course to accommodate drivers of all levels.

The event ran with few hiccups with the exception of some irritated passengers of the nearby Big Orange Balloon Ride (but hey—the ride is free anyways, right?). Fortunately, Dai’s Driving Academy has yet to turn away any drivers eager for track time. However, they may soon be forced to close registration doors early if the trend in attendance is any indicator of future turnout.

The next and final event for 2009 is set for early November. Be sure to register early and make it out there for this opportunity of a high quality event for a great value.

Are late night car meets just for losers?

By Vanessa Lam

When you think of a typical “car meet,” what do you imagine? Do you see a bunch of car-obsessed, losers loitering in an empty parking lot trying to impress each other with their ride? All the while, a cop is waiting patiently outside on the street anticipating some hooligan racing action.

Many have ill-conceived notions of car meets and believe they are just for hard parkers who have no lives except to crowd around their cars in a parking lot late at night. This may be true for certain meets, but it is definitely not true for all.

Car enthusiasts try to learn more about cars through different avenues—may it be through forums, books, magazines, or any of the combinations. Surprisingly, many of these same car enthusiasts don’t believe car meets are another viable source of information and therefore don’t see a need to frequent them. These meets are, however, represented by those with a mixed range of interests/expertise.

Just as car meets are not a global summit for car nerds, online forum posters are not always the most reliable source of information. How many times have you seen false information spread like wild-fire on a forum? Although there is a large amount of usable facts to be found, there is an equal amount that is also highly questionable. This is where going to car meets can have an advantage over forums and other internet sources since you can make judgments about the reliability of the sources.

Furthermore, attending forum-based car meets can also enhance the forum experience where usernames are matched with faces and cars. Plus, it’s a great way to expand your social circle to a bunch of people who share the same hobby and passion as you. Who knows, you may meet your true BFF’s at one of these meets.

Hope to see you out there!