Features - �㽶��Ƶֱ�� is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

Throwback: 5 Vehicles from �㽶��Ƶֱ�� in 2010

2024-11-12T15:26:30+00:00

As we turned the page on the first decade of the new century, �㽶��Ƶֱ�� was also now celebrating more than 10 years in business and countless feature vehicles up to this point. The weird and wild of the early 2000s was still echoing, but the timelessness of minimalism and a "less is more" mentality when it came to visuals was starting to emerge. Pop culture had modified cars in the spotlight with video games and movies. As part of an ongoing series for our 25th anniversary here at �㽶��Ƶֱ��, we've been taking a look through the archives of the last 25 years, and some of the stuff we've found deserves to be shared with you all.

This week we're looking at the year 2010 in all its glory.

1. Isac Mion's Rear-Engine Mini Cooper

Is this one of the most bonkers Mini Cooper builds ever? We're inclined to say so. Custom widebody work, a healthy dose of carbon fiber, BASF paint, and - oh, we didn't mention the engine behind the driver. This rear-engine Mini was the brain child of Isac Mion and his sponsors, and it's safe to say it turned heads and won awards at shows for years to come. Opening the trunk lid reveals a beautiful exhaust system and a turbo peeking through.

2. 20 Hertz Chrysler 300C

Following up the world's wildest Mini Cooper is arguably the world's wildest Chrysler 300C from the mad masterminds at 20 Hertz Audio. If you were around the show circuit in these years, there's a good chance you've seen this car before, especially at Importfest in Toronto. Built to be a true show car, this 300 was altered from top to bottom in every way possible, from body work, to the engine, and of course, a full audio and entertainment system - hence the TV ascending from the trunk at the push of a button.

3. �㽶��Ƶֱ�� VW R32

By 2010, the secret of the VW R32 was already out of the bag - this platform had potential, and lots of it. Among the first to take the R32 to its highest level (at least back then) was �㽶��Ƶֱ��, with this featured vehicle. The custom widebody and HRE wheels are among the immediately noticeable modifications, but looking under the hood reveals a bespoke turbo system with lots of bits from �㽶��Ƶֱ��.

4. ECS Performance Subaru Impreza 2.5RS

The Subaru Impreza 2.5RS is a rare sight these days, and they weren't exactly everywhere back in 2010 either. ECS (East Coast Swappers) Performance decided that the modest performance of the 2.5RS wasn't nearly enough for their tastes, and swapped in an ECS-built Stage 2 STi engine and drivetrain from the same era. Now pushing well in excess of 450 whp, this was more like it. A unique paint color and a deleted rear wing make this 2.5RS look incredibly unique, and they were ahead of the curve with the TE37 usage.

5. Final Konnexion R34 Skyline

Final Konnexion is a name synonymous with JDM style, and when this kit for the R34 hit the world, it was one of the most talked about body mods for the fanboy-favorite platform. This car from the brand themselves in Japan embraced the tuner culture of the era in its entirety - deep dish color-matched wheels, tinted [perhaps too much] headlights, and a shopping list of sponsor decals.

VIDEO: PAS365 Rally 2024 - Vegas to Salt Lake

2024-10-09T15:29:22+00:00

For the second time in 2024 - and the third time since our official PAS365 Rally launch last year - we gathered up some friends and new faces, planned out a fun route, and rallied with the group all the way to Formula DRIFT. A departure from our original Toronto to New Jersey rallies, this latest rally would prove to be one of our most scenic and well executed rallies to date, travelling from the desert floor in Las Vegas, through the valleys of Arizona, up the mountains of Utah, and finally descending into Salt Lake City before Formula DRIFT Salt Lake the following day.

The rally launched from our favorite car themed bar and lounge, K-Ways Hookah Lounge, and had fun stops including the North Point Lookout over 11,000 feet above sea level, the childhood home of Butch Cassidy, and a grand finale dinner at the incredible Garage Grill & Salt Flats Bar. Attendees had great chances to win prizes via the ultimate high-stakes cornhole beanbag toss, a poker run throughout the rally, social media contest, and more. Our video covers all of the fun stops, the journey along the way, and even bonus bits like the travel to get there and the pre-meet the night before the rally at K-Ways.

Along the way, we were able to give away some awesome prizes thanks to our sponsors. PAS365 Rally: Vegas to Salt Lake was made possible by presenting sponsor, ST Suspensions, as well as all of the other sponsors: ACT, Rotiform, LiquiMoly, Proform, ODX Lighting, Koyorad, R1Concepts, and TurboKits.com.

PAS365 Podcast: SEMA 2024 Live - Part 2

2024-11-07T16:45:38+00:00

Continuing our shenanigans from earlier in the week of SEMA 2024, we opened up the live stream for the second time this week to discuss more awesome builds and products from SEMA. We look at some of the most popular builds that are circulating the internet since SEMA 2024 opened, as well as some hidden gems that even attendees at the show might not have seen yet. In this video we found some of our favorite builds of the show, and checked out some of the award winning new products in the iconic New Products Showcase.

Watch Part 1 here.

PAS365 Podcast: SEMA 2024 Live - Part 1

2024-11-06T18:01:41+00:00

We are taking a look at SEMA thanks to our friends on the ground inside the big show this year. We've got a few sneak peeks of the good, the bad, and the ugly of SEMA 2024, as well as some of our usual shenanigans. We reminisce about the first SEMA that �㽶��Ƶֱ�� attended, talk about what it takes to get a car into the show, and of course, evaluate a bunch of the vehicles that are already making waves online from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Buckle up, there's more where this came from.

Watch Part 2 here.

Throwback: 5 MORE Vehicles from �㽶��Ƶֱ�� in 2009

2024-10-30T17:29:03+00:00

The incredibly diverse builds and �㽶��Ƶֱ�� features of 2009 were so good we couldn't keep it to just five that we dug out of the archives. This was amidst the peak of tuner mags and tuner culture in America, and everyone wanted in on the action. As part of an ongoing series for our 25th anniversary here at �㽶��Ƶֱ��, we've been taking a look through the archives of the last 25 years, and some of the stuff we've found deserves to be shared with you all.

Here are another five eclectic features from �㽶��Ƶֱ�� in 2009:

1. T&A Customs R35 GT-R

What can we say about this GT-R from T&A Customs? Is its overall style dated by today's standards? Yes. Does the fitment leave a lot to be desired? Also yes. But are vertical doors and a clamshell style hood still cool as heck? You better believe it. The R35 GT-R was still a new platform at this time, so the amount of custom work both inside and outside is rather imrpessive, even if it's not everyone's tastes.

2. Francis Fabiculanan's 1991 Mazda Miata

Full attack Miata? Yes please. This spooky color-scheme feels right at home since we're publishing this article on Halloween. At the time, this was one of the fastest Miatas to ever appear in �㽶��Ƶֱ��, and it earned itself the nickname "Widow Maker" - though thankfully it didn't actually produce any widows. It did however stand as one of the most unique looking Mazda Miatas that could also get down on the track.

3. Drift Emporium Infiniti G35s

Inspired by Signal Auto's S-chassis builds, the Drift Emporium team built twin Infiniti G35s with one purpose - drifting. With a Stillen supercharger sticking out of the cut hood on each one, and just about everything matching aside from the paint color and interiors tuned to each driver's preference, these twins made a name for themselves in North America in a short period of time.

4. Samuel Hübinette's Drift Dodge Challenger

Samuel Hübinette is a name synonymous with drifting in America, and not much is more American than drifting a Dodge Challenger. When it came time to retire his crowd-favorite Dodge Viper competition drift car, Mopar's SRT Challenger would be the go-to. 850 horsepower coming from a Gary Stanton Racing engine and a 4-speed dog-box transmission made this Challenger unlike any before it on the Formula DRIFT grid.

5. Design Tech "GT40" 2008 Ford Focus

Why is there a Gulf livery on this 2008 Ford Focus, you ask? This particular build from Design Tech had a simple mission: take inspiration from the iconic Ford GT40 that came long before it, and make it a show car fit for awards and magazine features. The good news is they did just that. Now, by today's standards, the look is a bit much, but it's hard not to respect the amount of workmanship that went into this thing.

Vehicles We're Looking Forward to at SEMA 2024

2024-10-23T20:36:42+00:00

SEMA 2024 is approaching quickly, and SEMA prep is in full swing as builders put the last minute touches - or in some cases, last minute scrambles for big jobs - on their projects before they show the world their work on the SEMA show floor. Every year we love to see what surfaces on social media, or is kept just barely under wraps as the big show approaches, giving us hints at what to expect when we go searching for hidden gems inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are just a few builds we can't wait to see up close.

Zach Eason's 1978 Datsun B210

Zach Eason will be competing in Battle of the Builders Young Guns category, and he's hoping to break through to the judges with his classic Datsun B210. The ethos behind his build is about turning the cute little underappreciated Datsun coupe into a monster, inspired by the track weapons of 1970s SCCA. Step 1? Swapping in a KA24 from a 240sx and adding a big turbo. Custom coilovers based on 280zx struts, bigger brakes, and some fresh styling will set this Datsun apart.

Preston Ingrassia's 1968 OUTLAW Mustang

This Mustang is one of 25 OUTLAW Mustangs produced by The Mustang Brothers, and will blend modern customization, fit, and finish with the iconic style of the 1968 Fastback that everyone loves. The custom panoramic glass roof and translucent hood window radically transform the vibe of this classic Mustang, and if that wasn't enough to live up to the OUTLAW name, it will also be converted to right-hand drive. Powering this awesome take on a classic will be a 2012 5.4L engine mated to a Tremec 6-speed.

Shawn Bassett's 1976 Toyota Celica

Our friend Shawn Bassett from Attacking The Clock Racing is back with another hit in the Toyo Treadpass for SEMA 2024. How will he be topping the Time Attack Kei Truck seen around the world from last year? With a 1976 Toyota Celica with a 700 horsepower Toyota V12 that revs to 10,000 RPM - that's how. The Celica will also feature custom cantilever suspension, a bespoke leather and alcantara interior, and the usual ATC Racing dose of carbon fiber bodywork.

Dillon Houck's Overlanding 2015 Porsche Cayenne

The first generation of Porsche Cayenne from 2003-2010 was touted as one of the best off-roading and overlanding vehicles to date. Dillon Houck decided to see if he can get a 2nd gen 2015 Cayenne to be just as overland-ready with his build for Battle of the Builders Young Guns category. With very few aftermarket parts available for the platform in the overlanding space, most of the mods here are going to be prototype collaborations, or fully custom fabricated. Cut and rolled wheel arches, an auxiliary solar system, Hertz waterproof exterior audio system, and a prototype roof rack with a tent are just some of the modifications that turn this would-be luxury commuter into a true overland-ready vehicle.

Throttle Thrashers' R32 Skyline GT-R

Our friends Cole and Chelsie of Throttle Thrashers Garage are back again with another creation for SEMA 2024 - this time in the form of a custom R32 GT-R. This tue Godzilla is equipped with a beautiful custom interior unlike any we've seen before, and a freshly assembled RB26 build color-matched to the interior (and brake calipers) with the orange finish. We don't know the full scope of this build just yet, but we know the TTG couple always delivers some show-stopping quality. We'll just have to see it on the show floor.

Peter Ashby's MkIV Toyota Supra

Peter Ashby has been meticulously building his MkIV Supra for over a decade now, with a commitment to having it truly SEMA-ready to show the world. Its exterior and interior will be adorned by multiple one-off carbon fiber components from SEIBON and Pro Spec, and a three-stage nitrous system will help the bored and stroked 2JZ push an earth-moving 2,000 horsepower. You'll also find a full Kicker audio system in custom enclosures under the trunk lid, so we're especially excited to see Ashby's vision of the perfect Supra.

TJ Hunt's RB26 Mustang

The first-generation Mustang with an RB26 engine swap from Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift was always one of Hollywoods most diabolical "what-if" hypotheticals. When you're TJ Hunt, ideas like that don't have to remain hypothetical, and he actually committed to this idea a couple years back. Debuting at SEMA 2024 will be the finished iteration of his RB26-swapped first-gen Mustang with a top-mount turbo setup, custom paint, and more. We're obviously excited about the upcoming StreetHunter kit for the S650 Mustang as well, but something about slapping an RB in a classic makes it even more exciting.

These are just a few of the exciting builds we can't wait to see in person, but there are so many more on the horizon we can barely keep track. If you've got something special for us to check out at SEMA 2024, don't hesitate to reach out and let us know! We'll see you there.

Throwback: 5 Vehicles from �㽶��Ƶֱ�� in 2009

2024-10-16T16:49:48+00:00

As we neared closer to the end of the decade in the early 2000s, getting closer and closer to 2010, the builds in �㽶��Ƶֱ�� were incredibly diverse. This was amidst the peak of tuner mags and tuner culture in America, and everyone wanted in on the action. As part of an ongoing series for our 25th anniversary here at �㽶��Ƶֱ��, we've been taking a look through the archives of the last 25 years, and some of the stuff we've found deserves to be shared with you all.

The times have certainly changed in the automotive world over the lifespan of �㽶��Ƶֱ��. Trends and styles have come and gone, with some of them sticking around for good, and others resurfacing in cycles. Those in our audience old enough to remember the haydays of the '90s and early 2000s are sure to know exactly what we mean. And while we may look down on some style eras with hindsight, it's important to remember that many of these modifications and styles we consider to be extreme or "too much" paved the way for a lot of the aftermarket automotive world we know and love today.

This week we're looking at the year 2009 in all its glory.

1. Tamon Design S2000

Little known fact: There is a difference between a "body kit" and an "aero kit" - the difference, of course, being that an aero kit is designed for aerodynamics. This S2000 from Tamon Design in Japan not only looks incredibly tough, but it's functional as well. At a time when everyone was making their own body kits, Tamon Design took it a step further and introduced one of the most unique S2000 kits of all time, now seemingly lost to time. There's a lot to like about this entire build.

Full feature here.

2. Eneri Abillar Scion xB

How do you follow up one of the coolest looking S2000s of all time? With one of the coolest looking Scion xB builds of all time! Have you ever seen an xB look this mean? Inside, a full interior which included a rear lounge complete with audio and entertainment from front to back. The second generation of Scion's fun little xB had just started around this era, and Eneri Abillar turned it up to 11 as soon as possible.

3. Satoshi Kondo's ASI "Tetsu GT-R" Bentley

One of the most tuner-inspired Bentley builds to this day, and most certainly one of the most modified of the decade it was featured in, this custom Bentley Continental GT, codnamed "Tetsu GT-R" from ASI, is truly one of the most unique builds featured in �㽶��Ƶֱ�� up to this year. A few of these kits made their way to the streets, but few of them looked as well put together as this example. The gold trim that lines the hood and appears again on the lip of the wheels was a nice touch.

Full feature here.

4. Team Hybrid WRX S202

Team Hybrid has been displaying some incredible builds for a long time, and this bright bug-eye WRX S202 is no exception. If the bright paint and bright lights didn't capture your attention, popping the hood surely did. A nicely assembled top-mount turbo kit bumps the horsepower considerably, and it's got the radar detector inside for obvious reasons. With a wide array of sponsors on Team Hybrid, this WRX was treated to the works, and we're not just talking about the Work wheels.

5. Forrest Wang's FD S14.5

Way before Formula DRIFT was almost entirely 1,000 horsepower weapons, the style king himself Forrest Wang was already drifting an S14.5 - a chassis/body combo he would pilot for years to come. Even though it's his signature green, this SR20DET powered S-chassis is a far cry from Wang's Pro competition cars of today. We love it just the same.