iM: The Re-Up 2013 (Part 4)

Gonna wrap things up in the features/highlights side of things as we roll ahead with Part 4 of 2013 Re-Up series! Definitely stay tuned for Part 5 & 6 as we take a look back at Driven 2013 and Sunday School 2013! Let’s get right to it…

There’s no denying the fact that the FR-S has definitely made it’s imprint on the automotive scene this past year but it’s awesome to see the new school “86” owners linking up with the old school “86” owners like we have here featuring Beniot’s FR-S and Spencer’s AE86. Peep the old school and new school love.


iM Feature: Beniot’s Scion FR-S & Spencer’s Toyota AE86

When the Honda Fit is brought up amongst car enthusiasts, one thing comes to mind: ‘it’s a daily driver’. Be that as it may, the Honda Fit as many of us may not know has a very strong tuning culture in Japan. A look at Gangster D’s daily driven Honda Fit and one will you can get a pretty good idea of what can be done to Honda’s beloved subcompact car.


iM Feature: Daniel’s 2007 Honda Fit

An S14 with a 1JZ power plant?! For Noel, this build in the works is definitely worth it…and we can’t wait to see what Noel has up his sleeve for this coming season!


iM Highlight: Noel’s S14 Nissan 240SX

Undeniably a big part of car history, the Shelby Mustang lives on in today’s car society and it’s owners like Rob who don’t let anyone forget about Ford’s prized pony.


iM Highlight: Rob’s 2007 Ford Shelby GT500

illmotion’s videographer Corey O’Hara, hits us with another one of his masterpieces this time showcasing Terry’s immaculate 1998 Acura Integra Type-R. We definitely can’t wait to see more videos like this from Corey this year!


iM Film: Terry’s 1998 Acura Integra Type-R

Wrapping up 2013 was an update on Ricky’s Volkswagen GTI. With that perfect fusion of Japanese and German performance Ricky definitely goes the distance to making his GTI stand out from typical European fashion.


iM Update: Ricky Luu’s Volkswagen GTI

iM: The Re-Up 2013 (Part 3)

Moving along with Part 3 of our Re-Up 2013 series highlighting a car from Edmonton and the rest coming out of Toronto courtesy of our illmotion East/Level One representative and photographer Galen Wan aka GAWA, and photographer Alex Lu. Let’s take a look at part 3!

Something we definitely look for when it comes to the cars we showcase here on illmotion is the originality and uniqueness of the platform that the owner decides to build upon. A good example of keeping things different yet still turning heads is Jules and her Ford Focus ZX5.


iM Highlight: Jules Cragg’s Ford Focus ZX5

Coming out of the Level One crew is DC and his MK6 VW GTI. Equipped with air suspension and sitting on all time classic BBS LM wheels, DC’s GTI is on route to becoming another one of those proper VW builds.


iM Highlight: DC’s MK6 Volkswagen GTI

Without a doubt one of the most popular features to come from Galen in the year 2013 is Next Mod owner Peter and his HKS GT800 Nissan GT-R. Equipped with a plethora of JDM goodness, it’s only right Next Mod’s head honcho comes correct with a build of this caliber.


iM Feature: Peter’s HKS GT800 Nissan GT-R

Another popular feature from Galen this past year was Jacky’s 2006 Honda S2000. What started out as a dream eventually became a reality for Jacky and it sits in the form of the S2000 you see here:


iM Feature: Jacky’s 2006 Honda S2000

Wrapping up part 3 of our Re-Up 2013 series is fellow Level One homie Danio and his latest build. Departing from his infamous S2000, Dan keeps it in the Honda family and it looks like he’s on the right track to building yet another infamous build with this NA1 NSX.


iM Highlight: Danio’s NSX

iM Update: Ricky Luu’s Volkswagen GTI

The last time you saw Ricky’s GTI on illmotion, it was bagged sitting on CCWs and sported the original Volkswagen aero. Going through a load of “unseen” photos on our Flickr, we noticed that we never actually had a chance to show you guys what Ricky had done since the last time we featured his car.

With stock body Volkswagens and CCWs becoming quite the popular look amongst VW owners, Ricky knew it was time to do something a little different with his build, and by “a little different”, we actually mean he raised the bar to make his GTI so much more. What makes Ricky’s GTI stand out from others is undeniably his fusion of German Engineering and Japanese performance; the best of both worlds, if you will.

Stepping away from his CCWs, Ricky sought after Japanese wheel maker SSR, and fitted a set of Professor SP1s in SSR’s custom “Spectrum Silver” finish. To go along with the SSR wheels, Ricky continues his GTI’s Japanese flow by adding a pair of Carbon Kevlar Bride Gias seats to the interior.

With some Japanese influence added to the mix, Ricky stays true to his GTI’s german roots by looking to brands such as Oettinger and OSIR for upgraded aerodynamic parts. Already sporting European GTI taillights and the R32’s rear bumper with diffuser and center exhaust outlets, Ricky completely changes the front of his GTI with Oettinger’s front bumper and OSIR’s side skirts complete with carbon fiber inserts. Without a doubt one of our favorite pieces on Ricky’s GTI is his OSIR rear extended rear duckbill wing, complimenting the aggressiveness of the Oettinger front end.

Already having air suspension and upgraded engine modifications/tuning, the additions that Ricky implemented to his build without a doubt make his MKV GTI stand out from the rest. With the perfect fusion and balance of aftermarket Japanese and German parts, Ricky definitely set the standard for what MORE one can do to the MKV platform. So without further adieu, let’s revisit Ricky Luu’s bagged Volkswagen GTI…

For more photos click HERE

iM Highlight: DC’s Volkswagen GTI MK6

When our Level One/illmotion East photographer Galen (aka Gawa) first informed us that there was a Level One GTI on the come up, we just could not wait to see what was in store for it. “DC”, the owner of this GTI, previously owned a J’s Racing-themed Honda Fit lowered on Volk RE-30s. Being a big fan of Volkswagens running air suspension (especially MK4s) and looking for something a little more on the “Classy and Comfortable” side, DC felt it was time to move on from his Honda Fit build and had his heart set on the Volkswagen MK6 GTI platform.

Putting in work in no time, DC got his GTI lowered on a Bagriders Air Suspension Kit (Shout out to Kevin at AirAssisted). We also can’t help but pay attention to the detail pieces that DC has implemented into his GTI, such as the Euro GTI Led Taillights and the OEM Euro GTI front lip. Following classic Volkswagen protocol, DC’s wheel of choice is none other than one of BBS’s most sought after wheels, the LM. Achieving that “OEM+ look” slammed to the ground is exactly what DC was aiming for. An APR Stage 1 tune was also added to the mix for DC’s work in progress.

If “Classy and Comfortable” is the name of the game for DC, then his GTI is definitely on the right track to becoming another one of those talked about cars coming out of the Level One YYZ camp! With future plans of a Stage 2 Tune (supporting Engine & Drivetrain modifications included) and a possible color change, DC’s GTI is definitely something we can’t to hear/see more from!

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ENGINE.&.DRIVETRAIN
APR Stage 1 Tune
Porsche 911 engine cap
Porsche 911 coolant cap

EXTERIOR
15% Tint All Around
OEM Euro GTI LED tail lights
OEM Euro GTI front lip

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SUSPENSION
AirLift SLAM XL Front Struts
AirLift Double Bellow Rear Bags
Bilstein rear shocks
Autopilot V2 Management
Polished 5 gallon tank
444c VIAR compressors X 2
SMC Watertrap

WHEELS.&.TIRES
BBS LM
-Front: 18×8.5 +38
-Rear: 18×9.5 +36
Tires
-Front: 215/40/18
-Rear:225/40/18

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iM Event Coverage: Auto Union 2012

On Sunday August 19, 2012, A few of us from the crew made it out to Red Deer, Alberta to check out the Auto Union 2012 Show. Luckily, we were able to catch the last little bit of the show and from what we saw, the cars that attended were definitely suited up for the event. The Auto Union show attracted a pretty decent turn out with some top notch cars of various makes and models. We hope this show happens and again next year and hopefully we are there to participate at the event and of course stay for a longer period of time!

We hope you enjoy a few snaps that we managed to get JUST before the show ended!

On to the pics…

iM Flashback: Driven 2010 Recap

With Driven 2012 coming up quickly, we thought it’d be a good idea to look back and see what everyone had to offer in 2010 and what we can look forward to for this year. Since Driven was skipped for us in 2011 – there has been a significant amount of time for everybody to get their whips refreshed. From new cars, to new parts, complete overhauls or tweaks to an already existing minty car, we think this will be the best Driven yet. We have a handful of fresh new faces joining us this year and it’s only a matter of time before we all gather at the Olympic Oval once again.

Looking back – many cars are now gone and have been passed on to new owners and some remain alive and well and will be joining us once again. Let’s take a look…

Dal’s K20 Type R – this was a long-time build for Dal and it was pristine. Reggie now has possession of it and stripped it apart with new plans. From what I’ve seen, he’s doing a great job and going from the ground up with new parts left right and center. It should be at the show this year, so look forward to that!

Alan’s JDM conversion CSX Type-S. So clean and one of the first (and probably still only) to do the conversion with legit OEM parts and tastefully IMO. This is out of his possession now.

Jackie’s infamous S2000. Jackie has some plans for the upcoming year and he won’t be showing in Driven, but he’ll be coming out for our show & shine with new toys to boot.

Hoang’s K20 Civic. One of the most unique and cleanest builds I got to see in 2010. Everything from the J’s wing to the custom splitter and canards and his I.C.E. set up. Not to mention the K20 under the hood.

Steve Poyntz’s 2JZ swap Cressida on 350Z wheels. Super simple and clean build with a whole lotta power.

Chris’s Triumph TR7. Funny story with Chris and his placement in our booth. We had just finished setting everyone up and cleaning our cars and we were just about to leave the place when we were told that there was one more guy in our group. None of us knew of anyone extra and we had placed everyone on our list. We agreed to see the car and the first thing we said was “fuck yeah, we’ll take it”. Chris and his triumph are one of his kind – nothing you’d ever really see on the streets and it’s powered by an SR20. Definitely a keeper.

JC’s Corolla. This is also going through a nice change for 2012 and I’m looking forward to see it. It’s gone from simple and conservative to… well… you’ll have to see. :)

Jamie’s S2000 – this thing is beat on the track like no tomorrow. Jamie drives it hard and rightfully so. He had got his wheels powdercoated that day or the day before the show too so they were clean as hell.

Punit’s Integra. I remember this was the year that he did the K24 swap and it took weeks on end to get it done. One problem would come up after another and the show came up super quick. Luckily he got it running and entered. Wait till you guys see what he has in store this year.

Gopesh’s GTI – this is also going through a nice overhaul for this year as well.

Terence Wah’s S2000. Another S2000 that saw the track often and built with function in mind. Also another that is no longer in Terence’s possession. He now has a new toy…

Derrek Poyntz’s recently finished Integra RS. This was finished hours before roll-in and ready to go. All the graffiti on this was done by hand! The Calgary skyline is also on the valve cover.

Terence Ng’s Merc. More plans for this later on as well…

iM: FlickR Picks

Keeping with the VW flow, we went to our FlickR pool and this beauty caught my eye. From photographer Jeroen Buitenhuis in the Netherlands, who’s teal civic was previously featured on here.

Here are a few shots of a clean Volkswagen Polo GTI

Check out Jeroen’s photostream
Jeroen’s Photostream

iM Feature: Ricky’s CCW’d GTI MKV

Ricky’s Volkswagen has really been a long time coming for those who knew when he got the car. The day he picked it up, he had an idea and that idea became another idea and eventually became a plan. Once that had all started, it all started coming together.

Volkswagen’s are known to be dumped, fitted and look damn good doing it. Ricky’s GTI is no different. There are usually two routes that VW owners go – static drop on coils or dropped on bags. Ricky took the static route and went on doing his research. What coils to get, what size wheels and tires… and while it all seems overly simple, when you get down to the nitty gritty, if you get it wrong, you got a pretty shitty outcome. Offset is off by 5mm making it either hard to fit or not satisfying. Coilovers don’t go low enough, so now what? The difference here is that Ricky paid attention to all the little details that (when you think about it) paint a really big picture.

Since mid summer of 2010, he has been gathering parts here and there and over the winter, they’ve been sitting in a corner gathering dust, begging to be put on. The amount of patience it takes to say “no” and having to look at them everyday is mind boggling. Most of us know this.

It started off going from little things like LED’s and maybe an air freshener here and some nice floor mats there. Eventually you get bored of wasting your money on the little things and you need to find some way to get your car noticed. This is the result of that.

Wheels/Suspension:
18″ CCW LM20’s
215/40/18 Falken FK 912’s
FK Silverline Coilovers

Exterior:
Wolfsburg Lower and front grill
Euro GT Fog grills
OEM LED tail lights
Cleared side markers

Engine
Forge Twintake
Stage 1 Revo

iM Feature: Dub Rat

Been a while since I have posted some pics so why not continue the Euro theme that seems to be happening right now.

Little story behind this car, the GTi before used to be owned by a friend of mine who did most of the work like sourcing the mint ATS cups and decking it out with rare parts. But I’m pleased to tell you that a couple months ago I had the opportunity to buy it and jumped on it and have never been happier.

Some specs of the car:

2.0L Bottom End
1.8L Head
Unknown Street Cam
Unknown Chip
Raceland Race Header
Full 2.5″ TT exhaust with Borla Muffler
Full Recaro Interior
Euro Tales
15×7 ATS cups wrapped in 195/40 Toyo T1R’s
F+R slotted/drilled disc brakes
Weitec Coils
Bigger sway bars

Not complete without a Royal Pine air freshener hanging from my wink mirror, Plan on getting some new more aggressive wheels next spring, maybe some CCWs and a bigger cam for the motor. Thanks for checking it out.

iM Feature: Andrew’s VR6 Turbo GTI

Since joining the illmotion team, there are a few cars that I have had in mind that I wanted to feature when my photo taking skills got good enough. Well, my skills are still not good enough in my mind, but here is one of the cars on my list.

Andrew is a Volkswagen guy that I appreciate. I’ve met a bunch of VW heads in my life that pretty much proclaim that VW is the only way to roll, and all other cars suck. Andrew isn’t like that. In the short time I’ve known him, I’ve come to see his appreciation for all types of cars in general, and his helpfulness in all aspects of different makes of cars, not just the VWs. But don’t get me wrong, VW is where his heart is at. You can tell that by looking at his 1997 VW GTI VR6 Drivers Edition.


This MKIII sits and moves perfectly with a balanced suspension consisting of KW coilovers, a Neuspeed front (25mm) and rear (28mm) sway bar, and an OMP front stress bar. Add a set of Audi TT 12.3″ front brakes, finish it off with a set of Brock B2 wheels sized at 16×7.5 in the front, and 16×9 at the rear, and you’ve got one nicely stanced car!

But don’t let its cool, clean, and reserved outward appearance fool you, this car is packing heat.

You might not see much past the 2.8L 12V VR6 motor, but here is what is hiding:

-T3/T4 Turbo .63AR
-Kinetic Motorsport exhaust manifold
-Ceramic coated turbo / manifold
-TiAL 38mm wastegate
-3″ Kinetic Motorsport downpipe
-Audi TT diverter valve
-Kinetic Motorsport silicone hoses and stainless steel clamps
-9.0:1 stainless steel head spacer
-42# Bosch fuel injectors
-C2 Motorsports 42# software
-Walbro inline fuel pump
-22″x10″x2.3″ Garret intercooler
-Peloquin LSD & TDI 5th gear
-ACT VR1-HDMM high HP clutch & heavy duty pressure plate
-MMP phelonic intake manifold spacer
-ARP headstuds
-HPA short runner intake manifold
-Greddy Profec B Spec II electronic boost controller
-Mocal thermostatically controlled oil cooler



A big thanks goes out to Andrew for coming out so we could shoot his beast. Stay tuned for more, Andrew isn’t done yet. This was a ‘before’ shoot, there will be some major exterior changes over the winter, and when next season hits, I may have to shoot it all over again. Maybe I’ll get my picture taking skills in order by then, so I can do the car some justice.