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 Highlight : Jules Cragg’s Ford Focus Zx5

If there were any words that you could use to describe Jules’ Focus when it first rolls up, “Smitten” would have to be one of them. A Street Appearance Package front and rear bumper set, along with an RS Style spoiler and a mix of other customized bits really set off the initial impression of the car, and really differentiate it  from your “average” Focus.
As a Ford fan through and through (she actually has the iconic Ford “mustang” tattooed on her arm, and her daughter bears  the name “Eleanor”), the Focus was an ideal platform to start building her daily driver and child hauler.

She admitted  to me she wishes she was lower, but daily driving in a city that is home to millions of chasms between traffic lights, practicality and reliability was a factor. Regardless of ride height, you can’t deny that she’s nailed down an excellent flush fitment for her Rotiform BLQ’s.

She has hinted that she’s pretty satisfied with the exterior appearance of the car, and will hopefully be getting into some engine work and go-fast parts in the next few seasons.

Modifications:

ENGINE

Steeda Cold Air Intake
FSWerks Stealth Exhaust

SUSPENSION

H + R Coilovers
KMAC Camber Plates

Footwork

Rotiform BLQ’s 17×8/+35
Goodyear Eagle 205/45R17
SVT Front & Rear Disk Brakes
BWR Lug Nuts

INTERIOR

Steeda Short Throw Shifter
BLOX Shift Knob
Clarion Bluetooth Stereo
CFM Pedals

EXTERIOR

Limited edition “Aqua Blue” paint
“Flat Black” Roof
Street Appearance Package Front Bumper
Street Appearance Package Rear Bumper
RS Style Spoiler
Aftermarket Black Housing Headlights
Black Signal Markers
Black Tail Lights
Shorty Antenna

iM Highlight: Lani’s Mk4 Jetta Vr6

One of my major goals while writing for illmotion was to bring as much euro content to the website as possible. It wasn’t long ago that I shot this beautiful example of a properly done Mk4 Jetta. One of the coolest features of this car is the completely original Votex body kit from VW. If any of you are familiar with Votex, you know how hard it is to find a clean example. Another cool feature about the car is that it was featured on Euro Tuner some years ago. While the car has remained virtually the same since the feature, Lani has many plans to build upon an already excellent example in the future.

Engine
2.8L Vr6
Schrick Cams
Giac Chip
Cabonio Intake
Supersprint Stainless Exhaust

Footwork
14.5″ Audi RS6/Lamborghini Gallardo Front Brakes
Porsche Cayenne Turbo Front Calipers
Audi TT Rear Brakes
Upper and Lower ABD Stress Bars
Rear Lower Sway Bar
Bilstein PSS Coileys
19” BBS CH Wheels

Exterior
OEM Votex Front Bumper
OEM Votex Rear Bumper
OEM Votex Size Skirts
OEM M3 Trunk Spoiler

Interior
All Black Leather
Euro Headlight Switch
OEM Phatnoise Music System

iM Highlight: Andy Huynh’s Nissan Skyline GT-R R32

As lucky as we are here in Canada to have the opportunity to bring in some of the most sought after vehicles from Japan and register them as a regular means of transportation, we have to admit that it is in fact a rare sight to see some of these right hand drive vehicles being driven throughout the seasons. And for the ones that we do see being driven every day of the year, well, they usually are not in the greatest condition by the time summer rolls around. To steer away from all of that though, there are some RHD owners out there who go the extra mile to maintain their vehicles and keep them running and looking proper no matter what the weather condition. One person who comes to mind when it comes to keeping it fresh is Andy Huynh and his “Porsche Mint Green” Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R.

Andy’s goal was quite simple, build a daily driven Skyline GT-R R32 that expresses his individuality and ultimately captures the attention of anyone who lays their eyes upon it. While the engine and interior of this GT-R R32 mostly remain untouched and true to the way Nissan would want it to be, the beauty of Andy’s build is definitely the fact that most of the work was performed by Andy himself, including the bodywork and paint job.

The look of Andy’s GT-R is unmistakeable, a Porsche Mint Green paint job sitting super low on vibrant white Varrstoen wheels, accessorized with a custom fitted Yakima roof rack and a roof box. While some may wonder why this particular Skyline has a roof rack/roof box combo, Andy finds it quite practical as he carries two spare wheels in case of an emergency (complete with a floor jack loaded in the trunk).

Aside from the fact that he did his own paint job, what makes Andy’s GT-R R32 so admirable is the raw simplicity of it. With a unique color combination and set up done to a platform that is usually seen in the high performance sports segment, Andy switches things up and does it his way, with no regrets whatsoever. By maintaining his RHD GT-R through the winter/summer seasons and adding his own simple yet effective style to it, we gotta hand it to Andy for giving the term “Daily Driver” a new meaning…

ENGINE
GREDDY PROFEC 2 boost controller
Apexi typhoon intakes
Cut turbo straight pipe

SUSPENSION
BC SPORT 32 ways coils
S14/R32 rear upper adjustable control arms

WHEELS.and.TIRES
Varrstoen 2.2 18×10.5 et -15
225/40/18 dilente d7 thunder

INTERIOR
Nismo 260km cluster
Nismo carbon shift knob
Nrg quick release
Nardi deepcorn 330mm steering wheel

EXTERIOR
Porsche Mint Green paint
Yakima custom drilled roof rack
Yakima fairing
Yakima rocketbox
Yakima bike rack
Jun CF lip
CF grille
Rocket Dancer Fujimura CF gurney
R35 “GT-R” Badge

PS: With Driven just a few days away, be sure to check out Andy’s Porsche Mint Green GT-R at the illmotion booth!

iM Highlight: Prashant Topiwala’s 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Without a doubt one of the most well thought out high performance sport sedans out on the market, and undeniably suited for the most spirited drivers around. Complete with an AMG powered 6.3L V8 engine packed in a C-Class chassis, and all the luxurious touches that Mercedes Benz is known for, it’s no wonder illmotion’s own Prashant Topiwala had his mind set on acquiring one of his own. With the C63 sporting the most performance and luxury in it’s class, you couldn’t help but ask Prashant, what else could he possibly do to a vehicle of this nature?

The answer is quite simple: “Just enough.”

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Being the second owner of this particular C63, the previous owner had aesthetic modifications performed on the car, such as window tint and matte black vinyl covering entire vehicle. The rest however, was left in the hands of Prashant. The first order of business, MORE POWER. Implementing a Eurocharged v3 tune, Prashant’s C63 boasts an estimated 400whp.

Packing plenty of power under the hood, Prashant was more than satisfied in the performance department and felt it was time to upgrade the suspension, wheels and tires. The recipe? The addition of H&R Sport Springs and a modestly fitted set of Volk G25s wrapped in Hankook Ventus V12 rubber. Prashant’s “Just Enough” mentality is perfectly portrayed throughout the entire vehicle and quite fittingly adds to the finesse, style and grace that Mercedes-Benz is all about.

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By owning a vehicle that seems virtually perfect straight from the factory, we gotta hand it to Prashant for implementing his own personal touches to a car of this stature. Subtle modifications can certainly go a long way, and it’s evident in Prashant’s C63 AMG. Have a look for yourself and you will see exactly how Prashant maintains that world renowned Mercedes class, with “just enough” style.

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Owner: Prashant Topiwala
Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Exterior
Full Matte Black Vinyl Wrap
“Iron” Vinyl Wrapped Taillights

Engine.&.Drivetrain
Eurocharged V3 Tune

Suspension
H&R Sport Springs

Wheels.&.Tires
Volk G25 Wheels
-Front: 19×8.5
-Rear: 19×9.5
Hankook Ventus V12
-Front: 235/40R19
-Rear: 255/35R19

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For more pictures of Prashant Topiwala’s Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG check out our Flickr page HERE

iM Highlight: PoorForm Lexus LSs

Towards the end of the season last summer, we were ecstatic to be given the opportunity to shoot two cars we’ve been interested in shooting since our Sunday School Show & Shine, a pair of Lexus LS luxury sedans owned by none other than PoorForm members Jimmy Bailey and Daniel Kowall. For a little background on PoorForm, they are a group of friends, also based out of Calgary, Alberta who we feel, embody that perfect fusion of high end luxury with true motorsport performance. Their slogan, “Ruining perfectly good cars and subjecting them to what they weren’t for…Poor Form indeed.” is certainly a slogan we can all attest to with our own builds, so it’s only fitting that we showcase the builds that the members of Poor Form have to offer; starting with these two Lexus LSs.

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For those who may remember Daniel and his BMW M3 GTR that we featured not to long ago, we are pleased to showcase his daily driver, a 2004 Lexus LS430. When we say daily driver, we are talking about the real deal, driven both in the winter and summer on the daily. Sitting slammed courtesy of Tanabe Z40 Coilovers paired with Work LS406 wheels, simplicity definitely goes a long way especially with the clean cut lines that are featured on Lexus’s flagship model.

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Owner: Daniel Kowall
Car: 2004 Lexus LS430

Suspension.&.Brakes
Tanabe Z40 Coilovers (Custom-Valved by Poor Form)
Endless SSY Brake Pads

Wheels
Work LS406 Wheels
-Front 20×9.5
-Rear 20×10.5

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Next up we have Jimmy Bailey’s 2001 Lexus LS430 sitting low on a Datasystems ASC680 air ride controller, combined with Work’s Gnosis HS203 in a custom gold finish. As this car is also Jimmy’s daily driver, Jimmy’s LS is equipped with quite the arsenal of in car electronics. For a little performance, Jimmy has implemented a custom exhaust set up with 5Zigen fireball mufflers, and for stopping power, slotted race rotors with Endless SSM brake pads.

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Owner: Jimmy Bailey
Car: 2001 Lexus LS430

In.Car.Electronics
Beatsonic dash kit
Pioneer AVHP8400BH deck
Focal KRX2 front speakers
Focal 33WX2 sub x 2
Steg K202 amp (subs)
Steg K402 amp (fronts bi-amped)
Audison bitOne processing unit
Escort 9500ix radar
Escort Smart cord
Junction Produce Kintuna
Junction Produce Fusa

Suspension.&.Brakes
Datasystems ASC680 air ride controller
Youzealand SS Pro kit
Endless SSM brake pads
Endless RF650 fluid
Slotted race rotors

Engine
5Zigen Fireball mufflers with custom exhaust system
HKS hybrid air filter

Wheels
WORK Gnosis HS203, step lip in custom GLD finish
-Front: 20×9.5
-Rear: 20×10.5

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While this certainly is not the last you will see from Poor Form on illmotion, definitely stay tuned for more from these guys in the future. For a little more information on Poor Form and their incredible builds, check out PoorForm.ca be sure to join their facebook group HERE and be sure to join their forum, forums.poorform.ca.

For more pictures, check out our Flickr page here: Poor Form Lexus LSs

iM Highlight: Brad Kutz’s 2003 Nissan 350z

Words & Snaps By: Richard Kratz

I met Brad for the first time back in August when I hitched a ride with him down to Calgary for the Sunday School Show and Shine. Having just moved to Edmonton and really not having a clue about the scene here, Brad filled me in on events and local tracks. It was pretty obvious to me that this guy loves motorsports that and he drove 10 hours flat out to Seattle for Formula D.

This Carbon Silver Z definitely stands out on the roads with style in mind. It sits on 19″ transparent blue Varrstoen 2.2.2’s with Achilles ATR sport tires.

In the stance department we have a set of Fortune Auto coil overs and Battle Version toe arms and camber arms.

Brad is full of character and happy to show it! With future mods including sway bars and a front lip, we can’t wait to see the progression of Brad’s Nissan 350Z later on down the road. But for now, let’s appreciate the cleanliness that Brad has attained with his build so far.

Suspension
Fortune Auto coilovers
Battle Version toe arms
Battle Version camber arms

Wheels/Tires
Varrstoen 2.2.2
19×9.5/10.5 +12
Achilles atr sport tires

Other Modifications
Hawk pads
Stop Tech stainless steel brake lines
JIC Magic single exhaust
JWT intake
Enjuku racing harness bar

iM Feature: Kevin Wong’s 2008 Acura CSX Type-S

Kevin Wong, an admitted Honda fanboy, is no stranger to the JDM movement. He has owned an EP3 SiR that followed the Type R guidelines with Work wheels, JDM Recaros etc. Unfortunately  this EP3 would be the victim of an unfortunate and career ending accident and with all motivation lost to put his car back on the road. Kevin looked on to the newest generation Civic at the time, and in the end he would go with the CSX Type-S.

Honda Japan actually used the Canadian designed CSX for their template of the JDM Civic and shares some of the same features, mainly the 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine. With Kevin’s motivation back on track this CSX was ripe for conversion. This car would dawn the JDM Mugen aero kit at first but around 2010 this would later be swapped out for Type-R gear slowly  to what you see today.

Any hint of Acura has been removed and replaced with the ever so recognizable Type-R emblems and badges.

Up front, you’ll find a Mugen styled Type-R grille and hood. Kevin takes it a step further to make this Type R even more aggressive with the addition of a J’s Racing Type-X front lip, air ducts and ARC Magic Winglets.

3M Charcoal Tint can be found wrapping up the headlights as well as a set of 17″ Work Emotion XD9 wrapped in Falken Azenis. Tucked underneath all that are a set of Spoon callipers and Powerslot Rotors front and rear.

In the rear, air passing under the car is diffused via a J’s Racing rear diffuser as well as a streamlined with a Type-R spoiler.

With the exterior looking like the real deal its only fair to pack the appropriate punch, in the power department we can find a stage 2 CT-Engineering supercharger, Rick Spec’d 3.5″ Intake, T1R Crank Pulley, T1R Race Header, T1R 70R Dolphin Exhaust. The car is yet to be dyno’ed but you can expect this Honda to be over 250+ HP.

The AJRC GT mirrors replace those bulky stock ones and help complete the look of this subtly aggressive CTR, EP3 side makers and OEM window visors can be found here too.

 

Having tracked the car at Stratotech before the supercharger was installed, he was unhappy with the performance of his car. So Kevin now has plans to increase the output of the motor to stay competitive; let’s just say that his motivation is definitely back on track!

 

Engine/Performance Modifications
Hondata FlashPro
CT-Engineering Supercharger Stage 2
Rick Spec’d 3.5″ Intake
T1R Crank Pulley
T1R Race Header
T1R 70R Dolphin Exhuast
Spoon Sports Kevlar Spark Plug Cover
Spoon Sports Rad Cap
Spoon Sports Oil Cap
JDM DC5R Valve Cover
JDM DC5R Oil Dipstick
IZIX Hood Damper
TWM Metal Cable Bushings
TWM Short Shifter /w Metal Base Bushings

Wheel/Suspension Upgrades
HSD Coilovers
T1R Rear Camber Kit
T1R Roll Center Adaptor
T1R Braided Steel Brake Lines
J’s Racing Front Strut
Spoon Calipers
Powerslot Rotors – Front/Rear
Hawk HP+ Pads – Front/Rear
Work Emotion XD9 17×8.5 +42
Falken Azenis – 235/40/17
H&R 15mm Spacers Front
4Pt Lower Front Brace
4Pt Lower Mid Brace
6Pt Lower Rear Brace
4Pt Lower Side Braces

Exterior Modifications
OEM Honda Visors
HID 4300K Low Beams /w Charcoal Tinted(3M)
Nokya 3000k High Beams / DRLs
White LED Licience Lights
JDM Type R Front Bumper
JDM Type R Rear Bumper
JDM Type R Side Skirts
JDM Type R Fenders
JDM Type R Spoiler
EP3 Sidemarkers
Feel’s Side Window Diffuser
J’s Racing Rear Diffuser
Mugen Styled Type R Grill
JDM Red H Emblems
Project Kics NeoCro Lugs
ARC Magic Winglets
CTR Emblems
J’s Racing Type-X Front Lip
J’s Racing Air Ducts
Mugen CTR Style Seibon Hood

iM: The Re-Up 2012 (Part 8)

Going into Part 8 of the Re-Up 2012 and we have reached the last (but certainly not least) set of the features and highlights that have graced illmotion.com over the course of 2012. Thank you guys so much for making 2012 another awesome year!!! It’s only up from here as 2013 is now upon us and we can’t wait to keep move forward with more features and highlights to showcase to you all!

Let’s take a look at Part 8!

Taking an uncommon platform and modifying it to make it even more unique is something we’ve always looked for when it comes to featuring/highlighting cars here on illmotion, and Annie’s Subaru Legacy GT sitting on 19″ OZ Wheels definitely fit the bill. Getting groceries and rolling to the next Ringette game has never looked so good.

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iM Highlight: Annie’s Subaru Legacy GT

Pushing it to the absolute limits and looking good while doing it is Hot Boyz ambassador, Eric Zapata and his 1989 Nissan 240SX. Not a single part on Eric’s 1JZ-powered 240SX is unused and he’s got the battle damage to prove it. Eric’s 240 will make you think twice before you say you’ve really driven your car.

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iM Feature: Eric Zapata’s 1989 Nissan 240SX

Doing what all the cool kids are doing but raising the bar, is Adam Fulton with his fitted Honda Civic EK Hatch sitting low on a rare set of CCW Race Version Classics. Although still in a work in progress, we can’t help but admire the work Adam has already put into his EK.

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iM Feature: Adam Fulton’s Honda Civic EK Hatch

Mixing a little VIP and a little performance is Chuck and his Lexus IS350. Sporting nothing but some of the biggest names in aftermarket performance and VIP tuning, Chuck definitely knew what he wanted to do and brought his ideas to life. And it’s all evident on his supercharged IS350.

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iM Feature: Chuck’s Supercharged Lexus IS350

Wrapping up the 2012 year was Mike Salek and his 1975 Honda CB750. Bringing that old school flavor with his “Cafe Racer”, Mike’s CB750 was definitely something we had to showcase as this is something you don’t see everyday. But if you’re lucky enough to see it in person, you might want to invest in a neck brace.

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iM Highlight: Mike’s 1975 Honda CB750

Stay tuned as we wrap up 2012 with two special Re-Up features on Driven 2012 and our 2nd Annual Sunday School Show & Shine!

iM: The Re-Up 2012 (Part 7)

Happy New Year!!!

We hope you are all enjoying time spent with family and friends on the first day of 2013!

Let’s get things started with Part 7 of the Re-Up 2012 featuring more features and highlights that have graced illmotion.com over the course of the year that was 2012.

In collaboration with our homies over at Stretch & Poke!, we were more than happy to showcase one of the most well executed Honda Fit builds in Canada, which is owned by none other than our Eastern Canadian photographer, Galen Wan!

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iM x S&P! Feature: Gawa’s Honda Fit

Another feature from our BC photographer Taylor Smith, hooking us up with Alex’s “Mean Green Machine”, a MKII rocking a super rare VR5 transplant.

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iM Feature: Alex’s VR5 MKII

A wannabe VIP style car, yet wannabe sports sedan? We’re not quite sure where JC was going with the last set up for his 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS, but the Luxury Sports route that he went in definitely looked good.

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iM Feature: JC Tenchavez’s 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

If there was one car that Honda heads went head over heels for this year, it had to be this 1998 Acura Integra Type-R owned by none other than Terry Woo. Re-live the feature and find out exactly why Terry’s Type-R goes under the monicker of “Dailo R”.

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iM Feature: Terry Woo’s 1998 Acura Integra Type-R

Trying to keep up with the Euro tuners in the city, we were excited when we got word that we were allowed to shoot Daniel Kowall’s BMW M3 GTR. Built purposely for the track, this is one M3 that takes aggressive function to a whole new level.

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iM Feature: Daniel Kowall’s BMW M3 GTR