iM Random Snaps: All in a days work

The end of summer has come around leaving us with fond memories of flip flops, popsicles, and short skirtsĀ šŸ˜›Ā As fall approaches I figured id get a few guys together for a bunch of photos before the cars get put away for the winter. I grabbed my camera and gear and our first stop leads us to this Suzuka Blue S2000, mildly modified to specific regulations for competitive racing. Then we head out into the night with a new Audi S4 and a couple of Japanese favorites! We even stopped by the localĀ carĀ meet for a bit of eye candy!

iM Random Snaps: United Cycle Thursdays

Here are a few shots from the weekly get together at United Cycle. First off is this gorgeous R34 GTR which showed up fairly early in the evening, attracting a large crowd as well as another GTR. Because, well, who doesn’t love this iconic ride?

United Cycle Sept. 06

United Cycle Sept. 06

As well, a very clean FD getting their drive thru dose of Timmies.
United Cycle Sept. 06

Cole’s 350 powered S10 sitting pretty.
United Cycle Sept. 06

United Cycle Sept. 06

Another crowd pleaser in blue.
United Cycle Sept. 06

Hairdressers anonymous.
United Cycle Sept. 06

Another fan favourite, Matt’s BRZ.
United Cycle Sept. 06

A sweet static Z.
United Cycle Sept. 06

Kris’ bagged Toyota making an appearance (the car can be yours for a smooth $7k)
United Cycle Sept. 06

And another, older Z as well.
United Cycle Sept. 06

iM Random Snaps: MDM Visuals x Lexus GS450h

MDM Visuals Lexus GS450h Shoot

Photos by: Mike McConnell of MDM Visuals
Words by: JC Tenchavez
Vehicle: 2007 Lexus GS450h
Owner: Punit Patel

This past weekend, illmotion’s own Punit Patel informed me that he was next up for a shoot with the incredible Mike McConnell of MDM Visuals. You may remember the LS460L and CT200h photo shoot that Mike did for Jason Hoang and myself (Click HERE to refresh you memory), so when Punit asked me if I would like to tag along for his shoot, I had no hesitations as I love the whole “behind the scenes” atmosphere of being at a shoot, especially one of Mike McConnell’s. One thing I love about Mike’s shoots is the way he gets everyone involved to not only get a little assistance, but to make his photos that much more amazing (you’ll see what I mean with the night shots that were taken).

Before we get to the pictures however, here’s a little background story on Punit’s latest platform, a 2007 Lexus GS450h. Last winter, Jason, Punit and I were in talks to switch up our cars and try something that was very new to all of us, “VIP modding”. To make a long story short, Jason and I had already acquired our cars (a Lexus LS460L, and a CT200h respectively) and Punit was in search of THE Lexus he’s been wanting for a long time, the GS. After a couple test drives with two GS460 and two GS450h models, Punit eventually found himself as the owner of a Dark Blue Pearl GS450h.

Currently sitting modestly low on a set of BC Racing BR Coilovers and a rare set of AME Shallen LX wheels, Punit wasted no time getting his GS450h looking exactly how he envisioned it, and this is only the beginning. With plans for air suspension, aero, and a new set of wheels next year, it’s safe to say that Punit’s got this whole “VIP” thing figured out!

In the mean time, let’s enjoy a few super dope shots of Punit’s GS450h through the eyes of Mike McConnell of MDM Visuals.








I had mentioned earlier that Mike’s shoots get everybody involved, and this is where Punit and I were holding flashes from two different angles making this shot turn out the way you see it here! Love the interaction Mike incorporates into his shoots!

Possibly the most epic photo bomb ever courtesy of Jesse and his MKII! Haha!

Without a doubt this is one of the coolest shots that Mike captured featuring Punit’s latest Jordan cop, Glow 4s!

Fading to black with another successful MDM Visuals shoot in the bag!

If you haven’t yet, be sure to give MDM Visuals a like on Facebook HERE
For more photos by MDM Visuals be sure to check their Flickr page here as well: MDM Visuals Flickr

Thanks for looking!!!

iM Random Snaps: MDM Visuals LS460L & CT200h Shoot

MDM Visuals: LS460L & CT200H Shoot

Words by: JC Tenchavez
Photos by: Mike McConnell of MDM Visuals
Vehicles: Lexus LS460L // Owned by: Jason Hoang
Lexus CT200h // Owned by: JC Tenchavez

A few days ago, Jason sent me a text informing me that Mike McConnell from MDM Visuals wanted to shoot his car. Without any hesitation, I immediately agreed to come along with him as I’ve seen Mike’s photos on Instagram (@mdmvis) and was super stoked to witness one of his photo shoots in person. Fast forward to the day of the shoot, Jason and I met up with Mike and his friend Jesse, who was playing the role as the chase car for the rolling shots.

As this was my first time meeting Mike and Jesse, I’m happy to say that these dudes were super chill and easy to work with. As this was the first time Jason had someone shooting his car, it was actually kinda weird to have him chillin’ with Jesse and I since I’m so used to doing photo shoots with him and he’s always taking pictures; but at the same time it was pretty refreshing to have him relax and have someone else shoot his car for once!

The part that surprised me the most during the shoot was Mike asking if he could shoot my car as well! Luckily, my car was clean and ready to go (it usually always is, working at a place with access to a car wash FTW!) and I just could not pass up on this opportunity! Long story short, we hit up two different locations and did rolling shots in transit from the first location to the second location, and finished with more rolling shots before we parted ways.

A big thank you to Mike and Jesse once again for the shoot! The pictures came out amazing as I expected from Mike, and with the sun getting ready to set at the time we were shooting, there’s no denying the fact this was all part of Mike’s master plan for the shoot!

But instead of continuing to talk about it, here’s a few of the photos that were taken by Mike…

NOTE: This is not the official feature for our cars, please stay tuned for that later on this year! Our cars are far from finished, as we are very new to this whole “VIP” thing. So please enjoy an MDM Visuals look at what we have done so far!

Starting off at the first location with Jason’s bagged Lexus LS460L on 21″ SSR Vienna Merisia wheels!

null
null
null
null

First location, featuring my CT200h lowered on Work VS-XXs that were previously on my 10th Generation Corolla XRS.

null

Now moving on to the second location, continuing with the CT…

null
null
null

Second location, featuring Jason’s LS…

null
null

Rear shot, with Jason and I chillin’ in the background
null

Moving on to the dual shots, which Mike absolutely killed! Check out that sun set!

null
null

Now onto our favorite part of any shoot, the rollers!

null
null
null
null

Rollin’ together!

null

Gonna end it with another roller of Jason’s LS! Hope you enjoyed these photos as much as Jason and I enjoyed the shoot!

null

For more photos from this shoot and other shoots taken by Mike McConnell, check out the MDM Visuals Flickr page HERE

And be sure to “LIKE” MDM Visuals on Facebook: MDM Visuals

Thanks for looking!

iM Random Snaps: Cruise to Banff

With the busy week that was ahead of us prior to Sunday School, a few of the homies decided that it would be a great idea to take a little break and enjoy our cars by taking them out for a little cruise to Banff. The best part of the cruise? Corey was able to get more practice with his camera and get a few rolling shots of our cars on route to Banff. Check it out!


JC and Gopesh sitting pretty at the meeting location


Errol, Brad and Jackie’s cars chillin’.


The rest of us obviously did not get the “Red Shirt, Grey Shorts” memo. TFTI guys.


Ready to roll out!


On the road, Steve was up first!


Brad rollin’ like a SiR. Haaaa get it?…moving on.


For some reason, Gopesh doesn’t look too happy. But his car looks so dope rolling!


Errol and his Amuse kitted S2000!


Took a break halfway, Adrian’s EG Coupe ahead of the pack. Super clean.


Everyone parked off to the side, enjoying the view.


Punit’s GS on his super wide AME wheels.


Back on the road, Ryan’s always clean EP3!


Adrian rollin’. We definitely gotta feature this car soon!


Zero Limit Bawse Jackie T. and his NSX before it’s transformation!


Alex’s super mint Integra GSR!


Steve’s RSX with a beautiful view of the mountains!


Aldo’s S2000. Surprised he’s not dancing here! LOL!


Those AMEs when they’re rolling though!


Ryan’s Genesis Coupe rollin’ on Vossens. Throwin’ up the deuces!


Ending it with a rolling shot of JC’s Prius. Errr I mean…CT200h rollin’ on Work VSXX wheels. He probably only used less than a quarter of a tank of gas to get to Banff and back. LOL!

With summer closing in it was definitely refreshing to get out and cruise! Hopefully before summer comes to an end we can get out one more time and do this again! Thanks for lookin’!

For more pics check out our Flickr set here: Banff Cruise August 2013

iM Random Snaps: Zero Limit BBQ

Now that the summer temps have finally arrived most of the crew got together this past weekend for a small BBQ at Jackie’s new shop, Zero Limit. Some of us hadn’t been to the shop yet so it was cool to finally be able to check it out in person. Shop has tons of space and lots of new equipment, he’s got a pretty sweet setup going for himself. I’m sure you’ll be seeing lots more hanging out at the shop in the future. Anyways onto some pics!

The boss man parked front and center looking as good as ever.
null

null

Aldo sitting a couple inches lower to the ground compared to last weekend
null

And also sporting a fresh J’s exhaust
null

Corey’s new S2k getting ready to go offroading or something hah. Not to worry this is probably the last picture of it in stock form.
null

Andrew showed up a little later in his crazy turbo VR6
null

Errol still beating around in this thing cause he hasn’t taken out his amuse S2k yet…. dude!
null

Grill master grilling up some burgers and dawgs all happy and shit hah
null

Crew love! And someone getting their model on in the background.
null

First time I’ve seen Brads car in a long ass time. Still looking great sitting on the almight grey Evo’s. Also now sporting a Spoon bucket and freshly powdercoated roll bar.
null

null

null

null

Jasons big body Lexus getting worked on… should be making it’s debut at Driven next weekend.
null

null

iM Random Snaps: Dinner & Chill

When we received word from our buddy Galen Wan that he was going to be in town, we knew we had to get the crew together for dinner and a quick meet. After a delicous Alberta beef meal at Vintage Chophouse (which was amazing BTW) we rolled over to Village Ice Cream for some desert. Hidden at the end of 10th ave SE it’s a great hangout spot, however good old Calgary ‘spring’ weather kicked in so we quickly headed for cover at Chinook Malls underground parake. More car talk, shooting the shit and some quick pictures as seen below.

Group shot.
null

DC5 vs Ep3
null

Justins slammed TSX on a fresh set of Enkei NT03+M’s looking good.
null

null

Justin and Corey comparing camber haha.
null

Aldos S2k coming along very nicely rocking some freshly powder coated CE-28’s.
null

null

Rich killing it with the gold/silver Advan RG’s.
null

null

null

null

Levelone X illmotion
null

iM Highlight: Josh’s Honda S2000

When the New Year rolls around it usually is the beginning of a countdown for me. It marks a few more months until we get to see the first few days of nice weather on the west coast, and with this brings the excitment of driving to popular spots to find others similar to you, who bring their cars to kick it and hang out, followed by evenings where you drive aimlessly having the best time doing so. From the point of first snowfall until the spring season hits, that alone feels like a year in itself. After a few mild rainy days washing away road salt and melting snow, this is when it feels like the perfect opportunity to get a small taste of what is to come.

These are my exact thoughts while sitting in class.

With just minutes left to go in class, I found myself scanning through my phone contacts trying to convince someone to bring out their pride and joy. After a good search, I stumbled across my good friend Josh. With recent vandalism misfortunes to his car and just getting it back from the shop, I knew Josh would be keen on washing it for some photos as it looks the best it has since he purchased it at the beginning of last summer. Within half an hour we found ourselves at the nearest car wash, followed by heading out to the spot where we found ourselves reliving the good times with good friends and cars, which we will all look forward to in the near future.

Until then, let’s have a look at Josh’s fresh Honda S2000…

Engine
Invidia Exhaust
Tein Hood Dampers
Spoon Air Filter

Suspension
T1R Bmax Coilovers
T1R Driveshaft Spacers

Wheels
Gram Light 57c
Front – 17×8.5 +40
Rear – 17×9.5 +38
Dunlop Direzza Star Spec
Front – 225/45/17
Rear – 255/40/17
Muteki Lug Nuts

Exterior
J’s Racing Half Lip
J’s Racing Canards
J’s Racing GT Wing
JDM Side Markers
Spoon Diffuser

iM Random Snaps: It’s Always A Good Time

Whoa oh oh, oh oh oh!

ANYWAYS! With the hustle and bustle of the crew trying to get as much photo shoots done as possible before the winter hits, it feels as though that’s all we’ve been focusing on as of late, and have lost touch with what the automotive “scene” is all about for us: having a good time.

Since the summer season started, we’ve been very busy with organizing for Driven, Sunday School, and other small events here and there. One Saturday night we figured it would be nice to just kick back, and enjoy a few burgers and shakes at Peter’s Drive-In. With great company on hand, we figured it wouldn’t be “illmotion” without a few photos of the homies who came out with us on this lovely evening.

Check out a few pics of our Saturday night and look forward to many more photos like this, because in the end it really is, always a good time!

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

null

For more pics, check out our Flickr page here: Peter’s Drive-In