Last weekend on Sunday June 8th, 2014, CLUB VEE DUB hosted the Close To Home Show & Shine at Fifth Avenue Auto Haus, Calgary’s Northeast Volkswagen Dealer. A few of us swung by to check it out the new and classic Volkswagens & Audi’s, which filled the lot throughout the day.
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.
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.
Going to keep things rolling with Part 2 of our Re-Up 2013 series…
Without a doubt one of the most influential features we’ve done here on illmotion come from the crew over at PoorForm. To back up that last sentence two members from illmotion even went as far as switching up their projects and going in the direction of VIP/Lexus modding. Definitely stay tuned for more from PoorForm later on this year!
iM Highlight: Poorform Lexus LSs
Another first on illmotion comes from Devon Mori and a dual feature of his Honda Civic EG6 and Honda CBR600RR. With both of Devon’s means of transportation painted the same color, seeing both his car and bike in motion for the rolling shot was definitely an awesome moment!
iM Feature: Devon Mori’s 1992 Honda Civic EG6 & 2006 Honda CBR600RR
illmotion’s own Prashant Topiwala surprised most of us this year when he sold this car, a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. While most of us can’t wait to see what Prashant has in store for next season, we’re pretty sure Prashant will regret getting rid of this once he looks at pictures from this feature again. Let’s take a moment to remember Prashant’s C63 AMG, shall we?
iM Highlight: Prashant Topiwala’s 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
One of the very first “official” shoots of the season was Andy’s Mint Green Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. We had the pleasure of being able to shoot this car earlier on in the year as this car went on to become one of the biggest internet sensations of 2013. Doing his own thing and not paying attention to the negativity of others definitely got everyone talking about Andy and his GT-R.
iM Feature: Andy’s Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
Photographer Taylor Smith blessed us once again last year with another clean Euro in the form of Lani’s MK4 Jetta VR6. Rocking the super rare original Votex kit from Volkswagen and sitting on BBS CH Wheels, let’s revisit Lani’s immaculate MK4 Jetta.
Another year has passed, and after some good time off from the Christmas holidays, it is that time of the year once again. Over the next few days we will be taking a look back at the year that was 2013 with our annual Re-Up series! Before we begin however, we can’t help but once again thank you guys for the continuous support that you guys have given us since we started way back in March 2010!!! We hope you all enjoyed the holidays and we wish you all a very prosperous 2014! Let’s kick things off with Part 1 of the Re-Up 2013…
We started the year 2013 off with Kevin Wong’s 2008 Acura CSX out of Edmonton, Alberta. Certainly not a stranger to all things “JDM” Kevin pulled out all the right stops when it came to turning this CSX to it’s Japanese counterpart, a Honda Civic Type-R, supercharged and fitted with a Mugen Aero Kit!
iM Feature: Kevin Wong’s 2008 Acura CSX Type-S
Another highlight coming out of Edmonton, Alberta courtesy of Richard Kratz is Brad Kutz’s 2003 Nissan 350Z. Clean, simple and effective were definitely the key elements for Brad to present his 350Z the way you see it here.
iM Highlight: Brad Kutz’s 2003 Nissan 350Z
Undeniably one of the cleanest TSXs to ever come out of Calgary was Sasa’s 2004 Acura TSX. What definitely made Sasa’s TSX stand out from the rest was his impeccable attention to detail and its rare Indigo Blue original paint.
iM Feature: Sasa Karna’s 2004 Acura TSX
Coming out of the west coast courtesy of Taylor Smith is Josh’s Honda S2000. An unfortunate vandalism certainly did not stop Josh from continuing to pursue the S2000 that he envisioned, and from the looks of it there is no signs of him giving up either. Kudos, Josh!
iM Highlight: Josh’s Honda S2000
Without a doubt one of the more unique builds we’ve featured here on illmotion is Dale’s 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle! Inspired by the classic series, The Love Bug, Dale’s rendition of “Herbie” is something you definitely want to check out if you missed it last year!
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
Back on July 20th/21st 2013, Englishtown, New Jersey played host to the 19th Annual Waterfest show. Waterfest, a Motorsport and Car Show which is dubbed as the second largest of it’s kind in the world, caters specifically to the Volkswagen and Audi crowd. With tons of activities available to all Volkswagen/Audi enthusiasts including a Show & Shine, 1/4 Mile Drag Race, Autocrossing, Audio Sound Off, a Burn Out Contest, a Dyno and an Exhibition area from Vendors, the Waterfest Show brings in a total of 21,000 attendees and over 2500 attendants every year!
Our illmotion East photographer, Galen Wan (aka Gawa Photo) had the opportunity to check out Waterfest while he was out on a recent trip to New York. Being that Waterfest is a 2-day event Galen took as much photos as he could during the day that he was out there, and we are more than ecstatic to share these photos with you guys! With a plethora of modified Volkswagens and Audis (and a few other European makes as well) at hand this is definitely a show that every diehard Volkswagen and Audi/Euro car enthusiast cannot miss!
Without further adieu let’s have a look at Waterfest 2013, through the eyes of GAWA:
For more pics check out our Flickr set here: Waterfest 2013
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
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!
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
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
It was a nice sunny day on Wednesday June 15 to head up to the weekly 403 Honda/Beyond.ca meets. With the rain finally deciding to let up for a night, it was nice to get out there and check out some rides. Actually, it was a little too sunny out as you can tell by some of my pictures, and was getting hard to fight the sun and the shadows, so I gave up and went inside to eat, only to come back outside with it being cloudy again.
Here are a few shots that turned out, all the rest can be found on our Flickr set: HERE
Hope to see you guys out at Chinook on Wednesday!
