Monthly Archives: October 2015

SEMA 2015

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Geeeez. 2015 is already closing out??? We can typically feel this when SEMA starts to come around, and we’re getting to work on our displays.

This year marked the launch of the new FLEX Z coilovers. A bit later than expected, but nonetheless it is now available! It’s done really well, too! In fact, a bit too well, and we’re now running into an issue with backorders. Whoops!!!

We were also planning on the launch of the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z for 2015. These two new products are to come from our new TEIN China factory, which is still doing preliminary manufacturing runs. However, due to an increase in orders for the FLEX Z, along with a year-long sale we had on STREET FLEX kits (and a reduced price for current STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE kits), TEIN Japan has been backed up with orders from each of their branches.

We mentioned several times that we have a new manufacturing plant in China. However, everything isn’t up and running 100% just yet. Again, we’re focused on maintaining that well-known TEIN quality, and that trickles down to our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z lineup, which the TEIN China factory will be producing for us. So, until it is perfected, we will hold off on releasing this product line. Expect to see the new “Z” lines to hit the U.S. shore by Spring 2016!!!

Anyway, back to SEMA. That is our biggest show for the year. Typically we’ll take a year off (skip a year). But this year we return to get the word out to vendors and distributors that some new products are soon to arrive. Afterall, that is what SEMA is- a place for manufacturers to showcase the latest and greatest. And, in our case, showcase a well built Evasive Motorsports Nissan GT-R on our Super Racing dampers w/ 3-way. Yowza, that’s a mouthful to say.

EVS GTR

We hope to see many of you there. We know that the show is technically not open to the public, but from what we understand, the SEMA group opens up the last day (Friday the 6th) to consumers. So why not try to make it anyway!!!

A look back at TEIN's SEMA past.

A look back at TEIN’s SEMA past.

sema 07 b

sema 07

We like American cars. So what?

If you can make it, stop by our booth in Central Hall (Racing & Performance; booth # 24817), right next to Toyota!!!

 

Lexus GS-F Testing

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SEMA is fast approaching. That means it’s crunch time for a lot of manufacturers and car builders as they get their projects completed. HOWEVER, some people are just starting on their projects. Yep, better late than never, I suppose.

We were contacted by one of our good friends who has a track record for building some really nice Lexus, Toyota, and Scion projects. Not just for show, either. Still, many of them find their way to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. Or just to party in Vegas. I dunno.

We had the opportunity to get our hands on the upcoming Lexus GS-F, well in advance of its official release to the public. Obviously, we want to test this car since we plan to make some suspension kits for this platform (at least see how close to the current GS line as possible).

Fortunately we have found something that works! Although technically not an off-the-shelf kit (we had to change out a few components), that simplifies it for us since we can now get to work on producing some kits for the GS-F.

If you’d really like to know what we used, it is a STREET ADVANCE coilover kit for the 2014+ Lexus IS250 and IS350 (part# GSQ74-21AS2). As mentioned, we had to modify some components, such as the eye ring bushings for the lower damper mount to control arm. We also increased the front spring rate to account for the extra weight up front from the mighty five liter v8 of the GS-F. So,,, if you get a GS-F and can’t wait for the application specific part number, we can essentially do the same for you. We’d advise you to wait for the correct kit and not spend the extra money to modify an IS coilover kit.

Here are a few pics of the lowered GS-F:

Lexus GS-F (Oct. 14, 2015) 013 resize

Lexus GS-F (Oct. 14, 2015) 009 resize

Lexus GS-F (Oct. 14, 2015) 012 resize

Lexus GS-F (Oct. 14, 2015) 010 resize

 

Anyway, keep in touch with this project on Instagram (@lexustuned)!!!

Formula Drift Rd. 7 (Irwindale Speedway)

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We’ve been attending all the California Formula Drift events for the past few years now. This year we decided to attend all U.S. events. While quiet on our blog about this, we’ve kept followers up to date on our Facebook and Instagram feed (@teinusa). So of course we’re looking to go to the final event for the 2015 season!

Irwindale-Speedway-closes-its-doors

An old-school picture of the Irwindale Speedway, probably in its prime and definitely well before drifting ever became a thought.

As we understand it, and as it has been a threat looming over this particular event, this may be the last Formula Drift event at Irwindale Speedway, as the current owners/investors have plans to bulldoze the facility and track and make way for a,,,,,,,,, shopping center?

 

Kinda BS if you ask me. Anyway, if this is true, we hope the race will truly be a memorable one. This season’s Formula Drift was full of unexpected turns (semi-pun intended??), and almost every event has had its own controversial matter. We’re almost guaranteed a big bang finale.

In terms of exposure in the drifting scene, TEIN has been relatively quiet. There are two cars out there using our suspension, but we’re not inclined to say who. Last season, we had Geoff Stoneback on board with TEIN, but for 2015, being his first year full-time in the Pro class (was Pro 2 last year), he was picked up by another sponsor. To be honest, we’re quite proud of that. It goes to show that Geoff is truly a talented driver, and now he has the backing of quite a few sponsors! We know he’ll only be doing bigger and better things for years to come! Fortunately we keep in touch with him, and he’s kind enough to pay us a visit at the TEIN booth for every event so far! Truly a great friend of ours!

Go Geoff!!!

Go Geoff!!!

Anyway, like always, we’ll be there and will have TEIN goods on hand. So stop by and say hi! We’ll also have our good friend Reginald Cunanan and his beautiful Mitsubishi Evo X on hand.

Reginald CZ4A blog 6

Rd. 7 for Formula Drift is on October 9-10, 2015! Get your tickets at the Formula Drift Webpage

 

Phil Sohn’s Defi Equipped RX7

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Probably one of the most well-built FD3S RX7’s around, Phil Sohn has sought to build one of the best looking cars around. And it ain’t no trailer queen either!

phil sohn fd3s 2

Earlier in the year, we ran into Phil at Formula Drift at Road Atlanta in Georgia. He brought his RX7 to be in Exedy’s booth. He visited our booth to ask about Defi gauges, as he had already installed the Link BF series of gauges in his car.

phil sohn fd3s 3

He caught a glimpse of the Defi Smart Adapter setup we had on display and immediately wanted to jump on that. According to Phil, he wanted something to simplify his gauge cluster. The Smart Adapter seemed like the perfect solution since he had an extra iPad Mini he thought would be nice to incorporate into a custom gauge cluster.

In case you’re not aware, the Smart Adapter turns a smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android compatible) into a completely customizable gauge cluster. You can get speedometer, tachometer, boost, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, exhaust temperature, voltage, intake manifold pressure, and you can set the peaks and warnings for each of those readings. Two of the gauges will be dial type, while oter readings will be numerical. You can change from kPa to PSI for pressure readings. Temperatures are either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Tachometer can be set to maximum 5,000 rpm or 11,000 rpm. You can also change the color of the gauges. If that wasn’t enough, there is a timer setting that lets you set up the smartphone or tablet to do standing start times.

Phils Smart Adapter

This is probably the most unique Smart Adapter setup using an iPad Mini. Phil really knows how to utilize the latest technology and incorporate it in a useful and beautiful package!

Now available is a separate application, Defi Logger. This lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a datalogger while driving and it will record all vitals of your vehicle. Using your phone or tablets accelerometer, you can also monitor vehicle dynamics such as g-force under acceleration, braking, and turning. The Defi Logger also can be used as a track transponder and you can set sector timing and mapping, as well as start-stop points.

Obvious is Phil’s passion for his RX7, so much so that he’s trying to get his car to SEMA through PAS Magazine’s Tuner Battlegrounds competition! Please give Phil your vote so we can get to see his lovely RX7 in Las Vegas!!!!

http://tunerbattlegrounds.com/competitors/909-philip-sohn