SEMA 2013 in Review

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Paul P.

To those that have attended SEMA for several years now, it may not seem new and exciting each time you’re there. In fact, there are many new things happening. A lot of great, innovative designs and products being made or to look forward to for the new year.

It still holds true, though- sometimes it doesn’t feel so new and exciting. I’ve been to SEMA for 8 years consecutively ever since I started working here- 5 years as an exhibitor, 3 as a visitor. Each time, it just feels like there are only running changes within the industry.

However, being able to work with a manufacturer like TEIN, you get an inside view of how the industry is evolving. Some of these new and exciting things I’m looking for are hidden within the details of the product. That’s what’s great about SEMA, because you’re able to speak directly with representatives of each manufacturer and get some insight into their latest developments and offerings.

Unfortunately, we didn’t exhibit this year. But you can be sure to see us there in 2014, as we have some new products to show and explain to our customers!

As I had mentioned, we didn’t exhibit, but I was still a visitor. I was able to walk all the halls and lots to check out many of the vehicles being displayed. I also met with many of TEIN’s authorized dealers and distributors, as well as many of the media personnel who work hard to keep the performance parts industry in the minds of consumers like you! It was great to be able to do all of that during a relatively short week. As always, I was on the lookout for TEIN related vehicles.

Here are a few new vehicles we helped out with, some of which we previously mentioned on our blog or on our Facebook page

First up was the 2014 Acura RLX we recently did testing on. This one is on a prototype set of Street Flex coilovers

Acura also brought out last year’s ILX, which we provided TEIN Super Street coilovers for. This year, it had a different paint scheme, as well as a few other cosmetic updates.

The Toyota booth also had a few project vehicles we assisted with.

The new 2014 Corolla. This one is on a set of Gravel dampers built through our Specialized Damper Program.

It also had some unique railing on the front and rear bumpers. That way, the Corolla doesn’t only serve as a rally car, you can do some bike tricks off of the bumper. Hahahaha!

Their 2014 RAV4 was also a unique display vehicle. The concept was a recreational vehicle with some very off-the-wall amenities fit for a triathelete! It had a mini fridge, blender, and sink in the back seat area. In the trunk was a mini shower. And yes, these items were all functional! We had to create a suspension kit that would take the weight of the shower equipment, plus water storage. Quite a unique opportunity for us to build something special!

At the Toyo Tire booth was a Lexus IS AWD that the Rally xD team built. As you would guess, these guys have a relationship with Scion, which in turn has ties to Toyota and Lexus. It was definitely a far cry from their usual rally purposed builds. But, damn, it was great looking car. This one is also on a prototype Street Flex coilover set. Oh, and that bike up top was actually made by Lexus!!! Full carbon frame and fork!

Some other notable vehicles that returned from last year were Crawford Performance’s Subaru BRZ at the Enkei booth. He’s still on our Mono Flex coilovers, which he uses for track days. Those wheels look great! Soon to be released, btw!

Our friend Robert from Magnaflow drove his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to display. Unfortunately he had to work the show, so we weren’t able to speak with him much. His car looked great, though! Love the stance he was able to get with our Street Basis coilovers!

Also, Ken Suen, driver of the red FA5 Civic Si sponsored by Sportcar Motion brought his new 2014 Civic Si, which was at the TSW booth. He apparently modified his set of Mono Flex coilovers to fit this car. We, on the other hand, are making a Mono Flex kit specifically for this platform (we already have Street Basis, Street Advance, and Street Flex available).

A non-TEIN related display I really liked was Falken Tires’ ALMS Porsche. Battle scars and all on display.

Also, Dai Yoshihara’s Rocket Bunny V2 kitted BRZ

I know I’m missing a bunch of photos you all wanted to see, like the Liberty Walk stuff. But, that’s not really what I’m into. Don’t get me wrong, the F430 looked great! I just really like the sport compacts out on the market a bit more.

Oh, and the last, but definitely the first thing I saw at SEMA was Morgan Jade Bui of Sportcar Motions’ EH Civic drag car! about 1,100 hp to the front wheels! Can you handle that much power?

Yeah, I still love import drag racing. Don’t judge me.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Testing Wrap Up.

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Omar A.

Our R&D department has wrapped up testing on the 2013 Genesis Coupe last month. We are glad to announce that our product line for the Genesis Coupe is compatible from 2010-2013 (see part numbers below). However, 2013 owners will need to purchase the end links for the 2010 model for our coil-over kit for proper function of the factory sway bar.

Below are pictures of the Genesis Coupe. A shout out to Robert from Magnaflow for lending us his vehicle for testing. His Genesis coupe is currently being built for display at the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. as well as local events.

Please reference the part numbers listed below when placing your order. As a reminder always purchase through TEIN authorized dealers ONLY! Also listed below is a link to assist you with locating the nearest Dealer to you.

Part# : GSF12-1UAS2 (Street Basis)

Part# : SKF12-AUB00 (S.Techs)

http://www.tein.com/dealer_list/index.html

Genesis Coupe Tech Info Update

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Sergio M.

Hey everyone! Back again with some tech info that would come in handy for anyone looking to buy a Basic damper kit for a Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

This info was brought to my attention by the R&D staff during their test period with a 2011 model Genesis Coupe as well as further info which had been found on the web. It seems as though the design on the front shock absorber endlink rod mounting tabs have changed from the original production model years to the most current model years sharing the same chassis code. The older model years would have the endlink ball joints facing away from each other in opposite directions (180º). The newer model years would have the endlink ball joints opposing each other at a 90º angle. Provided below is a photo of the different endlink rods which would detail the model years and endlink rod part numbers.

**Please note that the model years listed below would correspond as followed: Part # 54830-2M000 would be found on 12/19/2008 – 9/15/2010 models year vehicles, Part # 54830-2m001 would be found on models after 9/15/2010 – Current 2011 models**

By referencing the photo above as well as the model year of your vehicle, it should help to determine the correct parts needed. For newer model years “after 9/15/2010 – Current 2011 models”, the older style endlink rods would be required when using our Basic damper kit.

Although the info provided above would help in determining whether endlink rods would be required on your application I would still recommend checking to see which shock absorber type your vehicle currently uses. Even though the parts are different for those model years, there is a possibility of the shock absorbers being swapped between models years.

Hopefully this tech info helps out anyone looking to change their stock suspension to coilovers on their Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Attention 2011+ Hyundai Genesis coupe owners!!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Shuichiro Y.

As most of you know TEIN USA has R&D department in our U.S. office.

And we have been providing overhaul service and been developing our products.

This ’11+ Hyundai Genesis coupe was on our development list because of Hyundai has changed sway bar link to longer one from year model 2011.

And finally TEIN USA has confirmed that our damper kit will fit with ’11+ models.

Those who with ’11+ Genesis coupe needs to purchase the sway bar link from dealer, but ride height came out exactly same as early model and same handling characteristics.

Here is the picture shown the difference of the sway bar link of the early model and ’11+ Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Long one is ’11+ Hyundai Genesis coupe and shorter one is for ’08-’10.

Stay tuned with TEIN USA R&D department!

More development will be out soon!!

China Touring Car Championship

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Paul P.

While watching Speed TV one day, I caught a glimpse of their segment from Mobil 1 The Grid and they featured the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC).

As a kid, I remember watching the short-lived North American Touring Car Championship on ESPN, with racers such as Randy Pobst and Peter Cunningham as contenders. The high strung 4 cylinder engines, super low ride heights, 19″ wheels, and subtle but quite functional body kits looked and sounded awesome.

There were also the cars of the Japanese Touring Car Championships! They looked even better!

Needless to say, the CTCC quickly drew my interests. And I know that TEIN supports a few vehicles in both of their categories (1600cc and 2000cc).

Check out this link from www.grid1.tv

As for cars we sponsor, the Ford Focus looks to be one of the most competitive platforms. But we also sponsor a Honda Accord and Hyundai i30 and KIA Forte.

Overall, this looks to be a very exciting series of motorsports. I’m actually a fan of Touring Cars as they best represent production vehicles available to the public. Some of these setups are quite unique. But again, since they bare a strong resemblance to what we drive, it’s much more interesting to me. Not that I don’t appreciate open wheel race cars and such. It’s just that the Touring Car series has a different appeal.

It may not have the following like Formula 1, WRC (also production car based, but with a super high budget), or even Nascar, but it sure has a special place for people like some of us who appreciate seeing production vehicles on the racetrack. Fortunately in North America, we still get to watch Touring Cars. Speed TV shows the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and there’s still a U.S. Touring Car series.

Now, if only they can bring back Touring Estate race cars…