Tag Archives: SEMA

This Car is HaWt!!!

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Really, it is!

Of all the cars I was able to see at this year’s SEMA show, I was able to narrow my favorites down to two- The Munsters Dragula car at Meguiar’s lot outside and RallySport Direct’s STI over at Rays/Volk booth.

I must admit, when I heard that Subaru was bringing back the STI sedan for 2011, I was excited, and I anxiously awaited the renderings/prototype. Then I saw it. Then I changed my mind a little. Then I forgot about it altogether. I guess there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me- I’m still getting used to how the back end looks, and that big wing isn’t all that cool (it is functional, though).

But then,

RallySport Direct got their hands on one, and now I’m taking back those ill feelings I had. Honestly, this is one clean looking, well-modded STI. Tastefully done, and something I’d like to have as a daily driver.

And how about that wheel fitment?

Volk G2’s on driver’s side. Hot.

Volk TE37SL’s on the passenger side. HOTTER!

So anyway, all this to say that this car is hot. We’re very fortunate to have the guys at RallySport rep our brand. They were the first ones Stateside to slap on a set of our MonoFlex Dampers for the STI sedan. Their STI also sport Defi’s new Advance BF gauges. Along with a bevy of JDM parts bolted on, I truly am jealous that they get to drive this car around.

Enough of this eye seks. You can read about it yourself on RallySport’s blog  http://theattack.rallysportdirect.com/

About that Dragula car…

…Disturbingly HaWt?

Lexus GS450H Race Car

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You might have seen this car on various online sites from SEMA 2010 coverage.

It is the 0-60 magazine built Lexus GS450H track car. Since nobody really has experience increasing power on a Hybrid, builder Gordon Ting, concentrated on all other aspects of a full blown race car. Overall weight was reduced by removing unneeded components and using composite materials, aerodynamics were greatly improved, suspension was upgraded to full 2-way adjustable coilovers, larger brakes front and rear, light weight forged wheels, competition slick tires and of course all the safety gear.

Here is a little closer look and maybe something few people know about.

1) Using custom application Super Racing Coilovers with dual EDFC (both units not yet installed).

2-way damping force adjustment, compression and rebound separately adjustable. Full length adjustment for setting ride height and spring pre-load independently. External reservoir tank for added oil capacity and cooling. Pillowball upper mounts and racing springs complete the kit.

This kit was produced under our Specialized Damper program in which TEIN can create custom coilovers for applications we do not normally produce and in custom specification to meet the customer’s requests.

2) Has the new DEFI ZD display.

DEFI ZD display, one of the EDFC controllers and a host of vital switches on the carbon center console. The unconventional shift knob was fabricated because the OE shifter was way too far forward.

3) The aero was made by TEIN dealer Evasive Motorsports

Dual canards, CF lip and custom CF front splitter from Evasive Motorsports. Forged TE37-SL from Rays and 6-piston neon green calipers from Brembo.

4) The car has a fully function air jack system.

Fully functional air jack system gets this car up in 3 seconds and back down even faster. The ultra aggressive aero and race ride height make the air jacks a necessity for service (imagine trying to get a floor jack under there without them).

You can see this car in the Lexus Booth at the LA Auto Show from 11/19 – 11/28.

Select photos courtesy of Gordon T. of 0-60.

SEMA 2010

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TEIN returned to SEMA this year after a one-year hiatus. Our booth was more focused on TEIN and SuperPro products.

A gamut of TEIN products were on display which included our new STREET BASIS damper (more info. on this in a future post).

TEIN coilovers were used on some high profile booth vehicles and on a few feature vehicles.

TEIN FEATURE VEHICLE

Abe Ko’s LS430 sitting on FLEX Sedan coilovers, special order from Japan. These coilovers feature a maximum drop of 4.5 inches. Coupled with the Platinum VIP Cup Kit this LS is literally on the ground. Full feature on this car and suspension system in a future post.

LEXUS BOOTH

0-60 Magazine GS450H Racer featuring custom Super Racing Coilovers and dual EDFC.

SCION BOOTH

Scion booth. 0-60 Magazine built Scion xD Rally v.3 using Specialized Damper.

Crawford 2011 Scion tC with Super Street coilovers. More on this car later as it will be running at Super Lap Battle on 11.10.10.

HONDA BOOTH

Honda Tuning Magazine built Honda CR-Z sitting on Mono FLEX coilovers.

Wraptivo Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.

MACKIN BOOTH (RAYS WHEELS)




TEIN authorized dealer RallySport Direct built Subaru STI Sedan. One of the first modified STI sedans in the US. Featuring Mono FLEX coilovers and some aggressive TE37 SLs.

DC SPORTS BOOTH

DC Sports collaboration with Import Tuner Magazine. More on this car later as it will be at Super Lap Battle Finals with Tarzan Yamada behind the wheel.

There is no stop this week as we prepare to go to Super Lap Battle Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway. One of our engineers and a couple staff members will be out there supporting TEIN users.

See You There

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If you will be in town for the SEMA show come to the Industry SEMA Party presented by Subaru at XS in Encore. This is where you will see friends, beautiful Go-Go dancers and definitely have a few drinks. This is one of the best night spots in Vegas. Come hang out, chill out and relax. See you in Vegas.

SEMA Show 2010

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The SEMA show is less than 2 weeks away. It is an exciting time for car enthusiasts as many project cars are unveiled revealed and new parts are revealed. TEIN is back as an exhibitor after a one year hiatus. We decided not to build any cars this year but are sponsoring a few high profile vehicles. The Lexus, Scion and Honda booths all have brand new builds sitting on TEIN coilovers.

0-60 Magazine Lexus Project. Check out the finished car in the Lexus booth. NOT a traditional Lexus build.

We will also be leaking a new TEIN coilover in our booth before the Tokyo Auto Salon debut as well as displaying some new products from SuperPro polyurethane bushings. If you have access to the show please come by and visit our booth, 24513.

For any of our dealers or new potential dealers who read this blog, we will be having SEMA Specials during the show so be sure to make an appointment with us or drop by.

Revalving dampers for competition

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Scott Tsuneishi, senior editor for Import Tuner magazine is here today. He is taking photos and collecting data as we revalve a set of Mono FLEX dampers for a street/track Honda S2000. This particular S2000 is being built to display at SEMA in the DC Sports booth and then compete in the 2010 Super Lap Battle Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway on Nov. 10th.

Scott taking pics of R&D Assistant Jon who is hard at work

This vehicle build features C-West body kit, i-VTEC upgrade from Design Craft, DC sports exhaust and a plethora of other high quality parts. Evasive Motorsports is helping with aero and tuning so you know this car will be quick around the 2.6 mile course. Target time is 1:57 on street tires.

Jon performing the actual revalving

R&D Manager Mr Takizawa reviewing the damping force graphs for the newly revalved shocks

We will be doing our part to make sure the suspension is competitive at the track and comfortable enough for daily driving.

Check out future issues of Import Tuner magazine for the complete story and to see how this project S2000 does at the track.

Future Import Tuner magazine feature

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Luke Munnell of Import Tuner magazine was at TEIN yesterday shooting the Lexus ISF for a future feature. The ISF is an Import Tuner project car which TEIN USA sponsors. We have helped with the build and maintenance ever since the beginning of this project. The car was displayed at SEMA, CES and has competed at Super Lap Battle finals. It is the only newer body style IS to compete in SLB that I can remember. Tanner Foust drove the car to a 2:02 in the 2008 finals. I think the car can definitely break 2 minutes with the current NOS setup, wider tires and some aero upgrades.

Although Luke’s title is Technical Editor for Import Tuner magazine he along with all the editors do multiple tasks. One of Luke’s favs seems to be shooting feature vehicles.

Setting up the lights for one of many pics. Each shot takes at least 10-15mins to setup and then constant tweaking until everything is perfect.

Our warehouse is not ideal due to sky lights, tons of reflections, etc… so the right lighting is key to getting a good clean shot.

With everything in place it is time to shoot.

Luke will come back to shoot the exterior pics at one of his secret locations. Nah jk, just a spot nearby that he found on the way to TEIN. Pickup Import Tuner to see the full feature.

TEIN’s 2005 Ford Mustang GT

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TEIN’s global involvement in producing aftermarket suspension goes well beyond the Japanese Domestic brands, such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc.  In 2003, we started developing suspensions for European and U.S. Domestic brands. Soon after, we started campaigning our line of suspensions for these markets and had demo cars, like the E46 BMW M3(on TEIN SS-P) and MkV GTI widebody(on TEIN Euro Damper). But, my favorite one to date would be the 2005 S197 Ford Mustang showcasing our TEIN Type Flex dampers.

Other than our Type Flex dampers as suspension modifications, some of my favorite modifications are ProCharger cetrifugal supercharger, custom 3″ exhaust by Fujitsubo, massive Wilwood 6 piston front and 2 piston rear big brake kit, a host of Defi Red Racer gauges, and the 19″x8.5″ front and 19″x9.5″ rear  Volk GTF’s. The list of modifications goes well beyond those and definitely contribute to a very unique car build for the TEIN group.

Below are a few pics

Mustang Interior w/ Defi Red Racer Gauges

Sparco seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Clarion DVD/ Navigation Double DIN, and of course DEFI Red Racer gauges.

Mustang Engine BayPolished Procharger kit along with polished piping. Exedy clutch and flywheel. 496WHP

Wilwood 6 piston BBK kit.

JBA Longtube headers feeding custom Fujitsubo exhaust. BMR Fabrication subframe and front control arms.

Mustang Underside RearTorsen Differential, more BMR suspension links and chassis bracing.

Past TEIN USA Demo Cars

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Was looking through some older pictures on our server and found these. Some of the modifications may be considered out-of-date but at the time these cars were built this was the trend.

2004 Scion xB – built in 2004, debuted at SEMA 2004.  Featured TEIN’s Hybrid Wagon Dampers which allows for ride height adjustment from the cockpit. Greddy turbo kit, custom metal widebody, Bride seats front and rear, custom dash, Racing Hart wheels, and complete Lightning Audio setup. Was sold a couple times, last seen with new a paint job and many of the goodies removed.

1999 Nissan Silvia S15 – initially built in 2005, debuted at SEMA 2005, and went on to continually be modified/ revised/ re-tuned until 2007. 650WHP, RB28DETT (stroked), V-mount, OS Giken 6-speed sequential transmission, TEIN Super Racing coilovers, C-West widebody, stitch welded, crazy roll cage, too much to list. Now owned by a private party in California.

2006 Honda Civic Si Coupe – built in 2005, debuted at SEMA 2005. Custom metal widebody, custom turbo setup, custom red suede interior, TEIN Mono FLEX coilovers, Enkei RPF1 Type RC wheels, etc… Stolen while on the HIN tour and later recovered completely stripped.

2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI mk. V – built in 2006, debuted at SEMA 2006. Featured TEIN Euro Dampers, BRS widebody, host of Seibon Carbon parts, APR Turbo upgrade, JE pistons, Carrillo rods, Bride Gias Carbon Kevlar seats, custom Rothschild Fabrication roll bar, dual composite NX nitrous kit, and custom AutoArt VX wheels. Sold to a used car dealership, not sure where this car ended up.

2007 Toyota Yaris 3-dr – Built in 2006, debuted at SEMA 2006 and competed at Super Lap Battle Finals 2007 (driver Andy Hope pushed this car to a 2:08.091). Burnout bodykit from Japan, custom painted graphics, Super Charger kit, KAAZ LSD, Custom Rothschild Fabrication roll cage, Bride Bucket, Defi Meters, and custom spec TEIN Super Street coilovers. Currently sitting inside one of Toyota’s warehouses.

more past demo cars to be revisited in the future…