Urban Whip - 1

CONTENTS JULY 2009

FEATURES 22 Revolution RX-7 31 24/7 Skyline 37 Fast & Furious

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 7 You 12 Beauty 18 Style

YOU

WE FEATURE YOUR RIDES THAT YOU VOTED FOR EACH MONTH ONLY ON

URBANWHIP.COM

Here we feature the top 3 whips submit- ted by our readers, with photos and specs. These are some of the most stylish whips we’ve seen out there. And what’s inside is hot too.

This issue, we feature the Pittsburgh Project DSM’s 1996 Eclipse. This green beast has a 5 piece body kit and custom wide body, complete custom interior, SBR Stage 3 Short Block 6 Bolt Fully Decked 20 Over Engine Swap, and an estimated 500hp. Also we have UnHolyTib’s 2004 Hyundai Tiburon. This multi-competition winner has a Balanced/Blueprinted/Forged 2.7l V6 engine, supercharged 2.7 Delta with an estimated 450hp, a Espelir Super active down suspension, and Mussa Vertical Doors. UnHolyTib shows that even a Hyundai can be a badass ride. Last but not least, we have Mugenrios2k’s 2004 S2000. With only 5.5psi this ride is putting down over 240wtq and over 330whp on a Dyno Dynamics. If you can’t tell, this car has been set up for Local track events such as TT.

Urban Whip - 7 YOU

“Green with Envy”

1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE Submitted by nathanticket

Engine/Drivetrain SBR Stage 3 Short Block 6 Bolt Fully Decked 20 Over Engine Swap Ross 8.6:1 Pistons 20 Over Eagle H Beam Rods Balance Shaft Eliminator Kit 6 Bolt Head w/ Stage 4 Titanium Springs,Valves,Retainers Brian Crower 272 Cams Fidanza Cam Gears SBR Sheet Metal Intake Manifold w/ Nitrous Ports ARP Studs 4 Layer High Compression Gasket Koyorad Racing Radiator SBR Stainless Heat Shield GReddy Blue Timing Belt DSM GT14 Ball Bearing External WG Turbo 600whp SBR Cast DSM Mitsu manifold w/ 7cm,38mm WG flange Manifold port work STG II Tial 38mm WG Polished SBR 2G Race FMIC KIT Blow Through System DSM 880ccPTE Fuel injectors Walbro 255HP 2G FWD GSS CHM 100psi Fuel Guage Steel Braided Fuel Line Hoses New OEM Throttle Cable W/O Cruise Control Complete oil line kit by SBR SBR 4500HD Clutch Kit 4500 pressure plate SBR Street Disc MEG Racing 3” Turbo back exhaust sys- tem straight thru Comp Racing Strut Bar

Suspension/Brakes Illumina Series 5 Setting Adjust- able Shocks Megan Racing Lowering Springs Energy Suspension Polyurathane Bush- ings New OEM Front Axles New Timken Wheel Bearing

Ignition/Engine Management Accel 8.5mm High Performance Wires Apexi AFC Neo

Sound/ Electronics Alpine PDX-600 amp 2 x alpine type R 12” subs alpine v-power 250w speaker amp Pioneer In dash cd/dvd/gps touch screen

8 - Urban Whip “Seoul Taker”

2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON Submitted by UnHolyTib

Engine Balanced/Blueprinted/Forged 2.7l V6 Ported and polished heads, Lower IM, & S/C manifold Billet 7.5” Overdrive Crank Pulley Wolfe Racing polished fuel rails and valve covers YaYa Poly Mounts Front & Rear Weapon R Engine Damper Fidanza Cam Gears 290CC Injectors Eaton S/C @ 10psi Custom NX Direct Port Nitrous 150 Shot NX Window Switch 2 - 5 lb custom painted bottles NX N-Tercooler Koyo Performance Radiator Nology Cool Wires AEM CAI Russel Stainless Lines Summit Anodized Fittings SSA Headers SSA Catback Exhaust Split Second MAF VC2 Voltage Clamp @ 5V Wideband Tuning by Zeitronix RRM Strutbar Apexi Neo Fuel Computer KartBoy Shifter Bushings Optima Yellow Top Fidanza Flywheel Clutchmaster’s FX400 Clutch Phantom Grip LSD X-Tune Oil Catch Can

Exterior Custom Two Tone Paint - 07 Corvette Atomic Orange over Black Formula Body Kit Mussa Vertical Doors Shaved Rear Wiper & Washer Nozzle Espelir Super active down suspension 19 x 8.5 ADR Battle Exe Rims in Gun- Metal

Interior Viper 791XV with Remote Start/Trunk Pop Sparco Torino Seats w/ Custom Ostrich Upholstery Sparco Harness Bar Sparco 4 point Harness MOMO Millenium EVO Steering Wheel Tuscani Floormats

Urban Whip - 9 YOU

“Mugen Rio S2k”

2004 HONDA S2000 Submitted by mugenrios2k

AEM Fuel pressure Regulator Mugen 04 SS Header Mugen AP2 Cat Back (Titanium) Mugen thermostat, Mugen fan switch Mugen radiator cap Mugen Radiator Mugen CF Valve Cover Mugen Pressure plate Comptech Flywheel Samco hoses Stage One Tuning (SOT) / Static X Motors- ports (SXM) MP62 Roots Supercharger PWR Air to water Intercooler Greddy E-manage Ultimate Greddy Oil block Adapter SXM Short shifter MOMO Mod 78 GT Touring Steering Wheel Splash hub/boss Works Bell Rapfix II Racetech 4009 WHR Racing Seat (FIA) Takata 6 point harnesses Mugen Seat Rails DEFI manifold pressure gauge DEFI oil pressure DEFI oil temp DEFI fuel pressure DEFI water temp DEFI EGT temp DEFI control link 2 PLX Wideband A/F Meter Tein SRC Tein Dual EDFC Ricks X-brace Cusco Rear Tie Bar Cusco 3 piece floor bars Cusco Rear sway bar SXM Adjustable Front sway bar Volk GT-7 17x8+49 17x9+49 Falken Azenis (225/45F 255/40R) Brail CF battery Alpine head unit Boston Acoustics Carbon fiber Z6 compo- nents Boston Acoustics 555 in custom Carbon fiber enclosure Boston Acoustics GT-50 amplifier Stinger 0 gauge power wire set up Stinger 1F capacitor Stinger pro RCA setup SXM Custom Lip splitter /skid plate SXM Custom Canards SXM Custom vented OEM Hood SXM CF Gauge Cluster SXM Custom Roll Bar Honda Hardtop Mugen SS spoiler

10 - Urban Whip

BEAUTY

12 - Urban Whip PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON POWELL INTERVIEW BY CARTER JUNG

Very few boy names cross the female gender barrier well. Pat is about as ambiguous as Ryan Seacrest, as is Terry, Bobby, or Casey. But, there’s a linguistic fine line between cute and tomboy- ish to straight up Michael Jackson. I don’t care how hot a girl is, I can’t imagine attempting to initiate sexy talk with a Hank, Peter, or John. “Uh, hey Hank, I like the thing you did with your hair...hold me!” Gag.

Few hotties however have managed to break the male-oriented name notion. James King, Cam- eron Diaz, and Hayden Panettierre made it OK for a group of two or more straight males to debate in public the hotness of dudes names without garnering the odd stare. Now thanks to this month’s cover girl, we can add another name to that small roster: Jerry. Or at least Jerry sans the “r” and “y”, and plus an “i”. Jeri Lee.

If you’re a male with a pulse, Internet access, been to a car show, and have a strong aversion for the Pottery Barn, the Bravo network, and the word “fabulous” you’ve long lusted for her. So have we. After years of working the HIN circuit, go-going countless clubs, and growing a huge fan base-one of which propositioned her to break his ribs with a bat for $10,000-we finally managed to photographically nail her 5-foot-1 scrumptiousness. So, purge your memories of Seinfeld, Springer, and Lewis, and let this Jeri come moisten your loins. This is one Jeri’s kid you only wish you could take responsibility for.

Urban Whip - 13 Jeri Lee

Here’s the first question, it’s a doozy: How’d you get into modeling? You had to ask this question first..like all interviews. [Laughs] I started modeling and acting at the age of 3 and got into this scene at 17. See, that wasn’t so bad. Moving on to cars. Do you like cars that go-go You modeled at the age of three? or are slow and show? Yeah, I did commercials for Oscar Meyer, Barbie, Pepsi, and a bunch of I like all styles of cars, but I like slow and show. other companies. Again, boo! The freakiest fan? How did you break into our scene? I have plenty of them. I had a fan message me asking if I could break his I went to my first IAS back in 2003 or 2004 and I got hired to work with ribs with a bat, and that he’d give me $10,000. GReddy. Then SEMA came and right after that my career just sky rock- eted. WTF?! That is really sick yet strangely hot. The furthest you’ve trav- eled industry related? Ok, let’s go back even further. Is Jeri your real name? All over Asia. Yes, Jeri Lee is my first name, can’t tell you my last, sorry... Your favorite city? I HAVE TO SAY GOING OVERSEAS AND Tokyo, . PARTYING AND DANCING IS THE BEST! Shifting gears, how cold was it in the pool scene of the photoshoot? So, I was doing “research” and stumbled across a jerilee website It was very cold and the water was dirty. It was like swimming in dirt. thinking it was yours and I actually threw up a little in my mouth. But I had a great time. It was really sexy. Yeah, I know, fat chicks right? I’ve Googled myself and came across some pornstar using my name. People sometimes ask if I do porn...and no I So, what was Jeri Lee like in high school? don’t. I was a white-washed cheerleader, who made it all over the yearbook.

Drats! How did your go-going ever come about? What kind of guys were you into? Around the same time I started getting into the scene. Mostly Asians.

Burning question: Where does one come about acquiring the go-go Any extra-curricular activies? boots? Dancing and I liked to cook. [Laughs] You can buy them online, or in Hollywood. Fill in the blank: Voted most likely to be... Like, if I was chasing you, and you didn’t want to talk to me, how fast Well, I was Ms. Popular and got crowned Miss Irresistable during the could you run in them? Valentine’s pep assembly. Oh I can run, hop, jump, leap, and even do cartwheels and handstands. I love my go-go boots! Best back seat of a car experience? Had sex. Cartwheels and handstands. Kinky. Some of your favorite mammals, why? That would be the correct answer. Moving onto the Final Jeopardy! Mammals, WTF?! OK, I like koalas. I always have since I was in elemen- round: If you could pick anyone in the world, who would you ask to tary school the Sadie Hawkins dance? Johnny Depp Back to the boots, why are they all fuzzy? They are not fuzzy. We just have these fuzzies that go over them. They How many bases would he get to? just stand out and look cute, “Boots with the fur,” right? OMG...I would just let him rape me.

If you say so. Your five favorite nightclubs? How many bases would I get to? I don’t have any favorite clubs, but I have to say going overseas and [Laughs] You’re gay...kidding. partying and dancing is the best! How about if you were drunk, like really, really drunk? Besides GHB, what drink should a stalker/club patron buy you during Nooooooooooo! your go-go? Just water or pineapple juice. I don’t drink alcohol anymore. I quit! Again, boo! •

14 - Urban Whip Urban Whip - 15 JERI LEE Height: 5’1” Measurements: 32 - 24 -33 Website: www.lovejerilee.com; www.myspace.com/jerilee Sign: Sagitarrius Blood type: I have no idea, ask my mom Birthday: November 29th Hometown: Orange County, Calif.

16 - Urban Whip

STYLE

Ready To See A Corolla Kick Some Major Ass? So Are We.

18 - Urban Whip Urban Whip - 19 STYLE

Do race cars turn us on? When do they not? Some might’ve guessed “no” at the thought of a Corolla but chassis fabricators, apr, are about to change your mind. What we saw at the TRD booth at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon was a Corolla worth popping boners for. But it’s not the kind of Corolla you’re used to - nor it be one you’re going to see on US roads, at least, not any time soon. This is based off the new Corolla Axio platform and according to Motorsport News, apr is working in conjunction with Toyota to use the Axio in the Super GT GT300 class after retiring last year’s MR-S, a winner from last year’s Round 3 at , as well as champion in the GT300 class in years ‘02, ‘05 and `07. Representatives from apr stated, “The MR-S racecar was an excellent perform- er for racing but we are looking for another car that’s even better. We chose the Corolla Axio because the chassis has good aerody- namics and is better than the MR-S overall.” Powered by a 300hp naturally-aspirated V6 motor, the apr Axio is set up on a midship layout chassis and it’s said that the biggest rival this year will be ’ IS racecar. Since race season hasn’t started as of presstime and this particular car hasn’t seen an official event, it’s hard to say how well it’ll actually perform. But if we chart apr’s racing history, the chances are good that it can come out on top once again. In other Axio news, TRD will be offering GT models with a turbocharged 1500cc motor (www.trdparts.jp/parts_axio- turbo.html) and in July, TRD will be orga- nizing a Corolla Axio N2 one-make race at Fuji Speedway (www.advan.com/japanese/ motor_sports/fan/065/index2.html). •

“We chose the Corolla Axio because the chas- sis has good aerody- namics and is better than the MR-S overall.”

20 - Urban Whip Urban Whip - 21 22 - Urban Whip Urban Whip - 23 Crafting A Masterpiece

24 - Urban Whip BY DINO DALLE CARBONARE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DUKES, DINO DALLE CARBONARE

Make no mistake about it--what you see here is not a street car. Sure, it is one of 68,589 FD3Ss that rolled off production lines for a de- cade beginning in 1992, and yes, it still retains its factory unibody core, five-lug hubs and DOT tires. But that’s where the similarities between it and any other road-going RX-7 end. This car was re-born for one purpose only: to give Aoki-san of Garage Revolution recognition as the world’s best rotary tuner. Enter the world of Japanese time attack racing and its ground zero: . Priority number one for any rising JDM tuning shop is to prove they can hang with the best, and the most direct way to do that is by building a winning car for the track’s annual Super Battle event. Placing at the top is such a prestige that six-figure builds have been commissioned for no other reason than to run on this day, only to be retired the next. Lap the course in under a minute and you’re quick; in the 55-second range, and you’re one of about three cars. The Tsukuba FR production chassis record stands at 55.350 seconds--naturally, this FD was built to go faster. A built-at-the-last-minute show car this is not; winning in competition demands that every facet of a car compliment and make full use of the rest. Revolution spent months designing just the exterior of the FD, so that once the legendary RE Amemiya started building it, every square inch of 100 percent dry carbon fiber would be made to serve a purpose. Based on a GT300 car, the front bumper features an integrated splitter that limits airflow underneath the car to improve downforce, extends underneath the engine bay to reduce vacuum, and directs oncoming air into a V-mounted radiator and intercooler, all at once. Additional vents in the front bumper direct ambient air toward the brakes, where they’re expelled via oversized front fenders that also vent underhood pressure

Urban Whip - 25 (as does the car’s vented hood), as well as al- low for a widened wheelbase and lower stance for better lateral stability. Oversized Hankook Ventus RSS R-comp tires and ultra-light Volk RE30s reduce rotational mass while cutting corner weight, all while increasing grip and decreasing rolling resistance. Canards improve turn-in by adding additional downforce up front, while rear downforce is increased by a frame-mounted GT wing, aided by a complex rear diffuser featuring additional canards of its own. Above the rear diffuser lies this FD’s hallmark exterior modification: a one-piece rear end that replaces the rear bumper, hatch, rear glass and quarter panels with dry carbon fiber, matches the front fenders’ dimensions, feeds airflow to an ARC differential cooler, and vents excess air from within the rear wheel wells. Carbon fiber construction remains constant in nearly every one of the FD’s body panels, save for the roof; the doors have been swapped with lightweight carbon units, and beneath them, carbon side skirts that bridge the increased width of the front and rear fenders, and keep outside air from entering the underside of the car during operation, further decreasing lift. Craft Square replacement side mirrors were added to cut drag, much the same as Aoki-san’s choice to replace the stock FD flip-up head- lights with streamlined, flush-mount alterna- tives. Every little bit helps. 26 - Urban Whip Equally intricately engineered is this FD’s interior, where the form- follows-function rule was all but written. Aoki-san’s first step was to completely gut the FD’s interior down to the bare metal, and stitch weld every seam in its unibody to increase overall rigidity. Adding to it, and protecting the car and driver in the event of unforeseen off-track jaunts, is an incredibly complex rollcage that joins the FD’s floor, roof, A-, B-, and C-pillars, and extends into the engine bay and trunk to tie in the strut towers, almost completely eliminating body flex. And if doing two jobs at once weren’t enough, the cage was further modified to support a trunk-mounted fuel cell, and pressurized AP Racing air-jack system at each corner. Driver interface was limited to only what was needed: a Recaro carbon-Kevlar bucket, MOMO wheel, MoTeC LCD data screen, ECU and telemetry module, and a switch panel. Remember the full carbon replacement hatch? An LCD screen and rear-mounted camera replace the rear-view mirror and glass to allow the driver a view of what’s going on behind his machine. A fully track-prepped interior and exterior could only make sense com- bined with an equally suited suspension, and with such drastic changes made to the FD thus far, Revolution opted to completely scrap the stock components, and engineer one-off parts specific to their needs. Minding the FD’s lower stance, increased girth, and necessary changes to geome- try, a custom double wishbone setup was constructed from the ground up, consisting of custom-fabricated adjustable control arms, brackets and rose joints, and custom, CNC-machined replacement hubs that relocate control arm and tie-rod end mounting points for a modified steering radius, lowered stance, and ideal roll center, camber gain and scrub radius. Ultra- stiff Swift springs and custom-valved Revolution dampers keep the chassis elevated, and Project Mu big brakes with 999 race-spec pads round out corner modification for obvious reasons. Nothing was shared about spring rate or damper valving; this car is, after all, still in competition. For all its radical modification thus far, that the heart of this competi-

tion monster remains surprisingly mild might come as a shock to some. Don’t let it; posting fast laps has a lot to do with how much power a car produces, but more to do with how readily available it is to the driver. Aoki-san and the Revolution crew knew throttle response and area under the curve were priority number one and peak power number two, so they began by porting the 13B in an undisclosed manner that would flow high amounts of air from their HKS T04Z turbo, but more impor- tantly, develop power predictably at full or partial throttle across a broad RPM range. A Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox was added to allow for full-throttle shifts, to further improve throttle response and decrease lag, and an ATS 1.5-way LSD with a shortened final drive keeps the FD’s 13B high in the RPM range, and its wheels firmly planted on the tarmac. Boost is limited to 1.35 bar, to produce just over 540 whp, which, factoring in the car’s 960 kg (2,116.4 lbs) weight, gives it the highest power-to-weight ratio of any known FD in competition. With thousands invested, and their reputation on the line, Aoki-san and the Revolution crew charged the competition in the first event they could. In its shakedown runs at the ‘08 Tsukuba Super Battle (in rough weather), it completed the circuit in 56.094 seconds--fast enough to beat every other FR machine in competition, and finish Second overall, less than one second off the First Place spot. With the ‘09 Tsukuba season kicking off, will the Revolution crew be able to improve their FD’s time by a mere .744 seconds, to topple a record thought by many to stand for years to come? You know where we’re placing our bets! •

Urban Whip - 27 SPECS: Output: 538 HP

Engine: Garage Revolution cross porting, Suspension: Sprint springs 25 kg/mm Exterior: RE Amemiya-built GT dry three-piece apex seals, 50mm exhaust (front) 16 kg/mm (rear); Revolution carbon fiber widebody: Revolution manifold, 80mm front pipe, 80mm racing-spec dampers, custom front and dry carbon fiber front bumper, rear full titanium exhaust, custom airbox, rear double wishbone suspension, front one-piece bumper and quarter panels, custom cooling ducts for turbine; HKS and rear hubs, blade stabilizer, modified front fenders, sideskirts, front and rear T04Z turbo, GT-2 external wastegate, strut towers with strengthening bars, canards, rear diffuser, rear hatch, doors, air filter; ARC V-mounted intercooler and relocated steering column hood and GT Wing; Craft Square dry radiator, oil cooler, differential cooler; carbon fiber side mirrors

Trust BOV; NGK plugs; Wako Technical Wheels/Tires: Volk Racing RE30 18x9.5 plug wires; Sard FPR; Bosch fuel pumps (front) 18x10.5 (rear) wheels; Hankook Interior: Revolution race-spec chromoly (2), 850cc/min primary fuel injectors Ventus RSS 265/35 (front) 285/30 (rear) roll cage, dry carbon fiber dash, center (2), 850cc/min (2) and 800cc/min (2) tires console, transmission tunnel and floor, secondary injectors; MoTeC M2R ECU, custom gear selector and linkage, shift

boost control solenoid Brakes: Revolution custom carbon brake knob, reverse selector; AP Racing air cooling deflectors; Project Mu six-piston jack kit, brake bias selector, adjustable

Drivetrain: Hewland six-speed sequen- calipers and 355mm two-piece rotors pedal box; MoTeC LCD Data logger, tial transmission; ORC triple-plate (front), four-piston calipers and 332 mm telemetry module, intercom system, clutch, lightweight flywheel; ATS carbon two-piece rotors (rear), 999 brake pads reverse camera and LCD screen; Odyssey 1.5-way limited slip differential; 3.9 lightweight battery. final drive

28 - Urban Whip

24/7 SKYLINE MOTUL NISMO R35 GT-R TOKACHI 24H RACE CAR READY TO TAKE ON A RED-EYE RACE

Urban Whip - 31 BY 2NR STAFF, DINO DALLE CARBONARE There is nothing that tests the durability of into the first endurance GT-R, we headed PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DUKES, DINO DALLE a car and its products like endurance racing. over to the Nismo Omori Factory headquar- CARBONARE Nismo knows this more than anyone, and ters in Tokyo. Since the main scope of the building this GT-R provided the opportunity project was to see how close to factory spec , without a doubt, has done it. Under to not only explore its potential as a race an R35 would handle the stresses of a 24 the distinct orders of CEO Carlos Ghosn, Nis- machine, but also to simulate all the abuse hour race, the engine and transmission were san created the ultimate affordable super- (and then some) their aftermarket products left mostly stock. What wasn’t, however, car. A car that straight from the factory will would encounter at the hands of street-going was the GT-R’s cooling faculties; In addition annihilate exotics costing twice as much. enthusiasts. Motul, which for years has had a to the factory oil cooler, a secondary unit “The GT-R,” as Ghosn says, “Is a car you can very close relationship with Nismo, used the was added on the passenger side of the car, use everyday; a car that can be driven by GT-R’s all-new VR38DETT as a high-demand and a custom aluminum air guide was fabbed anyone, anywhere.” But the question the test bed for the development of new lubri- to channel as much air through it as pos- guys over at Nismo asked themselves, is how cants, which would likewise find their ways sible. The radiator and overflow tanks were will this technological marvel handle the into circuit racing and onto store shelves. replaced with Nismo custom aluminum units, more demanding world of motorsport. We’re And the best place for the two to collaborate: to keep temperatures consistent at sustained not talking about the GT-R currently racing- the yearly Tokachi 24-hour endurance race, high engine speeds, and a rear-mounted and leading-the Super GT series, after all, held at the famed circuit in Hokkaido, in transmission oil cooler was thrown in the those race cars have very little in common northern Japan. mix for good measure. To keep tabs on the with the road going GT-R. But more along the As this was the first race in which Nismo effects of it all, additional temperature and lines of production-car based endurance rac- would enter an R35, the goals were kept pressure sensors were added throughout the ing; something akin to Group N or the Super reasonable. According to Race Team Director GT-R, monitored by a Nismo LCD Data Logger. Taikyu championship. And this is a good Kumagai-san, “We wanted to complete the Because the R35 was built as a dedicated question indeed because with all the novel full 24 hours of racing, allowing us to proper- track car, its bulky OE A/C equipment was technology and components that the GT-R ly test the Motul competition oils and Nismo given the boot, and its factory blow-off brings to the table, nobody really knows how parts.” After overcoming some unforeseen valves were remove and their mounting it will all take to the abuse of endurance rac- mechanical glitches of fielding an all-new car, points on the intake pipes plated off-fewer ing. To find out, Nismo joined forces with the the Nismo team managed to finish in 21st things to go wrong, as they say. Likewise, the Motul oil company and set out to create the position, achieving what they set out to do in stock exhaust was ruled out by the Nismo car you see here: the first production-based their first outing. team, but minding the elevated temperatures GT-R race car in the world. To find out what kind of preparation went of the GT-R’s rearward transmission and 32 - Urban Whip differential during sustained track abuse, they elected to fabricate a replacement unit fully from titanium, wrap it with heat-radiant material, and couple it with a complemen- tary carbon-fiber rear diffuser. It’s a one-off system, but can be purchased through Nismo, for a scant $19,000. The Nismo team’s philosophy of improving functionality and cutting weight by eliminat- ing the unnecessary holds throughout the GT-R’s interior; nearly everything, save for the dash exterior and center console, was stripped and disposed of. A (one) carbon fiber bucket seat and airbag-less Nismo steer- ing wheel were dropped in for the front OE units, and where the switches for the climate control and audio systems used to be, Nismo fabricated a carbon switch-panel for the electronics. Chassis prep and structural enrichment of the GT-R began in the interior as well. A bolt- in roll cage was added for extra safety and rigidity, and modified to accommodate an air jack system. Surprisingly, no stitch welding was performed on any parts of the chassis, as Nismo believes the stock shell is stiff enough from the factory. On the exterior, a one-off carbon-fiber hood, trunk lid and side mirrors shed more weight and reduce drag, and even the small, rear side glass was replaced with lighter acrylic items-all totaled, good enough for a 100kg weight savings over stock. The OE coilover suspension, despite its aggressive spring rates and electronically-adjustable dampers, was replaced by Nismo-spec Bil- stein double bump- and rebound-adjustable stand-ins, with undisclosed spring rates and damper settings-it is, afterall, a competition car. The whole front section was redesigned to not only offer increased airflow-thanks to the new vents-but to also protect the newly added cooling devices, and channel incoming air where it could be put to best use. Small carbon air intakes were carved into the front lip/splitter and wheel arches to direct cool air towards the front brakes. supplied Nismo with full 20-inch versions of their Potenza RE-55S semi-slick R-compound tire, 255/40 up front and 285/35 in the rear (same size as OEM rubber), mounted to all-new Nismo six-spoke wheels, forged by ; the same rims that have been seen fitted on the V Spec test mule that decimated Nurburgring records a few months back, and ones with which we hope Nissan elects to endow the car come production. For all you current GT-R owners, fear not; the rollers are available as part of a new Nismo “Chassis Package”, which also includes an ag- Urban Whip - 33 gressively tuned suspension and a fresh set of RE070 tires-all for a bargain of $22,150. And if you really want to go crazy, you can get yourself the full “Club Sport Package” which adds the titanium exhaust system, the Chas- sis Package, and a pair of carbon-fiber Nismo leather buckets, for only $32,850 more. A little steep, but hey-if it’s good enough to battle 24-hour endurance races, think of what it can do for your daily commute. •

34 - Urban Whip 08 Nissan GT-R Output 480 PS @ 6,400 RPM 60 KGM @ 3,200 RPM~5,200 RPM Weight 1,640 KG

Engine: Standard VR38DETT, Blocked Brakes: Carbon fiber air guides; endur- off recirculating blow-off valves; Nismo ance brake pads; Motul fluid titanium exhaust system with heat wrapping, secondary large-core oil Exterior: Modified front grille with cooler, braided oil lines and aluminium additional air inlets; carbon fiber brake fittings all round, A/C removal, radiator vents, side mirrors, hood, trunk lid; overflow tank, quick-fill fuel system; front and rear tow hooks; acrylic side Motul lubricants window; roof antenna for P.A. system

Drivetrain: Nismo transmission & rear Interior: Stripped interior; air jack differential cooler; Motul lubricants system; Nismo LCD data logger, FIA- approved bolt-in roll cage, carbon Suspension: Nismo-spec fully adjust- fiber racing seat, alcantara steering able Bilstein suspension wheel; Nismo/Willans racing harnesses; Removal of A/C and audio controls; Wheels/Tires: Rays Engineering Nismo carbon fiber center console with 6-spoke wheels (20x9.5 front, 20x10.5 switchgear, dash trim; fire extinguisher rear); Bridgestone Potenza RE55 tires system (255/40-20 front, 285/35-20 rear)

Urban Whip - 35

Urban Whip - 37 What’s Really Under These Star-Studded Hoods

38 - Urban Whip BY LUKE MUNNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLINT DAVIS, LUKE MUNNELL

I’m crawling up SoCal’s 405 freeway in an ‘81 Suburban, on mile three of about 100 to go. It’s an ungodly hour to be awake, morning traffic is bad, and I’m legally confined to the right two lanes. And I’m getting a cold. But if you asked me eight years ago what I was doing, my reply would come quickly: Living the dream! I’m on my way to Hollywood for a photo shoot, and in tow is the very ‘08 STI that’s being hailed as the “Halo Car” of the upcoming Fast and Furious film. And judging by the barrage of envious looks my cargo and I are getting from passers-by... it’s a pretty big deal. Like a lot of you, I was excited for the original The Fast and The Furious film’s debut in ‘01. I’ll admit it. Attention was being given to a subculture that I was a part of, and the on- screen glamour of SoCal’s import scene came across as a dream lifestyle for any northern East Coast native. A dream that, sadly, was shot down after 120 minutes of seven-speed Eclipses, flammable NOS, MoTeC Systems exhausts, 10-second drag races that last 1:20... and titanium valve springs. Fast forward a few years, to when the second movie dropped, and... on second thought, don’t--it’s not worth the ink. Upon the release of the third installment, Tokyo Drift, we saw more than a few wrongs righted. Sure, it was a bit fantastic, but no more than could be expected of any main- stream action flick. Real drift cars with real sound bites were used, technical jargon was more accurate, and portrayal of a more diverse--gasp, Asian--import community all made it a refreshing break from the previous two installments. And then Carter managed to get a hold of an official script and casting-call pictures of the film’s cars. What we saw was more “action/car movie” than botched “import scene movie”, and the imports--what few of them there were--appeared far cleaner than anything yet; two welcomed changes, to those of us whose tastes still sour from the first two films. Tokyo Drift director Justin Lin was back, as was Paul Walker--now a real-life, die-hard import enthu- siast. Would the fourth time be the charm? Will the world really see an accurate representation of our scene and what our cars are like? Break- ing it down in his signature pragmatic point of view, Carter only offered, “Who knows. But at least we can show the world what their cars are really like.”

Urban Whip - 39 Contrary to what your eyes are telling you, this is not a Skyline. It’s not even a Nissan, for that matter. It’s a kit car, made of the Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R chassis, imported by Kaizo Industries, and given a Nissan RB26DETT engine swap. Its a Kaizo R34 GT-R. At least, this is what the cool kids are telling the Feds these days, when they want to drive JDM Skylines, legally, on U.S. streets. Having owned more R32s, 33s, 34s, 35s, S15s, and other JDM rides than we can count, this is the process Daryl Ali- son and JustDriven.com recommend to all their clients; clients like Paul Walker, who is having Daryl and co. build his third R34 GT-R; this one, a fully dedicated track car. When direc- tion decided that an R34 should star as Brian O’Connor’s car for two-thirds of the new film, they contacted Daryl to import eight of them. This car was designat- ed as “first unit pro- duction”, which means that only actors get to sit in it, not stuntmen. “This one is my personal car now,” Daryl begins, “but was brought in specifically for the film by Kaizo, under the NHTSA’s `as- semblage of parts’ rule, which allows it to be imported, only without a drivetrain.” For that, Daryl contracted LRS Trading in Orange, CA, to import a low-mileage RB26DETT swap, and had Vildini Motorsports in Mission Viejo, CA, handle the installation, while also modestly upgrading its intercooler, exhaust, suspension, wheels, and interior and exterior components. “Since the car is driven on public roads extensively in the film, Justin (Lin) and Paul (Walker) wanted it to appear as solid and reliable as possible,” he explains. No Lambo doors, gaudy battle kits or chrome dubs this time around, “Paul even had to fight the production company--almost literally--to keep vinyl graphics off the car dur- ing filming.” This car was designated as “first unit produc- tion”, which means that only actors get to sit in it, not stuntmen. Remember those seven other Kaizo “Skylines”? Wrecked; destroyed during filming, mostly during the “Dom and Brian race scene”, which you’ll have to wait to see. “Six weren’t even based on the GT-R chassis,” Daryl explains, “They were based on the non-turbo, RWD GT-Ts, and were each ‘07 Kaizo GT-R Suspension: Nismo lowering Exterior: Nismo Version II given matching East Bear `Master Piece ER34’ “The hero car” springs; custom roll cage; ARC front bumper, side skirts; Sun- conversion kits and wheels to look like GT-Rs, titanium strut tower bar line Auto carbon fiber hood but with slightly narrower fenders.” The only Output: N/A Wheels/Tires: 19x11 Volk Rac- Interior: Rear seat delete; other GT-R imported was completely gutted, Engine: Nismo NE-1 exhaust; ing RE30 wheels; Continental Momo steering wheel; Nismo given a tube-frame chassis and a rear-mounted Turbonetics front-mount inter- tires V-Spec Nur pedals; custom VW engine, and used specifically for off-road cooler and plumbing Brakes: Rotora big brake con- heads-up display for dash- stunts. Something else you’ll have to wait for Drivetrain: Stock version, front and rear mounted PC. the movie to see... 40 - Urban Whip When it comes to movie props, all that glitters is not always gold. In abandoned back-lots and production warehouses alike, lie substances ranging in authenticity from high-grade pyrite to $2/can knock-off Krylon-over-foam spray jobs, and everything in between. If the disillusionment of a VW-powered Skyline, or the fact that over 100 cars were built specifically to be crashed during filming, has killed your faith in the `Biz, here’s a chunk of 24-karat, daily driven gold to lust over: Vance Hu’s NSX-T; another “first unit production” ride, this one piloted by Jordana Brewster’s character, Mia, for all of one scene--a very important one, but not much more can be shared. “Some of the casting directors are regular patrons of my Hookah bar,” informs Vance, “When the call went our for a car for Jordana’s character to drive, they immediately thought of my NSX.” Some might be surprised to learn that Vance’s car is the most heavily modified of the three, by far. Don’t. Subtly is a strong virtue among car builders, one that is all-but unseen on the big screen. Aside from the slew of genuine NSX-R upgrades--”They were impossible to find,” Vance assures--this NSX breathes easier with an ultra-rare Mu- gen carbon fiber airbox, Fujitsubo exhaust manifold with test pipes, and Bel Canto Soprano exhaust; one of Vance’s own creations, that gives it a ridiculously JGTC-like din that only an upscale car of its caliber could pull off on the street. Inside, are even more authentic NSX-R goodies, including an original pair of NA1 NSX-R red Recaros-- thought to be the first such set to make it to U.S. shores. Even more legit, is the car’s prototype NSX-R suspension. When we say that it was the same set used by Gan San of Best Motoring International during his record-setting NA2 NSX-R Nurburgring lap time of 7:56, we mean that it was literally wrenched off his car after the race, and onto Vance’s... don’t ask us how he managed to pull that one off. “To other NSX owners out there, I say, `Don’t half-ass it!’” Vance says, “You are representing the Honda family with the greatest car to ever come out of Japan!’” “`How do you make a car do a wheelie in the dirt?’” asks Sean Morris, RB Motoring front-man (Motorex before that) and Technical Advisor to this latest F&F flick. Remember the yellow RH9 R33 GT-R and blue R34 GT-R that made cameos in the first film? Thank Sean. “`Hey Sean, how do we get a tow-truck to spin on the highway and back up into a tanker truck at speed... and make it look believable?’ Those are the questions I’d get asked on a daily basis,” he contin- ues, “My job was to sort out that mess for the new film... and that was the easy part.” Most of Sean’s job dealt with teaching the actors proper hand and foot movements--counter-steering, heel-toe shifting, left-foot ‘03 NSX-T Wheels/Tires: NSX-R wheels, conti- braking--for “inserts” in scenes where stunt doubles couldn’t be “The Real Deal” nental tires used. “Some of the actors, like Paul, picked it up pretty quick,” says Brakes: NSX-R brake rotors; Project Sean, “But others... I accidentally hurt Vin Diesel’s hand, trying to Output: 295 whp, 213 lb-ft Mu pads counter-steer for him in a buck [a chopped prop car] with two steer- Engine: Downforce radiator duct; Exterior: Downforce replica NSX-R ing wheels. Vin was like, `Bro, you gotta tell me when you’re gonna Fujitsubo Super EX exhaust mani- carbon fiber spoiler, vented hood, do that.’ “ he recalls, “I think he was kinda pissed.” fold; Bel Canto Soprano JGTC ex- rear diffuser; NSX-R front and rear Sean even had to do a few stunts himself. “In the trailer, when haust; custom test-pipes; Prospeed emblems, front bumper under-cover, the gasoline land train is being hijacked,” he explains, “One of the high-flow catalysts; Mugen dry aluminum under-cover; JDM NSX drivers is this Puerto Rican dude with a `fro in a green shirt and a carbon intake system; NSX-R intake fender set and side markers painter’s hat. One of the stunts was pretty heavy, so I helped film manifold cover and plate, mesh Interior: Sorcery dry carbon rear that part; hence the strong shadow over my pasty-white face.” It engine cover, ECU bypass window garnish, NRG short steer- was even funnier when he had to dress like Vin: “I’d be in a wife Drivetrain: NA2 NSX-R transmission ing wheel hub, quick release; NSX-R beater, bald cap--looking like him, minus 100 lbs and a tan--hanging input shafts and final drive Recaro seats and rails, floor mats, around on the set all day, sitting across from him at lunch... it was a Suspension: NSX-R prototype sus- shift knob and boot, door badges, normal `day at the office’ for those guys.” pension, front and rear sway bars, sill plates, steering wheel, gauge chassis bars cluster set, tape deck door Urban Whip - 41 “Purpose-built car” is a term we coin regularly around here. Usually refering to track-prepped rides, it’s easy to forget how far-reaching the term can be. Take for ex- ample, a dedicated show car. While we feel the Revolution RX-7 featured in this issue is the type of car we’d rather get behind the wheel of, there’s a lot to be said for the craftsman- ship and vision that goes into a good show car transformation. But what about a car that is built only for the purpose of looking good on film; a “screen- prepped” car, like this one? Shottily applied body kit and paint? Check. Race car sounds, thanks to a test pipe and straight-through ex- haust, but no race car performance to match? Check. Colored electrical tape pin striping? Check. Fake roof scoop? Check. This baby has it all, but only because it didn’t need any of it to get the job done. “This car’s whole reason for being,” states chief car wrangler Dennis McCar- thy, of DMC Auto, “is to get used and abused on film. Beat-up through the desert, jumped off- road... it’s a very utilitarian car, both on and off screen.” From what we can tell, the car’s supposed mods are never discussed in the film. Its hood is never lifted. And that’s a good thing. Its engine bay is blue, and do you see that front-mount intercooler? You guessed it--fake. The STI was sourced only for filming, along with seven others that were built identical to it, and crashed in the “tunnel scene” that awaits you in the theaters. Unlike the R34s that had to be bought and imported, the STIs h ad no buyer; they were contributed directly by Subaru, and are pre-production models that can never be registered and legalized for street use anywhere--otherwise known as “crusher cars”, for the ultimate fate they will suffer ‘08 WRX STI Continental ContiSportContact2 tires, 285- after their usefulness subsides. “The Halo Car” 40/18 New to F&F4 is a rally influence--something Brakes: Stock are undoubtedly proficient in, straight Output: N/A Exterior: Veilside front and rear bumpers, from the factory. After a change of pace near Engine: Perrin intake system; Cobb tuning sideskirts, vented hood; pseudo roof scoop; the film’s Third Act, this one becomes Brian ignition system, cat-back exhaust; Remus Rac- custom black and silver paint, red vinyl pin O’Connor’s car as he is forced into the sand ing header, downpipe; Mobile One engine oil; striping dunes south of the boarder. “The STIs held up pseudo front-mount intercooler Interior: Velside seats, steering wheel; Takata to all the abuse we put them through,” elabo- Drivetrain: Stock harnesses; custom roll cage by Matt Sweeney; rated Dennis, “It’s funny--the one environment Suspension: Stock Cobb AccessPORT (not installed) that so many cars had to be modified to handle Wheels/Tires: Enkei NT03+M wheels, 18x8.5; didn’t shake the STIs one bit.” • 42 - Urban Whip

44 - Urban Whip