Dawn of a New Eclipse
As an addition to the new Eclipse that debuted in '05, Mitsubishi is offering a convertible Spyder version for the '07 model year. Slated for delivery in showrooms by April of '06, the new Eclipse Spyder features an automatic cloth top with defrostable rear glass that folds under a tonneau cover within 19 seconds. Available in a 162 hp 2.4L four-cylinder GS version or a 260 hp 3.8L V6 GT trim, both motors utilize Mitsu-bishi's MIVEC technology and come in your choice of automatic or manual transmissions. Both models come comfort-ready with a laundry list of standard equipment including a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate premium six-disc audio system with an eight-inch subwoofer integrated into the rear seat. Perfect for those long drives up the coast, top down, lipsyncing along with the latest Ashlee Simpson song.
www.mitsubishimotors.com
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Gt Live
GT Live, the company which brought JGTC stateside a little over a year ago, is partnering with the Grand Am series to bring a unique sports car festival for all to enjoy. Just as before, attendees will get a chance to ride shotgun around the track in a Super GT race car as well as a Super Taikyu, Time Attack or Grand Am race car driven by actual pro drivers. If a pro test drive or watching a Grand Am series race is not your cup of tea, there will also be an actual Time Attack, motorcycle stunt competitions, music acts and the fan favorite XDL stunt team drifting to keep you entertained. Fans at the event will also get a chance to show off their skills in go-kart rides, circuit drives, and an opportunity to win a trophy in the car and motorcycle show. A virtual themepark for gearheads, GT Live and its wide range of activities is bound to offer something for everyone this May 12-13. www.gtlivetour.com
Street Smart
Despite what you may have heard, HKS stands for Hasegawa, Kitagawa, Sigma. The first two were the founders and the latter provided the funds.
When it Rains, the Crowds Still Pours
Amidst the freak pouring rain in Los Angeles this past January the crew over at JTuned held their first Annual Meet and Greet presented by Scion at the Irwindale Speedway. Contrary to Southern California wet weather intuition, over 2,500 enthusiasts and 1,200 vehicles ventured out into the rain in support of what has to have been the largest free outdoor car show in the history of the world (or at least in Los Angeles', if not Irwindale's). Our own Rikdaddy and Carter were contemplating whether or not to go out in the rain due to their sensitive gel-coated hair. However, after a call and some coaxing from Will "Homer" Law at DragPro confirming the presence of ACT, Enkei, HKS, Mackin, Nitto, Tanabe, and a huge crowd, they quickly decided to sacrifice spiky hair to party with a group of soaked hardcore fanatics.
While our staffers made the treacherous trek out in the rain to hand out free Super Street calendars and magazines, kudos goes out to the guy in the WRX who drove out from Arkansas. What courage it must take-not only for driving out to LA but to drive an import in the Deep South. Mad props to JTuned for pulling so many heads and dope rides; it takes true enthusiasts of this scene to host a free event for fans alike to meet. We can't wait for next year's meet-hopefully Mother Nature will be off her menstrual cycle by then.