Free 5Zigen Civic Type R wallpaper for August

(to add wallpaper to your computer, right click/save as)

or download direct from 5Zigen Japan: http://www.5zigen.co.jp/english/event/CMS/00026.html

Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

Meow! Hiss! (claw)

http://perezhilton.com/tv/?videoid=fea35e5e7566a

Danica Patrick can't help being fast and Miika Duno can't help being a ***

Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

Top Gear film crew ruins a new R35 Skyline GTR.

While filming an upcoming show, the crew had the Skyline on the road coarse along with a Audi R8 following. The Skyline driver slammed on the brakes, not realizing how quickly it would stop causing the R8 driver to run into him.

After driving one, I didn't feel like the Skyline brakes felt like overkill at all.

Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

Big news: NOPI Suspends the Remainder of Its 2008 Events

“It is with great regret that NOPI Motorsports, LLC has suspended operations for the summer and fall 2008. This will include NOPI Drag Racing Series, NOPI Drift Series and the NOPI NATIONALS Motorsports Supershow. The company is undergoing an organizational restructuring in light of severe adverse affects of a disappointing spring season. The economy and unfavorable weather resulted in underperformance of all spring events. Michael Meyers, president of NOPI Motorsports, reports that NOPI Motorsports is working with its clients and sponsors to minimize the uncertainty going forward. This is a reflection of the economic times in which we currently live. The countrywide economic and industry downturn has caused a slowdown and tightening of belts. This affects everyone and companies, at all levels, and NOPI Motorsports is no different.

We understand the position this puts everyone in and we hope you can find in your heart to work with us through this terrible time. All of you are our friends and we have felt for many years that we were all a big family.

NOPI Motorsports hates this more than anyone as the many years of hard work, tradition and an industry we helped to shape would come to this.

Please watch nopi.com for future announcements. - Mike Meyers, NOPI" (source: Theory Communications)

Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

The results are in!

Respect to the drivers who drove through the night after the Formula D/Battle of the Import events to qualify at our Super Lap Battle at Willow Springs this past weekend. Tyler McQuarrie, Tanner Foust and Chris Rado nailed some very respectable times while running on fumes.

Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

10-second Honda for sale!

http://www.hondamarketplace.com/zerothread?id=2340231&page=1

Want to buy one of the dopest Honda Civics ever built? Check out Hugh Le's 10-second EK that's been featured time and time again for its attention to detail and crazy ass power. But you gotta pay to play. Don't sleep!

Please contact the owner, Hugh Le at hugh@sp-power.com if interested.


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Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

Nissan GT-R Vspec news

from our friends at Mackin Industries, the latest news for the GT-R Vspec:

http://www.gtr-world.net/r35gtr-special/tokachi-24h/080701-tokachi24-1.html (use Yahoo! Babel Fish to translate)

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Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

It's time to go hands-free. Ugh.

It's been a day since California enforced a hands-free law (if you're somewhere else, this means we can't drive while on the phone unless it's hands free) and I can't say that I like either of my hands-free devices. I can barely hear on the Bluetooth and my wired earpiece gets tangled in my seatbelt. I wore both to see how they'd look; ******bag achieved. For now, being wired sounds the loudest and clearest; might have to upgrade the Bluetooth even though my friends say they can hear my clearly. Terence is rockin' a Jawbone, supposedly the best on the market.

Maybe I just won't answer the phone while I'm driving. What I really need is something that will text for me. I get more texts anyway.

currently listening to:

NaS - Untitled
Kidz in the Hall - The In Crowd
N*E*R*D - Seeing Sounds

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Enter our SEMA All-Access Sweepstakes HERE. The grand prize winner will fly to Las Vegas and get into the highly exclusive 2008 SEMA Show.

(photo: Getty Images)

good game but painful overtime to watch. bring it home, kobe!

CRAZY SUPER STREET STALKER ALERT!!!

Meet Hal. Hal works at SP Engineering as a janitor/Myspace junkie/dude who unloads the container. He is supposedly one of Super Street's number one fans. I met him the other day while visiting and yes, he's as scary as he looks. But he's a nice kid. He said he'd cry if we posted this.

Hugh, sock him in the balls if he doesn't.

HF x CONVERSE: YES PLEASE!

Hiroshi Fujiwara, #75 for ONE HUND(RED)

sick, sick, SICK!

Limited edition Rogue Status x Formula D tshirt to be released at this weekend's Round 1 of Formula D at the Streets of Long Beach.

From our friends at iD agency and Formula D:

Rogue Status will be releasing a limited edition shirt only available at Formula DRIFT Round 1: Streets of Long Beachon April 12. The shirt is inspired by Rogue Status’ involvement with Formula DRIFT and motorsports. More releases will be in the near future as Rogue Status will be stepping in deeper into the automotive culture.

Rob Dyrdek is the official Grand Marshall of this Formula DRIFT event and will be kicking off the competition with a parade lap in his Rogue Status ’69 Camaro.

For more information on the Formula DRIFT event and ticket information go to www.formuladrift.com

For more information on Rogue Status please visit www.roguestatus.com

Limited Edition XBox360 from SA Studios

I look heavily outside of the automotive realm for inspiration and these days, creative icons from the streetwear and pop culture world move me the most. I'm not saying I'm a full-on BAPE *** or stuff my closet full of Dunks, but I pick cool things here and there and I trust the opinions of those industries' tastemakers to show me what they think will be hot just like you rely on our staff to show you what's cool for your car.

A couple weeks ago, John P from the iD agency (http://www.fatlace.com/john) hit me up to clue me in on XBox's partnership (the word "collaboration" and any other form of the word is slightly played to me) with SA Studios (Mr. Cartoon and Estevan Oriol: http://www.sastudiosglobal.com) for the launch of GTA IV and hosted a launch party in downtown LA for the game. XBox invited several industry leaders from all sorts of pop genres, including me, to come check out the game and to pick up a limited edition (500 worldwide; 250 in the US) GTA IV XBox 360 that was designed by SA. I was honored, to say the least, to be mentioned in the same tastemaking category as guys like Jeff Staple (http://blog.honeyee.com/jeff/), Bobby Hundreds (www.thehundreds.com) and Pharrell Williams (see photo below: http://bbcicecream.com/blog/2008/03/24/more-fun-on-the-tour-bus/), to name a but a few. This game pack is pretty sick, numbered for authenticity and comes with all the accessories in an attache case. Guess I'll have my hands full for the next few months. Thanks for the hook up J.P.!

check it:

If you can find this shirt for me...

I will reward you handsomely.

Like, say, with a feature in Super Street?

I keed.

(maybe)

Meet Bisi Ezerioha, owner of Bisimoto Engineering and several record breaking, D-series powered Honda drag race cars. Trust us when we say he knows a thing or two about building race engines.

Recently, we asked Bisi to take part in the biggest battle to take place between us and our fellow Source Interlink cast members: the Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge, where your favorite magazines, including yours truly, Import Tuner, Modified, Turbo and Sport Compact Car (to name but a few) will be building their own engines to see how much horsepower and torque can be made over a factory-spec/base engine, as well as horsepower per liter. The winning shop will receive a whole lotta cash(doesn’t $25K sound nice?) for their efforts, bragging rights like no other and even you, the reader, can register to win the actual engine once the competition is over. This is no BS; this is a real heads-up challenge that’s going to put true skills to the test! Stay tuned; in the next following months we’ll be highlighting our entire engine build right on up to the end, where it will be placed onto the engine dyno for the final showdown. And just wait until you see what we’ve decided to build; you wouldn't have expected anything else from the Super Street crew.

When you hear the name Honda Civic, what do you think of?

When you hear the name Honda Civic, what do you think of? Think of it from a performance standpoint as well as from a consumer perspective (ex: The Civic is a good car for a first time buyer/college student.)

This is a totally open ended question; feel free to praise or slam the car.

Hey all, I finally have some down time to update this blog. In the last 6 months since I last blogged, there's been a ton of changes, most of which I'm sure you've all caught on to. Some great friends have moved on to do their own thing, but we've also welcomed some really cool staff members; needless to say, I'm excited to see what we can pull out of our asses in the next couple of issues.

More than anything, I'd like to hear some real feedback of recent issues, from November '07 up until the present, which should be the HYPE BEAST (Feb '08) issue with the HKS CT230R on the cover. Dig it? Hated it?

I'll update really soon; we just came back from Tokyo Auto Salon and have some really cool stories to tell.

...jdm...

This is my first time posting in the three years...

This is my first time posting in the three years since this thing's been operational. Figure it's time for me to finally stop in and say, "Hello." So, hello.

Let me know that you've read this by replying. Say whatever the *** you want. Insult me. Hook me up with a hot girl. Something. Anything.

Today is a historic day as far as I am concerned. Why you ask?

Well because today is the day I decided to register my car. I have been contemplating this notion for the last month - well if you want to get technical it has been more like the last 2 years.  You see my registration was rolling up on the 2 years expired anniversary and I have grown quite attached to this little expired sticker on my license plate.  I was rocking vintage colors - no one was sporting my registration color anymore. It made me stand out from the crowd, I was for once - someone!   But I figured it was about time to catch up on a couple of things, a little spring cleaning so to speak.  Despite all the bitching I heard from neighbors, coworkers and friends, the DMV in California, at least for me, was a pleasurable experience.  I went in, there was no line, the front desk lady was pleasant and courteous. The person inspecting my car was as nice if not nicer than the front desk lady.  And it ended up costing me a bunch less then I was expecting it to!  A good start to the day. 

It is a lonely day today in the office.

I sit here and type on my computer thinking about how much fun you loyal Super Street fan's must be having on tour.  Today you either stopped at Bert N' Gert's - (whatever the *** that is) or Hooters - for some reason I think the west leggers got the better end of that stick and by now you guys are partying it up while I sit here with a sad face thinking about it.  The highlight of my day was Wendy's for lunch.  It was the $2.99 extra super value meal because I am broke as h-ell.  Anyways, I hope NOPI is awesome and I hope to hear many, many awesome stories when you guys get back.  Why didn't I go? Why? Why?  Drink a beer or 16 for me. 

I was at the airport flying to Texas for the Super Street Tour to Nopi when the first plane went into the Twin Towers. Then the next one.

Moe called me on the phone to tell me what happened. Everything seemed so unreal, yet it was happening to America. A major tragedy caused by those who hate us. It's been six years now, but we will never forget 9/11.

LOS ANGELES (August, 2007) - HKS USA, Inc., the premier manufacturer and supplier of automotive performance systems, today made significant product news with the launch of its HKS GT Supercharger. Widely recognized as a leader in aftermarket turbocharger technology, the GT Supercharger is HKS' proprietary supercharger design and represents a new standard in forced induction technology. The news for HKS USA also comes as the company prepares for its 35th Anniversary celebration, which is set to commence in October.

"HKS continues to exhibit its technological prowess and R&D capabilities with the introduction of the HKS GT Supercharger. To be able to add our own supercharger to our extensive product line positions HKS as the undisputed leader in aftermarket performance product offerings. Our customers can now choose HKS turbo or supercharger technology to maximize their driving performance," said Rick Lafferty, president, HKS USA, Inc. 
 
The HKS GT Supercharger takes forced induction technology to a new level of reliability, quality and craftsmanship. The performance characteristics of the supercharger deliver smooth, linear power across the RPM band resulting in effortless acceleration. The compact size of the supercharger makes it possible to be mounted in relation to engine drive pulleys for maximum efficiency without the need to modify the engine bay. The supercharger's efficiency allows a broad range of applications that deliver excellent fuel economy.  
 
The GT Supercharger has been designed for use in street and track applications. HKS has initially developed street supercharger kits for the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, and the Infiniti FX35. In addition, a motor sports only GT Supercharger Pro Kit is in development for the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 Coupe. Future applications of the GT Supercharger are planned.  
 
What truly sets HKS apart from other supercharger manufacturers is the type of supercharger HKS developed. The HKS GT Supercharger is a state-of-the-art centrifugal supercharger system using a newly-developed torque response traction drive system. The traction drive system provides greater efficiency compared to typical gear-type centrifugal superchargers, by having a higher ratio of pulley revolutions to compressor wheel revolutions. This high rate of efficiency allows the use of compact compressor housing without sacrificing output. Also the traction drives use of rollers eliminates the common gear noise found in centrifugal gear-type, roots-type and twin screw superchargers.
 
The HKS GT Supercharger Complete Kit comes with a 1 year limited warranty covering all components of the Supercharger Kit. The Complete Kit contains all necessary parts for installation and is a bolt-on application. HKS' engine management comes as part of the Complete Kit as well. The GT Supercharger was also designed for use with the HKS Dual Hi-Power Ti exhaust system and is recommended to achieve maximum performance. 

Dealer Locations and Pricing The GT Supercharger kit will go on sale in the fall of 2007 with the first shipments reaching the U.S. in September. The GT Supercharger System Kits will only be available for purchase through select HKS Authorized Installers and HKS Certified Pro Dealers. Only these HKS dealers will be authorized to install the GT supercharger kits. Pricing for the GT Supercharger Complete kit will start at $6495.00.  
 
About HKS USA, Inc. HKS USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive aftermarket performance systems, parts and accessories. Delivering its products to both the import and domestic car markets, HKS has been recognized for its engineering and performance excellence in the automotive industry since 1973. Established in 1982, HKS USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKS Company, Ltd. Japan and distributes its products through its worldwide dealer network.  For more information about HKS USA., visit their website at www.hksusa.com.

Awesome! I received my EBC Rotors and pads today

I plan on videoing the install, a little step by step DIY brake install and believe me this is going to be a extreme do it your self job:  no garage, no impact guns ( not that you necessarily need them but they always help) and a poor selection of tools.  Hmmmm.... I bet a lot of you can relate to that situation and that is what's going to make this a great video!  So check back soon to see what *** happens; I know i'm looking forward to this.

After a hellacious two weeks, I just want to know if we?re done with Project Car # 3 yet.

We installed last minute parts, Henry shot the features and cover, Leon spent 13 hours tuning on Andy?s Top Fuel dyno, Alan and Bernice laid out 101 pages that we read five times each, and we started stripping down my G35. And mind you, it?s still 110 degrees outside. It feels like *** If my picture doesn?t explain just how grueling the past 15 days have been, then nothing really will. The best part about it all is that we get to start Project Car # 4 right now. Sweet gig, I tell ya. Just so the readers know, we truly pour our blood, sweat, and tears into the making of each and every issue of PCM. Shower and some eye drops please.