Indholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2016 i Fast Car

What’s new? This has to be the most annoying introduction to be greeted with. What’s wrong with a simple, ‘Hello, how are you?’ or an Alright fella?’. Not, ‘What’s new?’ What are these people expecting as an answer? Why are they challenging you with a question so broad it’s almost impossible to think of anything to reply? Anyway, why is this relevant? Well, for once if someone does ask me what’s new, I can list a whole host of shizzle, because we’ve just put together this technology-rammed issue. Love it or hate it, hybrids and electric cars are the future, they are what we’ll be modifying in an increasing percentage over the next ten years and beyond. The thing is, hybrids have an image problem amongst us petrol heads, very…

Unless you’ve been in hiding, the chances are you’ve heard the big news that Japfest has moved to Silverstone after outgrowing its previous home. The move to the home of F1 doesn’t just mean better facilities and more action, it also means there’s going to be more modified cars – a lot more! One of the best displays will be on the Evolution stand, a new club that caters for all things Mitsubishi Evolution, because this isn’t set to be just any display, but the biggest gathering of Mitsubishi Evos in Europe this year! There will be over 160 cars, from the super-rare Evo I right up to the latest Evo X. Well-known cars on the stand include Richard Marshall’s awesome Evo IX GT ProSeries Time Attack car and Craig…

I’ve recently come to the realisation that I am quite happily suffering from what is a rather deep founded obsession. No, I don’t go around stalking Japanese high school girls through the back streets of Shibuya; there are already plenty of dirty old Japanese men that do that on a daily basis. No my obsession is car related. I think it all started in 1991 as a young lad growing up in the Oxfordshire countryside. It was about that time that I saw images of this strange Japanese car pop up in many a UK mag. They called it “Skyline GT-R” and where it lacked style and beauty in its demeanour, it more than made up for it with sheer aggression. Fast forward a couple of years and all of…

Japan will always be Japan. It’s a bizarre place, full of contradictions, a country where beauty meets function and where the impossible often becomes possible. Car culture is thriving, after taking a minor hit a few years back, it’s now truly in full bloom once again. Flavours and tastes have changed – or should I say evolved – but expectations have not, which is precisely why walking through the halls of the Tokyo Auto Salon this year has further emphasized the fact that Japan still rules supreme when it comes to fettling with cars. First off it’s the overfender craze. Rocket Bunny and Liberty Walk are the names behind the most recognisable cars of the show, from the Pandem kitted MX-5 at the GReddy booth to the long line of…

Vossen x Work Size: 19-22-inch diameters, 8-12.5-inch widths PCDs: Any Offsets: ET70 to ET-83 Finishes: Multiple centre colours and lips VOSSEN X WORK SERIES from £620 (each) They say that two-heads are better than one so on the odd occasion when competitors can get their heads together for a collaboration it can result in something absolutely extraordinary. Just look at Lamborghini and Audi creating the Gallardo, the McLaren Mercedes SLR or that awesome Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ thingy. 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown isn’t all that bad either. Anyway, that’s exactly how these exceptional new hoops came about. Vossen Wheels put aside any competition with legendary manufacturer WORK and came up with a whole collection of special ‘collaborative’ 2-piece, forged rims for 2016. Say hello to the Vossen x…

Features • Digital Torque Management • Soft Start • 710Watts • 3000-7500opm • 8mm orbit (throw) • 5-inch backing plate Paint correction and swirl mark removal is something of a dark art, even something as simple as polishing can go seriously wrong from time to time, especially if you’re working with the wrong kit. Machine polishing is all about getting friction in the right place but never overdoing it. In fact, when you’re using a professional rotary polisher, there’s not a lot of difference in just enough heat to correct blemishes and too much which will inevitably scorch your paint. Yes it’s true the pros tend to prefer hardcore rotary machines but then, they have the training and experience… and even the best detailers have been known burn the odd…

If you look at OEM suspension it’s obvious that technology has infiltrated standard setups massively over the past couple of years. Take VW’s DCC (or Adaptive Chassis Control) as an example. Now it’s possible to select Normal, Sport or Comfort suspension settings at the touch of a button, and each damper is designed to react and adjust to the road up to a thousand times a second. It’s bonkers. This sort of system is available on quite a few cars now, and it’s only set to continue. So, with that in mind, the aftermarket suspension brands have had to react to the demand for more and more usability, along with the desire for compatible technology. As always we’ll see aftermarket kits designed to intergrade with the OEM tech or to…

I think I’m correct in saying that this badass Tesla Model S is the first electric car we’ve ever featured in FC. Actually, I know I’m right because I’ve been knocking around here since about 2004 so I would’ve remembered. And before that, all electrics were properly rubbish anyway. The thing is, it’s funny how quickly times have changed. In fact, it was only a few months ago that we featured our second hybrid too, a rather epic BMW i8 and I distinctly remember writing that we’d reached a turning point in the modified car world. The desirable eco car had arrived, and the fact that it had a tiny engine made no difference at all – I still wanted one, badly. This company demo car from California’s Unplugged Performance…

“Both cars are good for around 430bhp now” Eagle-eyed readers may already recognise our proud race car owner Jay Cannon here. A big part of the UK car scene, and growing up alongside Fast Car, he’s been in the mag a few times over the years, starting with his wicked Skyline GTS-T build way back when he was just a wee nipper. Now a successful entrepreneur, with ventures like the Cannon Run under his belt (no biggie, then...!), we’ve caught up with the man himself to check out his latest and undoubtedly most impressive car yet. Or should that be ‘cars’, plural? You see, when a really serious petrolhead finally gets to the stage where they can afford to have some fun with life, there’s really only one thing to…

The third generation of the RX-7, the FD, started production in Japan in 1991, which means 2016 is the 25th anniversary of one of Japan’s most iconic cars. To celebrate this special occasion, the organisers at Japfest are looking for Europe’s best FDs to be a part of a special 25th anniversary display at the show. If there are enough cars, Japfest may also look to set a new world record for the largest parade of Mazda RX-7 FDs ever. So if you think your FD has what it takes send some pictures and a spec list to glenn.rowswell@kelseymedia.co.uk…

February in California means the start of the off road race season, and there is no better way to kick it all off with the King of the Hammers race. This is my 4th year following the race and it seems to get better each time. It’s known as the most gruelling one day race in the world. Last year out of 150 competitors only 13 finished within the allotted time. Also starting around this time are the slew of car shows. I had a chance to stop by the Grand National Roadster show for a bit to check out some of the new Kustoms and classic American cars that were built for the show circuit. To pay tribute to the Iconic 6th Street Bridge in Los Angeles, I did…

There are endless ways to modify your car but nothing beats that sense of achievement when you do it all by yourself. For Jordan Powell, it was his own work creating the perfect lowdown stance that put him on such a high. Combined with many other trick mods, Jordan took his Corsa to a whole new level, making it fly high in the styling stakes! As it turns out, this is Jordan’s fourth Corsa, so he’s had a fair amount of practice modifying Vauxhall’s popular hatch. He picked this one up brand spanking new in 2014; a yellow 1.2 Limited Edition. “I started of with some basic mods,” he explains, “I fitted coilovers and a set of OZ turbo reps. That was okay for a while but then I decided…

Features • 1250W motor • 30-litre stainless steel tank • 2.5m hose • 6m power cable • Power take-off socket When we talk about essential detailing tools it’s normally stuff like pressure washers, machine polishers and, erm, buckets but when you think about it there’s one item that just can’t be replaced – none of us can do without the humble vacuum cleaner. Now, obviously you could risk breaking your Mum’s 300-odd quid Dyson or pick up a cheap household item on a well known auction site and see how long it lasts, but there is a better option – get a proper wet and dry unit built to do the job. Giving your front room a once over is one thing but, take it outside or, even worse, in…

WHO ARE THEY? For the three of you out there who didn’t already know, Air Lift Performance is the world’s largest manufacturer of air-ride suspension systems. Established in 1949, Air Lift Company proved that their air suspension systems had the performance advantage, with a host of titles in 50s and 60s NASCAR racing. With over 60 years of passionate product development, Air Lift Company is still top of the tree today, offering some of the world’s most impeccably managed, specific-fit, setups. Have a look through any FC and you’ll find many a feature car sporting their gear. And that should tell you everything you need to know. WHAT’S NEW? Air Lift Performance believe the future for aftermarket air-ride is all about enhanced user control and, perhaps to prove the point,…

Hybrid. This is a sensitive subject when it comes to us motoring folks because it conjures up an onslaught of negativity, as images of smugly smiling tree huggers behind the wheels of their Toyota Priuses fly through our brains. They spread condescending glances as if to say to every other driver on the road that they are better than you because they care about the environment. They use less petrol, waft along in pure electric power half of the time as the trees wave at them in gratitude. But then again the term hybrid over the last couple of years has also gained a little respect from us enthusiasts with the higher echelons of the supercar brigade using electric power to boost and supplement their already powerful conventional engines. It…

The most important thing about car audio (not unlike technology in general), is that it moves on. Hardware development is nothing new, and although in-car entertainment has continually improved with regards to usability, sound quality and price; it can move on only as far as we do. The limiting factor is us – the consumer – and there are three ways we affect the way in which it’s developed: how we buy; how we store; and how we listen to our music. That concept hasn’t changed since the inception of car audio in the 1920s. HOW FAR WE’VE COME… The first car radio was available in 1922. Back then, the antenna was the size of the roof; the batteries had to be stored under the seat and you needed two…

What do you do when you get invited on a cruise through London and its iconic landmarks by a group of lowrider dudes? You ride along, of course! This is exactly what happened a few months back, when we hooked up with a bunch of guys that all share the same car cultural passion; seriously low rides! Meeting at a Bethnal Green tattoo shop, the convoy cruised across Tower Bridge, onto the London Eye, and through Picadilly Circus, snapping necks as they bounced their way along the streets. The UK might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of lowriders, but it’s home to some crazy low slung motors. Some would look right at home on the downtown streets of LA, like Barry Watson’s Cadillac…

NEW £18,000 NOW £2,500 When the Leon Cupra R was launched back in 2003, it became the fastest SEAT ever made. Based on the regular ‘warm’ 180bhp Seat Leon Cupra, the ‘R’ version had a 210bhp detuned version of the Audi S3 222bhp unit, that has the larger K04 turbo giving the potential for 275bhp with some simple upgrades. Later cars got the full 222bhp as standard. Aside from the engine, there’s a raft of performance upgrades that set the R apart from the regular Cupra. The exterior got a makeover with a front splitter and 18in alloys, and together with an oval tailpipe and fantastic Brembo front brakes, the R looked far more purposeful than the Cupra. Inside boasted solid VAG kit such as an A3 dashboard, but look…

It’s no secret the Dub scene demands the highest standards in modifying with boundaries continually being pushed in every area. It makes it so difficult to be original but choose a Golf as your project and it becomes near impossible. It’s the most modified model out there so if you plan to make an impact you really have to go big or go home. That means having no fear, trusting your gut and possessing some mighty modifying skills. Oh, and a sense of humour helps too. You see, one of the things that stands out immediately on Marty McConnellogue’s car is the Pirelli racing slicks and they were added more as a tongue in cheek move. “I was told I’d narrowly missed out on winning best wheels at Dubshed in…

“It’s best to leave the bodywork and suspension mods to the experts!” At first glance you may believe you’re looking at an Audi RS4 on air with Rotiforms. That would be mighty impressive although inevitably result in an outcry from purists for modifying the chassis of a proper performance beast in the name of creating a show car. Well, you Audi speed freaks can simmer down as this ain’t all it appears to be, despite the kit, flared arches and badges. What lies beneath is actually a 1.9TDi S-Line. It’s got all the show but not quite the RS4 go! No doubt some will see it as a fur coat with no knickers but you have to agree it’s one hell of a fur coat! Initially, the RS4 look-alike route…

WRAPS HEADPHONES, FROM £14.99 According to the guys at Wraps, ‘Wearing headphones is not just about listening to music, it’s about how you look listening to music!’ And they’ve got a point that’s highlighted by the rise of brands like Beats by Dre, but Wraps have taken it one step further and designed a pair of wearable headphones that not only look and sound great but also solve the daily frustration of those that are easily broken, tangled or lost. It’s definitely one of those, ‘I wish I’d thought of that’ ideas and with three different style ranges starting at less than 15-quid a pair they’re a bargain too! www.mywraps.com BEAN BOOZLED, £8 If you have a slightly sadistic personality and like to watch stuff like I’m A Celebrity’s bushtucker…

You’ve got to hand it to Honda, they know more than a bit about making fun, fast and accessible sports cars, and it’s a trick they’ve been pulling off with aplomb for decades now. Cars like the CR-X helped cement the company’s reputation as a builder of cars that were somehow more characterful and ‘human’ than offerings from rival Japanese firms, and in doing so played a huge role in its massive success in the modified car community. The boffins at Honda evidently looked to the CR-X for inspiration when they came to design the CR-Z, their first stab at a hybrid sports car. The fact that Honda managed to blend retro-ish looks (that still managed to look fresh), a keen chassis and the hybrid-petrol drivetrain says a lot about…

There’s no doubt that, currently at least, hybrid or electric vehicles are the last thing on petrolheads’ minds. When mentioned it immediately conjures up thoughts of low emission, high economy cars that are far from exciting; let’s face it, a Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf isn’t on any of our next car lists. Like it or not though, the future of tuning is hybrid or even full electric vehicles, and not only are they far more capable and tunable than you might imagine, but this futuristic tuning is already here... SO, WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT IT? Well, let’s get something straight from the off; while it’s certainly possible, we’re not really talking about hotting up your nan’s old Honda Insight, as that’s just the same turd polishing you can do with…

THOMAS SIMPSON’S LEXUS IS200 FC says : We’re not sure why we don’t see more Lexus IS200s built in the UK, especially when you consider you can pick a minter up for one and a half grand these days. We don’t know how much Thomas Simpson paid for his but it looks a million dollars. Thomas has been tweaking it over the winter and is promising more goodies for this year’s show season. I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing more of this one in these pages very soon. TECHSPEC LEXUS IS200 TOP MODS: Full re-spray in blue and black, custom duck tail spoiler, TRD side skirts, TRD rear lip, GReddy front lip, headlights and front fog lights sprayed Panther black, smoked LED rear lights, full stainless Cobra Sport exhaust system,…