Event Coverage | Hot Import Nights 2012

July 9, 2012

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

HIN 2012-64
Ah yes! It felt great going to a car show again after 2 months of being MIA. Well, actually, I've been going through blogs, sites, etc. to keep myself updated with what was going around in the car scene today. I really didn't notice a new 'trend' thing, so it seemed like nothing has changed that much for this year. One thing for sure though, were new rides popping up here and there and of course, aftermarket companies and just car enthusiasts buying the all new Subaru BRZ or/and Scion FR-S. I was looking forward to see some modded BRZs and FR-Ss at the next car show I planned on attending, which was Hot Import Nights that happened last Saturday.

I'm sure many of you guys know about HIN (Hot Import Nights). As I've mentioned in my previous coverages on HIN, HIN was the first show I've ever attended and this was back in middle school. My friend's sister was actually modeling so a few friends and I got in for free. I think during this time period was when Tila Tequila was trying to be an import model or something. All I remember, were shit load of lights from every angle, bunch of cars with lambo doors, and neon lights and other things in and out of cars. I mean...I thought those things were cool back then because seeing any car that was other than its stock form was awesome to those who just got into the car scene. Anyways, things have changed tremendously throughout the years and as of today, comparing the attended show cars for this year to back then in middle school, it's absolutely shocking.

Nightlight | Memorable Rides of 2011

December 30, 2011

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

The rides in SoCal's Finest Rides #1 deserved much more props because of the owner's activeness and their flawless rides. It's difficult to manage a show-car and on top of that, daily driving it or taking it out to meets. I'm much stoked to see how those cars will change next year!

Continuing on from where I left off yesterday, today's feature will be one of my favorites out of all. First off, let me mention that I've never been to other states to spectate a car show other than seeing coverage's done by other blogs and sites. My judgment and decisions were based off of seeing these cars in person, meaning most of them were located in Southern California and were scrutinized with my enthusiastic attention. Many of us already know Southern California is pretty much the heart of car shows so it's not such a surprise when one comes across a gorgeously modified car and then seeing it exposed worldwide.
The cars that will be shown today will be the ones I personally thought were the best from the many I've seen this year. I'm talking about exceptional and outrageously built cars that are now recognized by many enthusiasts around the world. It was very challenging to pick ten cars out of all the beautiful ones I've observed, but I think I made the right choices. You'll obviously recognize some of them, but for those who just stepped into the scene, get ready to be surprised and inspired.

*Order of cars shown below was not based off of ranking but by random.


Night Import Choice #1
RWBs
It was a dream-come-true when I actually got to see Nakai-san's work in person at SEMA. RAUH-Welt Begriff has been in the scene for years, but reading about this company as a blogger was not too long ago. After seeing the builds and video provided by Maiham Media, RWB Porsche 911s became one of my favorite modified cars. Who knows? I might buy a 911 in the near future and go with RWB (^-^)

Random NightLife | Charles at Daikoku Futo

November 27, 2011

Night Import: Photography by Charles Zee Zayas | Words by William Lee

Japan-10
Few weeks ago, our photographer Charles in Japan had to make a trip and upon his arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport, he decided to drop by the infamous car meet spot in Japan, Daikoku Futo. If you are into JDM cars and know how things are ran over there, I'm sure Daikoku Futo is one of the spots you plan on dropping by if you go to Japan. There will always be some nicely modded cars, and Charles did spot a few, which is why he decided to share some photo with us today.

Nightlight | Lucky 32

October 23, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

Robert's Do-Luck R32 Skyline
The story starts last month when I visited Irwindale Speedway to attend Dubfest 2011. While walking around doing coverage like every week, I came across a Midnight Purple car that looked pretty familiar from far away. As expected, it was this Skyline R32, but not your ordinary stock ones like you rarely see on the streets. Sadly, the car was parked so tightly between booths I didn't have a chance to look at the details. With disappointment, while heading back to my car to avoid the sunny and hot weather, I hear the MC saying a R32 was being raffled out, which struck me instantly with an outrageous expression. I'm pretty sure what I heard was true, so coming home and writing up the coverage, I mentioned what I heard and the conversation happens online with the owner of this beautiful Do-Luck Skyline R32, Robert Elias, from Los Angeles, CA. What sounded so good to be true was actually correct. I'm sure the MC was mistaken with another car or I had some potential hearing disability, but from then on, Robert and I have been talking actively online about his car and the untold story. Today, not will this R32 only amaze you with its looks, but also the history that has led this car to fame starting from Japan and now soon to be in the US.

Special Coverage | Bulletproof's 11th Anniversary Car Meet

October 16, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

Bulletproof Meet-49
Managing my own personal blog for a year now led me to so many situations and through those situations, accomplishing goals within this scene. It might sound awkward to some of you guys when I say the word goal, but seeing so many different events occurring in a community, there are things you really want to see a change, such as improvements in certain fields of the automotive industry or giving some spotlight to those who deserve it. My intentions were straightforward when I created Night Import and so far, I have to say I've been doing a pretty darn good job. Naw, I don't think I'm being cocky at all because I still have a long way to go and lack the knowledge in many parts of this field, but looking through how I spent my past year in the car scene, there were times when I said to myself "Wow..serious?" because of feeling honored or just thrilled.

Few months ago when Bulletproof Automotive contacted me to be the main Media for their upcoming meet, I felt as if what I've been working for came to a point where it was all worth it.
Bulletproof is known for being a distributor of Japan aftermarket parts, but also for their blog, Real JDM. Unlike other companies, keeping things authentic is what this company is all about and if you read through their blog, you'll either see/read about their project cars or thoughts about the automotive industry, which is not doing so well today. You'll rarely come across blogs that talk about sensitive subjects and speak the truth, which is why I personally consider Bulletproof as one of the best companies and blogs out there today. Their 11th Anniversary meet held at K1 Speed in Torrance, CA yesterday was a day for those who followed Bulletproof for a long time or recent fans like me, knowing what was good and being supportive with originality . Although there weren't a crazy amount of cars like local night meets, this meet was more of quality than quantity.

Random Nightlight | White on White BNR34 V-Spec N1

October 12, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

FD Final-201
Going to car shows are filled with unexpected surprises, such as coming across cars you've never seen before. You guys have seen two Random Nightlight features so far, Jon Sibal's Dodge Challenger and Import Fashion's G35, from last week's event, and this one I'm about to feature will be the last and personally my favorite one from all the cars that were present at Slammed Society Showcase hosted by Fatlace.

In the states, it's not like Japan where you walk for a good mile or so at a busy location and come across a highly modified or rare vehicle. Probably the only way for this to happen is to visit a shop that specializes in Imports or even better, go to a major car show. Last week was that day when I was in awe seeing some beautiful cars and the one that caught my attention after walking each row was this rare Skyline BNR34 built by NISMO Omori Factory presented by Fuji Auto.

Event Coverage | Japanese Classic Car Show (Pt. I)

September 12, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

JCCS-226
Most of you guys know I'm pretty new into the car scene. There are so many things to learn and because I'm a blogger, I personally feel as if I need to go out there and experience different types of events. There were a few I missed out on last year, but the one I regret missing was Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS). Back then and still now, I lack the knowledge of classic cars because people in general, including myself, tend to follow what's recent and also the fact that cars are developing so rapidly, the technicalities behind making a vehicle is getting complicated and advancing, which is why people become careless of classics and go with what's expensive and has a name . It's really unfair to compare the performance of a 25~30 year old car to cars today, but when it comes down to the design of a car and the potential of how much an engine can be upgraded, classic cars cannot be ignored.
I strongly favor the car industry because of still supporting classic cars. In reality, cars today are being made based off of old designs. For example, think about the upcoming new car FT-86. Its concept included both the old and new; the look and performance of a Corolla AE-86 and somewhat of a trendy look, reminding one of a Lexus LF-A.
Japanese Classic Car Show is a day when we look back at the cars that started everything. The sexiest, freshest, and sickest classics gathering at one place is not so common, which is why this event is a must-to-attend.

Random Spotlight | Not Your Average Track Girl

July 17, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

FNM-114
Last week at Fontana Nissan Meet, I came across a few Skyline R32s parked in front of the registration booth, but there was one that caught my attention along with 2 Red Tracked cars. First of all, you will rarely come across tracked R32s here in Southern California and even rarer, a female driver in the track scene.
Let me introduce you to Kerryann De La Cruz and her Red R32.

Special Coverage | Fontana Nissan Meet

July 11, 2011

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee | Covered with Edgar Lozoya

FNM-1
The hot summer weather is continuing in Southern California and car events/meets are still happening every week! There were two events happening on the same day and time, but our photographer Jay Peña was able to cover the other event, which will be posted tomorrow or Wednesday.
While Jay was doing his thing, I attended a meet introduced by a few friends of mine, happening at Fontana Nissan dealership. Most of the events/meets I attended at a dealership did not have a good turnout and the cars that participate are usually the ones I've seen at least once; however, this meet was far better and I would say one of the best meets I've ever attended because it was more of quality than quantity.

Spotlight | It's not the Tires Screaming, It's the Asphalt

June 3, 2011

Night-Import: Photography by CFD Productions (Dan Purpura), Words by William Lee

_DSC6756 copyNI
Almost reaching a year of being active in the automotive scene, I've encountered builds that were outrageously exceptional to a point where I stood around a car thinking how much money and effort was put into it to its final running state. I'm not talking about cars that were built only for shows, but including the ones that were built to track, drift, rally, etc. and from the many model/brands, I was always impressed with those who owned and built a Nissan Silvia.
There are basically 2 routes you see many Silvia owners go with when it comes to motor work; sticking with the KA motor trying to squeeze out every single bit of its power, or an upgraded SR20DET, a much powerful and reliable piece when it comes to any automotive sport. Let's be honest here, what's been mention is a typical path for many Silvias. Don't get me wrong, I love both; however, there will be someone amongst the Silvia crowd unsatisfied with the power given out by either of the two or just tired of doing the same thing like all the others. That's when Steve Klopman and his 240sx come into the Spotlight. What do I mean? Read and see for yourself...

Event Coverage: Huddersfield Indoor Cruise

January 3, 2011

Night-Import: Photography by Rich McKee

IMG_2906

It's not a surprise anymore to see the UK automotive enthusiasts getting together and cruising down the streets. But still, I'm very impressed to see such a huge crowd collaborating and having so much fun despite the weather conditions. As always, our photographer Rich McKee did a great job on bringing us a coverage.

Event Coverage: S-Chassis Car Show

September 12, 2010

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

Sept 11. Events -58-2

3 events were going on in one day...
and~~~~I managed to go to all 3 so good job to me :D

Drifting in the Sky

July 27, 2010

Here's a daily driven & drifting machine owned by Mathieu Turcotte from Canada. Nissan Skyline 1989 doing things right!
Seen couple of skylines online, but never seen one this clean and slammed.
I remember seeing one when I was in Korea, but was gone in a second.
Would be really awesome if I had a chance to see an old but slick looking Skyline, but checking out the pics of Matheiu's ride is good enough.
Fully built in Japan with 17" SSR Professors, this car is clean, has quality, and most importantly, the stance.
* Mathieu's GTR was featured in Speed Hunters so check them out as well.

gtr14

Engine
RB25DET @ 12PSI 330 hp originaly RB20DET
Front mount intercooler

Wheels
SSR SP1 custom powdercoated colors 17x9.5 +19 (F) & 17x10 +19 (R)

Suspension
Powered by Max coilovers , Ruca's , Traction and Tension Rods

Exterior
GTR front bumper
OEM Side Skirts
CF hood

Interior
Bubble shift knob
OMP steering wheel
OEM seats
gtr12

gtr6

gtr5

gtr7

Here are some additional photos that were taken by Mathieu

gtr9

Zip Ties FTW!!!

gtr8

gtr3

gtr10

gtr2

Photo credits go to Hellaflush, Mathieu Beauchamp, and Mathieu himself