In Import Tuner March 2008 issue, pg 022, there is a half page article about Team Hybrid titled, “TEAMHYBRID FTW.” There is a large picture of our 1st place Green Scion Team Tuner Challenge Hybrid xD taken at a studio. Import Tuner wrote, “What started off as a blip on the radar of sport compact competition later gave birth to one of the most looked-forward to build-off events of 2007, as the enthusiasm Scion met with last year’s first annual Scion Tuner Challenge prompted the company to present an even bigger opportunity for tuners the second time around. For 2007, Scion gave Southern California’s Team Auto Concept Elite, Team Koshak and Team Hybrid each identical ’08 xD’s, and a budget of $15,000 to create a winning build to be judged by the NCCA. Accepting the challenge, each team upped the ante set by last year’s competition. After consideration, it was Team Hybrid that took top honors at the this year’s SEMA show. Coordinated by James Lin, this year’s car featured a custom Garrett turbo kit, ING+1 exterior styling dressed in custom House of Kolor hues, a CREATIVE custom figerglass interior and custom Air Runner suspension. www.scion.com”
This is the 3rd article this year about our award winning 1st place Scion xD in a major import magazine and we are still in the first month of the new year. Furthermore, this is also back to back (Feb & March 08) appearances of Team Hybrid cars featured in Import Tuner.
Congratulations to Project Director, James Lin and Project Manager, David Huang’s 2008 Scion xD in a 1 page feature in Scion’s OEM Catalogue Winter/Spring 08/Issue 12/Page 61. This is another huge accomplishment for this car and our team because this OEM catalogue is in EVERY SCION DEALERSHIP IN NORTH AMERICA. Imagine the kind of exposure our team is getting. You thought making a feature and/or cover (most import peoples’ #1 goal) of a major import magazine was an accomplishment, imagine your car making into a major car manufacture’s OEM catalogue. What import team past or present can live up to our standard of achievements. David and I continue to lead by example and we continue to live up to the YEAR OF THE HYBRIDZ.
Congratulations to Frank D Klepadlo’s 2006 Scion tC making a feature on www.UrbanRacer.com on 03/06/2008. New rising star/gun for Team Hybrid.
URC staff writes, “2006 SCION tC AA Autoworks’ widebody purple passion jumps on the 2008 show tour. In the world of import tuning, incomplete projects are more plentiful than completed ones. This is no mystery; fact is, most owners will admit even after reaching a modding plateau that their car build is still unfinished. There is always something else, an overlooked improvement, an obscure part, some ongoing tuning. In a way, it’s kinda like the American dream; can’t be satisfied with some, have to have more.
Frank D Klepadlo has noticed the sea of half-asses, and is not amused. The tC owner and shop manager at AA Autoworks, a body shop in Van Nuys, Calif., has watched his Scion kin grow in their incomplete ranks, but preferred to build his car into something a little more closer to completion before debuting it. More than that, though, he sought create a build that was fleshed out, unique, and in some ways, pushed to the limits.
The palette was his 2006 Scion tC, a vehicle he purchased new three years ago. Destined to be a show queen, the car was decommissioned for months as Klepadlo got to dumping tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of labor to create what you see here.
It all started under the hood. Klepadlo went the forced-induction route on the 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter bullet, sourcing one of GReddy’s internally-wastegated 18G turbos and the accompanying kit. The system includes a turbo manifold, front-mount intercooler and plumbing, Trust intake and an e-Manage ECU piggyback. Further supplements revolve around the forced-air setup, including the Walbro 255lph fuel pump, HKS SQV blow-off valve and custom Flowmaster exhaust system.
With power generated, it was time to figure out how to get it to the pavement. The gearbox receives revolutions through a TRD heavy-duty clutch assembly. The forward Monarch mesh 19s take it from the axles and then grab hold via Toyo Proxes 4 rubber, gripping with an impressive 295-sized footprint in back. To make sure the car stays planted, AA setup the hatchback with TRD dampers, Tein S Tech coils and another one-two of TRD in the front strut tower bracing and rear stabilizer bar.
Not satisfied with a default tune, Klepadlo took his turbo’d tC to Paul at Yimi Sport in Santa Clarita, where through extensive e-Manage tweaking he extracted a reported 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, very respectable for 10psi of boost on a car that made 161 and 163 in stock trim. To rein it all in, Rotora brake goodness is attached at each hub, rotors, pads, and steel-braided lines all around with the fronts receiving an extra helping of stopping power in a Big Brake kit upgrade. Motul fluid flows through the lines.
Klepadlo next turned his attention to the exterior, and as one might imagine from an employee of a body shop, he knew it had to be unique. The custom purple candy color and decals by AA are tasteful, for sure, but it’s the elaborate shaping that really grabs the eye. Note the nicely incorporated AIT K1 fender flares, or the subtle elimination of the rear quarter windows with what Klepadlo calls “FK” windows (named after him, of course). The process of installing FK windows involves removing the glass, welding in a molded piece of sheet metal and reshaping the area to maintain the flow of the body lines.
Carbon fiber accents also mark the Scion’s outward looks. Again, AA’s influence is felt in the front and rear bumpers, where carbon APR splitters were cleverly incorporated to look like the two separate pieces were one. We also find the compulsory carbon vented hood and wing on the tC, an AIT variety for the bonnet and Rotora’s GT aero offering mounted on the trunk.
The cabin of the tC has also been altered, though Klepadlo admits it’s still somewhat of a work in progress. The front seats have been swapped out for Sparco Sprint 5 buckets and matching 3-point restraints, and supplemental Autometer gauges dot the dash area. Both shift knob and steering wheel are Momo, with the wheel secured via NRG short hub and quick release. As for entertainment, under the hatch is an arsenal of Absolute USA gear – namely an amp, two 12-inch subs and a pair of monitors – housed in a custom fiberglass, carbon fiber and suede enclosure.
Completed just weeks ago, the purple tC has already begun to earn awards. At the 2008 JDM vs. DTM Chinatown Car Show in Los Angeles, it took home second-place honors for Best Scion. Klepadlo hopes to further campaign the car in such high-profile settings as this year’s SEMA Show and the next “Fast & Furious” movie. In the interim, more juice in coming: new wheels, new exhaust, new suspension, new sounds, and the inclusion of nitrous oxide.
Adding more, already, you might be thinking? It’s not that Klepadlo can’t finish his projects. Like any car guy with his salt, he just doesn’t know when to stop.”
Here are some pictures from the feature but if you would like to see the complete article w/ all the pictures, click on the link below.
Congratulations to Alvin Puertollano’s Infiniti G35 making a 6 page feature of the Russian magazine Tuning Expert, March 2008, pgs 048-053. This is the 2nd magazine feature of a Hybrid car in a Russian magazine. Who would of thought a team that started out in Oxnard, California thirteen years ago would be seen worldwide. Team Hybrid has now been published and documented twice in Russia. Thanks again to our member, Eric Lam and the great Russian photographer, Paul Aerodeck. It is the Year of the Hybridz.
Congratulations to Kirby Wang’s Lexus SC300 in a 7 page full feature in Turbo Magazine’s March 2008 issue, pgs 52-58. Kirby is the first SoCal member to be featured in a magazine and also, our team’s second full feature article of the New Year.
Like I said in our members’ section of the forums, the onslaught of magazines in 2008 is coming. Furthermore, in my post on 12-19-2007, 11:19 PM, on the section called “Team Hybrid Media Coverage 2008” in a thread called “Team Hybrid – Import Tuner February 2008,” I said, “…Believe me, 2008 is going to be another outstanding year of Hybrid cars in all the major magazines. Soon, you will see us in Turbo, PAS, Modified, Import Tuner, Super Street, Autoworld and etc. What team out there has a stable of different import cars that will be magazine worthy year after year for the last 12 years. To drill my point ever further, not just make one major brand of a magazine but almost all of them as a feature or Cover!”
“Subtlety” is a word that you won’t find in David Huang’s vocabulary. As the owner of the headline vehicle for the 2006 Hot Import Nights tour, David is no stranger to building Lexus IS’s, as he built his IS300 to stand out from the crowd. In June of 2000, the IS300 was purchased with the intent of building a capable street car. For the next 18 months, David enjoyed driving his Lexus after performing the usual bolt-on upgrades. In February of 2002, David became a little too comfortable driving the IS300. On his first canyon racing experience, David lost control and put his IS300 on top of a two-foot retaining wall that kept him and his car from going over the cliff. The car hit with such impact that the bumper, bumper support and radiator were jettisoned down the cliff. Rather than do the sane thing and junk the IS300, David decided to put the IS300 under the knife for some major surgery. Passion took a front seat while reason was put in the back. The frame was pulled back to its original dimensions and the process of rebuilding the IS300 was initiated. His IS300 has been revamped several times to become the top show car it is today. The goal was to build an IS300 that would be the envy of all other IS300 owners. Considering the extent of modifications made to the engine, exterior, interior and electronics, it’s safe to say that David accomplished his goal.
Exterior:
-JDM MAZiORA Andromeda Paint -JDM HKS D1-spec Front Fanscia -JDM HK1 D1-spec Side Skirts -JDM HKS D1-spec Rear Valance -JDM HKS D1-spec Grill -JDM HKS Cibie Fog Lights -JDM HKS Black Chrome Badge -JDM Shift Sport Carbon Fiber Hood -JDM Shift Sport Vented Fenders -JDM TRD 01’ Deck Spoiler -JDM Altezza Head Lamp -JDM Altezza Clear Side Marker -JDM Altezza Rain Visors -JDM Altezza Carbon Fiber Pillars -JDM Altezza Rear Badge -JDM Altezza Carbon Licence Garnish -JDM Altezza Short Antenna -JDM Modelista Side Mirrors -JDM Black Housing Tail Lamps -JDM Carbon Fiber Antenna base -HKS High Beam Bulbs -33% Titanium Reflect tint.
Interior:
-JDM Altezza Steering Wheel -JDM Altezza Gauge Cluster Face -JDM Altezza Engine Start Button -JDM Altezza 2003~up Cup Holder -JDM Altezza Blank Coin Holder -JDM Altezza Head Unit Din -JDM CUSCO 2pts. Harnesses Roll Bar -JDM HKS DB Chrono Boost Gauge -JDM HKS DB Chrono EGT Gauge -JDM HKS DB Chrono Oil Temp Gauge -JDM RECARO SR-III Top Gun -JDM RECARO Seat Slider -JDM RECARO Seat Bracket -JDM TAKATA 4 points Harnesses -JDM TAKATA Gel Pads -TRD Gauge Pod -TRD Ltuned Floor Mats -StitchCraft Suede Headliner -StitchCraft Suede Pillars -StitchCraft Suede Visors -StitchCraft Black Leather Handle -PLP Passenger Aluminum Plate
Engine:
-Custom 650cc. fuel injectors by RC -Custom VVTi cam spacer -Custom port&polish -Custom 3.1L Stroker kit by JUN -Custom Carbon driveshaft by JUN -Custom forged pistons by JUN -Custom 2mm headgasket by JUN -Custom forged piston rods by JUN -Custom braided fuel lines -Custom oil return line
Congratulations to Tim Balay’s 2004 Hyundai Tiburon being on National Custom Car Association’s (NCCA) feature “MILD” contender. For more, please visit:
My name is Timothy Balay. I live in San Diego now. I have been in the army for just about 6 years and have done my time. I am currently a member and co-leader in training for Team Hybrid. I drive a 2004 Widebody Hyundai Tiburon. I am 22 years old and pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I have been building cars since I was 17 years old and continue to love the industry. I will be competing this year with a lot of new parts. I’ll see you guys there!
Exterior Custom Lamborghini Nova Blue Paint M&S Carart Korea Emblem Rear Badges M&S Carart Korea Warrior 8 Piece Wide-body kit VIS Vented Carbon Fiber Hood (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents) APR Carbon Fiber Drag Wing (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents) Black Housing Tail Lights Clear Cornered, Black Housed Tail Lights 19×8.5 Work VS-KF (Front) BFGoodrich T/A KDW2 Tires 235/35ZR/19XL (Front) 19×9.5 Work VS-KF (Rear) BFGoodrich T/A KDW2 Tires 255/35ZR/19XL (Rear) AeroCatch Hood locks Carbon Fiber A Pillar (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents) Carbon Fiber C Pillar (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents) C Pillar Center M&S Badges (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents) 8000K HID Headlights
Suspension Road Race Motorsports Front Supercharged Fit Strut Bar Road Race Motorsports Rear Strut Bar ARK DT-P Fully Adjustable Coilovers
Engine Injen Cold Air Intake Injen Oil Cap ARK KDM N1 Dual Catback exhaust ARK KDM Stainless Steel Headers With Test Pipe Raizen Pivot Grounding Volt Stabilizer Kit Magnecor 8MM Spark Plug Wires NGK 1 Step Colder Spark Plugs
Interior M&S Carart Korea Center Guage Cluster Pod (Custom Painted Laborghini Nova Blue) KDM Tuscani Door Sills KDM F/L Aluminum Center Console KDM F/L Aluminum Window Switches KDM F/L Aluminum Door Handles ARK KDM Aluminum A/C vents ARK KDM Aluminum Center Ring Key ARK KDM Aluminum A/C Controls Blue/Green Indiglo Reverse Glow Guages KDM HID LED Dome Lights Aluminum Diamond Floor Mats Carbon Fiber E brake cover (Kustom Kandy Blue Accents)
I.C.E Clarion VRX-675 7’’ Fully Motorized Touch Screen In-Dash DVD Player 30 GB Video IPOD Polk Momo MMC 6500 6.5’’ Component set with 1” Tweeders (Front) Polk Momo 6×9 Coaxial Speakers (Rear) 2 12’’ Cerwin Vega VMAX Competition Subwoofers in Custom Trunk Box Pioneer PDX 1.1000 Class D Mono-block Amp Audiobahn 400w Class A/B Amp Audiobahn 1 Farad Digital Capacitor M/A Audio 4 Guage Speaker Wire Set M/A Audio 8 Guage Speaker Wire Set
Congratulations to Project Director, James Lin and Project Manager, David Huang’s 2008 Scion xD in a 6 page COVER feature in Super Street Magazine’s Mach 2008 issue, pgs 054-060. This was an article w/ Super Street that I worked out that had to be kept top secret from the public and now, here it is for all to witness. Making COVER is also another major milestone achievement for Team Hybrid. We continue to be unstoppable. Senior Editor, Terence Patrick, wrote as the cover story heading, “JAMES LIN OF TEAM HYBRID TALKS ABOUT BEING THE KING OF SCION TUNERS.”
At the moment, I cannot copy and past the whole article, but here are a few key quotes that I am taking from the article to share with all of you.
Super Street Quote #1, “Build a winning show car once and consider yourself lucky. Build a winning show car two years in a row and you’re James Lin, Founder of Team Hybrid, who’s won back-to-back Scion Tuner Challenges, defeating three other teams in the invitation-only competition.
Super Street Quote #2, “Another obstacle was the fact that Team Hybrid is purely a car club and not a pro-level shop with a garage available 24/7 or warehouse full of inventory…the problem was solved by outsourcing the development of parts as one-off pieces and relying on loyal sponsors who were eager to jump aboard the proven winner’s ship”
Super Street Quote #3, “The foundation for the design process was Team Hybrid’s philosophy of building clean, innovative cars that can win at the race, street, track, or show. James attributes this multi-disciplinary approach as the primary reason Team Hybrid has become legendary in the tuning industry.”
Super Street Quote #4, “Hopefully James and Team Hybrid will have more time and resources when they go for the three-peat at SEMA later this year.”
There is so much more to the article that you must just wait till you get your copy in the mail, go purchase it or wait till I post up the complete article. Super Street usually does not shoot cover cars like ours in a professional studio unless you’re like HKS USA, but since they did, it shows the level of respect and luv we have from our industry insiders. Team Hybrid is now 13+ years old and going stronger than ever. Remember, there will always be people out there talking negative about our team and etc., but let them because that is all they will and can ever do. Let them talk all they want while we solidify our legendary status in the import industry. Our team resume continues to show why we are the oldest, finest and most innovative team in import history.
ps. What is even more incredible is our very own www.HybridHunnyz.com discoveries, Elle Navarro and Leanne Bell, also made the cover on the top right hand corner. Hybrid is everywhere.
