Congratulations to Darin ‘Kunani’ Ferraro’s 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) for being featured in a story about SEMA 2008 on www.GTRBlog.com. Yesterday, on the thread I made about Paul’s EVO IX being in Super Street Magazine, I said, “…wait till you see the re-done and new project cars we are building that will be coming out soon esp. for the 2009 show/race schedule w/ our title sponsor BFG/Michelin.” Today is the first day of SEMA and already, one of our new projects for 2009 is making news. The new cars you will be seeing towards the end of this year are going to be some of our top future superstars. It is the next generation of Hybridz that will be taking us to the 15 year goal.

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In Modified November 2008 issue, pg 102-105, there is an article about SpoCom, Long Beach. There are event pictures of Team Hybrid’s Scion tC built/owned by Frankie K. Modified also posted up the competition results and we are in there for:

2nd Place Best Team Overall – Team Hybrid – Our lineup of 16 cars in 5 different locations.
2nd Place Subaru – Daniel Louie (NorCal) – Wrx.
3rd Place Mitsubishi – Jason MacGill (SoCal) aka. Eric Lam – EVO MR VIII.
3rd Place Scion/Toyota/Lexus – James Lin & David Huang (SoCal) – Scion xA. This was probably one of the most or the toughest category to place in and our Scion xA held it down

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Congratulations to Frankie Klepadlo’s Scion tC for a main feature on www.AutoImportCraze.com.

AIC: Final thanks and shout outs?
FRANKIE: I have to give a big thanks to Karl at AA Autoworks; without him this build wouldn’t have happened. Thank you, thank you! I have to thank my Mom & Dad and my beautiful girlfriend, Barbara. I also have to thanks the good looking guy, James and all my boys from Team Hybrid.

AIC: How long have you owned the car?
FRANKIE: I have owned the car for almost 4 years now.

AIC: How much money have you invested on your ride?
FRANKIE: Retail There is about $70 grand but thanks to my wonderful sponsors I have had to only put about $30 grand out of my pocket.

AIC: Name one particular mod in your vehicle that stands out to you? Special factor or sentimental value?
FRANKIE: I would have to say one thing that stands out to me is my shaved rear window. It is something a little different that no one has really done.

AIC: What’s is next for the car? Future mods?
FRANKIE: Next for the car is going to be a new interior along with a new sound system.

AIC: What was the 1st car you drove?
FRANKIE: Haha. The first car I drove was a Pontiac Bonneville that I bought for $700.

AIC: Hottest trend in the scene?
FRANKIE: I think the hottest trend is people pushing the limit there are a lot of guys that are trying new and different things; which I respect a lot. I don’t think every car should be the same.

AIC: Please, give me an example.
FRANKIE:

AIC: Worst trend in the scene?
FRANKIE: The worst trend is Lambo doors and neon underglow lighting. Don’t do it!

AIC: Has the car been dyno’d?
FRANKIE: Yes, the car was tuned and dnyo’d at Yimi Sport in Santa Clarita. It makes 300 WHP & 290 FT/LB torque.

AIC: How much boost are you running?
FRANKIE:

AIC: What was the last traffic ticket or violation you incurred? If any?
FRANKIE: My last ticket was about a week ago. I got pulled over leaving a meet. They are sending me to the State Referee for my turbo; I’m not sure what I’m gonna do yet.

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Full feature can be viewed here.

Congratulations to Archie Concon’s 498 Horsepower AWD 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage for making a 5 page Editor’s Choice of DSPORT Magazine November 2008 Issue, pgs 078-084. DSPORT said, “…the Mirage turned out 498 hoursepower and 344-lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Archie hit his mark with this build as he not only achieved his goal of creating an Evolution of this own, he did so with one-of-a-kind flair. If fact, he not only caught the eye of DSPORT editors at the SPOCOM Show, he also won top honors at the Mitsubishi Owners Day on July 19th, 2008.”

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Congratulations to Terence “Keoni” Viernes 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX for being featured in the event coverage of Mitsubishi Owner’s Day 2008 (MOD) in DSPORT Magazine November 2008 Issue, pgs 106-107.

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