Steve Aoki Customizes Scion FR-S
Scion has been a strong supporter of the creative arts community for over a decade. During that time, Scion has worked with over 1700 artists from different backgrounds on different projects like record releases, art galleries, and the Scion AV initiative. In the latest collaboration, Scion has teamed up with famed DJ and producer, Steve Aoki to apply his creativity and personality to the Scion FR-S.
One of Steve Aoki’s priorities in designing the car was implementing an audio/visual system that would allow him to literally take his show on the road. As a result, a full mixing station was installed in the backseat that’s been paired with a completely redesigned speaker setup using components provided by Pioneer. New LEDs and strobe lighting fixtures were installed around and under the car, and to add to the nightclub feel, a fog machine was also added to the build.
The interior features custom graphics, wheels from FIVE:AD, an aero kit, and a shark fit antenna. The car was fitted with lowering springs, giving it a more aggressive stance, while GReddy provided both an intake and exhaust system to improve performance.
The completed Steve Aoki FR-S build will be making appearances at various Scion events throughout the year. For more details, check out the full spec sheet below:
Audio/Visual
- Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS DVD receiver
- Pioneer AVIC-u250 navigation system
- Pioneer D Series 6-3/4 inch component speaker package
- 2x Pioneer D Series 5-1/4 inch component speaker package
- Pioneer D Series 4-inch 2 way speakers
- 2x Pioneer 10-inch Champion Series PRO subwoofers
- 6x Pioneer PRS amplifier
- Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus 4-channel professional mixer
- Apple MacBook Pro
- 3x GoPro HERO3 White Edition camera
- American DJ fog machine
Exterior
- MV Designz 5-piece aero kit
- MV Designz carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Custom graphics
- Beat Sonic shark fin antenna
Lighting
- Oracle Lighting LEDs
- Oracle Lighting strobe lights
- Oracle Lighting halo LEDs
Wheels/Tires
- 19” FIVE:AD R5:F gun metal wheels
- Nitto NeoGen tires
Suspension
- TEIN lowering springs
Engine
- GReddy SP Elite exhaust
- GReddy Air Intake System
Meet Pacific Volkswagen Product Specialist Gorkem Gercek
America is a melting pot, people come to this country from all over the world for kinds of different reasons, and here at LAcarGUY, we are a microcosm of that. We have a great diversity of people that we are proud to call employees here at LAcarGUY.
As part of a new feature we want to highlight some of the great people who work here, and help you, be it as a sales person, a service technician or someone in the back office. The first person we are going to feature is Gorkem Gercek, one of the Product Specialist at Pacific Volkswagen.
Gorkem was born in and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, on the European side. Istanbul is a unique city in a number of different ways, one of them is it is a city that is on two continents, both European continent and the Asian continent separated by the Bosphorus Straights, one of the busies sea lanes in the world.
Gorkem was born into a Volkswagen family, it’s all his family has every owned! So, it should come as no surprise that his first car was a Beetle, and then after that, he owned five Polo’s before coming to America for college in 2007.
When you are born into a Volkswagen family, and are a Volkswagen enthusiast, and you have to write your thesis for your M.B.A., what’s your subject? “How Volkswagen Can Better Cater To The U.S. Market”!
It’s interesting that many of the points in Gorkem’s thesis, more affordable, better distribution, focus on value, are many of the items VW, has move towards in the last few years. While he was at National University here getting his M.B.A. what car did he buy? Why a Volkswagen of course! It’s a 1998 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta, and it’s daily driver still.
We asked Gorkem what makes you stand out at Pacific Volkswagen. He said that everyone comes to him with questions about Volkswagen’s because he knows the products and the brands worldwide. A great example was recently one of his colleagues at Pacific Volkswagen came to him and asked if VW make pickup’s because he saw a a pickup with VW badging over the weekend. Gorkem was able to show him pictures of the Amarok, which is sold in Mexico and throughout Asia.
We asked Gorkem is there was a car in Volkswagen’s world lineup that he’d like to see sold in America that is not, and he said without a doubt it’s the Polo. He feel’s it’s a great car for what young people are asking for. A small, really affordable car ($15,000-$16,000) that also is safe and gets great fuel economy. He points out that the BlueMotion TDI Clean Diesel gets over 70MPG!
We are proud to have Gorkem on our team at Pacific Volkswagen, and if you have any questions about VW’s world wide, he’s your man. The next time you stop in, make sure you say hello.
Rumored Details About 2015 Audi TT Revealed
There’s no mistaking how Audi has made great strides in becoming a threat to many of its competitors, namely BMW and Mecedes-Benz but the carmaker needs to maintain its momentum if plans to take the lead. It’s no surprise to hear that Ingolstadt isn’t running out of ideas and these rumors give us a sense of what Audi has up its sleeves.
Development of the next-generation Audi TT has been going on for years. The original TT concept was unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt auto show, which played a vital role in establishing Audi as a force in automotive design. The production model remained faithful to the original concept design but the second-generation proved to be more conservative. The third-generation TT is rumored to aim to recapture the spirit of the original. Launch of the new vehicle is expected to be sometime around late 2014 as a 2015 model.
According to reports, power upgrades for the available engines will be noticeable but not game-changing. This next-generation, U.S.-spec TT will be powered by a 220 horsepower, 2.0-liter version of VW Group’s EA888 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder. The mid-level TT is expected to receive motivation from another turbo four serving up 300 horses. The five-cylinder turbo in the TT RS will live on, but this time with as much as 380 horsepower. As previously available, both front- and Quattro all-wheel drive will be available.
The interior is expected to be more simply styled compared to the current model but will exude a more futuristic feel, due much in part to TFT screen instrumentation. It’s expected that a year after the coupe is revealed, Audi will expand the TT portfolio with a TT roadster.
Stay tuned for more details on the 2015 Audi TT.
2014 Toyota Corolla Order Guide Leaked
The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla is expected to launch later this year but some of the details about this much anticipated vehicle have been leaked. The public got the first glimpse of the next-generation design at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, where Toyota unveiled the Furia concept shown below.
According to the leaked details, Toyota will stick to the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, but will add Toyota’s Valvematic variable valve timing which may mean added power. A four-speed automatic will be standard on the base model, while the manual transmission now has six gears and CVT can be had at the higher trim levels. In addition, both engine output and fuel efficiency should improve slightly over the 2013 model.
Styling will be a cross between the sporty and aggressive look of the Furia Concept with added touches of Camry-inspired design. The interior will also receive a number of welcome upgrades. Softex leather will be available for 2014, as well as push-button start and a navigation system. Four trim levels will be offered: base, LE, S and Eco.
Toyota has yet to confirm these details but stay tuned and we’ll bring you the official details as soon as they are released.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Draws Praise in Reviews
by Zach McDonald | HybridCars.com
Toyota‘s new Avalon Hybrid was released earlier this year as the latest product of Toyota‘s gradual push to offer hybrids across every segment of its vehicle lineup. The Avalon Hybrid‘s sibling, the Lexus 300h ES shares its drivetrain with the Avalon Hybrid but comes at a higher pricetag and with more amenities.
The Avalon platform, remade for 2013, is a full-size sedan line offering improvements in comfort and upgrades in features compared to the midsize Camry Hybrid. Performance and efficiency numbers are nearly identical to both the Camry and Lexus hybrids, with the Avalon providing up to 200 horsepower at an EPA average combined fuel economy of 40 mpg (the Camry averages 1 mpg better.) That should come as no surprise considering that the Avalon shares the same 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine with both vehicles.
Efficiency fares slightly better under urban driving conditions, where the hybrid can officially travel gas-free at speeds of up to 25 mph. In real world tests, reviewers have exceeded Toyota and the EPA’s efficiency estimates. GreenCarReports.com was able to keep the Avalon Hybrid in EV Mode at speeds of up to 48 mph, while Edmunds produced city fuel economy of 46.5 mpg during its 100-plus mile test.
The Avalon Hybrid starts at $35,555, more than $9,400 north of the Camry Hybrid, but offers a number of luxury car comforts as standard to the vehicle. Leather seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and heated mirrors are among a number of features not standard in the Camry but built into the base-model Avalon. Suggested starting pricing comes in $4,500 higher than the V6 Avalon, and about $3,700 lower than the Lexus 350h ES hybrid.
Toyota Refreshes TMG EV P002 for Pikes Peak
Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will send a revised TMG EV P002 to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to defend its electric title. Based on last year’s ground-breaking run of 10 minutes 15.380 seconds, engineers at TMG’s electric vehicle technology center have generated more performance from the TMG powertrain to further improve the mark.
The P002 now has a top speed of 142.9 miles per hour, 1200 newton meters of maximum torque and 400 kW of maximum power. Before the annual climb, the EV P0002 will get aerodynamic upgrades and more track testing. A Schneider Electric EVlink DC charger will charge the P0002′s 42-kWh lithium ion ceramic battery on race day. All these upgrades and the history of record-setting gave Claudia Brasse, TMG’s executive coordinator of strategic EV development, reason to call the TMG EV P002 the “standard bearer for electric race cars.”
On June 30, just one week after TMG’s Toyota Racing team takes on the Le Mans 24 Hours with a hybrid prototype, Rod Millen will drive the TMG EV P002 at Pikes Peak. As a multiple record-setter at Pikes Peak and regular competitor in Toyota machinery, the 61-year-old New Zealander is highly experienced and will benefit from various improvements to the high-tech racer.
Subaru Customer Loyalty Soars to Number 3 on KBB.com Survey
According to kbb.com’s Shopper Loyalty survey for Q1 2013, Subaru steadily climbed to the No. 3 position, to be among the top three brands for the first time since 2009.
“As current Subaru owners prepare to off-load their current vehicle, it is easy to reconsider the brand as it offers a diverse lineup, including models that not only appeal to the everyday shopper like the all-new 2014 Forester, but also a sportier option like the BRZ,” said Akshay Anand, Kelley Blue Book Insights analyst. “With Subaru‘s first-ever hybrid vehicle arriving at dealerships in Q4 2013, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid is expected to help the brand retain even more shoppers as its portfolio expands into hybrid technology.”
Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence examines shopper loyalty while consumers are still in the shopping phase. For this analysis, shopper loyalty is defined as owners of the brand who are currently shopping the same brand for their next new vehicle. This includes data from consumers who view a trade-in page or private party page, in addition to a new-car page on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.
LAcarGUY Supports Heal The Bay’s “Bring Back the Beach” Fundraiser
LAcarGUY is a longtime supporter of Heal The Bay, participation in beach cleanups, and most recently, LAcarGUY owner Mike Sullivan joined their Board of Directors. To celebrate our partnership, LAcarGUY’s Toyota/Scion Santa Monica will be donating a 2013 Scion FR-S for this year’s Bring Back The Beach live auction, with all proceeds going to Heal The Bay.
We urge you to support this great cause and join us for an amazing night on the Beach with Heal The Bay supporters
Heal the Bay invites you to celebrate the ultimate beach party at our annual Bring Back the Beach gala benefit on May 16, 2013, at Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica.
Relax with your toes in the sand while you meet and mix with leaders from Southern California’s environmental, political, business and entertainment communities. Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars to celebrate our honorees and support the mission of Heal the Bay.
The night will honor the environmental dedication and leadership of Heal the Bay’s former president Mark Gold, D. Env., Oscar-winning actor and environmental champion Jeremy Irons, and founder of the Inclusive Health movement and philanthropist Dr. Howard Murad. Plus enjoy a special acoustic performance by five-time Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley.
Schedule
· 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
· Cocktail Reception & Auction featuring the 2013 Scion FR-S contributed by LAcarGUY
· Dinner
· Live Auction
· Entertainment and Dancing
Tickets & Sponsorships
· Tables and Sponsorships: $5,000 – $50,000
· Individual Tickets: $500
Attire
· Beach Chic
· Be prepared to walk in the sand to your table. Choose shoes accordingly!
Porsche Reveals 2014 911 Turbo and Turbo S Models
The new Porsche 911 is getting a serious dose of added power with the addition Turbo and Turbo S models that were unveiled earlier this month. The 2014 911 Turbo keeps its twin turbos but bolts them to a 3.8-litre flat six for an output of 520 horsepower which is an improvement of 20 horses. That’s enough for a zero to 60 mph time of 3.2 seconds. Even faster is the Turbo S, with 560 horsepower and shaving the same sprint to 2.9 seconds. At the famed Nurburgring, the new Turbo runs the track in well under 7 and a half minutes on production tires.
In addition to all-wheel-drive, which has been standard on 911 Turbos for years, the 2014 models will also have rear-wheel steering. Porsche says that at speeds up to 31 mph, the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels, leading to greater maneuverability in tight curves and when parking the car. At speeds greater than 50 mph, the front and rear wheels will move in the same direction.
The 911 Turbo models will set themselves apart visually with a wider rear end and unique 20-inch wheels. On the Turbo S, the headlights will be full LED units. Other new items include a three-stage front and rear spoilers. And the interior, of course, gets the full suite of changes brought into the 911 model. For the first time, a Burmester system is also available as an optional feature. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition are other new options being offered. And go-fast features include active rear steering, adaptive aerodynamics, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).
Check out the video to discover the new 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo:
All-New 2014 Toyota 4Runner Showcases Off-Road Heritage
While some people are switching to smaller cars or making the move to hybrids, for die-hard SUV fans, a proper SUV is the only way to go, rugged and capable of going almost anywhere. With the all-new 2014 Toyota 4Runner, there’s more features, more capabilities, along with a redesigned look and feel, inside and out, making it one of the few SUVs left that can literally tow its own weight!
One of the first things that stand out is its facelift with new headlights, grille and front bumper giving it an edgier and more muscular look. Smoked headlights, clear-lens tail, new 17-inch wheels on SR5 and Trail models, while the Limited continues to ride on 20s, and a standard roof rack on all trim levels complete the refreshed style on the outside. New additions to color choices include Super White, Attitude Metallic Black, Barcelona Metallic Red, and Nautical Blue Metallic.
On the inside, the redesign focused on improving refinement and multimedia. The 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and Trail both receive standard Soft Touch door trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather shift knob giving both interiors a more premium feel. The SR5 receives a new bright and highly visible Optitron instrument panel that houses the speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and coolant temperature gauges. The multimedia display offers a number of different functions while the Eco-Driving feedback system enables the driver to monitor fuel consumption in real-time.
On the 4Runner Trail, the overhead console provides easy access and organization of off-road switches in one location. In addition, a compass indicator and outside temperature display provides added functionality.
According to the press release from Toyota, the 4Runner 4.0-liter V6 generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes torque across the engine’s operating range. Fuel economy ratings rival some crossover SUVs with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for 4×2 models, and 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 4×4. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds and all vehicles feature an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness as standard equipment.
The 2014 4Runner continues to improve on its legendary off-road capabilities along with its smooth around-town towing. The A-TRAC traction control system is standard on all 4×4 models and it provides distributed driving force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, which makes terrain irregularities and slippery patches virtually transparent to the driver. An electronic lock differential is standard on the Trail grade.
The Trail grade is designed to maximize off-road performance with superior approach and departure angles, high ground clearance, and an array of functional upgrades for the most demanding outdoor enthusiast. Also available as an option is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which significantly improves terrain-following ability by dynamically disconnecting stabilizer bars to allow for more axle travel, and better suspension articulation in slow, difficult terrain.
In addition, the 2014 4Runner also features standard Entune Audio Plus, an update on the current infotainment system. Limited models have Entune Premium, equipped with a 15-speaker JBL audio system and a navigation system. For all models, the radio antenna has been integrated into its glass instead of having a pole antenna, and each model also comes with Party Mode in its audio settings that pumps up the bass and shifts the sound to the rear of the 4Runner for tailgating.
When it comes to safety, the 2014 models have active headrests in front, eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seats, and the Limited is offered with Safety Connect telematics.
Check out the debut of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner at the Stagecoach Music Festival last month.
