The introduction of the “86″ concept brought back strong feelings of nostalgia. Reminiscent of the original “Hachi-Roku”, the similarities are there, and the masses have long awaited a second-coming. Now, with the Scion FRS (and it’s twin sibling, the Subaru BRZ) roaming the streets, the enthusiast and tuners of the world wasted no time in getting their hands dirty. From eye-opening numbers with bolt-on turbo kits, to extreme suspension modifications, to swaps of all kinds, right down to some of sexiest body kits available presently, the world is on fire for the new player on the street.

‘

When Darren Balico was still driving his Scion Xb, he was known for the quality of work he put into his ride, and the presence it had when it rolled up to meets and shows. His Xb was a fine example of a proper detail-oriented build. From the inside-out, he touched all aspects in an effort to make it unique and beautiful. If you happened to miss his Scion, click here for the last Feature we had of it. So when he announced that he was parting out his Xb and moving on to a new project, it definitely raised eye-brows in the car community. Apparently, the drift bug had bitten Darren, and he was now looking to focus his attention on an S14 Sil-Tundra build that is actually still under-wrap.

Enter the 2013 Scion FRS. A car he shares presently with his brother since the S14 is still under-the-knife, Darren pulled out his bag of tricks on the stock (at the time) FRS. Not one to leave a vehicle alone, the potential of the FRS was just too much for him to ignore, and he ended up adding his own personal flair to the latest Scion in the family’s garage. Thanks to friends in Chicago, he was able to piece together an East Coast-first Rocket Bunny TRA KYOTO body kit and the latest ultra-concave Work Kiwami.

As mentioned before, the attention to detail is what sets apart the work Darren puts into his builds from your other average-run-of-the-mill modified rides. It’s for this reason that Darren decided to go with the Rocket Bunny Kit. As you can see by the incredible detailed shots taken by photographer, Raul Singson, the wide, aggressive stance of Darren’s FRS only tells a part of the story. It’s the details, in the fenders, side skirts and moldings that bring out a beauty that can make your girlfriend jealous if you stare too long.

Aggressive.

The Work Kiwami Ultra-Concave wheels are 18×9.5 +20 in the front and and 18×10.5 -5 rear and were powdercoated by NeedPowderCoating.

The Four-Six Customs decal adds perfectly to the story.

Darren is officially a Hoonigan. Not because of the big sticker that lines this pretty rear-end, but because he loves to drive like one.

The Feature-shoot took place during the debut of this particular Rocket Bunny FRS. The pictorial imagery is powerful, and although this is just the beginning of Darren’s journey with the FRS (he has a whole host of plans for it) his Scion was already breaking necks everywhere and wow’ing enthusiast from New York to Chicago. During it’s first week, fresh out of the shop, Darren went half-way across the U.S. to attend Touge Factory’s first FRS/BRZ meet. Touge Factory, well known for their awesome builds and amazing products, was largely responsible for working directly with Darren to put together this FRS. So it was fitting that Darren would take the trip to visit and chill with his Chi-town friends. Check out this awesome video by Mike Maravilla.

Making it’s presence known in the Windy City, from the highways…..

…to the back alleys. The FRS looked beautiful in whatever setting you put it in. Photographer, Zandbox Photo aka Zandro Zafra had fun capturing the moments including Darren getting loose with a nice burnout.

Back home in New Jersey, I caught up with Darren the night before he was heading out to Chicago. Clearly the same guy that used to drive an Xb, enthusiastic as ever, but yet different this time around. Sure he still had to be mindful of the potholes, dips and imperfections that came along the roadway, but when we hit the turns and sweepers of the local hills in Edgewater, Darren laid into them and put the chassis, suspension and tires of his FRS to good use. It’s more than just about “looks” these days.

The FRS right at home on the streets of New Jersey.

The beginning of something beautiful. Stay tuned for more from Darren and the FRS.

Photography by: Raul Singson | Zandbox Photo | Kenny Bascon

Videography: Mike Maravilla of Unscene Media

_______________________________________________

2013 Subaru FRS

Rocket Bunny TRA Kyoto  |  Mh Coilovers  |  18×9.5 +20 and 18×10.5 -5 Work Kiwami Ultra Concave powder coated white by NeedPowerCoating.com  |  Federal 595 255/35 and 265/35  |  Morimoto hid kit 5K

Video by: Network A.

Check them out: Facebook - Facebook.com/NetworkA | Youtube Channel | Twitter - Twitter.com/NetworkA | Instagram – @NetworkA

These days, it’s a much more common to see female car enthusiast thanks to exposure on social media and the internet. Inspirational individuals whose passion is displayed in the builds and actions they call their own. We see it in the drifting world, with drifters like Kerry Ann De La Cruz, in the drag racing world with female drag racers like Loan Nguyen and in the car show realm with die-hards like Chané Pham and her VIP life, as featured here on SNTRL.  It’s a world that is getting more familiar as we all find ourselves connecting to others much more easily than may have been possible in past years.

This particular Feature comes from Tampa, Florida, known for some awesome roads, the Buccaneers and of course, that beautiful Florida sunshine. Tampa is also home to Shané Suarez and her 2011 Honda Civic Si. Only less than a year into her first project build, she has already displayed the type of execution that is noteworthy. There is something to be said for enthusiast that knows what they are doing when they go ahead and decide to modify their ride. Putting together a proper ride takes trial-and-error, and more often than not, it requires being surrounded by the type of people that can offer the right guidance. Shané falls into that category as evidenced by the photos you see before you. SNTRL photographer, E D P H O T O S caught up with Shané recently to capture her work in it’s present form.

Clean, simple and yet aggressive. Beautiful and not over- done. She attributes her build to knowing what she wants, doing the homework necessary and to the advice and insight from her brother, Xavier. Although she has only been working on her Si since June of 2012, she is happy with where she is now with her ride and optimistic with the direction that she has planned out.

Shané knew from the time she first picked up her Si coupe, that she wanted it to sit just right. In order to do this, her focus, first and foremost was on suspension. Buddy Club coilovers and Skunk 2 camber arms took care of that. Adding a HFP Lip kit was a nice subtle touch that added aggressiveness without over-stating the smooth factory lines.

The Skunk 2 70mm exhaust and Beaks bar rounds out the view from the rear.

Rocking those pink shoes offers a nice contrast to the factory “Taffeta White”. Pink metallic with a polished lip to be exact. The CCW wheels are 18×9 +20 all around, wrapped in 215/40/18 tires.

Shané’s Civic Si has proven to be a neck breaker on the streets and has inspired her fair share of individuals on the interwebs. For her though, it’s all about being about that life. That car life which turns into more than just a hobby. And as most of us know. The work never ends. She has more planned out. Stay tuned.

Photography by: E D P H O T O S

SNTRL X Import Expo. The collaboration that brings together car culture from Canada and the United States, in an event that showcases the best of car life.

Finally, function meets form at Import Expo Atlantic City. Stance, speed and style converge at the crossroads to bring a new standard to inspiration and entertainment. More than just your typical car show, be prepared to encounter some the finest examples of modified vehicles the East Coast and Canada have to offer at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The JDM elite, the Euro connoisseurs, the speed addicts, the slow cruisers and the VIP low rollers from all over the East Coast and Canada will be in full force to represent their lifestyle, all under one roof. For those who live the car life, the Atlantic City Convention Center will be the place to be.

THIS IS HOW WE LIVE.

September 14, 2013. Save the date. For event information, please visit www.importexpo.ca / www.sntrl.com/importexpo

For vehicle registration, please click here. 

For Vendor and Sponsor Inquiries, please email importexpo@sntrl.com.

The Subie Gang. A team of street-terrorizing Subaru WRX STi’s. They are guilty of stolen hearts, wasteful time spent salivating over their photos, and for some of the more severe cases, brain-washing (inspiring lol) unfortunate souls into opening up their wallets and giving up money to parts vendors. These guys are wanted across the globe and the fans can’t ever seem to get enough. It’s not often that we do group Features with 3 or more cars, mainly because we are more likely to come across individuals and their respective builds than a large group that is just so proper and complete for what they represent. When we think of the most inspirational and top teams out there, there are a few names that quickly come to mind. The Subie Gang, although one of the newer teams to the scene, definitely deserves their own spotlight considering their impact and virality.

And then there was four. Meet Rick “Boostelo” Gonzalez, Mike “Xwingftr STi”, Ian Galvez, Denis “Supa STi” and their respective rides. Representing New York and New Jersey, these STi’s conquer some of the most challenging roadways in the world, daily. And we aren’t talking about just potholes and wavy asphalt. Treacherous city traffic, curvy mountain roads and highways run by horsepower craze vehicles are included. True street cars, don’t be surprised to see them rolling deep on the highways and byways of the East Coast.

A good mix of static and air, power and looks, you will find all kinds of flavor here.

We met up with the Subie Gang, on one fine Saturday morning, and after some hardcore coffee, bagels and cream cheese, went right to work capturing them on their home turf. Yep, that’s the new World Trade Center aka Freedom Tower along with the beautiful NYC skyline in the landscape. Our day consisted of chasing the sunlight, and closing off streets, but thankfully, we avoided any unwanted attention from those that would be looking to mess with the Subie Gang.

Photography by:    Herb Allen aka The Fourth Photography  and  P R A V A N Photography.

Ian Galvez, photographer and die-hard Suby enthusiast who, before this season, was rolling nearly as low, static, as you see him “aired” out in the photo above, has put his STi under several make-over transformations. Some may have remembered his STi before the green vinyl wrap. There was numerous photos of his white STi rocking those Tiffany Green Work XD9′s. And then he decided to go “moar low” and change his wheel setup with the CCW LM20′s before doing this latest version, utilizing an air setup. Like all proper builds, it’s always a work in progress, but you have to appreciate the work Ian continues to put into his ride.

That rear diffuser and splitter is a true custom piece made by Ian and his father. It’s the subtle touches that make Ian’s STi a stand-out.

Copper/Bronze flaked Brembos and white CCW LM20′s work nicely together.

Mike and his STi aka Xwingftr, are the latest addition to the Subie Gang. As you can see, it’s pretty loud and we aren’t just talking about the exhaust note. The build is a two-part project for Mike’s STi and he has definitely moved in the right direction on both accounts. The first is the promotion of Breast Cancer Awareness. Having appeared on Anderson Cooper Live with his Suby, and a well-known fixture throughout the Northeast, Mike has made it a goal to spread knowledge and awareness. The second is to build an awesome ride that fits his personality. The only member of the Subie Gang that is static, he has focused more on the performance aspect. Fitted with BC BR coilovers, full GTSpec suspension goodies and tuned to get the most out of his stock turbo setup, Mike is a boost-aholic that loves to drive. Built for E85, but still awaiting the E85 tune at the time of this writing, the Xwingftr has a thorough build by IAG Performance with a base tune pushing out 292.5whp with 332.06 on 93 pump.

If you haven’t seen Denis Supa’s STi, then you probably aren’t on facebook, and you likely don’t use any social media platform. You talk about viral, and this STi fits the description, between the features on various blogs including right here on SNTRL, as well as all the meme’s that have been shared using photos of this STi. Denis is an admitted wheel whore. He swaps wheels because he’s bored. And not just any kind of wheels. Only the best for this guy. This time around, he’s rocking the Work Kiwami’s on a new for 2013 air setup. Also previously static, Denis decided to add some flexibility and extremeness to his setup by going air. He is also a well-known fixture throughout the Northeast as a low-life that is always on the streets, so going air this time around makes complete sense.

Rick Gonzalez and his “Boostelo Racing” STi are no stranger to the web pages of SNTRL. One of the first Features on our site, his STi, also known as “Porn Star” for all the attention and love she gets. She has also graced the pages of several magazines including Super Street. Having gone through several make-overs, each time he has taken her off the streets, she has debuted with a whole host of incredible work. She still packs a mean punch with her GT3582r setup, pushing 451whp/401wtq, but now featuring an air suspension setup, and those Work S1R’s, among other subtle modifications, Rick continues to push the envelope with his goal for an all-around perfect build that looks the look and walks the walk.

Rick “Boostelo” Gonzalez – Suspension, Wheel & Brakes

Air Bags over Cusco coilovers | Autopilot controller |  Cusco E-Con Controller | Cusco 20mm Sway Bars | Cusco Rear Power Bar |Cusco H Bracket | GTspec Front Strut Bars | Brembo Calipers F/R (Powder Coated White) | GTspec camber controller arms | GTspec Toe arms | GTspec Camber Bolts | Endless Brake Pads F/R | Works S1R 18×10.5 20 offset | Bronze Anodized Barrel w/ Matte Bronze Face | Federal 595 Tires 225-35-18’s | DBA Front Rotors.

Xwingftr STi – Suspension and Wheels and Tires:

BC/BR Coilovers | Whiteline 22mm Sway Bars Front and Rear | GTSpec Trailing arms | GTSpec Adjustable Rear Control Arms | GTSpec Sway Bar Bracing | GTSpec Bump/Steer | GTSpec Toe Arms | Cusco Front and Rear Strut Bracing Custom Powder PINK | Work Meisters S1 18×10 -18 | Custom Painted Ferrari Crinkle Red barrels, Face Ghost Chrome | Nitto Invo 235/40/18

Denis Supa – Wheels and Suspension

Airlift strut with v2 management | GtSpec rear toe arm and gtspec rear camber arm| Eibach front camber bolts | Cusco rear lateral link | Whiteline rear toe arm | 18×10.5 – Work Kiwami | Hankook v12 265/35/18

Ian Galvez STi – Wheels, Suspension and Brakes

Airlift Performance Struts | 5 gallon aluminum tank | Whiteline 22mm Front Sway bar | Whiteline 22mm Rear Sway bar | Whiteline Rear Support Brace | Whiteline Rear Toe Arms | GTSpec Rear Control Arms | Ichiba Extended Studs | GTSpec Front Camber Bolts | Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads | CCW LM20 18×11 +28 18×10.5 +22 | Kumho Ectasy 245/35/18 | Bronze/Copper Silver Flaked Brembos

Rick “Boostelo” Gonzalez – Exterior

Exterior Mods 2011 STI Front End Conversion | Gtspec CF front spoiler | Bottom Line Type1 side and rear spoilers | Chargespeed Eyelids | Varis CF Pillar Garnish | OEM Modded Front Grill | JDM Side Badge | Seibon Wind w/Custom Wing Finisher | Seibon CF Hood |  Password Rear Wiper Delete Cap | Custom Rear Reflectors (LED) | Perrin Shorty Antenna | JDM Vent visors | Blacked Out head lights w/led halos | Spec-c roof vent | Custom Front Splitter | Grimmspeed Plate relocator | Perrin Plate Delete

Denis Supa STi – Exterior

Blacktop aero cf lip | Blacktop aero cf side skirt | R205 Jdm side badges | Led 2 colors changing turn signal | Grimspeed license plate relocation | Tailight overlay | Led license plate | Jdm rear third brake light/foglight | Blackout Headlight by Lightmodz

Xwingftr STi – Exterior

Seibon CF Hood | Seibon CF Trunk Lid | Seibon CF Fender | Carbon by Design: Time Attack Wing | NRG 10mm (red) Fender Washer Kit | NRG (red) Racing Lugs | Killer B Motorsports Radiator Shroud (red) | Killer B Motorsports Alt. Shroud (red)

 Ian Galvez STi – Exterior

Blacktop Aero VR CF front lip | BlackTop Aero CF Side Skirts | BlackTop Aero CF Rear Skirts | Custom front splitter | Custom rear diffuser | Custom license plate re-locater | Perrin Wing Risers | Blacked out stock housing Headlights | Blacked out side markers | Blacked out rear reflectors | White Hella SuperTones | Painted Red TailLights | JDM Rain Visors | Carbign Craft CF License Plate Frame

Rick “Boostelo” STi – Engine

Garret GT 3582r Turbo (451hp/401tq) | Perrin Intercooler pipes (Powder Coated White) | Perrin intercooler | Perrin Up-Pipe & Down-Pipe | Deatschwerks 1000cc Injectors | Custom Turbo XS Fuel Rails | AEM Fuel Regulator |  AEM Water/Meth Injection | Tial Wastegate & BOV 44mm | TGV Deleted | Clutchmaster Custom Race Clutch | Walbro 255 Fuel Pump | Omni 4bar Map Sensor

Supa STi – Engine

Cobb accessport | Invidia catless downpipe | Invidia N1 race catback titanium tip | GTSpec aluminum under tray | GTSpec aluminum radiator shroud

Xwingftr STi – Engine

IAG Performance Build | Perrin CAI (red) | Manley H-Beam Rods – ARP 2000 Studs | Manley Pistons Platinum Series | ACL racing bearings | ARP Head Studs | Pro-Sport UEL Header | IAG Up-pipe SS external wastegate kit | Tial 38mm Wastegate | Invidia Cat-less Downpipe | EZR Racing TI Quad Tip Cat-back exhaust | Kartboy Exhaust Hangers | IAG Catch can | IAG TGV Deletes | IAG Block-off Plates | Air Pump delete | Killer B oil-pickup and Baffle Windage tray | Aeromotive Fuel pump 340lph | Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors | NGK Cold one-step plugs | E85 set-up | HKS Turbo timer | GrimmSpeed 3 port boost solenoid | Cobb V2 AP | Tuning By Jorge Carrillo  @ IAG Performance

Ian Galvez STi – Engine

Cobb SF Intake | Invidia Street N1 Single | Invidia Catless Downpipe | Cobb Accessport

Mike CoffeeLab’s STi

Sparco 4pt Red Harnesses | SPT Short Shifter | Cobb Shift Knob (red) | Lathewerks 9” 2 bend extended shifter

Gabriel Sports Car CF Hydro Dip All Interior Smooth Panels (IN PROGRESS) - Dash panels w/ AC Controls  | Door handle inset Front and Rear | Arm rest on door Front and Rear | Front Wiper cowling  color matched

Rick “Boostelo” Gonzalez STi

Bride Euro II Seats | Bride Seat Rails | Takata Racing Harness | 4 Point Autopower Roll-cage | Suede Wrapped Armrest And Middle Console | Keyless Start w/JDM Bezel | NX Custom Brackets | NRG Flip-up Hub | Nardi Steering Wheel | NX bottle used for water/meth injection | Taylor Battery re-locator | Suede headliner |  Jp-coachworks Shift and e-brake boot | Suede A,B Pillars | Extended Shifter.

Ian Galvez STi

Cobb Acessport | KillerB White Shift Knob | NRG Short Hub | NRG 2.8 Neochrome Quick Release  | NRG Steering Wheel | Bride Wrapped Interior | Suede Wrapped Interior | AEM Wideband | Glow Shift Air | Pressure Gauge | Hardwood Floor Trunk

Denis Supa STi

GtSpec D-shape steering wheel | Center console wrapped alcantara by JPM Coachworks | P{rova si drive | Perrin reverse collar | Pioneer x940bt | JDM bezel

The Subie Gang would like to send their special thanks and shout-outs to Need Powder Coating, GtSpec, RavSpec, Fresh Meet, SoFresh Apparel,  IAG Performance, Proformance Industries, Gabriels Sports Car, Kaos Design Co,  Scoobies for Boobies and special thanks by Mike to his wife. We all know in the end, support for this way of life goes a long way!

The LoneStar Shootout 2013, presented by Forced Performance, is going down this weekend, bringing some of the Nation’s fastest cars in the 1/4 mile and drifting, to compete at the Texas Motorplex. The Lonestar Shootout will showcase multiple classes for drag racing including Unlimited, Sport Compact Pro, Sport Compact Street, 4G vs EJ for all the Mitsu/Suby guys, 10.5-11.5 indexes and of course brackets. Stick To Drifting will be coordinating the drifting competition. You will also enjoy  the LoneStar Shootout 2013 car show.

On May 11, 2013, the day before the big event, PRT Performance will be hosting a Dyno Day and Meet at their shop. Check out the facebook events page here.

Here are the event details:

When: Sunday, May 12, 2013

Where: Texas Motorplex – Ennis, Texas

What: 1/4 mile drag racing, drifting, car show

Who: Family friendly atmosphere open to anyone and everyone.

____________________________________________________________

For further information and details of the LoneStar Shootout 2013, please click here.

Be sure to also visit the LoneStart Shootout facebook page by clicking here.

Download your Hi-Resolution (1920×1200) photo by right-clicking and “SAVE AS”, here. 

Photo by SNTRL Fam: Sean Troy Photography

Props to Steve, Bullet Auto Works and our friends at High End Performance.

Download the HIGH-RESOLUTION photo for your background by right-clicking and SAVE AS, here. 

We have this beautiful shot of SNTRL writer/blogger Evan Kaston, cruising in his static 350z rocking those Imperi Genesis shoes. Photo by STREETS Photography. Grab it at 1920X1200 by saving the link below.

Be sure to “Like” STREETS Photography on facebook.

DOWNLOAD DESKTOP VERSION (Right click – Save link as)