Thursday, December 25, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
'Tis the Season...
My kind of red sled…
This BenSopra-clad R35 sitting on Advan GT rollers is near the top of my wish list...
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| (Capture Credit: Matt Makarucha) |
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
I don't believe so...
Two weeks until Christmas…
Here is wishing all the followers of JDMphasis a happy and safe holiday season.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Everyone gets a trophy!
You made it through Kindergarten… Graduation Ceremony. Everyone is special!
Soccer team comes in fourth in the tournament… They all take a trophy home.
5th grader loses in the semi-finals of the spelling bee… She still gets a ribbon.
School banishes the Honor Roll because it makes some kids upset… Everyone is a winner.
Enough is enough. Awards and recognition are supposed to be incentivizing. They are supposed to encourage and reward those worthy of praise. Acclaim and accolade is meaningless when it is distributed haphazardly. Competition, adversity, and challenge have valuable lessons in life. Life can be difficult. It can be a struggle. Losing is good for you. It teaches you that even if you're good at something, things do not always go your way and you have to find a way to deal with it. Losing has value. I do not believe we should reward people, young or old, for just showing up. What does praising mediocrity accomplish? When everyone gets a trophy, no one really wins.
I was recently cleaning and organizing the desktop of my laptop of the seemingly never-ending bevy of automotive pictures that find their way on there on a regular basis. I came across the pictures below and remembered I found them months ago on the Facebook page of a well-known automotive publication. Now, I acknowledge that this is not exactly analogous to a youngster receiving a ribbon for placing 9th in a school art fair, but there is certainly a level of truth to the notion that showing up is all you have to do sometimes. You cut corners on your car by purchasing replica parts? No big deal. We will still feature it on our site that has millions of followers.
And we wonder why faking the funk is so readily accepted. I read some of the parts lists. Fake aero, fake wheels, fake seats, fake harnesses… If the publications that showcase these cars are not discerning and scrutinizing, who will be? Be the funk. Don't fake it.
Soccer team comes in fourth in the tournament… They all take a trophy home.
5th grader loses in the semi-finals of the spelling bee… She still gets a ribbon.
School banishes the Honor Roll because it makes some kids upset… Everyone is a winner.
Enough is enough. Awards and recognition are supposed to be incentivizing. They are supposed to encourage and reward those worthy of praise. Acclaim and accolade is meaningless when it is distributed haphazardly. Competition, adversity, and challenge have valuable lessons in life. Life can be difficult. It can be a struggle. Losing is good for you. It teaches you that even if you're good at something, things do not always go your way and you have to find a way to deal with it. Losing has value. I do not believe we should reward people, young or old, for just showing up. What does praising mediocrity accomplish? When everyone gets a trophy, no one really wins.
I was recently cleaning and organizing the desktop of my laptop of the seemingly never-ending bevy of automotive pictures that find their way on there on a regular basis. I came across the pictures below and remembered I found them months ago on the Facebook page of a well-known automotive publication. Now, I acknowledge that this is not exactly analogous to a youngster receiving a ribbon for placing 9th in a school art fair, but there is certainly a level of truth to the notion that showing up is all you have to do sometimes. You cut corners on your car by purchasing replica parts? No big deal. We will still feature it on our site that has millions of followers.
And we wonder why faking the funk is so readily accepted. I read some of the parts lists. Fake aero, fake wheels, fake seats, fake harnesses… If the publications that showcase these cars are not discerning and scrutinizing, who will be? Be the funk. Don't fake it.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Shots like these...
…are what will make me regret selling the FD. Not a glamorous photo by any means, but there is just so much awesome in this shot by Car Shop Glow.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving from JDMphasis...
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Amusing Photography...
My affinity for the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.
Shhhhh… RS-Silent.
Shhhhh… RS-Silent.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Introducing Project FJ...
If you had asked me a couple years ago what I thought about the Toyota FJ Cruiser, I likely would have told you that I thought it was ugly and just… not my bag. The retro styling reminiscent of the old Toyota Land Cruiser (which I did really like) was not something that appealed to me initially. However, over the past couple years or so, it is a vehicle that has really grabbed my attention and, with a recent desire to be a bit more responsible and practical, I began researching them further. My research only intrigued me more. I sold the FD not because I did not want a fun "toy" project vehicle, but because my daily driver was about to bite the dust and I knew I would have to take on another car payment. It was a sad day - one that I will look back upon and regret, no doubt, but it was the responsible decision for me at this point in my life.
Anyway, living in the Northeast, winter is something that I had to consider in choosing my next vehicle. Knowing I wanted something that can handle the snow as well as something with some space, I began looking at a few different sport utility vehicles. I looked at some Jeep Grand Cherokees as well as Ford Explorers and a few other models. I was not exactly blown away by anything I looked at (within my price range). Acknowledging that I was not going to be able to afford an uber-luxurious Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti QX70, Audi SQ5/Q7, a Benz G-Wagon, or any other lavish and stately sport utilities, I began looking at the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Not only is it a functional and practical vehicle for this part of the country, but I really like how they look when they are jacked up a few inches with oversized tires. From there, I started looking at the FJ's and, frankly, it really was not much of a decision at that point. This is the Japanese version of the Jeep! To borrow the line of Matthew McConaughey from the weird new Buick commercials, "I didn't do it to be cool. I didn't do it to make a statement. I just liked it…"
So, a few weeks ago I took delivery of a black 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4 with automatic transmission and the Convenience and Upgrade packages. I also got the following options:
That said, I do have some plans for this truck that have me pretty excited. In fact, I have already ordered my wheels. I have been researching parts and modification routes since the day I decided to pull the trigger on one of these. I have a pretty good idea as to what I will be doing. It will not be the same as modifying a Z, a G, or an RX-7, vehicles with an abundance of Japanese aftermarket support, but, nonetheless, corner-cutting will NOT be an option. One thing I have noticed about these trucks and the people who drive them is that they are a tight-knit community with a cult-like passion for and devotion to this platform, its history, and heritage. I look forward to meeting some fellow FJ Cruiser enthusiasts...
All that out of the way, here are a few shots of the new project.
100% Stock
Anyway, living in the Northeast, winter is something that I had to consider in choosing my next vehicle. Knowing I wanted something that can handle the snow as well as something with some space, I began looking at a few different sport utility vehicles. I looked at some Jeep Grand Cherokees as well as Ford Explorers and a few other models. I was not exactly blown away by anything I looked at (within my price range). Acknowledging that I was not going to be able to afford an uber-luxurious Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti QX70, Audi SQ5/Q7, a Benz G-Wagon, or any other lavish and stately sport utilities, I began looking at the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Not only is it a functional and practical vehicle for this part of the country, but I really like how they look when they are jacked up a few inches with oversized tires. From there, I started looking at the FJ's and, frankly, it really was not much of a decision at that point. This is the Japanese version of the Jeep! To borrow the line of Matthew McConaughey from the weird new Buick commercials, "I didn't do it to be cool. I didn't do it to make a statement. I just liked it…"
So, a few weeks ago I took delivery of a black 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4 with automatic transmission and the Convenience and Upgrade packages. I also got the following options:
- Roof Rack
- All-Weather Floormats
- Passenger Armrest (Yes, this is an option.)
- Spare Tire Cover (Not shown in pictures below.)
I have to say, so far, I really like this truck. I like being up high. I like the wide and short windshield with three wipers. The interior is hardly plush and stately, but it is still quite nice. This truck means business and even though I will likely not be doing too much off-roading, it is nice to know I am driving something that can handle pretty much anything that is thrown at it. My one complaint would probably be that I wish it had a little more get-up-and-go, but I do realize this truck was not designed to rip up a drag strip.
That said, I do have some plans for this truck that have me pretty excited. In fact, I have already ordered my wheels. I have been researching parts and modification routes since the day I decided to pull the trigger on one of these. I have a pretty good idea as to what I will be doing. It will not be the same as modifying a Z, a G, or an RX-7, vehicles with an abundance of Japanese aftermarket support, but, nonetheless, corner-cutting will NOT be an option. One thing I have noticed about these trucks and the people who drive them is that they are a tight-knit community with a cult-like passion for and devotion to this platform, its history, and heritage. I look forward to meeting some fellow FJ Cruiser enthusiasts...
All that out of the way, here are a few shots of the new project.
100% Stock
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| I don't know how many FJ Cruisers are rocking JDMego plate frames, but that is not going to stop me. The other frame is a not-so-subtle hint as to the wheels I have on order... |
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
U mad, bro?
As someone often on the receiving end of criticism (or who gets "hated on") for my support of authenticity over unoriginality and intellectual property theft, I venture to suggest that if one is going on the offensive by way of attaching this decal to a set of fake wheels, it is perhaps a stronger statement about their own insecurity and disquietude over rocking rip-offs than it is a commentary against those who would rather support the true talent. No?
Or, as some of the youngsters say nowadays, is someone a little… butt-hurt?
Or, as some of the youngsters say nowadays, is someone a little… butt-hurt?
Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Friday, October 31, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
A few shots of a sharp R35 on BBS rollers...
Amuse, HKS, Endless, Esprit, Mine's, Top Secret, Zele… Name a Japanese tuner and this GT-R is probably rocking some of their parts!
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| Nothing sexier than Amuse tips... |
(Capture Credit: B. Orjuela)
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
For Sale: 1993 FD3S RX-7
Do you know anyone who might be interested?
After much debate and deliberation, I have decided to sell the new project. I have not done a single thing to this vehicle since purchasing it in February. In fact, I have barely driven it. It has been started every few days and has never spent a night outside the garage. There are not too many unmolested RX-7's left out there. This is a 1993 Silver Stone Touring model with less than 15,000 miles on it. It pains me to part ways with it, but my priorities are presently elsewhere. In great shape for a 21+ year-old car, this RX-7 will make someone very happy. I am motivated to sell and asking $19,000. Please only contact me if you are a serious potential buyer. I am happy to assist in any way I can, but I do not have to sell this car, so if I cannot get a reasonable price, I will just hold on to it. Thank you. Send all inquiries/offers to JDMphasis@gmail.com. Thank you.
After much debate and deliberation, I have decided to sell the new project. I have not done a single thing to this vehicle since purchasing it in February. In fact, I have barely driven it. It has been started every few days and has never spent a night outside the garage. There are not too many unmolested RX-7's left out there. This is a 1993 Silver Stone Touring model with less than 15,000 miles on it. It pains me to part ways with it, but my priorities are presently elsewhere. In great shape for a 21+ year-old car, this RX-7 will make someone very happy. I am motivated to sell and asking $19,000. Please only contact me if you are a serious potential buyer. I am happy to assist in any way I can, but I do not have to sell this car, so if I cannot get a reasonable price, I will just hold on to it. Thank you. Send all inquiries/offers to JDMphasis@gmail.com. Thank you.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Amusing Photography...
My affinity for the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.
Some nice color on the pipes of this Z34 system…
Friday, September 26, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
So. Much. Awesome.
Some EXCLUSIVES from my friends at Bulletproof Automotive…
Volk Racing TE37 Ultra
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Just some Rocket Bunny love...
I'm not sure if I would ever take this route with a GT-R myself, but I know I would be quite impressed seeing one in person… What a presence!
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