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Sports car or show car? This question plagues the minds of many car builders and customizers in their quest to create something unique, something that sets them apart from the rest. The Impreza WRX is a great platform for creating a great handling, all-wheel drive sports car and the perfect canvas to create a visual masterpiece. Amidst the sea of impressive show quality vehicles and extreme sports cars at SEMA 2012 sat a little Subaru that made a big impression.
Rob Barkley's 2008 Subaru WRX
Owned by Rob Barkley, his 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX was surely a sight to behold. From its custom Extreme Dimensions C-Speed front bumper to its impressive sound system, this Subie had all of the right trimmings. To give it the best of both worlds, performance and style, Rob rebuilt the motor using JE forged pistons and borrowed parts from the WRX’s big brother, the STI, including rods, cams and the engine block. Everything from the engine to the exhaust has been modified to make it a street worthy adversary and as Rob put it, “It's a blast to just cruise and it's fine to down shift and show those V8's what this 4 cylinder is made of.”
This WRX has a great combination of styling and performance
Beginning his quest of customizing cars when he was only 15 years old, Rob’s passion for automobiles has carried over from focusing primarily on audio systems to customizing every part of the vehicle. When asked what modifications Rob gets the most amount of attention for, he replied “The turbo Kit built by Vivid Racing in Gilbert Arizona. GT3071 Turbo with Agency-Power Front mount intercooler, Agency-Power Fuel Rails, injectors, custom down-pipe with a TIAL 41mm Wastegate and dump pipe.” With a laundry list of modifications done to his Subaru, this restaurant manager’s attention to detail has made this WRX one to remember. His future in the automotive industry is bright, and with a daughter on the way, we here at K&N wish Rob nothing but the best for him and his family.
With a 1964 Lincoln Continental and a Nissan GT-R (R35) on his mind, we can only sit and wait to see what awesome creations he has in store for the automotive world.
“Thank you K&N for taking the time to learn about me and my SEMA Subaru. Also thank you for the great product you continue to improve year after year,” said Rob in his closing statements. If his cars are any indication of his restaurant, than we will be stopping by soon for lunch.
2012 SEMA holds many vehicles like this 2008 Subaru WRX
Tracing its roots back to 1886, with the invention of what is widely regarded as the first vehicle, Mercedes-Benz brought about a new era in human transportation and excitement. No longer would people have to customize their horses one at a time, instead all of their horses and carriages would be combined into a single package to be later recognized as one of the premier luxury brands in the world. Eric Lopez, along with Aero Function, took one of the best built luxury sports cars on the road and brought out its full potential. Starting with a 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500, they added a slew of products that turned it into a mean looking street machine worthy of keeping paces with even the newest SL's off the production line.
2012 SEMA featured Wide Body SL500
Eric described Aero Function as "a leading manufacturer of premium aerodynamic & carbon fiber components for high-end luxury vehicles around the world," this SL was decked out using Aero Function's signature 12 piece wide body kit finished in DTM silver from BASF's paint division. With Vorsteiner forged wheels, R1 Concepts slotted rotors and a custom exhaust system, additional engine performance was as easy as a K&N air filter. "K&N offers a reliable product that we do not have to question down the line, it is our choice of filter because the performance factor never disappoints," said Eric. Taking body styling hints from its current sibling, the SL65 AMG Black Series, this subtle yet wicked SL500 was the envy of most SEMA attendees and was surely the inspiration for others to customize their Mercedes-Benz SL series sports car.
This 2012 SEMA feature vehicle will also be featured in Performance Auto and Sound Magazine and the "goal is to be at every major event in CA and try to take part in more local events to help strengthen the community we all have grown to love," Eric said. With the mind set of continuing "to set new standards for the [automotive] industry... [and] pride ourselves on our customer service," Eric and Extreme Dimensions are great examples of what the automotive industry is all about and the devotion that can be found within every member.
Eric's final comment: "K&N sponsored us with the air and oil filter for our project. [W]e chose K&N based off the reputation and our existing relationship." We hope to continue a strong and long lasting relationship with this exquisite company and their great creations.
2005 Mercedes Benz SL500 from SEMA
Aero Function Company's SEMA Featured 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500
2012 SEMA Included this Mercedes Benz SL500
Mercedes SL500 with a wide body kit on display at SEMA
SEMA featured wide body custom redefines Mercedes SL500
Cadillac CTS-V with D3 Stage 4 Tunner Power Kit Featured at the 2012 SEMA Show
The 2012 SEMA show featured plenty of factory and independent performance tuners. But no matter how hard one looks, it is hard to find many tuners who are recognized by Cadillac. Only one such company exists, and that is D3 Group.
D3 Group's Matthew Harber Said They Utilize a K&N Air Filter on Every D3 Intake
Celebrating 10 years as a member at the SEMA show, D3 Group became a centerpiece for attention with its sleek and sexy 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. The car was clearly well thought out prior to the show.
"It takes creativity in design, fabrication, installation and many hours of hard work," D3 Group's Matthew Harber said.
SEMA Showcased CTS-V with K&N Air Filter
D3 Group has a combined 30 years of experience with project vehicles that aided in the creation of the CTS-V that caught so many people's attention at SEMA. The goal of the team of designers at D3 is to build on what the manufacturer's started.
"Our specialty is taking off where the manufacturer left off. Keeping the manufacturers design in mind, we enhance lines, color, stance and more to make a vehicle stand out in the crowd."
Cadillac CTS-V Featured at the SEMA Show
And boy did the CTS-V ever stand out. The Matte Green wrap drew fans and industry executives in, but the impressive collection of D3 parts is what kept them huddled, starting in amazement at the meticulous work put into each piece.
The D3 Stage 4 Tuner Power Kit was of particular popularity. The kit includes a D3 Air Intake system, NGK TR6 Spark Plugs, MSD Insulated Spark Plug Wires, a D3 Ultracooler with a 20 gallon-per-minute Intercooler Pump, Kooks Stainless Steel Headers and X-Pipe, Corsa Axle Back Exhaust and of course, D3 Performance Tuning.
Matte Green Cadillac CTS-V Coupe at the SEMA Show
On top of all of the tuning upgrades, D3 Group installed another half-dozen custom suspension upgrades as well.
D3 Group utilizes the K&N RC-5148 Air Filter on every D3 Intake.
"We use K&N because it's the best air filter on the market," Harber said. "(D3) started using K&N in 2005 because it is a superior product and has the ability to be used for the life of the vehicle without failing."
SEMA Featured CTS-V Coupe with Impressive D3 Upgrades
Harber said D3 Group is not resting on it success from SEMA. They plan on launching a new ATS program this year as well as trying to continue building on the D3 brand. With the success of the 2012 CTS-V Coupe, it is hard to believe D3 won't achieve their goals.
SEMA 4x4 Jeep Wranger Sahara with Air Induction Hood
When Ricardo Aguilar began pondering his build for SEMA 2012, he clearly had a vision. The Santa Ana, California native was confident a tough and rugged mini-Hum-Vee look would wow the crowds. That in mind, he chose a 2007, four-door, 4X4 Jeep Wrangler Sahara as his project vehicle.
Hum-Vee Style Four-Door Jeep Wrangler Project Vehicle at 2012 SEMA Show
Aware that time was limited, he was prepared to embark upon a project that demanded tons of work, cooperation of many, money and a heaping helping of creativity. Granted, the build would not prove a walk in the park, but he was on a mission and would have the vehicle ready to roll when the much anticipated SEMA event rolled around.
At the build's end, there would be modifications aplenty, a portion of which would prove a difficult task. The car owner was installed a Superlift Suspension. With that task behind him, he then attached a Magnuson Supercharger. Refusing to go any direction other than forward, Aguilar included dual moon-roofs and went with a Roto Wire interior.
With the most difficult aspects of the build behind him, the car owner focused on several other steps that would inevitably improve the Jeep's aesthetics and bump up her performance.
SEMA Displayed Jeep Wranger 4x4 with V-Rock 20X9 Off-Road Wheels and Nitto Mud-grapplers
For the project vehicle to perform to his specifications, he knew some mechanical issues had to be addressed. After making several modifications under the hood, he was confident the engine would run at it's best if steps were taken to eliminate any unwanted restriction. That in mind, he installed a Gibson Dual Exhaust system.
Topline Products Shows Off Black Jeep Wranger 4x4 at SEMA Show
Confident he had deterred any possibilities that the exhaust wouldn't flow freely, Aguilar then set his sights on ensuring an ample air flow would reach the engine. The cure was plain and simple. In fact, a hood with induction would actually serve two-fold. Not only would it increase the air flow, but the modification would lend to a cooler running engine.
While proper air flow was being considered, there was another decision to be made, which was a no-brainer. A K&N air filter would prove essential in trapping any foreign debris that might contaminate the internal components of the engine, while still allowing an optimal air flow to reach the intake.
The SEMA Show Showcased Sahara Jeep Wrangler with K&N Air Filter
Paul Escobar, who played an essential role in the build and is employed by Topline Products, said in reference to K&N products, "I personally have a K&N filter on my dodge Ram. I have used K&N products since 1996, when I had my Camaro Z28. K&N products lend to more horsepower, and a better sounding engine."
With the drive train completed, there were still a few modifications that would achieve Aguilar's conviction to build the ultimate four wheel drive. Attaching front and rear bumpers, he then focused on lighting.
Jeep Wranger Sahara 4x4 at SEMA Event
The owner bolted a fifty-inch Wurton Light Bar to the rig first. He then added Windshield lights and pod lights to the mix. Ricardo Aguilar then opted to install headlights, produced by JW Speaker.
After accentuating the body with a Wild Bore Hatchback, it was time to choose a modification that would prove essential in the vehicle's overall look and abilities. Turning to Topline Products as a sponsor, it was time to pick tires and wheels. With the assistance of Topline, Aguilar went with V-Rock 20X9 off-road wheels wrapped with Nitto Mud-grapplers tires.
Although SEMA 2012 is now behind them, that is no indication that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that they showed will sit idle. In fact during their eight year tenure of SEMA events, Topline and the vehicles they have sponsored have seen their fair share of notoriety. They earned SEMA Global awards for five consecutive years for Verde Custom, Black Ice Alloys and Envy Style Wheels. They also won "Best New Wheel" at SEMA 2011. That in mind, although the SEMA 2012 build has not earned any awards yet, they are confident good things lurk farther down the road.
The K&N 38-2013S is a heavy duty air filter for commercial grade applications. The 38-2013S is a standard flow filter, meaning the air flows from the outside of the filter into the center, filtering the air before it gets into you engine. The 38-2013S is a heavy-duty replacement filter that fits into your air cleaner housing sealing with a radial seal. The radial seal presses against a flange at the bottom of your air box to create a seal.
K&N's 38-2013S air filter is used on a variety of trucks. This includes some Chevrolet T7500 and T8500 trucks, some
GMC T5500, T6500, T7500 and T8500 trucks and some
Isuzu FXR, FSR, FTR and FVR model trucks. Several Kenworth and Sterling trucks also use this heavy duty air filter in addition to a variety of John Deere equipment. The best way to find the correct heavy duty air filter for your vehicle is to use K&N's Air Filter Cross Reference. Just select your existing air filter manufacturer and part to determine the correct K&N heavy duty air filter.
The K&N 38-2013S is made with K&N's lofted synthetic media which is encased with K&N's traditional epoxy coated aluminum wire mesh. For extra protection the media and aluminum are enclosed in a powder coated steel structure. The end cap of this filter is powder coated steel with a handle for easy installation and removal.
The heavy duty 38-2013S air filter is a washable, reusable air filter. Instead of spending a small fortune on paper, throw away filters, you can buy a high-flow K&N heavy duty air filter which will last much longer. K&N heavy duty air filters come with a 300,000 mile 3 year limited warranty. When they become dirty you simply clean them, let them dry and install them again. A degreaser like K&N's Heavy Duty Cleaner can be purchased to help break down the dirt before spraying the filter clean. These filters are non-oiled so once they have been cleaned and dried they are ready to re-install with no mess.
