By the time we wrap the first half of the photoshoot at our studio near LAX, it's 3 p.m. There are two hours of sunlight, at best, and sixty miles of SoCal traffic to brave to get to the second location. Great.
I hop, or rather crawl, on the most feared of LA freeways, the 405, and it's a sea of red taillights. Double great. On the bright side, sitting shotgun in the '10 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT (read micro review on p. 44) is the lovely Leanna Kai. One could do much worse for a carpool buddy.
We start chatting when a call comes through. I pick it up and instinctively mute the radio. It's Elliott "Mr. SLB" Moran in his EVO X behind me, asking for directions in case we get separated. While I'm giving him the route-legally, on my handsfree, of course-music is still piping through the Harmon Kardon speakers. I thumb the volume control button on the steering wheel down some more and it does absolutely nothing. The female voice is still singing, a cappella. Puzzled, I reach for the main volume knob on the center console when I discover the sweet melodious source; it's Leanna. And wow, what a voice.
"So . . . you like to sing?" I ask. Move over, Captain Obvious.
"I do. I've been singing for as long as I can remember. Music is my life!" Leanna replies.
Smolderingly hot and vocally talented, she's almost too good to be true.
"Now only if you were into cars, you'd be every readers' wet dream," I joke.
"I am! Not the whole bed-wetting thing, but I'm into cars."
"Yeah right."
"No seriously, I have a Honda that used to be all fixed-up. Loud exhaust, suspension and everything."
Gentlemen, meet the perfect woman.
For as many models as I've interviewed, you're the first to own a fixed-up Honda. Let's moisten some fanboys' pants: what do you own and what have you modified?
I have an '05 Honda Civic. Now, I just have a system in the back, but I used to have wheels, coilovers, an exhaust . . .
How did you get into Hondas?
Because they look sporty! [laughs]
Let's say 2NR had a budget-a complete hypothetical-and we could kick down $10k to build your car, what would you want to do to your Civic?
First, I would swap for a K24 with a VTEC head, supercharge it, and go with a new engine management system. I'd upgrade the suspension, forged rims, and go with a big brake kit . . . do they come in pink? [laughs]
Except for the pink, not a bad plan . . . what's the one modification no man should ever have on his car?
Spinning rims. They look gay.
Agreed! [laughter] Was the Civic your first car?
My first car was actually a '68 Beetle-I wish I still had it! It was the cutest car ever. It totally fit me and my personality, but I needed to trade it in for a more reliable car that could go up hills.
What's your dream car?
I wouldn't mind an '09 Nissan GT-R. In black and pink!
Just like my interracial videos. Can you drive a stick?
Of course I can! Real women can drive a stick, baby! It's the only way to drive and be in complete control.
How about our cover cars-which do you prefer, the EVO or STI?
I'm kinda scared to answer this one because now I know both of this month's owners.
Screw 'em. They already got their cover! [laughter] Besides, I won't tell anyone.
Hmm . . . In that case, I'd have to say EVO, just because I'm not a fan of hatchbacks.
I think you just made Elliott blush. [laughter] Does a car make the man or does the man make the car?
A man definitely makes the car. If his personality is crap then he better have a nice car. But if a guy is really sweet, has a killer personality and drives a beat up car, it's all gravy!