My Book World Edition II
Now that disk space goes for a song, it's easy to find plenty of room for your collection of adorable kitten photos or Norwegian slasher films. Backing these precious memories up, though-that's a little more difficult. Enter an external hard drive that kills both birds with one stone, providing continuous and mirrored digital archival, readily safeguarding against data corruption and serving as a warehouse for treasured files. Even cooler, content can also be accessed online, ensuring you'll never have to leave precious info behind.
www.wdc.com / $399.99 (2TB); $699.99 (4TB)

Enkei Racing PF01
The Enkei PF01 is one of two new Racing Series wheels added to Enkei's 2010 wheel lineup. Utilizing Enkei's MAT flow-forming technology, the PF01 is designed as an ultra light-weight wheel that uses a unique roulette-pattern process, grooved on inside flange of the rim to reduce the slippage ratio between tire and rim, achieving the highest performance during extreme acceleration and deceleration. Check it out at SEMA booth #46045.
www.enkei.com

You can watch live coverage of our backback camera as we walk around SEMA 2009. Join us back here at 2:30 PST Tuesday for live coverage.

* Owner: Mitsubishi Motors
* Dynamometer Model: Dynojet Dynamometer

My Touch 3G
First came the G1. Now we get the next smartphone to utilize Google's open-source Android platform. Beyond hundreds of downloadable apps, adding a range of functionality from social networking to restaurant recommendations, bonuses include a sharp 3.2-inch touchscreen display and 3.2mp camera. Speedy Internet surfing is also a given, as is WiFi capability and video playback/recording, with support for enjoying music and photos integrated, too. Slightly above-average feature readout aside, extensive third-party support really makes it worth keeping on speed dial.
www.t-mobile.com / $199.99

When it comes to increasing performance, two steps forward often come at the cost of one step back. Decreasing body roll and lowering ride height can come at the cost of a harsh ride and poor streetability; increasing power can decrease fuel economy or driveline longevity, raise engine temps, impact emissions and a whole host of other baddies; even outfitting your ride with higher-friction brake pads likely means you'll be replacing them more often. But can increasing traction through the addition of a limited slip differential (LSD)-a modification long-embraced by tuners for having little to no apparent drawbacks-actually decrease power output and make you slower?

Track Suit
Recently, there's been a trend at shows that's ever-growing: the track look. Cars with roll cages, bucket seats and harnesses, over fenders accommodating wide wheels wrapped with wider tires, big brake kits with umpteen number of pistons, bumpers equipped with canards and diffusers, and engines built to the hilt. To the common passerby, they look like fully-prepped race cars-something out of a Super Lap Battle paddock. But odds are, the only track the car's ever seen is the one that leads to its trailer. How do you know? When's the last time you've seen a race car-let alone a street-driven one-with a front bumper without so much as a scratch? And no, Gran Turismo and Forza doesn't count

The love for Japanese muscle is evident across the globe. Yet again Import Tuner is snagging some of the best shots across the world and printing them right here. Wondering why you never got that reply to your Longshots submission? Because these guys are in your way. Congratulations Dave, Brenton, Daniele, and Andrew! Point, snap, click, and send your photos to longshots@importtuner.com

"Hello?" I ask, picking up my office line.

Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT In-Dash Navigation System
Pioneer Electronics unveils the AVIC-Z110BT, its flagship in-dash navigation system that allows consumers to simultaneously access mapping and route guidance information, enjoy both audio and video entertainment, control an Apple iPod/iPhone and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with natural voice commands and receive updated traffic, weather and local event information via an optional MSN Direct tuner. The AVIC-Z110BT navigation system provides instant location access, thanks to its fast processor and four gb of on-board flash memory, a motorized seven-inch touch panel display, CD/DVD Video playback, built-in Bluetooth and a customizable touch-screen interface for quick access to frequently used features.
www.pioneerelectronics.com

Hi Performance Silicone
Hi Performance Store unveils the next generation of high-temperature and pressure silicone hoses and couplers to suit your power needs. Available in a large variety of sizes and colors, Hi Performance Store also provides an extensive selection of vehicle-specific kits to help take your car to the next level.
www.hiperformancestore.com

When I hear the word "cube", thoughts of the geeky sort come to mind. Example: cube, as in dice, as in Dungeons and Dragons. Or cube as in Professor Erno Rubik, as in Rubik's Cube. A geometrical object, as far as shapes go, cubes weren't ever in vogue. Diamonds, stars and octagons have always stolen the show, while cubes, quite frankly, have always been square. And ever since the square peg first met the round hole, cubes have never been the same.

It's interesting how different mythologies seem to share a lot in common. From creation stories, to hybrid human/animal deities with multiple appendages, to gods from outer space, our favorite might be tales of a "wise old man". Traditionally perched under a tree or atop a mountain, and blessed with limitless patience and the skill to offer advice in adage, one could only find this peaceful master after years of searching and exhausting all alternatives. Pay attention to that last part. Because, as Eric Hsu might just be the tuning world's "wise man" with all the answers, his patience has quick limits, he only gives advice in unfiltered plain speak, and if you're foolish enough to call him "old" . . . you might find yourself battling an eight-armed Bruce Lee

Owner: Mitsubishi Motors

Dynamometer Model: Dynojet Dynamometer

2009 Mitsubushi Eclipse GTinline_mediumwraptextright26611126/tech/powerpages/impp_0911_2009_mitsubishi_eclipse_gtimpp_0911_01_z+2009_mitsubushi_eclipse_gt+rear_view.jpgTrue

You put the car into gear, bring the gas up slightly and slowly creep into deep stage. The clutch goes in, the revs build, and the only noises invading your ears are the sweet sounds of turbo spool and sonic exhaust blasts. The guy in the rocket-powered minivan in the next lane (hey, it could happen) is sporting a pair of dead-serious eyes and looks ready to run. You'd be concerned about the turbo kit you just finished piecing together, except there's no time to think. The lights drop, you pop clutch and floor it. Nothing happens. No launch, no minivan destruction and no speed. The engine just bounces off the rev limiter and you've got smoke. Not tire smoke-clutch smoke.inline_mediumwraptextright26607700/tech/powerpages/impp_0911_2005_mitsubishi_lancer_evolutionimpp_0911_01_z+lancer_clutch_tech+twin_disc_clutch.jpgTrue

Mitsubishi Owners Day
Back for the fifth year, Mitsubishi Motors recently invited any and every Mitsubishi enthusiasts to their Cypress, CA headquarters to take part in their annual M.O.D. auto fest. Dozens of Mitsu cars of every model and generation could be found, from DSM Starions, Eclipses and 3000GTs, to nearly every generation of EVO and just about everything in between-our personal favorites include JLB Motorsports' EVO IX, DC Sports' twin EVO Xs, High Intenzity's JGTC-inspired 3000GT that gets sicker with every show, and Jim Russel's Formula car. And let's not forget the vendors; KW Suspension, K&N, HKS, DC Sports, Mackin Industries, 5Zigen, Cosworth and AEM were just some of those in attendance, offering sponsorships, discounts, advice, demos, even some free schwag to lucky raffle winners. Our boys at AMS trekked down from Chicago to show off their '09 race machines, and set a new world record on Road Race Engineering's mobile Dynapack dynos, with 1,180 AWHP @ 47 pounds of boost with their EVO IX dragger, which tore out a chunk of pavement in the process-with its exhaust gasses alone! Visit importtuner.com for complete coverage. www.mitsubishicars.cominline_mediumwraptextright26611840/events/impp_0911_mitsubishi_owners_dayimpp_0911_01_z+four_one_one+mod.jpgTrue

We've all heard the arguments. Fans of drag racing will shout that theirs was here first-that it's the quintessential form of racing: a no-bullshit, mano-a-mano power contest with the clock as the judge. Those of drifting, that drag racing is narrow-minded and boring; drifting is more creative, interesting, and has more character. We're not taking sides. It's all one big shit storm that we'd rather not get caught in, and after a close look at these two S15 Silvias, a baseless one. Love or hate what either car was built for, the quality, craftsmanship and capabilities of each are worth a kidney from any one of us. One car churns out 1,400 hp at 11K rpm, and blasts 7.2-second quarter-mile passes. The other has bested the likes of Yamanaka, Takatori, and Verdier in competition, and has prompted drivers of big-budget, V-8-powered drift machines to re-think the potency of the modified four-cylinder street car that just took them out.inline_mediumwraptextright"Drifting is just a fad."26881837/features/impp_0912_1999_nissan_silvia_s15impp_0912_02_o+1999_nissan_s15+side_shot.jpgTrue

Individuality is very important for those who wish to stand apart from the crowd. It's something that's all but required of public figures, doubly so for any who achieve such status by driving race cars that need to appear as loud, confident and intimidating as their drivers. It's by this quality that Manabu "Max" Orido has become one of the most recognizable Japanese racing drivers of modern times. Despite his respectable repertoire of driving everything from Super GT and Super Taikyu, to NASCAR and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Orido owes this fame to his passion for drifting, and cars like his wildly modified D1GP Toyota Soarer and Aristo you've seen in Hot Version and Best Motoring videos and magazines like this one for years. And for those of you who think Max's stand-out persona and lust for boosted Toyota JZ muscle is just an act, we take you into his personal life this month, to peek at this Ridox JZX161 Toyota Aristo-his daily driver.inline_mediumwraptextright25731434/features/impp_0912_1999_lexus_aristoimpp_0912_01_z+1999_lexus_aristo+side_view.jpgTrue

After three years of complete and utter domination, Subaru's reign at the X Games Rally podium has come to an end. A moment of silence, please. Three upstarts from the Ford camp, via the Fiesta, took the top and bottom podium spots, with former 1999 Indy 500 champ Kenny Brack taking Gold and Formula D Diaries contributor Tanner Foust walking away with Bronze. Travis Pastrana took home Silver after he wedged his Subaru between two walls, giving the win to Brack.inline_mediumwraptextright25428614/events/impp_0912_x_games_15_los_angeles_caimpp_0912_14_z+x_games_15_los_angeles_ca+winner_shot.jpgTrue

Of the three ships Christopher Columbus used to set sail to the "New World", the Niña was said to be his favorite. The Pinta was faster but smaller, and the slower Santa Maria ran aground and was lost. The spunky little Niña not only made the entire First Voyage but two subsequent trips as well, and Columbus loved the Niña so damn much, he logged 25,000-plus pre-Industrial Revolution miles on the woody chassis and purchased a half share in her. Too bad he never got a chance to meet this Niña.inline_mediumwraptextright25706600/models/impp_0912_nina_mascunana_import_tuner_modelimpp_0912_01_z+nina_mascunana+front_shot.jpgTrue

VIBE LiteAir Amplifier
A new lineup of British-engineered amplifiers by VIBE is the perfect solution for anyone who demands excellent sound quality from a limited amount of space. The LiteAir amps are exceptionally small, with the Stereo 2 amp measuring 7.5 x 5.5 inches and weighing in at 2.4 lbs. Each LiteAir amplifier uses VIBES's GH technology, allowing them to deliver large amounts of power typically found in a Class D amplifier, but with the clarity and sound quality more comparable to higher-ranked Class AB amps on the market today.
www.vibecaraudio.cominline_mediumwraptextright26831773/reviews/parts/impp_0912_arc_audio_amplifierimpp_0912_01_z+arc_audio_amplifier+amp_front_view.jpgTrue

My Book World Edition II
Now that disk space goes for a song, it's easy to find plenty of room for your collection of adorable kitten photos or Norwegian slasher films. Backing these precious memories up, though-that's a little more difficult. Enter an external hard drive that kills both birds with one stone, providing continuous and mirrored digital archival, readily safeguarding against data corruption and serving as a warehouse for treasured files. Even cooler, content can also be accessed online, ensuring you'll never have to leave precious info behind.
www.wdc.com / $399.99 (2TB); $699.99 (4TB)inline_mediumwraptextright31054593/features/impp_0912_forza_motor_sport_3_widgetimpp_0912_01_z+forza_motor_sport_3+my_book_front_view.jpgTrue

In its current state, the Civic earned Second Place its debut night at HIN Seattle '08, won the title of Best EK at the Nisei Showoff two weeks later, and was voted Third Place Civic at the ultra-elite WekFest earlier this year. Yee plans to compete the Civic at West Coast shows alongside his EK Squad brothers for the rest of the year and continue improvements in the downtime. "The engine is due for a rebuild," he explains, "so I've been toying around the idea of building a K24 block for it . . . possibly for forced induction. That, or I might actually go B-series or something even crazier. The Honda market is still changing, and the options for EKs are endless." No matter the direction he takes his car's next incarnation, it will all be a part of-in his words-"showing the world that Hmongs don't drive riced-out Civics, like in Gran Torino!"inline_mediumwraptextright30824346/features/impp_0912_1998_honda_civic_dximpp_0912_01_z+1998_honda_civic_dx+front_view.jpgTrue

The silence was deafening. It was around midnight, after three hours of conversation, when Bernard Nicolas hit his only snag in discussing the Hachi Roku laid out before you. He'd managed to describe seemingly every detail of his past project cars (which include a '94 JZA80 Supra, '93 FD3S RX-7 and '94 SW20 MR2, among others), personal history, the technical aspects of this particular Hachi's build-every question I threw at him was not only answered, but descried in detail, illustrated and elaborated. There was literally nothing about this car the guy hadn't considered at least a hundred times over during its three-year build, or about the seven others he's owned before it. Until now.inline_mediumwraptextright25374455/features/impp_0911_1986_toyota_corolla_gt_simpp_0911_05_z+1986_toyota_corolla_gts+front_view.jpgTrue

Race Car Vs. Economy Car
The proverbial question, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" has been highly debated upon, and nearly beaten to death by philosophers and scientists alike for hundreds of years. But in all fairness, who really gives a shit? Personally, I don't care if it's the zygote cell or DNA mutation that makes its presence first . . . neither of the two will help solve my problem of cash bleeding from my wallet.inline_mediumwraptextright30843774/features/impp_0911_2009_honda_fitimpp_0911_01_z+honda_fit+below_the_lift.jpgTrue