ADV.1 Wheels Presents the TRAKfunction line

Trak Function is ADV.1 Wheel's traditional style step lip / non concave profile three piece wheel configuration designed to provide a lightweight, extremely high quality custom made forged 3 piece wheel at a competitive price point for the mid level sports car market. The wheels are assembled using ADV.1’s standard high quality US parts based on the vehicles size / offset and finished to order normally within a 2 week time frame. What this means to you is you now have an inexpensive yet high quality custom machined wheel from ADV.1. Although they do not share certain qualities found on other ADV.1 wheels, such as concave profiles and individually tailored engineering & lathe profiles, Trak Function wheels offer an alternative to the saturated market of entry level forged 3 piece wheels.

FEATURES
Designed for max lip / aggressive offset fitment
Standard flat forging profiles designed for deepest possible lip size
Forged 60/61-T6 US manufactured ADV.1 parts
ADV.1’s “entry level” 3 piece forged series available for most applications
Trak Function Configuration available on all ADV.1 styles & with all ADV.1 options
Available in sizes 18” through 22” with widths up to 15” or more
Order specific sizes and et’s, hubcentric cb’s, and custom finishing standard
some styles available with or without visible fasteners

STANDARD OPTIONS
Standard center disc finishes: gloss / matte black, silver, ADV.1 bronze, gunmetal, brushed
Standard lip finishes: high luster polish
Standard inner barrel finish: raw aluminum
Standard center cap: ADV.1 embossed cap

OPTIONS
Custom finishing in any finish / combination
Race Lightening packages & titanium fasteners

KEY POINTS
Prices start as low as $4k / set
Pre-stocked at all times in raw form for lead times as fast as 10 days in most cases
Now taking orders for March delivery

AVERAGE WEIGHT
18x11: 17-19 lbs
19x11: 19-21lbs
20x11: 19-22 lbs
Titanium fasteners available for an additional 2 lbs. savings

For more information, check out ADV.1 Wheels.com

P.S. One thing I do like about ADV.1 Wheels, is the photo shoots with the wheels already installed on the cars. They always provide great photography to showcase their wheels.

David Letterman makes fun of the Nissan Juke...

Grrrrrr..... But I let it go because the David Letterman Show is shot in New York.

New Grilles From Iced Out Emblemz

Las Vegas based company Iced Out Emz has some new grille designs available for the Audi A8, Audi S5, as well as the Range Rover Sport.

Audi A8

Audi S5

Range Rover Sport.

Very cute grilles, perfect for an additional customizing touch to the car and truck of your choice. For more info, check out Iced Out Emblemz at Iced Out Emz.com, Tiarra Luxury Grilles.com or email them at Tiarragrilles@gmail.com.

P.S. That Audi S5 is looking good... I might have to add that to my radar.

TV Time: Inside West Coast Customs

(Photos borrowed from West Coast Customs.com)

I love it when customization shops get their own TV shows. West Coast Customs isn't a stranger to television. A few short years ago, it was the shop of choice on the MTV show "Pimp My Ride", more on that later. Founded in 1995, by Ryan Friedlinghaus, West Coast Customs operates out of a state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot facility in Southern California, and it is one of the top car customization shops in the world. They surpassed being one of the top in the country when they opened shops in Mexico, Germany, Dubai, Malaysia, Russia and Japan.

With "Inside West Coast Customs", I hope it's more on the order of Unique Whips and less on the order of Pimp My Ride. Yeah, Pimp My Ride was more popular than Unique Whips and I liked the gist of Pimp My Ride. I'm all for a show that helps people that can't afford to fix their cars. But the show turned into how many electronic tchotchkes can you fit inside of a vehicle (Honest opinion). I'm not totally familiar with West Coast Customs projects (other than Paris Hilton's Pink Bentley Continental GT), but I'm positive they're better than that. Watching Pimp My Ride, I didn't see a car where I would say "I want a car just like that".

Aside from the shops and the TV show, West Coast Customs expanded their empire to T Shirts, Keychains, as well as cleaning products and more. I will be dropping by that shop when I go to LA.

Here's a clip from "Inside West Coast Customs"



To watch Inside West Coast Customs, it starts February 20th at 9:00 on the Discover Channel. For behind the scenes outtakes and previews of Inside West Coast Customs, visit - www.westcoastcustoms.com, on facebook or follow them on twitter.

There's a way to make your commercial memorable...

The folks at Subaru released their new commercial for the 2011 Forester.



Gotta give them credit for being creative.

Autoblog.com said it best about the Renault Captur

Renault Captur concept is French for "Nissan Juke" with diesel bonus. Autoblog.com forgot to add butterfly doors to the end of that statement.

It's a cute car, and I am in love with the Nissan Juke. However, if the Captur hits the states, it'll cost too much. For the price they're going to ask for it, you can get multiple Jukes.

Alas, it's a concept car, so it's a 50/50 chance of it hitting the production line.

For your viewing pleasure:

Bernie's Blog Suggestion: Jae Bueno's Blog

This photo is crazy!!!!!

I love great photography. And as I was on the web, looking at examples of automotive photography, I came across Jae Bueno's site, a great West Coast automotive lifestyle photographer. I crossed out automotive because even though his work is primarily automotive, when looking at his work, you get a feel of West Coast (more specifically Southern California) culture.

When you look at his photos, you can pick up the characteristics: Very sharp, popping colors (saturation), at times he uses a fisheye lens in not the most conventional way but it works.

Who knew Garfield was so gangsta?

And you can catch his work in....

It's safe to say that his work in every issue.

If you're looking for some inspiration for your car, product, photography, art, whatever check out Jae Bueno's blog. Again, I gave credit when it's due. Jae needs to have a gallery showing or a book. If he does have a book, he can call it "Dranking, Smoking, Straight West Coastin". Sorry, that was a line from a Dr Dre song. I'll leave...

P.S. You know when I go out to LA, I'm looking for a plaque that says "Bernie". Think I'm playing?

In Honor of Fashion Week in New York...

Mercedes Benz has a fashion force. They ride around New York, finding the trendiest people, and give them rides to their destination in a 2011 Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG. That car is cute.

In a way, I wish that they ride around and give citations to the fashion no-no's of New York. And there's a lot of them.

It doesn't cost money to be trendy, just some creativity.

Only in New York. *smiles*

Coverage from the Philly Auto Show/Dub Car Show: Philly

Took me a minute, but I stumbled across some great photos from the 2011 Philadelphia Auto Show/ Dub Car Show: Philadelphia. I usually don't post other people's photos because usually they're not technically or aesthetically pleasing (I'm trying to say that the photos are horrible or not editorial). Not to brag, but I am a published photographer. My photos have been viewed by millions of people- not just on the web, but in magazines that's sold in supermarkets, bookstores and newsstands all over the country. So yes, I'm picky and somewhat hard to please when it comes to photography. I didn't go to one of the world's famous art schools for nothing, but believe me when I say that I give credit when it's due. Case in point:

I stumbled across a forum called TriStateTuners.com. The tri-state area that they're referring to is the most popular one of them all (where Bernie's from)- Southern New York and the entire states of New Jersey, and Connecticut. I decided to show off some of their photos for them since they look great. Of course, the Philadelphia Auto Show showcases new cars, while the Dub Car Show showcases customized cars.

Tuner Car!!! You forgot that Philly isn't much different than New York and New Jersey.

My Baby!!! The Nissan Juke.

Side shot of him, I can't wait to see him in person.

Leave it to a Maserati to bring the guys over.

Not my favorite Mercedes, but I love the lighting, and as we all know: When it comes to photography, LIGHTING makes the photo.

Love the lighting again... and the steering wheel.

I picture Funkmaster Flex to have a pool table like this in his house. Either him or someone who is a serious muscle car enthusiast.

I like the lights!!!! Nissan has been putting out some funky looking vehicles lately.

Wow!!! Look at the detail on that Camaro.

They had a nice turnout. I may have to go next year. Maybe not, the Phillies did lose to the Yankees, and I don't feel like getting shanked. For more photos, check out TriStateForums' Facebook page

Another reason why I don't use everyone's photos because it's a violation of copyright if you edit another person's work without their permission as well as taking off their watermark. That's why I left these photos as is.

Nelly's Commercial for the new Ford Explorer

The new model Ford Explorer looks good!!! Well, not as good as Nelly, but that's a different story. I hope the Expedition will look like that as well, if it does, I'll have to keep it on my radar.

Upcoming Car Show: 2011 Extreme Autofest/Remix Car Show (San Diego, Cali)

If there's a shot where airlines prices are low and I can get a decent hotel rate, I might fly there...

New Wheel Designs for Cadillac CTS by Vossen Wheels

Actually this was sent to me by Vogue Tyre, but Vossen Wheels wanted to provide recommendations for a Cadillac CTS. If you're an owner of this car and in the market for some wheels... *hint hint*

Three out of five of them I like. The other two (VSS083 and VSSCV1) I'm not going to rule them out, I just need to see photos of them on the CTS before I rule it out. The VSS084 looks like a great racing wheel. And the best way to complement the CTS and the Vossen Wheels is a set a Vogue Tyre (and an extra as a spare).

KICKER KS Coaxial Speakers and 3-Way System Provide a Serious Upgrade and Quality Sound

STILLWATER, USA – Clear, crisp sound from car speakers doesn’t have to be a dream anymore because KICKER® is making it simple to
have some of the loudest and most remarkable coaxials ever hidden behind the door of a vehicle.

KS-Series Coaxial Speakers and 3-Way System are KICKER’s primary drop-in replacements, definitely giving mediocre factory sound a
serious upgrade.

“You won’t lose the subtleties and will keep dynamic, exciting sound,” KICKER founder and President Steve Irby said.

The exceptional KS-Series of speakers utilizes massive motor structures that provide ultimate power handling and high efficiency for louder,
clearer sound. KICKER’s exclusive Extended Voice Coil (EVC™) technology allows for high excursion and superior bass response, while the
tapered polymer cones with tough Santoprene® surrounds deliver smooth midrange frequencies for the most accurate musical reproduction.

The calibrated Kaladex-dome tweeters (half- or three-quarter-inch) with stout neodymium magnets and phase alignment reveal every detail,
adding to the live-performance realism provided by the KS-Series of mobile speakers.

With 10 flexible woofer sizes (they want to make sure they're covered for every type of factory and customized vehicle), the KS-Series ensures a perfect fit in any car, starting from the capable 3 ½-inch coaxials to the beefy 6x9s
boasting 1-inch tweeters. The 6x9-inch KS693 3-Way Speaker System mixes in additional 1-inch midrange drivers with three-quarter-inch
tweeters.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc. , are available for the mobile and home audio
aftermarket at authorized dealers worldwide, and also through selected Original Equipment Manufacturers. Consumers needing more
information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand Web site at
www.kicker.com or for more details about the KICKER KS Line, check out KICKER KS Series . Follow KICKER at facebook.com/kickeraudio and twitter.com/kickeraudio.

2010 OPTIMA Invitational to Premiere on SPEED Friday, March 11

OPTIMA® Batteries Announces National Air Dates for the

2010 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational TV Special

2010 OPTIMA Invitational to Premiere on SPEED™ Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m. ET

Every year in November, the hottest show vehicles in the world make their way to Las Vegas to be featured at the SEMA Show, the leading specialty automotive trade event. For the third year in a row, 50 of the most highly-modified, pristine and street-legal vehicles shown at SEMA were selected by a panel of industry experts to compete in the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI), presented by K&N Filters and MagnaFlow. This exclusive media event, held immediately following the close of the SEMA Show, takes place in Pahrump, Nevada and will once again be nationally televised, premiering on SPEED™ on Friday, March 11, at 8 p.m. ET. This one-hour action-packed broadcast brings viewers an insider look into an event that takes a variety of industry-leading vehicles, from both import and domestic manufacturers, and puts them to the test through a series of performance and design events, in order to crown the 2010 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car.

The 2010 OUSCI TV special will showcase some of the most high-profile and prestigious vehicles from the SEMA Show including the Raybestos ’32 Roadster Pick-up; the Ring Brothers’ '66 Mustang; Tom Ciancitto’s '37 Ford Pick-up; Kevin Kraack’s '09 Mercedes C63 AMG and Brian Finch’s '72 Camaro. Among many others is Mark Stielow’s ’69 Camaro, which was selected as the Sony Gran Turismo Awards® ‘best in show’ vehicle winner.

This year’s show includes dramatic race footage shot from dozens of in-car, on-track and aerial high-definition cameras along with exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the performance automotive industry. The show, hosted by automotive enthusiast and larger-than-life personality Bill Goldberg and regular SPEED contributor and automotive racing reporter, Jamie Howe, will give viewers the feeling that they are there on the track, living in the moment with the participants as they tweak, drive and will their cars to peak performance in pursuit of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car title.

“This event is all about giving people a look at what these cars can really do when they are pulled off the show floor and put on the track to compete,” said Cam Douglass director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. “Viewers of the 2010 OUSCI broadcast will get an exclusive look at the people, the parts and the passion that make up this performance automotive lifestyle and will hopefully inspire folks to chase their own dreams of creating their own ultimate street car.”


The 2010 OUSCI TV Show is scheduled to be seen on SPEED during the following times:

· Friday, March 11, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET

· Friday, March 11, 2011 at 11 p.m. ET

· Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11 a.m. ET

· Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET

· Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET

*Re-air dates and times are subject to change.



Please check http://www.optimainvitational.com/ and the OPTIMA Batteries Facebook page for more information on the OPTIMA Invitational event, additional air times, participants, official rules and more.


The list of 2010 OUSCI sponsors includes: (Presenting) MagnaFlow; K&N Filters; (Segment) RideTech; BFGoodrich; Baer Brakes; Detroit Speed & Engineering; Raybestos (Official) GoPro; Holley; Vintage Air; Red Line Oil; Centerforce Clutches; Pro-Touring.com; Lateral-G.net; Meguiar's; and Shelby.

Cute Commercial Provided by Volkswagen

Isn't it adorable???

At Last!!! Funkmaster Flex announced his 2011 Car and Bike Show Tour Dates

Took him a little longer than usual, but yesterday, car enthusiast, blogger, and New York DJ Funkmaster Flex announced his 2011 tour stops yesterday. I've noticed that each year that passes, the tour gets shorter and shorter. Well...


March 19th, 2011 – Daytona Beach, FL (Spring Break)

April 30th, 2011 – Foxwoods Casino – CT

July 16th, 2011 – Edison, NJ

Sept 17th, 2011 – New York, NY (Probably White Plains)

Oct 1st, 2011 – Providence, RI

I want to go to one of them, but I'm leaning towards White Plains or Providence. I'm anxious to see Providence's style of customizing cars. I'll make it to one of these shows, THIS YEAR, and I'm not making the mistake of calling Flex's people to hear about there's no such thing as a media pass... fool me once.

Upcoming Car Show: 2011 World Of Wheels, Indianapolis, IN

Autorama is still continuing their tour, and this time, they're stopping in Indianapolis. It will be held on February 21-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN. Sounds promising since most fairgrounds would be a great size, especially for a car show. For more info, click on the photo above.

New Out of the Blue Product from Wizards

Out Of The Blue, the latest product in WIZARDS® extensive line of detailing and finishing products, is a complete kit including a special polishing cloth to remove bluing and discoloration from your chrome or stainless exhaust. Its highly concentrated micro polish is designed to restore your pipes, shields or stacks to a “pre-bluing” condition by polishing off the blue discolored coating caused by overheating, oil residues or contaminants that have burned onto the pipe, improper tuning, or a combination of several causes. With the Out Of The Blue™ kit you won’t have to worry about scuffing or scratching either. Get Out Of The Blue™ and get back to the shine with WIZARDS®!

WIZARDS® products include the highly regarded Mist-N-Shine™ Professional Detailer, Shine Master™ Polish and Breathable Sealant, Bike Wash™ foaming motorcycle wash, Crystal Clear™ Plastic Cleaner & Polish, Bug Release™ All Surface Bug Remover, Power Clean™ All Purpose Cleaner, Supreme Seal™ Paint Sealant, Metal Polishes, Metal Sealer, Mini and Metal Buff Kits and Multi-Fiber™ Cloths.

For more info on this product or their other products, check out www.WizardsProducts.com.