Category: Car Shows

November 1, 2012

Meet Michael Satterfield and His Camo Cooper

One of the things I love about the car world is that there are a lot of genuine people in it…at least that’s been my experience! Well today at SEMA I got to meet another person who fits this description: Michael Satterfield, founder and designer of Morgan’s and Phillip’s Speed Apparel. Michael grew up in and around cars, and bought his first car two years before he could even drive. His roots in the motorsport world run deep, as his father Dean has been designing automotive components for many years. Michael grew up with this strong influence, and has owned over 60 cars since he made that first purchase at age 14.

But for all the cars he’s owned, the one he’s held onto the longest is a classic Mini Cooper. He explained that after five years of ownership this is the only car he hasn’t gotten bored of! Maybe that has something to do with how he’s tricked this one out. The exterior is wrapped in old school camo, accented with a white roof that opens to let in the California sun. The interior is totally stylized as well, with plush seats from TMI, custom steering wheel, and sound system and back up camera from Valor Multimedia. Yeah that’s right, a back up camera in a Mini…why not?

But Michael’s design skills extend beyond the automotive world. In 2007 he branched out into the clothing industry by founding M&P Speed Apparel. Michael started this company because he felt there was a lack of authentic automotive inspired clothing. Their t-shirt designs are not only cool, but each one has a historical connection. If you want to know the story behind the graphic just read the item description while you shop in their online store. Another way they are keeping automotive history alive is by creating official Shelby inspired clothing through their alliance with Carroll Shelby Licensing. The design work and finishing of the entire collection is done locally in the family barn, which was converted to a showroom and workspace. Hence the tagline “Born in a Barn!”
As if he isn’t busy enough designing clothing and working on custom rides, Michael makes sure there is time in his schedule to give back to the community. M&P Speed Apparel is working with Drive Away Cancer to help raise funds for this worthy cause. While staying involved in local causes, the extent of his community service reaches overseas with involvement in projects to enable and empower those struggling in India and Nicaragua.
So if you want to add some cool new gear to your collection I recommend you support M&P Speed Apparel. Not only do they produce quality clothing that keeps automotive history alive, but it is a company with a cause – something the world definitely needs more of.

October 31, 2012

Camaro in Costume…Rough, Rugged and Ready to Go!

When most think of a Camaro they think of a sleek racing machine. Although they may be well built, the words durable and rugged would probably not be the first to roll off the tongue when describing this Chevy. But this Halloween at SEMA LINE-X and West Coast Customs unveiled a customized 2013 Camaro 1SS Coupe dressed up inside and out in LINE-X Body Armour. This Camaro is ready for anything, and still looks great.

Many truck enthusiasts know LINE-X for their spray on bed liners, but their product line includes protective coatings for a variety of applications. In fact, West Coast customs finishes off many of their projects with LINE-X coatings. We got the chance to walk through this project with WCC’s Shop Manager Kenny Pfitzer. He explained that they choose to use a Camaro for this project to show an “outside the box” application of LINE-X, spraying this textured, durable finish on every surface imaginable. Not only is the entire exterior finished in the Body Armour coating, but the interior door panels, dash components, sound system and even the rims feature this textured finish.

After the unveiling many onlookers honed in on the door components and other aspects of the car where a thick paint coating would be problematic. But Kenny explained that this textured coating sprays on in a thin layer and still offers the durability expected from LINE-X. Preparing this car for paint was similar to other projects, no modification to the body was required to apply the Body Armour.

When asked what the most difficult aspect of the project, Kenny answered with certainty “the graphics.” Although the texture added difficulty to the masking, they razor cut each line to produce the perfect job we’ve come to expect from West Coast Customs. They used the high gloss sheen of the base coat in contrast with the textured topcoat to add even more detail inside and out.

But the customization did not stop with the addition of Body Armour. The team at West Coast customs chose a performance hood and spoiler by SLP Performance parts, while they gave the car a low profile look using rocker panels by Street Scene Equipment. Asanti wheels and Continental Tires get this car where you want it to go, while a custom LED lighting package from ORACLE Lighting lights the way. More customization is under the hood with SLP High Performance Headers and custom dual high flow exhaust package.

This Halloween LINE-X and West Coast Customs treated SEMA with this one-of-a-kind Camaro, showing everyone that the possibilities for LINE-X Body Armour really are endless. How would you use it to dress up your ride?

October 31, 2012

Chip Foose Strikes Again

Chip Foose must be the hardest working man in motorsports. If he’s not Overhaulin’ some unsuspecting car owner’s hooptie, he is working on a custom ride for your favorite celebrity, or teaming up with one of his market partners on a new project. This year at SEMA he introduced his latest project, a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that pays tribute to WD-40’s original delivery trucks back when the company was known as “Rocket Chemical Co.” Chip Foose and WD-40 teamed up with Source Interlink Media on the project, along with build partners L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

The ‘53 Ford project truck was built along with a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty for this campaign. Both trucks are designed with those who work hard in mind, while showcasing WD-40’s rich history. Each truck will be auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale Arizona, all proceeds will benefit two SEMA Cares charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction.

A lot of thought was put into the design, down to the WD-40 shield shape in the cutouts of the custom wheels. When talking about the project Chip joked, “My wife’s probably going to kill me, but I might bid on this one!” No matter who is the highest bidder for these trucks, the real winners will be the charities supported by this effort. Forever humble and hard-working, Chip Foose lead the team on another great project for a good cause.

October 30, 2012

Chevy Unveils Big Toys for Big Kids

If you were a kid in the 70’s or 80’s and you loved cars, chances are you had a killer Hot Wheels collection. Well now those kids are all grown up…and chances are they still have a sentimental affection for Hot Wheels. This year on the opening day of SEMA Chevrolet unveiled a special car that will give all those big kids out there something to get excited about: a production Hot Wheels Camaro. This car will only be sold in the first quarter of 2013, complete with Kinetic Blue metallic paint and custom red-lined wheels.

The production model 2013 Camaro was unveiled next to a reproduction first generation Camaro, both sitting on life-sized orange Hot Wheels tracks. Each bore the unmistakable Hot Wheels logo, matching Hot-Wheels inspired rims and plenty of custom extras.

Interested buyers will have quite a few options to choose from. The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will be available in coupe and convertible models, in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims. On the exterior features will include a ZL1 rear spoiler and front upper grille, ground effects package, two-tone matter hood graphic, rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic and fender “flame” graphics. The Hot Wheels logo will be carried to the interior as well, complimenting black leather seats with red stitching. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system will be a standard feature on this special edition car, including a variety of tools such a GPS, OnStar and Pandora internet radio. What you get under the hood will depend on your selection of either the SS V-8 model or the LT-based V-6 model. Both will pack a punch, but the V-8 manual version will have the most pick up and go with 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

Hopefully those who do decide to pick up one of these life-sized toys treat them better than most treated their Hot Wheels in their younger years. Because after the first quarter of 2013 is gone production of this special edition will come to an end!

August 30, 2012

Cars for a Cause

This past summer there were a lot of events that shared a simple goal: to make a positive impact on the community. From an event series to benefit a Long Island fire department, a drive-in movie night to unify a community in New Jersey or a gathering of exotic cars in Times Square to help a worthy cause it seems like everyone is working to make their corner of the world a little better. As the summer comes to a close we will be working extra hard to make our little corner of the word better, too. You’ve probably heard of it, it’s a place called Brooklyn, NY.
Although Brooklyn is under 71 square miles in size it’s represented all over the world. Lots of famous and influential people have come out of this borough from Walt Whitman to Carmelo Anthony, and of course Jay-Z. Despite the fact that one of these people helped bring a new stadium downtown, there is still a lot of room for improvement beyond the arena. Much of the youth in concentrated areas in Brooklyn, like Bedford Stuyvesant and Brownsville, live below the poverty line and many of the residents that once called these neighborhoods home are currently incarcerated. There are single blocks that over $6 million dollars are spent per year to incarcerate its former residents. So if you don’t care about the future of our youth, care about the fact that your tax dollars are footing the bill!
But there is something we can do to encourage our youth toward a different path, and that’s provide an alternative through education. The auto industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and there is a large population of today’s youth interested in working in it. The opportunities go beyond becoming a mechanic, and the Riding With Us Foundation was formed to help being these opportunities to the forefront. We will restore a classic car and sell it at auction, using the proceeds to provide scholarships for youth in need. Kids will participate in the restoration and be mentored along the way. We can’t solve the world’s problems in a day, but we can make a difference if we come together. Our project car has a cause, if you want to learn more check out our FOUNDATION PAGE.

June 15, 2012

My Dr. Color Chip Experiment

As I look at the chips my driver side door has accumulated I think about the fact that car show season is here. This is not a good look. But a new paint job is not in the cards anytime soon, so what can I do? I pushed this question to the back of my mind until one night I was watching the Velocity channel and saw a commercial for Dr. Color Chip. Although I don’t believe everything I see on TV this looked like something that could get me through until the next restoration, so I gave it a try.
Armed with the little surgical gloves and cloth that comes with the kit, I followed the directions and prepped the chipped areas. I dabbed the paint on, gave it the specified amount of time to dry, than rubbed off the excess. Not too bad! For all the time I have been driving around with these chips in my paint it took all of ten minutes to fix them.
This is really only a temporary solution, as you can still see the outline of the chips on a close examination. There may be a way to layer on the paint to hide this, but some of the chips I had were pretty big so their shape is still visible if you stare. But I can’t complain, it did the job I needed it to. Luckily my car is painted in its original factory color so it was easy to match. According to the website they can match 95% of all colors on the market, and provide a color code selector to help you find yours. So if your paint is a custom mix this probably won’t work for you. I bought the middle-sized kit and had plenty left over for another round of repairs, the small size is probably sufficient for most repairs.
All in all I would recommend this for anyone who needs to clean up their ride and get it show ready. It will cover up those little chips and dings that happen no matter how careful you are, and do the job without the expense of a new coat of paint.

May 25, 2012

The Gumball 3000’s 14th Road Rally Takes Off

It’s a misty, overcast day in New York City. The dreary weather is a stark contradiction to the excitement brewing in Times Square. As I walk closer the noise of horns, sirens and revving engineers grows. I turn the corner onto Broadway and I know I’m in the right spot. Instead of the usual scene of pedestrians dodging taxi cabs and vendors there are lines of bright, exotic and one-of-a-kind cars all sporting the Gumball 3000 logo across their hoods. The flag is about to drop on this road rally that has been going strong since 1999.
The first rally was held in Europe, beginning in England, where it’s founder Maxmillion Cooper was raised. Since its inception the Gumball 3000 has taken its participants all over the world – sometimes in the course of its 8-day run! This year the rally started in NYC, ventured into Canada, then back to the states. It’s a 3000 mile journey on the open road, culminating in Los Angeles and filled with party stops along the way.
But this year the party started in NYC, and it was hard to miss. Artists, entertainers and regular people who love to drive mill around among the tricked out rides. Air horns mix with the rumble of throaty exhaust as instructions are shouted to the drivers through the bullhorn. Tourists from all over the world crowd the barriers to try and get a shot of their favorite car. Then David Hasslehoff begins waving the flag and it’s official: the rally is ON!
For a mere $40K you can join the party next year. If that’s a little out of your budget you can check out pics from the flag drop HERE or check out the official Gumball 3000 site.

May 1, 2012

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation Camaro

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation… who am I to judge? Sure I’m a little biased, I’ve been rolling around in my ’68 Camaro since I turned 17, and that was kind of a long time ago. I’ve come to expect the squeaky sounds it makes when it passes over a bump in the road, and always ride with the radio on high so I don’t really hear the windows rattle when they are rolled halfway down. The promise of one day installing that AC kit keeps getting pushed to next year, so in the meantime I open my Astro Ventilation (yes, that was luxury in 1968) and keep it moving so the breeze keeps blowing on a hot summer day. The one thing my radio doesn’t drown out is the sound of my 327 engine as I blow down the street…not too fast though, my days of racking up speeding tickets went out with the grunge look. But the look of my car has never gone out of style. Its curved lines make it look fast even when it’s sitting still, and its chrome accents give it just the right amount of shine. Yes I have to say I love my car, one of the few constants in a life of many changes.
But I have to give it to the new generation of the Chevy Camaro. I took one for a test drive when they first came out and I was pretty impressed with the way it handled. It was the 6-cylinder model and still packed some power, although I’m sure the V8 is even more impressive. The muscle under the hood is complimented by features like 4-wheel independent suspension, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control. Even though its still a car best driven fast on a sunny day, its built in technology allows it to handle bad weather with ease…unlike my ’68 which is like being in a four-wheeled sled if I get caught in the snow. The influence of the first generation is obvious in its design, but the latest incarnation of this classic retains its own identity. The proportions are similar with subtler curves, giving way to a more brolic look. And did I mention it has air conditioning?
Despite the temptation of these modern conveniences I will stick with my antique – somehow its sentimental value outweighs all the extra features. But I wouldn’t mind parking a nice new Camaro next to my classic and taking it out for a ride once and a while. Hey, who says you can’t have it all?

April 15, 2012

DUB Show Tour NYC 2012

This year the DUB Show Tour hit NYC with a boom and a bang, thanks to the crazy sound system setups throughout the show. Pioneer’s Mixtrax area was hard to miss, and included a Toyota with a built in listening booth complete with a white shag carpet…a little nod to its old school van predecessors I guess! Sony also showed off their latest innovations in car audio with their listening booth.
From sounds to sights Killer Kreations displayed some awesome artwork on cars, trucks and bikes. D2 Forged Wheels displayed their custom wheels on some eye-catching rides, including a sleek black-on-black Audi. Not to be outdone Pirelli brought some exotic rides out on the stage, flanking the DJ booth manned by DJ Rush. Celebrity appearances included the likes of Juelz Santana and UFC fighter Rafel Natal. As always DUB Magazine came to NYC with something for everyone, for flicks from the show click HERE

April 6, 2012

New York Auto Show 2012

Many manufacturers gave a nod to the past while unveiling their new models at this year’s New York Auto Show. The show kicked off with Cherovlet’s unveiling of the new 2014 Impala, with a classic 1966 model in the backdrop. This new generation of Impala boasts a new body type with a sleek front grill and a redesigned interior. It comes in both a 303-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, as well as a standard 2.5L 4-cylnder engine. Chevy also displayed the Camaro, Corvette and Traverse to name a few.

The Chrysler Group introduced its new line of SRT (Street & Racing Technology) vehicles, which includes a rebranding of some old favorites. The unveiling of the 2013 SRT Viper, the fifth generation of this instant performance car classic, highlighted this announcement. SRT’s President/CEO Ralph Gilles proudly proclaimed that it would be manufactured at the Connor Avenue Assembly in Detroit…while sporting a black t-shirt with “Detroit” in bold white letters. The Viper has some company on the SRT lineup with the likes of the Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300.

Ford showed off it’s 2013 Shelby GT500, with 650 horsepower in a variety of vibrant colors. The classic Cobra was also displayed, a model that has been an inspiration for many sports cars over the years. From racing technology to alternative fuel technology, Ford also highlighted the Focus Electric. Organized by Men’s Health magazine, the Focus Electric is part of the 2012 Electric Car Challenge, making the 3,000 mile trip coast to coast without stopping at one gas station.

The electric vehicle family was also joined by BMW with their i3 and i8 electric concept cars. Each of these concept cars speaks to a different audience: the i8 to the sports car enthusiast, the i3 to the sport utility driver. However both feature some cool design elements like suicide doors with transparent panels and icy blue accents. It’ll be interesting to see how these features translate into a production model.

Along the lines of environmentally friendly vehicles the Fisker Karma is an awesome example. Its front grill seems to smile at you, while its curvy lines say “speed” even as it sits still on the show floor! The Karma is the first luxury electric vehicle with extended range, powered by a hybrid gas and electric engine. This system is complimented by the solar roof that can generate enough energy to power the cabin ventilation and audio systems as well as extend the driving range by up to 200 miles a year. Do you want good karma? Drive this car!

For as much new technology as was displayed at this year’s show, each manufacturer’s automotive history was not forgotten. While Chevy, Ford and Lincoln included some examples of their past on the showroom floor, LeMay – America’s Car Museum featured classic models from manufacturers of the past and those still going strong. From a “speedster” that barely featured a windshield to cars with solar glass, the auto industry has come a long way! To see more highlights from this year’ show, check out our photo gallery HERE.