With pouring rain and Starbucks coffee in hand, the morning of the Great Philly Cheesesteak Run began. As the cars assembled in Tysons corner, getting ready to kick off the rally to Tony Lukes in Philly, the drivers prepared with caffeine and idle chatter. The weather cold, and the rain annoying, no participant was dettered from the mission. The mission… for a cheesesteak.

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With a thunderous roar of engines the cars began the perilous journey in the rain. The first stop was to meet with a second group of vehicles at an Ikea. We arrived promptly after a brief few shenanigans on the highway. Admiring the vehicles and stretching, the decision was made to move out of the rain and into the garage. Before cars could park, we were told to immediately vacate the premises by an unbadged, non-uniformed individual claiming to be an employee of Ikea. The gentleman threatened to call the police and refused to allow any of the drivers in to the store to purchase a poncho or umbrella which were Ikea novelties sold at the front of the store. Forced back out to wait in the rain, we laughed the situation off and found new jokes about Ikea.

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Attention quickly moved to our new goal, checkpoint number 3. Another Ikea further North toward our overall goal. We proceeded on, rain beading off the curves of the cars. We met with the final group of cars waiting on our arrival. Undeterred by the rain and wind, the drivers mingled, exchanged hellos, and promptly proceeded to their cars to finish the last leg of the journey.

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With poor visibility and a trail of cars behind, the rally moved forward to Philly. Pothole awareness became a quick priority as we traveled into Delaware. The drivers had to maintain extreme focus and make every attempt to avoide huge sinkhole style potholes capable of swallowing a prius whole. The unrelenting rain dettered many a photograph, however with our end goal nearing, the decision was made to go ahead and shoot.

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Several other cars caught up to our pack on the road, as we photographed and joked while making passes, it was almost time to turn off the highway and on toward the food! The rally met at Tony Lukes in Philly after several hours of driving. With cars upon cars of cheesesteak hungry enthousiasts, the rally arrived. After filling two parking lots with cars, the crowd progressed to Tony Lukes to acquire the fabled cheesesteak. Nothing could be more satisfying after driving hours for that particular moment. And it was done. After food was ordered, the weather decided to give us a break and clear up. Sun shining we made our trek home after mingling with the other drivers and sharing the stories of the road! Until next year!

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DC Designs Car Show for Make A Wish Foundation!

DC Designs (website here) is hosting a fantastic car show for the Make A Wish Foundation! May 09th is when it will be held! To register YOUR car for the show, email Dave at David@dccdesign.com Dont be shy to register, there will be prizes and I may even buy you some food and its for charity! Come out and have a blast! Details below!

There will be the following classes: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen
Awards will be given to the winner and runner-up of each class
Also, we’re partnering with the Make a Wish Foundation to raise money for their cause of helping children with life-threatening illnesses - come out and support them!
So please mark your calendars and come out to support D.C. Designs and the Make a Wish Foundation, show off your car, hang out with car guys/grils and have an all around good time!
There will be a Wheels-Whore and Top Dawg Award
When: May 9th, 2009
Where: U.S. Coast Guard Information Systems Command Base
7323 Telegraph Rd
Alexandria, VA 22315
Time: 11am-5pmAdmission is free to the public
$5 fee for Car Showers (all proceeds go to Make a Wish Foundation)
There will Live Music and Hot Food
(For all Car Show participates please email me at David@dccdesign.com for sign up form and information)

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE

PLESE FEEL FREE TO POST THIS ON OTHER FORUMS AND SITES THANKS

Absolutely Driven are doing it again! The 2009 Philly Cheesesteak Run is a big fun drive n dine event! Lots of cars and we will be there! Shine up your rides and enjoy one of the first big events on the east coast of the new season!

The 2009 Washington Auto Show kicked off with an early and abysmal display. Yet again, the car company putting forth the most effort for enthousiasts and fans was Toyota Scion who wins, yet again, the best display award from us. The main cars to note at this show was the Nissan 370Z which fixes all the difficulties and annoyances with the 350, in a sleeker body. It totes a no lift shift feature and automatic rev matching on its 6sp manual transmission. This car was on display, however it was wrapped in a hideous leather car bra detracting its aesthetic appeal and creating less than mediocre buzz around it. The Audi display had the new S4 Supercharge on display as well as the v10 R8. The R8 was in some very strange glass fish tank looking contraption that made it difficult to acquire a good photo of the car. Volkswagen delivered the Super Blue as promised. This sporty looking Volkswagen convertible is still a prototype, but with looks like that is sure to make a splash on the dealers lots. The same cars from Chevrolet and Ford were on display as last year, the new Camaro that has yet to be released, while ford had the same mediocre line up. They did have a few concept cars on display that we can only hope do not make it into production line up. Chevrolet did not have a volt on display, and the Cruze was nowhere to be found. Instead they had the 2009 Cobalt SS on display, which is not going to be produced beyond this year. The dodge Challenger was on display while Pontiac stole the american side of the fence with the Solstice hard top Coupe. All in all, the Washington Auto Show continues to disappoint by comparison to the other auto shows on the east coast.

Photos by Tim Magalis

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The town of Lovettsville, VA, was quiet on this particular Saturday. It was a little too quiet. Thats why we decided to drop in to meet with the guys from West End Motors and fill the town with a barrage of exhaust notes and engine noise. The air was crisp and clean as we made our introductions and proceeded to our first stop, a 1994 Pontiac Trans Am, at least, it used to be.
The folks from West End Motors decided to put their own touch on the car, giving it a 383 LT1 built with an LT4 block for a power plant. Upgraded components include a 96-97 style optispark and ram air induction. Once started, the car screams with a deep rumble of pure fury as exhaust pours through the ceramic coated headers and out the brilliant sounding Borla exhaust system. The car utilizes a dry shot nitrous set up with a fully built billet six speed transmission. All of this is sitting on Eibach suspension. Its at this point we started asking ourselves, what does all this translate to? It’s fast. Pure and simple.
While photographing the Trans Am, there was a little commotion behind us in the shed. Our focus being on the Trans Am, thought nothing of the noise. That’s when the key turned and the ground shook. Out of the darkness of the shed roars what would be affectionately known henceforth as the BFT. The Big !@$#% Truck comes rolling out of the shed glaring down on us from its massively raised suspension and car crushing tires. The intimidating pose made it quite difficult to concentrate on the Trans Am… so the photographs turned to the truck.

The interior panels feature a beutiful mix of car crushing aggression, with a sophistacated diamond gauge panel. The BFT carries a particular intruige with it, perhaps its the coarse rural appearance… or the soft luxurious interior… but one thing is for sure. The BFT is impressive in every aspect.
Our tour continued to another impressive vehicle. The Deux. This particular Chevy Two carries with it a unique ability to blow out ear drums without the aid of a 2,000 dollar amp. This car produces an absolutely monstrous exhaust symphony utilising a massive supercharger and dual stage 150 shot nitrous set up. The cars aesthetic stance is equivalent to staring down a minotaur.. you just know this car aint no bull.

One car in particular has the attention of a lot of racers, particularly drag racers. This car happened to be shown on Pinks All Out and is one of the premier drag race cars in the area. The car itself, well, its a monster and a rare opportunity to view it sitting still rather than blitzing past you on the track. The car itself is a fantastic example of what can be done when you get a group of enthusiastic gear heads and a few cases of beer together. Needless to say the details will not be divulged however, this car has been called out for its fair share of grudge matches at the track and has yet to disappoint.

The guys from West End Motors have plenty of experience and cars to show proving they are not your typical shop. These guys live, eat and breathe automotive enthusiasm. The cars featured in this article are for sale, as well as a host of other cars on their lot to include the ever popular Chevy Nova! If you need work done to your hot rod or drag race build, bring your car to West End Motors!

For more information log on to www.westendmtrs.com

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2008 Toys For Tots Charity Car Show

Saturday, December 20th, was cold. It was very cold. Amidst the shrill, icy weather and cloudy overhang, the 2008 Charity Car show sponsored by Absolutely Driven took place. Though hands were cold, hearts were warm as each arriving car brought toy upon toy for Toys for Tots. Car after car came roaring, screaming, and thundering around the parks entrance corner, each one bringing a small piece of joy to a child in need. The event was a wild success with the help of the Marines who graciously came with an empty cargo van, and left with it overflowing with toys.

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The cars in attendance were absolutely gorgeous in every aspect of the term. The early winter storms deterred very few from keeping their show wheels on and ride height low. The collage of colors amidst the dreary weather provided ample contrast, bringing out the best of the cars. The attendance was vast and the variety was incredible. It was an amazing sight to see between the classic Ferrari, Audis’, Volkswagens’, BMWs’, MINIs’, Hondas, Porsches’, and Mitsubishis’! As pictures were being taken of this brilliant display of enthousiasm and kindness, a roar was heard in the distance. Not a single set of eyes in attendance wasn’t glued to the bright red car roaring around the entrance corner. The glistening paint and monstrous tone sent a wave of anticipation through the crowd. Seemingly in slow motion, one of the most impressive, feared, and awe-inspiring cars ever made came around the final turn… the SALEEN.

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Weighing in at 2,950 lbs of curb weight, the SALEEN carries an impressive 2.8 cubic feet of storage space. Thats just enough storage space to house your awe at the unrivaled power and sex appeal of this car. Powered by a 7.0 Litre V-8 engine, the car produces an absolutely amazing 750 horsepower accompanied by 700lbs of torque. 188″ of body length provide this car with unrivaled track performance and turning capabilities. Theres only one problem with the SALEEN, and that is that is carries a price tag to match. Six hundred thousand dollars will land you one of these incredible machines.

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If you missed this event, hopefully the photos taken will provide a little taste of enthousiasm for the next event. Stay TUNED, well be back with more! Until then, check out the rest of the photos!

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December Dodge Magnum Group Gathering!

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Meet the group here!CustomMagnums.com
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Last weekend we were invited out to a gathering of some of the areas modified Dodge Magnum cars taking place in Havre De Grace, MD. We knew we were in for something special as soon as we saw the cars lined up and glistening in the setting sun. Backed by 22″ wheels and vertical door kits, we made our greetings and began photographing the cars.
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The Dodge Magnum is viewed as one of the most aesthetically modifiable vehicles in the U.S. With this being said, the conversations proceeded to talk about a host of ingenuity and creative thinking. One such mention was of a Dodge Magnum exchanging front ends with a Chrysler 300 producing a unique style. The cars that were presented here at the gathering had a solid stature of modified American muscle. Everything about these cars screamed of raw aggression. The massive wheels tucked neatly inside the fenders, supporting the massive exterior housing the devastatingly powerful Hemi engine inside.  Between the mix of SRT and RT styling, these are some of the most unique customizations in the muscle car world of aesthetic appeal.
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Once the sun began to set, the engines started up with the trademark roar of Hemi power. The headlights flicked on to reveal a barage of unique lighting schemes and multiple effects. Angel eyes and LED’s in full effect, we set out to acquire some food and discuss the cars further.
During the span of dinner, it became very clear this wasnt your usual group of self loving elitest tuners, rather quite the opposite. Throughout our conversations it was blatent that this group of Dodge Magnum enthousiast valued ingenuity and new ideas over the specific genre. Without a single negative thing to say, we discussed other makes and models of cars and how they compared to the Magnums. Included in that conversation, one of the owners mentioned he owned an M3. This provided a perfect opportunity to draw the pros and cons of the Magnums integrity to that of the BMW M3. The results of this particular conversation had tailspinned into an idea that we are currently working on and that will incorporate a few cameras and a few private roads. That being said,  it’s safe to say that this group of Magnum enthousiasts provide a fine example of etiquette, class, and cars. We were glad to be a part of the festivities and hope they invite us back again soon!
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Below is a listing of the cars and their modifications! Enjoy!
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CAI, Volant SS catback, Diablo Predator

Rodrigo's H20 International Award Winning Car

This 2003 VW Jetta GLI began life much like any other car. It was built by Volkswagen and shipped out of Germany to a small dealership in the United States. It was at this dealership that the evolution of this car began.

The car was purchased and brought home by local Volkswagen enthousiast Rodrigo. It was here that the car was put into the automotive laboratory only to emerge as one of the most decorated Volkswagen cars on the East Coast. The car was presented in 2008 in the MKIV VR6 class at H20 International, the largest Volkswagen/Audi car show in the United States hosted at Ocean City, Maryland. It was at this event that the car managed to take home 1st place, beating some of the most well known and publicized cars.

For an automotive enthusiast, this car is the very definition of clean. The paint glistens and reflects with such a degree of detail, it is difficult to maintain a proper conversation near it without being distracted. The pristine interior was brought in from a relative in the Volkswagen line up, an R32. These upgraded full leather sport bucket seats add a fantastic level of aesthetic appeal and comfort. Other interior improvements include blue led interior accent lights and an R32 steering wheel.

A few key modifications to point out include the rare stubby side mirrors. The subtle accent provided by these mirrors is just enough to make the car appear more sleek, streamlined, and aggressive without being overbearing on the eye. There is no mistaking the presence of this car with its lowered ride height and impressive exhaust note. The badgeless grill and rear bumper provide the car clean lines across its’ entirety. That accent is accompanied by the deleted trim pieces on the exterior. This practice is known as “shaving” the car. The exterior trim pieces are removed, filled, and painted to match to make the body of the car appear more clean and fluid to the eye. It is a welcome addition to the streets of Virginia and a rare car to view.

Modifications to Rodrigos’ 2003 Volkswagen GLI

Awards won by Rodrigos 2003 Volkswagen GLI VR6
H2O International - 1st Place
VAGFAIR in York, PA - 2nd Place
Flight VW #7 - 1st place
Waterfest #14 - 4th Place

Johns' B5 S4 Twin Turbo Audi

The platform of this car has the recipe to be a demonic force on the road, tearing through the pavement and shreding the corners at impressive speeds. With its torsen quattro system and the kind of luxury interior you can expect from Audi, this model Audi S4 is an impressive combination. The exhilerating rush of passing other cars while being able to maintain every creature comfort you have come to love from Audi adds a sense of class to the beast. The tuner scene has been in constant motion as new technology and new models are pumped out and released each year. With this fast paced environment its hard not to be taken in by all the commercials showing fast cars and new paint options, however, here we have a highly saught after, and no longer produced, Audi S4. The vehicles twin turbo powered V6 engine carries a stock 5.6 second 0-60mph time. This particular S4 used to see numbers similar to that, but has since been upgraded to see much more lethal statistics.

It is said, that all this particular twin turbo engined vehicle needs, is a chip upgrade to the ecu in order to reach speeds undeniably concidered… FAST. With that being said, this particular Audi B5 S4 has been modified to include an ecu chip from APR. The modification to the car continued to include an ASP true dual 2.25″ exhaust unit stemming from techtonics 2.5″ downpipes emitting a haunting roar from the rear.

The pleasing sound of diverter valves engaging from the twin turbo set up, coupled with the roar of the v6 engine, produces one of the best sounding and practical tuner platforms around. Its standard ability to turn heads is difficult to improve on. With this in mind, John has decided to add a Bilstein strut/shock combination to lower the car, which will provide a more aggressive stance and increased ability in the corners. Improving on the aged suspension, he has already added Febi-Bilstein control arms.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of this car, is its ability to multifunction as a luxury sedan. With premium leather interior and ample trunk space, this car will be more than capable of escorting that extra luggage. With speed and luxury, this cars elegance and grace is a fantastic example of a vehicle well on its way to becoming legendary.

This is a Charity Car Show being hosted by AbsolutelyDriven.com these are a great group of guys and this event is a fantastic one. Please swing by this event with a 10$ or more gift for toys for tots and help make one of the 14 million children in need, smile for the holidays.  I look forward to seeing you all out there.