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Yellow 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG Pops While on Display in NitroFill SEMA Show Booth

Roland Gotingco’s 2005 CLK55 AMG

Roland Gotingco’s 2005 CLK55 AMG was already a step above the average Mercedes CLK, however extensive modifications & yellow livery made it pop in the NitroFill 2015 SEMA Booth

The Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit, APR Performance carbon fiber wing, front & side splitters, and the competition yellow livery made this car pop at the 2015 SEMA Show

The Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit, APR Performance carbon fiber wing, front & side splitters, and the competition yellow livery made this car pop at the 2015 SEMA Show

Modifying cars to provide increased performance, or at least the look of increased performance, has been part of popular hot rodding culture for the better part of a century. The golden age of Hot Rodding following the Second World War eventually gave birth to factory muscle cars in the 1960’s. Rising costs of insurance, crude oil and prices at the pump, as well as federal emissions standards nearly killed the muscle car by the mid-1970’s. However, this also gave rise to a new movement in the car modification culture. In the United States, the overall sales trend toward smaller; more fuel efficient, compact cars being imported into the U.S. began to inspire the Tuner Car movement.

Due to the light weight of import cars from Japan or Europe, as well as improvements in technology, these compact cars began to exhibit high performance potential. While the Japanese sport compact import scene owes much of its current status to early Datsun/Nissan, Honda, and Toyota cars, Euro Car tuning can be traced back to early air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles. Similar to the Ford Model-T which inspired many early Hot Rodders, the affordability, widespread availability, and modification potential of Volkswagen Beetles created a path which many European car tuners would follow.

Also similar to the way hot rods gave way to factory muscle cars, the early European compact car scene has evolved toward sporty performance cars designed and factory built from Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Volvo, and even Mercedes-Benz. In a sub culture filled with cars built by Audi, BMW, and VW, Roland Gotingco dares to sway from the norm with his competition yellow 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG. AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, higher performance, and better handling, than their regular Mercedes counterparts. AMG models are also usually the most expensive and highest-performing of each Mercedes-Benz class.

2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG 5.4-liter V8 engine

Roland Gotingco supplemented the 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG 5.4-liter V8 engine’s performance with the superior airflow and superior performance of dual K&N air filters

Mercedes CLK-Class

As an AMG tuned model of Mercedes’ CLK-Class mid-size luxury coupé, Roland enhanced his 2005 CLK55 AMG to be further beyond the average CLK’s performance and styling (Auktane photo)

As an AMG tuned model of Mercedes’ CLK-Class mid-size luxury coupé, Roland’s 2005 CLK55 AMG was already a step above the average CLK both in terms of performance and styling. The 2005 CLK55 AMG was factory equipped with a 5.4 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The AMG tuned CLK55 was rated at 60 more horsepower and about 40 lb-ft more torque than the top of the line non-AMG tuned CLK500 of the time. Because the 2005 CLK55 AMG is already powered by a healthy German built V8 engine, Roland decided to stick with basic engine modifications including a pair of K&N drop-in replacement air filters 33-2181.

With factory horsepower being properly supplemented by the superior airflow and superior performance of K&N air filters, Roland moved onto visual modifications that both physically and aesthetically enhance the performance of his 2005 CLK55 AMG Mercedes. The Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit installed by DTM Autobody, APR Performance carbon fiber wing, front splitters, as well as side splitters, and the competition yellow livery made sure this car popped while on display in the NitroFill 2015 SEMA Show Booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Mercedes CLK-Class Toyo Tires

Roland finished off the Euro Tuner look of his 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG with a set of custom HRE Performance wheels, Toyo Tires, and bag over coil over suspension for the proper stance (Auktane photo)

2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG interior

A custom Novasuede diamond stitch two-tone interior provides plush seating while a custom roll cage by City Garage provides additional peace of mind inside the 2005 Mercedes CLK55 AMG

Roland finished off that proper Euro Tuner look with a set of custom HRE Performance Classic Series wheels in 19” x 10” in front and 19x12 out back. Stretched onto those HRE wheels are a set of Toyo Tires Proxes ultra high performance tires in a wide and ultra-low profile 245/35/19 and 295/30/19 sizes front to rear. Airlift Autopilot V2 air management air bag suspension over Megan Coil overs provide that tire tucking race car stance with the ability to adjust ride height when needed.

The inside of Roland’s 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG wasn’t ignored. Roland not only added amenities but he managed to up the race inspired styling at the same time. A Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 double DIN head unit is at the heart of a full custom Focal Audio System build which incorporates a rear seat delete. In place of the rear seat are two 12” Focal Flax sub woofers, a Powered by Focal PD900.1 amplifier and another Powered by Focal PD600.4 amplifier. A custom Novasuede diamond stitch two-tone interior provides a plush seating surface while a custom roll cage by City Garage provides additional peace of mind.

A complete list of modifications made by Roland Gotingco to his 2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG is below.

2005 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG

Exterior:
Sarto Racing Rocket Bunny wide body kit – installed by DTM Autobody
Full color change from Black to Competition Yellow
Custom HRE performance wheels, Classic Series 303 – 19x10 & 19x12
Toyo Tires Proxes 245/35/19 front & 295/30/19 rear
APR Performance Carbon Fiber GT250 Wing
APR Performance Carbon Fiber front splitter
APR Performance Carbon Fiber side splitters
Motorsport Hardware titanium lug stud conversion
European rear trunk lid with custom Euro plate
Custom Livery

Performance:
Wavetrac Limited Slip Differential
Painted Brembo Big Brake kit. 6-4pot calipers w/ 2 piece rotors
Modified suspension (bag over coilovers) – Airlift Autopilot V2 air management on Megan Coilovers
OE Tune
K&N replacement air filters 33-2181

Interior:
Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 Double din head unit
Full Custom Focal Audio System build with rear seat delete
2 12” Focal Flax sub woofers
Powered by Focal pd900.1 amplifier
Focal PS 165FX 2 way components – front
Focal PC 165  2 way coaxial – rear
Powered by Focal pd600.4 amplifier
LED ambient lighting
Custom Roll cage by City Garage
Custom Nova suede Diamond Stitched two-tone Interior


Find a K&N replacement air filter for your CLK55 AMG on the K&N Air Filters for the Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG page, or use the K&N Search by Vehicle tool to find K&N performance upgrades for other vehicles. Use the K&N Dealer Search to find an authorized K&N dealer in almost any part of the world.

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Add Horsepower to 2014, 2015 or 2016 Mini Cooper Turbo with K&N Performance Intake

2014 Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper is an automotive cultural icon, and although changes can be worrisome the 2014 redesign included new turbocharged engines promising more power and better fuel efficiency

K&N Mini Cooper Cold Air Intake

The K&N 69-2026TTK is guaranteed to increase horsepower on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Mini Cooper with either the 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter turbocharged engine

The Mini Cooper is an automotive cultural icon, so whenever it undergoes a facelift, any car guy worth his weight in motor oil worries just a little bit. Thankfully, the 2014 redesign of the Mini Cooper didn’t disappoint. The Mini Cooper became a hair less mini yet still remained smaller than most subcompact competitors. It gained additional rear seat legroom, cargo room and a pair of new turbocharged engines. While the new 1.5 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged engines provide ample power, there’s still room to add muscle to the Mini. Add a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque to 2014, 2015 and 2016 Mini Cooper 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter turbo models with K&N Typhoon performance air intake system 69-2026TTK.

The 69-2026TTK air intake system is an easy to install performance upgrade and comes with all the hardware necessary for installation. A mandrel-bent aluminum air intake tube replaces a portion of the factory turbo inlet pipe to help streamline airflow into the turbocharger. This tube incorporates a mounting location for the factory mass airflow sensor and is finished in a durable flat black powder coat.

K&N Mini Cooper cold air intake engine shot

The 2014-2016 Mini Cooper intake air filter is shrouded by an application specific heat shield, and reuses the factory fresh air ducting to help provide cooler air from outside the engine bay

K&N Mini Cooper cold air intake dyno chart

On the dyno a 2015 Mini Cooper 1.5 liter turbo produced an estimated additional 6.5 horsepower at 3200rpm and 11.0 pound-feet of torque at 3200rpm with K&N air intake 69-2026TTK

Attached to the new K&N air intake tube is K&N RU-5176 conical performance air filter. This filter is designed to help minimize restriction in the airflow pathway while the oiled cotton gauze filtration media provides superior engine protection. Another benefit of this K&N air filter’s design is that it’s washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions. The filter is shrouded by an application specific heat shield, and reuses the factory fresh air ducting to help provide cooler air from outside the engine bay.

Put all of these precision-engineered parts together and you have a recipe for increased performance. On the dyno a 2015 Mini Cooper 1.5 liter turbo produced an estimated additional 6.5 horsepower at 3200rpm and 11.0 pound-feet of torque at 3200rpm with K&N air intake 69-2026TTK. For a small 1.5 liter engine, those are some impressive power gains. Increases in performance for 2.0 liter turbo models will be similar, or maybe better, when 69-2026TTK is installed.

K&N backs its air filters and air intake systems with a 10-year/million mile limited warranty and a Consumer Protection Pledge so Mini enthusiasts can feel confident that their automotive cultural icon is covered. The heart and soul of what began over 50 years ago with the Mini Cooper is alive and well today in the newest generation. Give your little piece of history a boost in performance with the K&N 69-2026TTK Typhoon performance air intake system.

K&N air intake 69-2026TTK is designed to enhance the performance of the following Mini Cooper models:

2016 MINI COOPER 2.0L L4 F/I – All
2016 MINI COOPER 1.5L L3 F/I – All
2015 MINI COOPER S 2.0L L4 F/I – All
2015 MINI COOPER 1.5L L3 F/I – All
2014 MINI COOPER S 2.0L L4 F/I – All
2014 MINI COOPER 1.5L L3 F/I - All

Additional Mini Cooper performance intakes can be found on the K&N Air Intake Systems for the Mini Cooper page. Order K&N performance upgrades at KNFilters.com or find an authorized K&N dealer using the K&N Dealer Search.

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2014, 2015 Audi A4, A5, A6 Turbo Adds Horsepower & Torque from K&N Air Intake System

K&N air intake system for Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo

At the core of the K&N Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo air intake is a K&N RU-3570 conical air filter, constructed with K&N's famous oiled-cotton gauze filter media

Refined performance is the trademark of German performance luxury sedans. With technologically-advanced engines, drivetrains and interiors, the driving experience is captivating on so many levels. 2014 and 2015 Audi A4, A5 and A6 2.0 liter turbo models deliver exceptionally in this arena and at a price point that doesn't break the bank nor ding the credit card at the fuel pump. Where else can you get 220 break horsepower, fuel economy figures near 30 miles-per-gallon and all of the modern interior accoutrements at a price point lower than BMW and Mercedes? The turbocharged 4-cylinder engines in these Audis are especially peppy, though there's always room for improvement. Help your Audi breathe easier and develop more power with a performance boost from K&N Typhoon performance air intake system, number 69-9508T.

Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo

2014 and 2015 Audi A4, A5 and A6 2.0 liter turbo models deliver 220 break horsepower, fuel economy figures near 30 miles-per-gallon and all of the modern interior accoutrements

The K&N Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo air intake is a bolt-on performance upgrade, guaranteed to increase horsepower for the Audi models listed below. K&N has been building performance parts for vehicles since 1969 and the refined performance of the 69-9508T Audi air intake showcases that legacy. At the core of the K&N Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo air intake is a K&N RU-3570 conical air filter, constructed with K&N's famous oiled-cotton gauze filter media. Its design provides a large surface area to help increase airflow and provide long service intervals. The oiled-cotton gauze flows better than paper, allowing your engine to breathe easier, and still provides excellent engine protection. The filter is washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles (~160,000 km) between cleanings, depending on driving conditions.

K&N air intake system for Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo

Shrouding the K&N Audi air intake's air filter is a heat shield to protect air entering the engine from radiant heat under the hood, as well as a fresh air duct to funnel cooler air from outside the vehicle

Shrouding the K&N performance air filter is a heat shield to protect air entering the engine from radiant heat under the hood, as well as a replacement fresh air duct to funnel cooler air from outside the vehicle through the filter and into the turbocharger. The air filter is attached to the factory mass airflow sensor, which is then attached to a replacement turbo-inlet hose. All required factory connections are maintained with the K&N 69-9508T Typhoon Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo air intake system.

K&N air intake system installed into an Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo

A K&N performance air intake system is designed to fit and function on 2014 and 2015 Audi A4, A5 and A6 2.0 liter turbo models as if it came equipped that way from the factory in Germany

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engines in these Audi models react especially well to the K&N 69-9508T air intake system when it comes to performance gains. On the dyno, a 2014 Audi A5 2.0 liter turbo equipped with the K&N Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo air intake produced an estimated additional 15.4 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 17.7 pound feet of torque at 3000 rpm to the wheels. Check out the dyno chart to see the performance increase over stock.

Dyno chart for the K&N 69-9508T air intake system for the Audi 2014-2015 A4, A5, or A6 2.0L turbo

On the dyno, a 2014 Audi A5 2.0 liter turbo equipped with K&N air intake 69-9508T produced an estimated additional 15.4 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 17.7 pound feet of torque at 3000 rpm

The 69-9508T is an easy-to-install performance upgrade and K&N covers it with a 10-year/million mile limited warranty and Consumer Protection Pledge. A refined performance automobile should only be entrusted to upgrades that have an equally refined performance pedigree. Give your Audi a boost in horsepower and torque with the K&N 69-9508T Typhoon performance air intake system.

Owners of the following Audi models can enjoy increased horsepower and torque by installing the K&N 69-9508T Typhoon air intake system:

2015 Audi A6 2.0L
2015 Audi A5 2.0L
2015 Audi A4 2.0L
2014 Audi A6 2.0L
2014 Audi A5 2.0L
2014 Audi A4 2.0L

Use the K&N Dealer Search to find an authorized K&N retailer or installer in almost any part of the world. For all K&N Audi A4, A5, or A6 air intakes visit the Air Intakes for Audi A4, Air Intakes for Audi A5 or Air Intakes for Audi A6 page on KNFilters.com.

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Aaron Vaccar Styled 2015 Ford Edge Sport Made its Debut in Ford’s 2015 SEMA Booth

After attracting Ford’s attention in 2009, Aaron Vaccar has designed several vehicles for the Ford SEMA Show Booth

After attracting Ford’s attention in 2009, Aaron Vaccar has designed several vehicles for the Ford SEMA Show Booth

In 2015 Ford asked Aaron Vaccar to add his personal design touches to a 2015 Ford Edge Sport AWD 2.7L EcoBoost for the 2015 SEMA Show

In 2015 Ford asked Aaron Vaccar to add his personal design touches to a 2015 Ford Edge Sport AWD 2.7L EcoBoost for the 2015 SEMA Show

The name Aaron Vaccar may be unfamiliar to many, but Aaron is quickly building a name, as well as resume of custom vehicles, within the automotive industry. Building and designing custom cars as been a passion of the Youngstown, Ohio based Vaccar family since the mid 1970’s. With an interest in both design and marketing, Aaron Vaccar began to show promise even before graduating high school when he created his own online aftermarket parts store, ACV Mailorder. Jump forward a few years after Aaron graduated from Youngstown State University and one of Aaron’s custom vehicle designs received print features in Hot Compact and Import (HCI) and Import Tuner magazines. This recognition caught the attention of vehicle manufacturers, and the Ford Motor Company contracted Aaron to design a vehicle for the Ford booth at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since that time Aaron Vaccar has designed several more vehicles for Ford, and even General Motors, for the SEMA show. In 2015 Aaron Vaccar was asked to add his personal design touches to a 2015 Ford Edge Sport. Aaron describes the Vaccar Edge Sport concept as being “all about featured amenities, power for the road, and modern fashion packaging - a perfect blend of next-gen performance and taste, with the functionality of a capable crossover.” Aaron expressed premier styling on the Edge with the use of bespoke brushed finishes and flat metallic textures; as well as an aggressive Rovos Wheels & Continental Tire fitment that is precisely stanced using advanced Air Lift air suspension and a “floating” air tank.

The base vehicle for the Vaccar styled edge is a 2015 Ford Edge Sport all-wheel-drive model powered by one of Ford’s advanced EcoBoost engines. The 2015 Ford Edge Sport is powered by the 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged direct injection V6 that is also found in the 2015 Ford F150. This engine is rated at 315 Horsepower, and an even more impressive 350 lb-ft of torque as it comes from the Ford assembly line. Since there really isn’t a need to mess around with such a potent engine, Aaron decided to stick with staple performance upgrades.

The Vaccar 2015 Ford Edge Sport is precisely stanced using advanced Air Lift air suspension and a “floating” air tank in the vehicle’s rear hatch

The Vaccar 2015 Ford Edge Sport is precisely stanced using advanced Air Lift air suspension and a “floating” air tank in the vehicle’s rear hatch

Aaron looked to a pair of K&N air filters, both number RC-9350, to provide superior airflow and superior performance to the twin turbo 2015 Ford Edge Sport

Aaron looked to a pair of K&N air filters, both number RC-9350, to provide superior airflow and superior performance to the twin turbo 2015 Ford Edge Sport

One of the easiest ways to increase power output of nearly any vehicle is to reduce the restriction, and improve flow of both the incoming air and outgoing exhaust gasses. With that in mind Aaron Vaccar looked to the automotive aftermarket to help improve the performance of the 2015 Ford Edge Sport. With the 2015 Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost being such a new platform, and the fact that the average crossover buyer isn’t a performance minded individual, Aaron quickly realized he didn’t have many options for upgrading the edge.

Not discouraged by the lack of performance options, Aaron decided to design his own upgrades for the 2015 Ford Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost. He began with a new prototype twin tube air intake kit of his own design to help increase the amount of air available to the twin EcoBoost turbochargers. The intake itself was of Aaron’s own design, but he knows better than to mess around with inferior air filters. Aaron looked to a pair of custom universal K&N air filters RC-9350, to provide superior airflow and superior performance.

Helping move spent gasses out of the 2015 Ford Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost engine is a true-dual exhaust system using stainless steel tubing and Flowmaster mufflers

Helping move spent gasses out of the 2015 Ford Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost engine is a true-dual exhaust system using stainless steel tubing and Flowmaster mufflers

The Alea Leather customizable seat coverings add Italian leather style and comfort to the Vaccar 2015 Ford Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost

The Alea Leather customizable seat coverings add Italian leather style and comfort to the Vaccar 2015 Ford Edge Sport 2.7L EcoBoost

Knowing the basic principles of increasing performance, Aaron Vaccar said “the twin-turbo'd power plant has also been supplemented with balanced upgrades to amplify inhaling and exhaling harmonies.” Helping move spent gasses out of the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engine is another Vaccar prototype, this time in the way of a true-dual exhaust system. Aaron’s custom Ford Edge Sport exhaust utilizes Flowmaster HP-2 mufflers & stainless steel piping to provide both a boost in power and a more aggressive exhaust note.

Additional interior amenities inspired Aaron to say “This Edge Sport isn’t just 'up-to-date', it's cutting-Edge for the future!” For the performance enthusiast who likes to keep an eye on their engine’s health, Aaron added Auto Meter boost, water temperature, and volt meter American Muscle gauges to a center dash mounted triple gauge pod. The Alea Leather seat coverings add Italian leather style and comfort while having been tested and approved for airbag deployment. Alea Leather’s customizable packages easily allowed Aaron to add the Vaccar touch to the 2015 Ford Edge Sport’s interior.

No matter if you’re in need of K&N Universal Air Filters for a custom air intake system, or just looking for easy to install K&N Air Filters for the Ford Edge, K&N can provide the superior airflow and superior performance needed for merging onto a highway, passing a slow moving vehicle, or driving up a steep grade. Find an authorized K&N Dealer in almost any part of the world using the K&N Dealer Search.

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Brian Fox Remains Positive Despite 2016 Honda HR-V Fire En Route To 2015 SEMA Show

Brian Fox’s first official build for American Honda Motor Co. was a 2012 Honda Civic Si turbo tuned to produce over 450 horsepower for the 2011 SEMA Show

Brian Fox’s first official build for American Honda Motor Co. was a 2012 Honda Civic Si turbo tuned to produce over 450 horsepower for the 2011 SEMA Show

Brian Fox, creator of Fox Marketing, has about 18 years of experience building custom project vehicles. Brian started Fox Marketing a few years ago and has successfully built over 60 themed vehicles for clients, including auto manufacturers and private parties. There is a section on the Fox Marketing website listing his past builds and a theme exists. Not only are the majority of his builds of the sport compact or tuner variety, but many of them are also Honda and Acura vehicles. Having built a reputation in the Honda tuning niche it almost seems fitting that Fox began working with American Honda Motor Co. in 2011.

For the 2015 SEMA Show Brian Fox was once again asked by American Honda to build a custom vehicle, and this time Honda’s goal was to showcase the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V

For the 2015 SEMA Show Brian Fox was once again asked by American Honda to build a custom vehicle, and this time Honda’s goal was to showcase the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V

One of Brian’s first builds for Honda came in 2011 for the American Honda Motor Co. Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show booth held each year at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main focus for this 2012 Honda Civic Si build was to showcase the reliability, and performance capability of Honda's then new K24Z7 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC power plant. The result was a beautifully executed build, finished in BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue Pearl paint, and tuned to consistently provide 450+ horsepower with a K24Z7 Full Race Si Turbo Kit.

For the 2015 SEMA Show Brian Fox was once again asked by American Honda to build a custom vehicle for the official Honda SEMA Show booth. This time however, Honda’s goal for the 2015 SEMA Show was to showcase the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V. Tasked with customizing an all new platform, and one not normally sought after by tuners, the goal of the 2016 Honda HR-V build was simply to create a good looking and functional daily driver. Given only two weeks to complete this build in time to make it the 2015 SEMA Show, Brian chose to perform modifications that just about anyone can achieve quickly and affordably.

For the 2015 SEMA Show Brian Fox was once again asked by American Honda to build a custom vehicle, and this time Honda’s goal was to showcase the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V

For the 2015 SEMA Show Brian Fox was once again asked by American Honda to build a custom vehicle, and this time Honda’s goal was to showcase the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V

Brian started the project with a 2016 Honda HR-V LX model. Brian chose to begin with the base LX model for one simple reason: head room. At 6’8” tall, Brian Fox towers over the average Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) soccer mom-type HR-V buyer. Probably due the lack of a power moon roof, the 2016 Honda HR-V LX has almost 2” more headroom than EX and EX-L models. Brian says that he is able to fit comfortably inside his LX with plenty of knee and head room. With the platform for his 2015 SEMA Show build set, the next step was to get to work. As a tuner, Brian’s first item on the to-do-list was to improve the performance of the 2016 HR-V.

The Honda website proudly boasts the 2016 HR-V’s EPA estimated up to 35 highway MPG rating, yet the little CUV’s performance is a bit harder to find. That’s probably because the 2016 HR-V LX model’s 1.8-liter single overhead cam, i-VTEC inline four pumps out a whopping 141 horsepower at the crank. Brian took the HR-V over to the Platinum Certified Honda Technicians at Mugsy’s Repair in York, Pennsylvania who proceeded to upgrade the engine with a custom K&N Intake system, and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust system. Brian claims that improving the HR-V’s ability to both inhale and exhale added an additional +15 horsepower at the wheels, while improving fuel economy by 2 MPG.

The 2016 HR-V model’s 1.8-liter SOHC, i-VTEC inline four pumps out 141 horsepower stock, but made an additional 15 HP and gained 2 MPG with a K&N air intake and Magnaflow exhaust

The 2016 HR-V model’s 1.8-liter SOHC, i-VTEC inline four pumps out 141 horsepower stock, but made an additional 15 HP and gained 2 MPG with a K&N air intake and Magnaflow exhaust

To complement the HR-V’s increased horsepower and improved acceleration, Brian also made improvements to the crossover’s handling and braking. Brian says the BC Suspension Coilovers with a 4.5” drop on 18x8 Konig Oversteer wheels wrapped with Toyo T1 Sport Tires provide a surprisingly comfortable ride. Behind the Konig wheel and Toyo tire package up front are massive, yet innovative, 13.3” WP Pro Brake Sawblade full floating rotors with 6-piston calipers capable of stopping the 2016 Honda HR-V in its tracks.

It was somewhere in Illinois while the 2016 Honda HR-V was on its way to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada that Brian Fox’s hard work went up in smoke, quite literally

It was somewhere in Illinois while the 2016 Honda HR-V was on its way to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada that Brian Fox’s hard work went up in smoke, quite literally

Performance enhancements weren’t the only modifications that Brian Fox made to his 2016 Honda HR-V LX. On the outside of the vehicle the ABS plastic body kit was painted with BASF R-M Browns Anthracite Paint and roof by Browns Auto Body Werkz in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Brian also added a direct fit replacement LED Fog Light Casing set to the front fascia for added safety on the road. The 2016 Honda HR-V interior was completely upgraded from the factory cloth to Katzkin Leather. Interior safety improvements include Schroth Racing Rallye Cross ASM 4-point street legal belts added for the occasional autocross event. The Schroth Racing Rallye Cross ASM 4-point street legal belts snap out in seconds to store in the trunk.

Based on the list of modifications Brian Fox made to his 2016 Honda HR-V project, it would be safe to assume that it made quite an impression inside the American Honda Motor Company’s 2015 SEMA Show booth. That is, of course, assuming that the car made it to the show. Everything went as planned with the 2016 Honda HR-V build, and Brian even managed to get it loaded onto the transport truck on schedule. It was somewhere in Illinois while the HR-V was on its way to Las Vegas, Nevada that Brian’s hard work went up in smoke, quite literally.

Unfortunately a fire started in the transport trailer and while it wasn’t burnt to ash, Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V sustained considerable fire damage in the blaze

Unfortunately a fire started in the transport trailer and while it wasn’t burnt to ash, Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V sustained considerable fire damage in the blaze

Unfortunately a fire started in the transport trailer and while it wasn’t burnt to ash, Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V wasn’t fireproof. Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V sustained considerable fire damage in that blaze and it must have been quite the shock to receive that phone call. Despite it all, Brian Fox remains positive about the HR-V’s fate. Not dwelling on what could have been, Brian is looking forward to working with Honda again in 2016 with plans to build a 2017 Honda Civic Si, or with any luck a factory 300+ horsepower 2018 Honda Civic Type-R turbo as a build platform.

A full list of modifications made by Brian Fox of Fox Marketing to this 2016 Honda HR-V LX Sport is below:

Engine:
141-hp (SAE Net), 1.8-Liter, 16-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Custom K&N Air Intake with K&N air filter
Custom 2.25” Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust

Unfortunately a fire started in the transport trailer and while it wasn’t burnt to ash, Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V sustained considerable fire damage in the blaze

Unfortunately a fire started in the transport trailer and while it wasn’t burnt to ash, Brian Fox’s 2016 Honda HR-V sustained considerable fire damage in the blaze

Suspension/Braking:
BC Racing BR Series Coilovers
Front: WP Pro Brakes EX6-Piston Forged Calipers 13.3” Sawblade Full Floating Rotors

Wheels/Tires:
18x8 +35 Konig Oversteer Opal Finish
215/40/18 Toyo Proxes 4 Tires

Exterior:
BASF R-M White Orchid Pearl
BASF R-M Onyx HD Waterborne Browns Anthracite Paint
-Roof
-OEM Front Lip
-OEM Front Flares
-OEM Side Skirt
-OEM Rear Flares
-OEM Rear Bumper
A custom K&N air intake system and high-flow performance air filter helps the Fox Marketing 2016 Honda HR-V SEMA show car breathe

A custom K&N air intake system and high-flow performance air filter helps the Fox Marketing 2016 Honda HR-V SEMA show car breathe

Custom Tinted Taillights with BASF R-M DC5335 Clear
Impressive Sign Graphic Package
Fox Marketing Cars LED Fog Lights Casings
Meguiar’s Wash and Wax

Interior:
Front:
Katzkin Dark Graphite, Perforated Barracuda Flint, Carbon Titanium Wing White Stitching
DegreeZ by Katzkin - Heated and Cooled
Schroth Racing Rallye Cross Silver 4-Point Belts
3M Crystalline 40 Window Tint
Rear:
Katzkin Dark Graphite, Perforated Barracuda Flint, Carbon Titanium Wing, White Stitching
Dark Graphite with White Stitching Door Panels
3M Crystalline 40 Window Tint

Partners:
Brian Fox says his 2016 Honda HR-V made an additional 15 HP and gained 2 MPG with a K&N air intake and custom Magnaflow cat-back exhaust

Brian Fox says his 2016 Honda HR-V made an additional 15 HP and gained 2 MPG with a K&N air intake and custom Magnaflow cat-back exhaust

K&N Filters
BASF Refinish - R-M
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Mugsy’s Repair
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Meguiar’s
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Massive, yet innovative, 13.3” WP Pro Brake Sawblade full floating rotors with 6-piston calipers helps this 2016 Honda HR-V stop on a dime

Massive, yet innovative, 13.3” WP Pro Brake Sawblade full floating rotors with 6-piston calipers helps this 2016 Honda HR-V stop on a dime

The 2016 Honda HR-V LX interior was completely upgraded from the factory cloth to Katzkin Leather with DegreeZ by Katzkin heated and cooled seats

The 2016 Honda HR-V LX interior was completely upgraded from the factory cloth to Katzkin Leather with DegreeZ by Katzkin heated and cooled seats

Schroth Racing Rallye Cross ASM 4-point street legal belts were added for the occasional autocross event and snap out in seconds to store in the 2016 Honda HR-V LX

Schroth Racing Rallye Cross ASM 4-point street legal belts were added for the occasional autocross event and snap out in seconds to store in the 2016 Honda HR-V LX

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