Best of Show: Mitsubishi Owners Day 2013
While we usually bring you the monthly Best of Show: Cars & Coffee, we were taken away this month by the annual Mitsubishi Owners Day. Each year, Mitsubishi hosts Mitsubishi Owners Day as a special "thank you" to fans and owners. Taking place at Mitsubishi's North American Headquarters in Cypress, California, the event gives people from across the nation an opportunity to join together with other dedicated fans. Each year brings surprises of new builds, unique vehicles, and special appearances from big name companies. MOD 2013 did not disappoint - the sheer amount of vehicles showcased on this day was nothing short of amazing!
Rolling into MOD, we were greeted with more Mitsubishi vehicles than we could ever handle! Everything from early model Evolution III's, to the more recent Evolution X's, along with 3000GT's, and even old school Starions. By 6am, the entire area was flooded with boosted Mitsubishi's!
Upon entering the vendor area, these two Evolution X's stopped us dead in our tracks! Both vehicles had tuners and fans gawking at the amount of modifications done and how they were so cleanly executed.
Sporting quite possibly the best combination you can have - Alcon big brake kit + Volk Racing TE37SL wheels + Nitto NT05 tires = Heaven!
This particular Evolution X is owned by one of the great guys at MotoIQ.com.
On the interior, many people were wondering what was up with this HUD...
...and the Colt Speed GT shifter was also something special.
The vendor area was a great part for spectators to check out crazy builds, get some free swag from companies, and also witness the Dyno pulls from Road Race Engineering.
Tuning Technologies showcased this menacing Time Attack-inspired Evolution IX.
Periodically, you would hear car engines turning over, idling with a throaty cam, and making their way towards the back of the vendor section...
...to jump on the dyno and see how much horsepower their engine setups can lay down! You can't lie about hp on the dyno, this was a great way for the crowds to witness the true power of modified 4G63's and 4B11's - many vehicles displayed readings of 500hp on up to 1000hp!
The guys from Full-Race came all the way from Arizona to join in this special Mitsubishi enthusiasts event!
Full-Race is no stranger when it comes to all things turbocharged. They displayed their legendary handmade exhaust manifolds, something many Mitsubishi owners would appreciate.
After we made our rounds through the vendor area, it was time to check out the spectator parking. Almost every spot was filled, and tons of people we're out having a great time! Walking through the lot, you would come across a huge variety of cars - from something like this normal street car...
...Down to fully-built project vehicles, such as this LS-swapped Mitsubishi Starion!
The owner of this Starion didn't leave any part of this vehicle untouched - it sported a full custom interior, simple yet clean exterior, and fire breathing V8 swap. This Starion was the star of the show, people kept coming back at it for a second look just to see how it was all put together (and maybe take a few notes for their next project)!
Helping all that V8 power reach the ground is a set of Nitto NT05s.
It's pretty well known that the Mitsubishi Evolution chassis is the most popular vehicle within this community.
Whether you're into drifting, road racing, time attack, or just keeping it original - the Evolution is a great platform to start off with.
Although it's been 10 years since Mitsubishi has produced a new Evolution chassis, the tuner community continues to back this car with amazing enthusiasm.
With the vast variety of parts available, owners have a difficult time leaving it alone!
Besides, who wouldn't love an AWD Turbocharged 4-Cylinder?
With the amount of R&D poured into these engines, they've become one of the most potent and respectable 4-Cylinders of the century.
MOD 2013 was a great event - if you own a Mitsubishi and love everything about it, make sure to come out next year for MOD 2014!
-Mark Manansala