The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day”

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  SAN is again working to secure a Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

In the previous two years, the U.S. Senate helped launch national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions at the SAN’s request.  As a result, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.  By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

SAN will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.  Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909/978-6721 or san@sema.org.  If you are unable to celebrate on July 13th, SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

Please remain active with the SAN’s legislative efforts throughout the year and spread your enthusiasm for this cause to friends, family, car club members and others who appreciate the automotive hobby as much as you do.  As you’re aware, joining the SAN at http://semasan.com/page.asp?content=signup&g=semaga is a simple process.  Most importantly, it’s FREE and carries no obligations.

Visit the SAN Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SEMA-Action-Network/236661948182?ref=ts and click "like" to stay up-to-date on hobby-related legislation in your state and across the country, announcements, upcoming events, links to hobby resources and photos of SAN member cars and trucks.

SoCalCarCulture - THE place to find out what is happening in Southern California's Car Culture! 

It’s official—Acura’s first cars are now classics.

Did you know that July 8, 2011 is the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day? Designated as a national celebration of classic cars, the event was created to applaud collector cars and hobbyists. Initiated by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and passed by the Senate, the resolution says that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States. It’s also to acknowledge the motorsports and car restoration industries as vital job providers across the country.

What makes a car eligible to be registered as a classic? It varies by state, but on average, it must be 25 years old. Coincidentally, this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Acura brand. That means our debut models, the Legend 4-door sedan and the sporty Integra—the United State’s first Japanese luxury vehicles—now qualify as classic cars.

Some classic cars are notable for their age, but below are several Acura models that are destined to become classics for their own reasons. If you own one today, kudos for your forward thinking.

Integra GS-R

The Integra GS-R, which ran from 1992 – 2001, is renowned for being the first Acura to feature VTEC^® after the technology made its debut in the NSX supercar. The 1992 GS-R 3-door hatchback had a 1.7-liter engine that produced 160 hp @ 7600 rpm but was revered mostly for its screaming, motorcycle-like 8200 rpm redline. Later, the GS-R was offered in both hatchback and sedan forms, powered by the legendary B18 1.8L engine that produced 170hp at 7600 RPM with VTEC^®. Out of all the GS-R models sold during 10 years of production, the 1992 and 1993 hatchbacks and the later GS-R Sedan models are the rarest.

Legend 6MTs

The Acura Legend was a great car through 2 generations and 10 years of sales. Within the Legend line-up, the 6-speed manual transmission Legends, sold in 1993 and 1994, were some of the best. The Legend 6MT marked one of first times that a 6-speed transmission was used in anything other than an exotic sports car. The transmission was coupled with a powerful 230hp V6 engine and sport suspension. Very few 6-speed Legends were produced, in particular, the 4-door Legend GS 6MT which only sold around 400 units in the 2 years it was available.

Integra Type-R

Introduced in 1997, the Type-R was geared toward the hard-core enthusiast willing to dispense with luxuries like a sunroof, cruise control, vanity mirrors and even standard A/C in pursuit of lighter weight. Instead, they were treated to a 195-hp, 1.8-liter engine that provided more horsepower per liter than any normally aspirated mass-produced engine in the U.S. A track-calibrated suspension, larger brakes, and limited slip differential were other Type-R exclusives.

CL Type-S 6-speed

Following in the legacy of the 6-speed Legends was the 2003 CL Type-S with 6MT. Available only for one year, it had a short life, but with 260 hp, a limited slip diff and slick 6-speed manual, there was a lot to like. Not one of the most well known Acura models but a great one that represented a bridge between some of the iconic models of the past and the powerful models of today. 

Zanardi NSX

With only a few thousand produced any NSX is rare, but with a production run of only 50, the 1999 Alex Zanardi edition is the most exclusive. Named after two-time CART Champion Alex Zanardi, the Zanardi NSX shaved 149 pounds from the already light NSX, while boasting a track-calibrated suspension, lightweight BBS alloy wheels and non-power assist steering.

Over the years Acura has made some amazing vehicles, all combining impressive powertrains and fun-to-drive with quality, reliability, and efficiency. We don’t know what the next generation of classics will be, possibly the current ZDX or TL SH-AWD 6MT, but you can be sure that Acura will continue to make exciting vehicles for years to come.

Many thanks to SoCal Car Culture for the opportunity to post this article.

@Acura_Insider

SoCalCarCulture - THE place to find out what is happening in Southern California's Car Culture! 

Just in Time for the Holidays, a 400-Horse (-powered) Sleigh

Also making an appearance at Cars & Coffee this week was Subaru's WRX STI TRAX fresh from SEMA.
The Subaru WRX STI, when equipped with proper tires, is capable of impressive all-weather performance. But when even snow tires are not enough, Subaru offers a solution - a 400-hp WRX STI equipped with a snow tracks system, as showcased at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 3-6.

 Starting with a rally-prepared 2009 WRX STI, Subaru Rally Team USA's technical partner, Vermont SportsCar, built the one-off 400-hp TRAX STI envisioned by, and built for, DC Shoes co-founder and SRT USA driver Ken Block. The WRX STI TRAX is ready for the half-pipe, with a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack up top, a Yakima Landing Pad rack base and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards. Naturally, there is a custom matching sleigh to go with it.

With the exception of the Mattracks rubber track system, the car is rally-prepared and similar in specification Block's #43 SRT USA competition STI. Starting with a stock 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Vermont SportsCar stripped the car's interior bare, lightened the shell and then fully seam-welded it for added strength, also installing a multipoint roll cage manufactured from T45 steel. Major differences from the stock STI include the addition of lightweight carbon/Kevlar RECARO SPA ProRacer competition seats with the Head and Neck Restraint System (HANS), carbon fiber door panels and an onboard fire suppression system.

Under the hood, the ultimate Subaru snow machine sports a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled STI engine tuned with a MoTeC M800 ECU. The engine, which kicks out approximately 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, is teamed with a KAPS 5-speed close-ratio dog-engagement gearbox and the Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel drive system. Employing custom machined hubs, the drivetrain - which has been dropped three inches - is mated to Mattracks 105M1-A1 rubber track conversion. The car also features Group N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC.

The WRX STI TRAX can bring four more friends along for the fun with its one-of-a-kind custom sleigh. Constructed with hand-laid fiberglass using sandwich-core construction, the sleigh runs on custom built steel skis with torsion bar suspension. Yakima FatCat 4 snowboard racks carry Qty 2 DC XFB Snowboards.
Protected beneath the padded roll bars are four heated and embroidered leather RECARO Speed seats with Sabelt 4-point harnesses. For music on the slopes, a marine grade water resistant Alpine digital media receiver is coupled with marine grade Kicker speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The rear of the sleigh features a large cooler and a grab-bar for towing snowboarders. Cup holders and LED lighting finish off the interior.


The sleigh also features a carbon fiber dashboard, center tunnel cover and rear-cooler cover. Tucked into a glovebox within the carbon fiber covered dashboard are two Viosport POV.1 camera systems. One camera lens is flush-mounted within the dashboard to film passengers, and the other is mounted high on the roll bar to record action around the sleigh.