Its literally 4am here in Chiba, Japan a few hours before the Tokyo Auto Salon opens where Vossen will be showcasing there for the 7th year. My body thinks it is in Miami, where it is 2pm so I am full awake. Since this is my personal vehicle, its easy for me to talk about the car and the parts on the car but I was looking for that energy and motivation to complete this feature. Naturally, I found it being in Japan.

In the LFA yellow Lexus IS feature, I recapped quite a bit of my “Lexus Life” so I won’t rehash those thoughts here. I’ve always respected & admired the Lexus LS but it never really aligned with my wants. Three crucial things things then happened, the latter life altering. The first was the addition of the LS F-Sport model with the updated 2013 model. I fell in love with the new style and the F-Sport touches & for the first time it was a LS I really saw myself in. The second was going to Japan for the first time and meeting Lexus at the new “Intersect by Lexus” as well as a two day tour of various Lexus & Toyota related facilities. It was an influential experience getting to meet and know the company I greatly admired in their homeland of Japan.  Finally,  my wife and I were expecting our first child who you know today as “Mini-MIke”. My GS 450h at the time was a joy but with limited trunk space it wasn’t close to ideal with a kid on the way.

I evaluted many different choices from the new Audi A8 diesel, to the BMW M5 and even the Tesla Model S. If you are wondering why I didn’t consider the natural step, the new Lexus GS F-Sport, well, my wonderful wife has a modified one. There were so many tantalizing options but to those that know me, know I am extremely loyal and Lexus has been an amazing company to know and work with, not to mention being associated with the world’s largest Lexus news source, the Lexus Enthusiast. I also know our Vossen wheels are perfectly engineered for the LS and there was huge aftermarket JDM support. Also, I wanted to do something different since there are not many 2013+ modified LS vehicles.  I worked with Lexus on getting this car built and my friends at JM Lexus handled everything amazingly. On March 17th, 2014, she arrived from Japan.

Like many of you, I had a pretty good vision on how I wanted to modify my LS, which meant accenting the body lines without overpowering things. I met Skipper Design in Japan during my trip to Japan and saw how high quality the products were in person and realized also how cool they were. We also featured their GS 350 kit here and fit and finish was perfect. Thus went on their full Carbon Fiber Kit featuring front lip, front bumper garnish and rear diffuser.

I love the classy yet sporty look of the Skipper Design parts with the front lip in particular being the part most people fall in love with. Also note I replaced the stock exhaust tips for quad Skipper Design pipes and the rear roof spoiler is painted black.

You might also note that my roof is indeed black. All modifications as well as the painted roof were done by my good friends at Exclusive Motoring. Roly and his team have been amazing to work with in modifying my LS and insisted the roof be painted and not wrapped. I agree with their decision.

The LS F-Sport comes with many different upgrades to the standard LS. The front and rear bumpers are different, the interior gains F-Sport seats, pedals and real aluminum trim for example. In regards to performance, the 8 speed automatic programming is changed with it being the only LS with paddle shifters and it comes standard with the AVS suspension. You also get 19″ wheels and two big upgrades, a true Limited Slip Differential & huge Brembo brakes, with the fronts being huge 6 pot, 14.9″ sizes brakes. One thing I’ve learned, you can never have enough brakes.

I called up my good friends at Race Technologies where our pal Greg gave me all information on their even larger 16″ upgrade for the LS. A true two-piece disc, I chose the Brembo GT system which was lighter and offered even better braking capabilities over the stock system. For those wondering why the rear brakes are untouched, for now only a front system is offered. After installation I noticed pedal feel was greater with just amazing stopping capabilities.

The LS F-Sport comes standard with a factory air suspension which adjusts based on your speed and can be changed slightly with factory settings. JZS International  was called where they quickly shipped an aftermarket Air Data Control Module which allows me to raise and lower the vehicle. Note how low the car is in the first pics and its slightly higher in the picture above. It really is invaluable especially since we ride low at Vossen!

During my LS ownership,  I’ve used multiple sets of Vossen wheels on it, all 22×9 and 22×10.5 in size with Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires. David at Pirelli always helps me out with my choices and I love them for being low noise, high grip and high quality which is perfect for my driving needs. I’ve ran two different sizes, 245/30/22 | 285/25/22 and a fatter setup of 265/30/22 | 305/25/22. You can click the link to see each photoset:

CVT,

VFS-1,

VFS-2

 Vossen Forged VPS-313, where is was showcased in the Vossen x Lexus booth SEMA 2014.

The feature wheels here are the “renowned, refreshed & Refined CV3-R. Personally I love accenting the sporty look of the LS F-Sport and the CV3-R does that extremely well. It also shows off that beautiful yellow Brembo Brake. The CV3 clearly ushered in a new age of concave wheels nearly five years ago with it maybe being the most replicated wheel today. The updates to 2015 were numerous including the new colors gloss graphite and metallic gloss silver as seen below.

Nearly two years later the LS has really perfectly it my needs. The huge 18 cubic foot trunk is perfect for the stroller, bags and other items we need for Mini-MIke. The interior is much larger than our GS and makes life easier. The car has been flawless in regards to issues and quality though I do wish for more power as the 386hp V-8 is adequate for most but I desire more. At car meet and events, it is usually the only 2013+ LS in attendance so its cool to talk about what can be done to this unexpected modified car.

What’s next? Well I will see what JDM parts are being showcased at Tokyo Auto Salon this weekend to see if I give her (I’ve named the LS Big Bertha) a last update or set my sights on something new, like that stunning Lexus LC 500 which debuted Monday. With of course Mini-Mike now being a part of the buying process!

It is now 6:30am, the sun is rising and off to get ready for an amazing day with TeamVossen!

Words: Mike Forsythe (@mike_vossen) ///// CV3-R Photos: Jordan Krate (@jordan_vossen) ///// Video:  Anthony De La Paz (@dela_vossen)|@Tony_tgtc

Click here for the HI-Rez Image Gallery

The post Mike’s Lexus LS 460 F-Sport | Vossen CV3-R appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

In the business of “Good People”…I think Wayne’s comment in the video below resonated with me because he is absolutely right. Good people in business are the foundation to amazing relationships, amazing outcomes and amazing experiences. We can promote all of the most amazing cars and wheels in the world but it all begins with Good People.

To his point, we originally wanted to shoot a white Lexus LFA Nurburgring edition but understandably it will remain in a museum. Enter Wayne (good people) and PCNY who I just happened to meet a couple of weeks earlier through John at Lou La Vie (good people). He calls me to say he is going to drive a LFA from NYC to LA for a track event. When I asked when was he leaving, he said today lol.

Since I also happen to be the forum administrator for the Lexus Enthusiast, I spoke to Kevin Watts (good people) and knew this was a unique opportunity to track the car real time to share with our forum members. You can see the thread here as Wayne text me pics of his entire trip!

Since the car was on the West Coast and we wanted to showcase some cars outside the Mandarin Oriental for our #vossenskylounge some “good people” came together. PCNY and @Trade_Coin (the owner of the LFA & also Good People) decided to wrap the car matte black and it needed to be done in time for SEMA.

Clark at VIP Auto Salon (good people) got Harry at Nitto (good people) involved who supplied new tires as well as transport. Clark had to drive 60 miles one way and back to get the tires and then get the Vossen Forged VPS-305T wheels ready for the LFA. This happened the weekend before SEMA and by Monday the car was on the way to Vegas!

The combination of the satin black matte wrap and satin bronze Vossen Forged VPS-305T wheels really gives the car a “Mad Max” look, especially when we shot on location in the Las Vegas desert. Driving around the city, the car broke necks everywhere we went and the one of a kind exhaust sound gave grins wherever we were. Sized 20×9.5 and 20×12 on sticky Nitto tires, the LFA in our eyes has never looked better.

For SEMA week it was used as a highlight vehicle for Vossen and PCNY and even used as transport for our VIP clients. The best part? Getting the chance to drive my dream car throughout Las Vegas and hearing that engine sound inside the cabin. It was an experience I will never forget and all this came together because of “Good People”.

Words: Mike Forsythe (@mike_vossen) ///// Photos: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Video: Anthony Delapaz (@dela_vossen)

The post Daily Driven Lexus LFA on Vossen Forged appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

Miami is a city filled with more exotic cars than one could possibly imagine. And while that’s the modus operandi for many Miamians, sometimes it’s not the most practical. But if practicality is what you’re after, and you still want that exotic car power, what better option than the SRT8 Jeep? Packed with a ton of power, ground clearance (even when lowered on Road Magnet‘s springs), and one of the nicest and most spacious interiors that a Mopar SUV has offered, the Jeep SRT8 on Vossen Forged VPS-306 is the perfect compromise of practicality, comfort, and raw power, and perfectly suited for our friend, Jeff Padron of Padron Cigars.

Just another Jeep to the untrained eye, Jeff has made certain that once it’s heard it’ll never be forgotten, care of GT Haus‘ Meisterschaft Roar Series exhaust. An Injen short ram intake feeds the motor, adding to the overall rumble-n-roar of the SRT8 powerplant.

When it came to choosing wheels, in Jeff’s eyes there was no other option than Vossen Forged. Made right here in Miami, just like Padron Cigars, Vossen Forged: Precision Series VPS-306 wheels were selected, built to 22×10.5″ all around, and finished in metallic bronze. Paired with Road Magnet’s lowering springs, the Precision Series wheels look right at home on the SRT8, and complete the overall performance-oriented package that Jeff envisioned.

So if you hear a rumble and a roar on the streets of Miami and don’t see a flashy exotic car to blame it on, keep in mind that there’s a terror of a Jeep roaming the streets and our friend, Jeff Padron behind the wheel!

Vossen Forged: Precision Series VPS-306 Wheels ///// 22×10.5 ///// Bronze

Words: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Photos: Jordan Krate (@jordan_vossen) ///// Video: Anthony De La Paz (@dela_vossen)

The post Jeep SRT8 on Vossen Forged VPS-306 appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

Chances are, if you follow @vossen, you’ve seen this Estoril Blue grocery-getter around the depths of the internet a time or two. What you might not know, however, is that it belongs to our master of merchandise, Kat (@kat_vossen). Kat’s F31 BMW 328xi Touring on Vossen VFS-2 flow formed wheels is much more than just an A-to-B driver though, and her three pups, Luna (@luna_vossen), Jetson (@jetson_vossen), and Charlie (@charlie_vossen) are here to show you why!

While the video takes a peek into the daily life of Kat, her dogs, and a glimpse behind the scenes of Vossen’s merchandise production, it’s difficult to miss the F31 BMW wagon on VFS-2 wheels parading around. Not only is it incredibly rare to find the F31 in touring form in the US, but in classic BMW Estoril Blue and fitted with the M Performance aero kit it’s an exceptionally fascinating and desirable car—and that’s before taking it for a spin.

Providing more-than-sufficient stopping power is the Brembo GT Brake kit, brought closer to the arches with KW Suspension’s Variant 3 coilovers. Dynamic Turbo‘s tune unleashes an additional 90hp and 90ft/lbs of torque, with GT Haus’ Meisterschaft exhaust clearing the air and making its presence known.

Vossen VFS-2 flow formed wheels, measuring 20×9 and 20×10 are finished in Satin Bronze and wrapped in Toyo tires, mating up with the BMW X-Drive all-wheel-drive system to keep the car planted and stable in the heaviest of corners—whilst hopefully keeping your groceries (and dogs!) all in one piece!

Keep an eye out for more of Kat’s BMW wagon in the near future, perhaps even on a newsstand near you!

The post Kat’s F31 BMW 328xi Touring on Vossen VFS-2 appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

For months we planned to attend Bimmerfest West 2015, the biggest BMW car show in the US, located just outside Los Angeles. We planned to debut a secret project car we were building with Ultimate Auto , a red BMW 650i M-Sport that we transformed into a Yas Marina Blue, Prior Design Widebody outfitted with Vossen Forged: Precision Series VPS-306 wheels. You see, in this day and age, where everyone posts everything (including us many times), we decided to keep this car under wraps and planned to debut it as a surprise at Bimmerfest. Well we got hit with a surprise instead!

Since we are in Miami and the show is in LA, we were going to transport the car in an enclosed rig like we do all our project cars. So off the 650 went and we went about our day to day operations. The car was to debut with our good friends at Need4Speed Motorsports at Bimmerfest on Saturday.

One, then two, then three days passed where we received no word on the whereabouts of the BMW! Finally, on Thursday afternoon we get in contact with the transport truck company and are told the car has been in Pensacola, Florida for the past few days with no chance of it making it to Bimmerfest on time! We are also told there would be no refund and that we could not get the car back to Miami, it had to go to LA even if it was a week late—unbelievable! So there we were, Thursday afternoon, the BMW is in Florida, the car was to be in California Saturday and we are told basically “too bad” by the transport company. All the hard work put into the car by various partners would have been wasted. What could we do?

The first thing Jav stated to me was how bad he felt that we would not be able to meet our commitments to bring the car to Bimmerfest. Let me name those partners; Ultimate Auto who built the car, Prior Design who supplied the wide body kit, Brembo/Race Technologies for the huge front and rear brakes, BASFRefinish/Glasurit for the exterior paint, KW Suspension for the K3 Variant Coilovers, GTHaus/Meisterschaft for the full exhaust, Pirelli for the P-Zero Tires and Need4Speed Motorsports who adjusted their booth plans to feature the car. Surely they would have all understood the circumstances if we had told them we couldn’t make Bimmerfest due to the transport company failing in their duties. However, in my near four years at Vossen, I have witnessed us go above and beyond for our partners and this next test would take us on a “fantastic voyage” to do so.

So what about driving the car to Bimmerfest? It’s really crazy talk in retrospect but at the time it seemed like the natural thing to do. Jav walked into the media room and informed the team what happened and Sam immediately said “F*ck it, let’s drive it to California” and the room glowed! Next thing we are in a mad dash to make this happen! Sam could not drive by himself the whole trip and was in need of a seasoned co-pilot. Enter: Diego who has driven from Miami to Cali and back a total of five times total (well six now!)  and also was 100% behind this idea. We needed to move fast if we had any chance of making Bimmerfest West 2015!

We did some math and figured the drive is around 30 hours from Pensacola to LA so the guys would need to leave right away if there was any hopes of making Bimmerfest on time. They would have to take turns driving and sleeping in the BMW basically only stopping for gas and for planned bathroom/food breaks. There was little to no margin for error. We informed the transport company of our plans and they agreed to let us pick up the BMW and again told us no refund. We then looked for flights from Miami to Pensacola so they could pick up the BMW and found one that left in a couple of hours. This means that Sam & Diego had no time to go home to prepare and had to leave straight from the office! Next, we called Need4Speed to tell them the plan and they could not believe it.  We then supplied Sam & Diego with some cash since they would have to buy clothes on the way, as well as any other items they needed. The office was buzzing with energy and people couldn’t believe this was happening! We then decided to post live on social media to let people know we were driving cross-country and to cheer them along the way! I mean who else would spontaneously drive a Yas Marina Blue,  Prior Design Widebody BMW 650, cross-country to make a car show? #teamvossen

So that is why we did it and I’m still amazed we did it, thus I am typing this story at midnight on Saturday watching the Warriors clobber the Rockets. These pictures were taken during pit stops along the way by Sam, you can click here to see them all. More on this incredible story later, as Sam & Diego share their drive to LA, then the show at Bimmerfest and maybe we will talk just a bit about this beautiful project car. I guess such an incredible project car deserves its own incredible story. We have a phrase at Vossen Jav coined years ago which is “Make it Happen” and I can’t think of a better example. #vossenroadtobimmerfest

Words-Mike Forsythe | Photos- Sam Dobbins

The post Why Vossen Drove Over 2000 Miles to Bimmerfest appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

SS, Brembo, Vossen

So Simple yet Sick!!

Rear, click any pic to go to the full 10 photo gallery!

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