Jon and his family had been very satisfied with their Honda Pilot since 2009, but it’s time for a new SUV. After some thorough research and many test drives of different brands, they decided to buy a Lexus GX460 based on: Cecilia’s family and business needs (7 seats, safe, well equipped, cargo space) Jon’s occasional towing needs (reliability, towing capacity) Jacob’s and Coco’s needs (electronic … Continue reading Jon’s Future Tow Vehicle – Lexus GX460

In February I received an email from PCA, an invitation to sign up for DE seminar at CMP in Kershaw, SC. I had one month to prepare for my first DE. To make sure that the brakes are track worthy I replaced the front brake duct spoilers with the GT3 version, and installed the rear brake cooling ducts of the 997 Turbo. Brake pads were … Continue reading Another One Bitten by the Track Day Bug!

How does it feel to drive on a steep banking? Jon had driven hundreds (if not thousands) of laps around the Indy and Daytona Rovals (road course infield + oval) in Gran Turismo, however this was a different experience: Jon was driving the Honda Pilot, with dad and mom also on board! After a nice day shopping and dining in Charlotte, it’s time to hit … Continue reading Speedway Christmas

Euro Auto Fest is one of the premier European-only auto show in the east coast. The 2014 show was held at BMW Manufacturing in Greer, SC, and Porsche was the feature marque (Yay!) Cecilia was out of town that weekend so Jon had the kids all to himself. Jon woke up early to give June a nice wash, then took the kids to a nice … Continue reading 2014 Euro Auto Fest

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, my dear wife Cecilia planned a four-country trip to Europe (Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany).  In addition to enjoying the tourist attractions, food, and shopping, we also made three car-focused stops. Our first stop was the Belgian GP at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Stuttgart was the final city of our trip. We visited the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen. It was a very special … Continue reading Jon’s 10th Anniversary European Trip – Belgium Grand Prix, Porsche Museum, Mercedes Museum

I decided to call her June to rhyme with my Chinese name (and also with Jon). The search criteria was simpler this time: a “4-seat” track car that can be daily driven.  Hard top coupe was strongly preferred.  Furthermore, to take full advantage of living in the warm south, there is no need to contaminate the purity of the steering feel.  So RWD it is! … Continue reading Meet June, Jon’s New Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 997)

. . . [We] dream of cars that will float and fly, or run on energy from a laser beam, or travel close to the ground without wheels. Such research may border on the fantastic, but so did the idea of a carriage going about the country without a horse.—The Ford Book of Styling, 1963. In 2001 Jon and Kenny both worked in Toronto. A typical … Continue reading “Dream Car” exhibition at the High Museum of Art

A group of MINI enthusiasts organize an annual event called MINIs on the Dragon, which had been on my bucket list ever since I bought Rocky. The opportunity finally presented itself when I moved to South Carolina in late 2013. I signed up to the event as soon as registration opens. I picked up Toby at the GSP Airport and headed up the mountain. It was … Continue reading Jon and Toby slayed the Dragon

When Jon and Ceci traveled to HK to attend a wedding… they made a car-focused detour to the Tokyo Motor Show. In 2007, many manufacturers introduced highly anticipated models for car enthusiasts. The biggest star was definitely the new Nissan GT-R. The Evo X, Impreza STi, and CR-Z (all of them all-new) also made their debut. Nissan GT-R (R35) Touge Weapons: The Evo X and … Continue reading Gozilla!

In 2002 Jon had a lightly modified Toyota Corolla TRD bodykit TRD lowering springs KYB struts 5 Zigen Fighter wheels, Michelin Pilot Tires MOMO Street Racer GT seats custom rear seat covers to match the front seats K&N high flow air filter generic shock tower bar PIAA fog lights 20% tinted windows In Fall 2002, Jon and Cecilia visited their friends in Japan as part … Continue reading Toyota Megaweb