“Tilt-shift” actually encompasses two different types of movements: rotation of the lens plane relative to the image plane, called tilt, and movement of the lens parallel to the image plane, called shift. Tilt is used to control the orientation of the plane of focus (PoF), and hence the part of an image that appears sharp – wikipedia.

In normal people speak its a style of photography that uses the way you tilt the camera, and shift it as your taking a picture to make only a slight portion of the picture stay in sharp focus. This achieves a photo that looks as if it were a miniature. This is can also be achieved by faking it with the use of todays digital cameras. I am defiantly stoked about using this, now that I have discovered it. Check out this awesome example of the technique. This clip was put together by Keith Louti

I might just be excited over nothing. This has been possible with Film cameras since the 1960′s. I just was never aware of it. I really think these pictures are pretty amazing. Can’t wait to get some good shots of the 7, and use this feature.

links- keithloutut.com, Vimeo Keith Loutit

GM has been working on a state of the art HUD system for their cars. The HUD system would use the entire Windshield as the background to display lasers. The lasers will be used to outline many things to help in the aid of driving. From the shoulders of a road, road signs, and possibly even that deer that is about to jump in the road. From the video the display looks almost straight from a video game. This sort of system might be the next step in driver aid, almost getting to those Jetson cars that navigate themselves.

The system uses a variety of on board sensors, radar, night vision, and cameras to gather the information for the display. It even uses a in cab camera to arrange the display based on the direction that the drivers head is turning. This will hopefully make drivers more aware of obstacles that might lay in their way, and make driving on todays roads that much more safe. Check it out over at Gizmodo
Gizmodo.com

The Lexus LFA aims to be that supercar at the head of the pack. Lexus builds this car in the details. From the a-pillars which are meticulously threaded in 1 of only 2 circular looms in the world is used to weave dual-tube carbon fiber components, to the dry sump 4.8L V10 fitted with 10 ITBs, and build with forged aluminum postons, and titanium rods. With a redline at only about 9500rpm this monster puts out 553HP, with 354lb of torque. All squeezed combine to make a car that weighs 3,263 pounds with a 48/52 weight distribution, and goes a top speed of 201.94 MPH.

Lexus plans on building only 500 of these, and they will be going for $400,000 and up. With its robust engine, and stylish interior it places the Lexus LFA in the middle of a respectable field of todays supercars.

Links- EVO

2 Distributors mounted on a Top fuel engine

Its been a while since I have posted anything and for that I apologize. This has sort of taken a back seat. But lets get back to the subject. Today I got the opportunity to go to my first professional  NHRA Drag Race event. And to be honest a sport where many of the cars are based on a motor that was created decades ago, never seemed interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I love classics, and nostalgia automobiles, but Cars going fast in a straight line one after another…But I was very wrong. I would say NHRA is sort of like soccer…Its only interesting to watch unless your there in the flesh. Watching this sport on TV you don’t get thrown into the action. When we got there the Top Fuel Drag racers started there round. Filled with the best Drivers on the circuit.

John Force Showing us how to properly achieve the smoky burnout.

Lucas Oil Pro-Stock Car inching ahead

Once that Christmas tree turns green the race is on.  2 rail cars take off turning their 8000+ horsepower motors trying to beat the other to the end of the 1/4 mile track. The stands shake, your ear drums buzz, for a second you even get shocked from the force of the motors speeding by. From 0-300 in less than 4 seconds. But thats only half of the sport.

Fans covering their ears as these Rockets take off!

Time for the Dismantle

After the motors are put through this most brutal task of driving down one of the fastest 1/4 miles, the crew comes into play. Tearing down motors, seeing were things might of went wrong, or where improvements can be made. These motors are meticulously combed through to make sure everything is ready to do it all over again. My hats off to the crews, because an engine tear down in between runs is very impressive. These cars are some of the fasted cars on the planet, and Although before I never found them to be very interesting, you better believe Ill be looking for tickets next time around.’
The Sun sets on a day of racing.

Note- Yes that first picture is a Toyota SJZ twin turbo 3.0 liter dragster. Capable of running a 6.41 1/4 mile at over 200 mph. Oh and I hope you enjoy these pictures. I took them all with my Nikon D3000.

The newly formed Monster World Rally team is happy to announce Ken Block will be piloting their Ford Fiesta in select events through out this next year. Ken, the co-founder of DC Shoes, has been excited and ready for the task of teaming up with these to big names. Although Ken has been close to the spot light from Skateboarding. Snowboarding and Motocross, he his most noted for his driving technique as presented in viral “Gymkana” videos.

Kens Career in Rally begin in 2005. Where he one Rally America’s coveted Rookie of the year award. Kens career since has been a spotty one. Never winning 1st over all but coming multiple times in 2nd or 3rd. This Year Ken will be competeing in the American Rally Championship, X-games, and select rounds in the World Rally Championship. Ken will also be the first ever American driver to campaign for the World Rally Championship

The Fiesta will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine utilizing an All wheel drive system. This custom rally machine has been built by Swedish race shop Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution. Best of Luck To Ken Block, Monster Energy Drinks, and Ford in there 2010 Season.

Links – Jalopnik, Monster World Rally Team, Ford Racing, Ken Block Racing Youtube Channel

Left my house at around 11:30. Told my Brother Daniel and his wife Isabelle that I was gonna go take some pictures of my car in a parking lot. I got the “What in the world!” look from both of them. Im glad I did. Trying to get better at this whole photography thing. Seems to make a cool hobby. Especially when you get to take photos of something you really like…such as cars. I would stayed out long but my battery died. Might have to look into getting a spare one for when I’m in a pinch. I just got home maybe 20 min ago and I have been eating my Jack in the Box. Not the healthiest but damn is it good. Hope you enjoy the pictures, i had a blast taking them. Ill have to do it again sometime. Comment down below. Don’t know if anyone even reads this!

Recently Toyota and Subaru combined forced to create a machine that is one of a kind. They took a little old with a little new, and came up with the Toyota FT-86 Concept, and the Subaru 086a. Yes you might have been able to notice both names have the famous 86 tag. And if you assumed that the cult classic AE86 Trueno might be making a come back you would be correct.

Toyota and Subaru have collaborated to create this very exciting and seemingly probable concept car. Based loosely on the hit Corolla of the late 80′s. The concept aims to be a small rear wheel drive sports car powered by….yes a 2.0 liter, 200-250hp, Subaru EJ20, infront of a 6 speed standard Transmission. This updated “Hatchi” will only come in a coupe trim package and takes some cues from Toyota’s LFA concept. The machine sits low, wide, sleek, and is geared to be an entry level performance car. Rumors have the car priced at around 20,000.

Subaru has plans to create both a base model, and a performance tuned STI version. The Subaru and Toyota base model will be almost identically the same except for badging, and some small aesthetic differenced. The STI model will reportedly be using a next generation 2.5L Flat four, pushing 240-250HP. Currently Turbo seems out of the question for a dealer sold model, but that wont stop many of the automotive enthusiasts around the world from having their way. The performance package will also include a wider stance, beefed up suspension, and other perks.

Glad to see two automotive giants work together to give the enthusiast what they want.

Read more - 7tune.com, Toyobaru.netMotor Trend

I was looking for a 80′s style road bike under the assumption that it would be cheaper. Which it is. I found a 1 man shop named HBBikeShop.com. If your in the LA/OC Area I strongly recommend checking his shop out. He has tons to offer. At least 200 bikes were waiting for me as I pulled up. 1 after another after another, I was able to test ride bikes until the sun went down. Great guy, and had a great range of bikes, in all sorts of price ranges. I settled on an old 57cm Motiv Road bike, that I enjoyed riding the most of the several bikes I had the chance to test drive. I got the bike home safe and sound on the back of my very low Rx7.

The next day, Saturday Leiren and I wanted to go for a ride along the strand. We through both bikes on the back of my car. Driving down to the beach I see a car pass me and I hear a nice grinding noise. I thought to myself “Why is that car driving with that loud grinding noise,” as i looked in my rear view, and notice my bike rack had folded and had been dragging for a good 50-100 feet. Pull over and I find that both wheels on my bike are ground about halfway through the rim.

So I decided to rebuild my bike. Started to sand it down. I plan on repainting it, and replacing the rims for now. In the future I might change some other stuff but lets get this thing ridable first. Look forward to some updates on the status. I should be priming and painting hopefully when this rain is done.