Over the course of ten years, we've witnessed the tuning scene go through some dramatic changes. What started off as a subcultural aberration in the 70s turned into a full blown pop cultural phenomenon by the late 90s, and the last decade saw Corporate America, along with Hollywood, take notice on what was once an automotive taboo: import tuning. Thanks to the influx of non-endemic media and other factors, the tuning scene grew exponentially and thrust into the main light. Drivers from our scene were getting endorsement deals, tuners graced the silver screen, import models started to break into the mainstream, and OE car manufacturers and the public at large started to rethink import performance.
Coincidentally, it was at the beginning of the impending maelstrom that Import Tuner was born. Branching off from big brother Turbo magazine-the "bible" of its era-2NR focused on the burgeoning tuning lifestyle: cars, tech, parts, girls, and events. A formula that we keep true to this day. And while it would be damn-near impossible to squeeze over 116 issues worth of 2NR deliciousness in a single story, what we've done instead is gathered a timeline of our scene's major milestones in our 10-year history and reshot the hottest girls in the game. Think of it as Tuning History 101-only the teachers are the top ten import models of all time.
1998
Jan
Rays Engineering introduces the first mold-forged wheel, the Volk TE37 to the U.S. This iconic wheel would go on to sell 250,000+ units globally and spawn countless knock-offs. Roys and Rats Engineering, this means you.
Feb
SEMA introduces the Import Auto Salon, a show catering to the tuning market.
April
April 18: Initial D, the anime story about a tofu delivery boy and his AE86 comes out in Japan... which is about the time we should've bought a Hachi.
May
May 12: Gran Turismo makes its franchise debut on the Sony PlayStation, making the terms "chassis codes", "driving lines", "sore thumbs", digital "driver licenses" and ensuing "controller rage", household terms. Asian dorm rooms have never been the same since.
July
July 11: The first Hot Import Nights debuts in Long Beach, CA.
Aug
August 2: Shawn Hillier, piloting Jeremy Lookofsky's CRX, breaks into the 11 second all-motor barrier with an 11.86 @ 112.18 at CMI's North vs South event at Sacramento Raceway.
Francine Dee
Issue: Winter 1999
Height: 5'4"
Measurements: 34D - 24 - 34
Sign: Cancer
Birthday: July 21st
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Website: www.francinedee.com
What have you been up to since 2NR:We also just celebrated the 10th year anniversary for FrancineDee.com. For our decade feature, we implemented 24 hour cams in my Vegas crib!
Do you remember when you first saw your issue?:I was ecstatic! I was in college at the time and even my professors complimented the cover. I was the baddest girl on campus!
How has 2NR impacted your life?:The whole industry has been an amazing platform. It has allowed me to venture off into other fields and I have met so many wonderful individuals and learned a great deal of things. The import industry has been an exciting training ground for me and I feel very privileged and grateful. To Import Tuner: I'm honored to be part of such a successful publication. Thank you for everything.
Thank you list:My Mommy, Thomas, C.S.P&D, Phil and Jen C., Yorke, David G., Recon, The P, Sherweezy, Carter J., my bia's, my beloved fans, the import industry, and most of all God who has blessed me with so much.
1999
JanThe R34 GT-R is released...in Japan.
Feb
While still in New Zealand, Hondata launches a Staged system for JDM B16A ECUs.
February 10: Honda releases the 6th-gen Civic Si (EM1).
March
March 27: Battle of the Imports. Stephan Papadakis' Nuformz-built, Honda Pro-tuned tube-framed Civic runs first in the 9s: 9.89 @149 mph. Ed Bergenholtz debuts the first traction bars applied to a FF car and runs a 10.36.
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