In addition to IMPORTFEST Toronto we are proud to announce that IMPORTFEST will also take place at the Place Bonaventure in Montreal, Quebec.  Similar to Toronto, Montreal is the ideal city for IMPORTFEST as it is the hub for so many tuners locally and from surrounding areas.

The top 3 finalists from the Scion Tuner Challenge will also be live on location with show cars in hand for everyone to see.  The overall winner will be selected and announced that night!   For more details on the Scion Tuner Challenge or Scion vehicles please make sure to visit www.scionnation.ca

Date(s):

IMPORTFEST Toronto - Saturday August 27th 2011- Metro Toronto Convention Centre

IMPORTFEST Montreal – Saturday October 1st 2011 – Place Bonaventure

Come see the hottest cars and sexiest models in the sport compact scene today!  Plus all the cool new features IMPORTFEST has to offer including a DJ Battle, Dance Off, MMA demos, Bikini pageant, Live Performance and the highly anticipated Lingerie show.

This year’s events will showcase over 700 modified sport compact cars from across Canada and the USA including a variety of aftermarket and performance exhibitors and manufactures.  For a list of Event Features, Show Hours and Sponsors please visit www.importfest.com

If you have never been to an IMPORTFEST before, this is one show you won’t want to miss!

Combine one part glitz and glamour, with one part sleek and cool design engineering; add in some lovely ladies and you have a recipe for the hottest car show in Canada! Showcasing over 300 modified sport compact cars from across North America alongside various exhibitors and manufactures including accessories, performance parts and other car merchandise; this show has something for every car enthusiast alike.

Come and see HOT Models, LIVE Performances, a Bikini contest and the highly anticipated Lingerie show; not to mention a Live MMA Ring and a DJ Battle PLUS the Hottest cars in the scene! For more info please visit www.importfest.com.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m John Zhang, a photographer from California, U.S. I run all my photographic ventures under the alias 1013MM. I’ve been photographing for around 6 years now. I never leave home without a camera, whether it is my Nikon D700 or my iPhone, I always have something that can take photos just in case a good moment comes up. Although I was born and raised in California, I spent almost a year traveling in Asia while I was headquartered in Hong Kong. It was during that time that my photographic exploits started to develop into a fulltime hobby. I started of shooting landscapes and when I returned back to the states I began to shoot cars.

Other than photography, I am very passionate about cars. I used to draw cars and was heavily influenced by the JDM import scene. Funny thing is I ended up with a European car. I was in the market for a 370z and Evo X actually.

Q. What do you drive?

A 2009 BMW 135i E82 Coupe.

Q. What have you done to your ride?

Nothing too crazy I would say, just all exterior modifications. To start off I have a front lip by 3D Design Japan, a carbon fiber trunk lip spoiler by Autoteknic, and a rear carbon fiber diffuser by iCarbon. For the wheels I have some 19” VMR V701’s and the suspension feature H&R Sport springs with Koni Yellow shocks. The brake kit I have is the OEM BMW Performance brake kit with the front and rear rotors. I also have some air scoops that are paint matched to the brakes. As for the interior I have BMW sports seats. I tried to go with a JDM meets BMW theme for this car since I am heavily influenced by the Japanese import scene, but at the same time balancing out the classiness that the BMW has.

Q. If you could have any car in the world, what would it be?

This is a hard choice, but to be perfectly honest, it would be an Aston Martin DBS. Actually any current Aston Martin DBS would do since I’m not too picky.  It’s classy all the time and fast when you need it to be. Plus, who doesn’t want the car that James Bond drives?

Q. When did you first discover a passion for automotive photography?

Back in December 2008. My old friend just bought a new 2009 Nissan GT-R and at the time was one of the few in the states to have one. He knew I was interested in photography so he asked for a photo shoot. Little did he and I know that, that particular photo shoot would be a big turning point in my life. At the time automotive photography was very new to me, it was my first time shooting a car. Afterwards I slowly began to develop a strong affliction and admiration for automotive photography since I was beginning to find my own style and was at the same in the market for a new car, which is my current BMW 135i. It’s funny how life likes to naturally blend things together. In this cause it sparked the beginning of my passion for automotive photography.

Q. What do you draw inspiration from?

Plenty of things. I look for inspiration from other photographers, other photos, everyday life and my family and friends. By other photographers I mean any photographer, the photographer doesn’t strictly have to be an automotive photographer nor even a professional photographer to inspire me. I treat anyone that can hold a camera and snap a photo all the same. I usually drive around aimlessly in search of new and exciting locations to shoot around the area. In one case, I took a 5 hour drive back and forth to a desert to photograph my own car after my father suggested it briefly to me. I really do cherish the people around me who enjoy and support my work.

Q. Aside from photographing cars, what else do you enjoy?

I really enjoy traveling with people and dogs. Traveling gets expensive, but I do it whenever I save up enough or whenever I get the chance to. My time traveling throughout Asia has helped me broaden my senses and has helped me explore different types of photographic styles and see cars that are only sold outside of the U.S.

Q. Which photo shoots have been your favorite?

It would probably have to be my urban downtown Los Angeles shoot with the white BMW M3. That’s actually my most popular shoot. But what makes it my most favorite shoot is that BMW themselves featured it on their Facebook fan page. It was an amazing experience for me. It also turned up the most support I have ever gotten as a photographer. I can honestly say it was the proudest moment in my photographic career. It also inspired me to push on further.

Q. What is your favorite tuning trend of all time?

The Japanese import scene has always been something I was drawn to even at a young age. Even though I ended up with a BMW, I still like the Japanese import scene. I attend a lot of Japanese Import shows and meets just to see what’s new. Another trend I really like is the flush wheel stance movement.

Q. In your opinion, what are the biggest tuning faux-pas?

In my honest opinion I think it’s claiming to have the real thing when it clearly is a replica. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally fine with replicas and I can understand the need for lower budget/similar items, however, I do not believe in re-badging items to claim that they are the real deal. To me it’s like a regular basket ball player walking around claiming that he is Michael Jordan. I just don’t see it that way, not to offend anyone of course. Every has their own opinions and I’m completely fine with that 100%.

Q. What are your favorite tuning companies?

I try to be as non-biased as possible when it comes down to this, but I always get swayed by some Japanese company. I actually like most things Japanese and I’ll leave it at that.

Q. Where do you see tuning in 5 years?

I see endless possibilities, but more engine modifications being available. I’ve seen more and more ECU and supercharge kits becoming more readily available throughout these years and I’m sure as more and more companies emerge in 5 years time, even more kits will be installed. I would look forward to that.

Here is some of John’s work. We’ll let it speak for itself. To check out all of his work, visit www.1013mm.com.