Porsche

A few weeks back we had the pleasure of hosting Speedhunters at Monticello Motor Club – they came by to do a “Dream Drive” feature with 311RS #01. Save for the cheesy name, the Dream Drive features are pretty cool. They actually get behind the wheel of the car and do an in-depth review.

Their Editorial Manager, Suzy Wallace, flew over from UK for the drive. Why her?? We asked that at first too.. Turns out she owns an Evo 6 and regularly takes it to track days throughout EU. She has run below 8:30 at the ‘Ring, so she is no joke behind the wheel. She did her thing and had some fun in the car which you can read about in the link below.

SPEEDHUNTERS 311RS Dream Drive

Speedhunters Dream Drive

Besides Suzy tooting around in #01, we there to take care of some more serious business. Our last trip to Monticello with #01 went well (read about that here. ) With a fresh set of Nitto NT05s on the car and some nice fall weather, Ryan was there to set a fast lap in #01. Our laptime from the previous trip to MMC was 2:29.4 – which was 3 seconds off a Viper ACR-X lap time. We were on a different style tire than the ACR-X, but being so close to the lap time was encouraging.

As mentioned, we had a fresh set of 275/35/18 Nitto NT05s on the car for the day at Monticello. We keep super close tabs on tire pressure – a little goes a long way with tire pressure(s), before and after each track session we’re taking notes to get the most out of the car and to provide the best recommended settings for 311RS owners. With NT05s we like to hit 38psi hot all around.

Speedhunters Dream Drive

The goal was to get as close to the Viper ACR-X’s time as possible. In a perfect world we’d best the ACR-X, but running NT05s that was unlikely. Nitto being one of our long-time technical partners, the NT05 is our choice for standard tire on the 311RS. We’d love to run NT01s as standard (they’re optional..), but that’s not realistic for everyone and the NT05 isn’t a terrible tire by any means.

440whp, 3,335lbs, and a track temp of 82*, we set off to record a time later in the afternoon. Our previous 2:29.4 lap time was from my first day at Monticello. I felt much more comfortable on my second visit and pushed hard from the get go. Five laps in succession went as follows – 2:30.3, 2:28.6, 2:28.1, 2:27.4, and 2:27.5. After five laps around Monticello’s challenging track the NT05s begin to lose effectiveness. Regardless, in Ryan’s first session on track we recorded a new fast lap of 2:27.4, right at 2sec faster than our previous best.

Speedhunters Dream Drive

Ryan proceeded to take another session in the car to attempt to get even closer to the ACR-X’s lap time. No such luck, again he ran a 2:27.4. All things considered, we were happy with the time. The tires are the real limiting factor here and we can take some comfort in that. With NT01s fitted besting the ACR-X’s lap time would be very realistic. The ACR-X’s come standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup R-compounds so some NT01s would only be fair. For now we’ll settle for the fastest time posted at MMC on true street tires, for 311RS that is a good stat to reference but we’d love the overall record, if we’re honest. We’ll be back in the spring.

Speedhunters Dream Drive

Have a read through the Speedhunters article, they’ve got some cool insights and of course incredible images. We’re closing in on production, our allocation of ten (10) Evos arrives from Japan in early November, so this final track test with 311RS #01 was a great opportunity to finalize all of the data, settings, numbers, recommendations, etc. for the program. The journey, as they say, is the destination. And it’s been awesome. We can’t wait to produce these cars and get them in the hands of owners! That will be a cool feeling.

Speedhunters Dream Drive

If you wish to inquire, please clink the contact link or email us directly at info@311RS.com

Last week we took 311RS #01 to Monticello Motor Club for it’s maiden voyage on track. This was our first track time in a production unit, big day for 311RS! We’ve been tweaking, dialing, and fine tuning the setup for these cars since late 2011. After a 60,000 mile development period with our #00 prototype to satisfy our requirements, we’ve gone ahead and built a production unit to further prove the concept. #01 features most of the final production details and it has a good amount of the options we offer, making it a nice showcase for our program as we push towards full 11 unit production this October.

#On Track and In Depth

We were invited to run 311RS #01 at Monticello Motor Club in NY after meeting the track owner in NYC earlier this spring, awesome guy thanks!! The track is set in gorgeous NY state, which lucky for us, happens to be relatively close to the owner of #01’s home base. They’ve done a great job creating a fun and complex track that still flows well. It’s demanding braking zones and it’s challenging corners were perfect for our shakedown test.

#On Track and In Depth

We arrived to a moist track… It wasn’t quite wet but just slippery enough to upset the car. As much fun as sliding cars on a slippery track can be, this trip was all about getting down to business. Thankfully the storms came and went early in the day allowing us to get plenty of dry track time over the next two days.

#On Track and In Depth

We took advantage of the poor track conditions and took the car out for some initial shakedown laps. The car had less than 500 miles on it at this point so it was important we ensure the car was running smoothly. After our 500 mile break-in period its on!!

#On Track and In Depth

Bryan Hise from JRZ Suspension made the trip to MMC to help us fully dial in the chassis. #01 features a set of super trick 311RS-spec JRZ 12 31 Motorsport 3-way adjustable dampers that outshine even the dampers on Ryan’s T/A car, which is completely unfair by the way! More on these later. A quick check of tire pressures and it’s time for some more initial shakedown laps.

#On Track and In Depth

This being a our first production unit, there were setup tweaks and different component combinations to be tested. Our main focus was on the suspension setup but we also had a brake pad trial on deck.

#On Track and In Depth

Girodisc has been our braking supplier since 2006 when we were developing Evo IX components. Martin Meade, who happens to be an ex-Porsche Motorsport engineer that worked on the Carrera GT before launching Girodisc, has been instrumental in our efforts over the years. With the the 311RS project it wasn’t any different, Girodisc stepped up to the plate when we approached them with the idea of 311RS. The goals for the program were simple – Street car manners with track car capability.

#On Track and In Depth

We knew the basic package straight away – lightweight two-piece rotors (F/R), pads, Ti shields, SS lines, and Castrol SRF brake fluid. The problem was…which pads do we use? We’re serious about brakes. They’re really important!! Typically street pads fail under true track abuse and track pads are NEVER fun on the street. So we set out to create a pad specifically for the 311RS – a true combination street and track brake pad. 311RS #00 was the guinea pig and we took full advantage of the mileage requirements. After testing three different compounds, we agreed upon a final compound that suited our needs. Unlike most street pads that become overwhelmed on track and unlike most track pads that have difficulty operating at the lower temperatures of street driving, the 311RS brake pads offer maximum clamping force over a wide range of driving conditions without the noise or rotor wear typically associated with racing pads. Girodics nailed it. Each 311RS Evo X is delivered with Girodisc’s SS pads (pictured) installed for break-in purposes. A quick swap and we were ready to bed-in the 311RS brake pads.

#On Track and In Depth

Before bedding in the pads, we took the opportunity to look over each component. The wheels and tires had only delivery miles on them so we weren’t expecting too much issue with them, but it’s worth a look for nails and any potential irregularities since these are street cars. All was well. One note on the tires – with #00 we tested a 285/35/18 Nitto NT05 since it fits closer to the tires on Ryan’s T/A car, the old faithful 275/25/18 Nitto NT01. They were great, nice and beefy, however they required way too much work to fit properly. For production 311RS units, we decided the 275/35/18 NT05 would be a better option as they fit our trusty 18×10.5 +18 Volk Ce28Ns well and allow for much more fender clearance.

#On Track and In Depth

A once over of the suspension components and we’re off. Ryan personally installed each component on #01 so he was especially curious to see if we would find any issues. Thankfully everything checked out and we were finally ready for some track time.

#On Track and In Depth

Sike! Fresh down pours just before lunch.

#On Track and In Depth

The rain did allow for some detail shots. Our base aero package still makes us smile. It’s subtle yet aggressive, and most importantly the front and rear elements work very well together for a balanced aero setup.

#On Track and In Depth

During lunch the we took a few minutes to install our freshly delivered custom Schroth harnesses. The standard yellow Schroth patches were naturally out of place in our 60s & 70s inspired interior. However, that wasn’t an issue thanks to a night of beer and my sketch book. Ryan drew up a patch design that featured “puffs” to add depth. The harnesses were sent to our interior team along with the sketch for completion. Harnesses without a proper mounting place are an absolute no go, so that’s where the Fall-Line for 311RS bolt-in roll bar comes into play.

#On Track and In Depth

A friend of ours, Ilia from IND, recommended Fall-Line Motorsports for our roll bar project. Ryan approached them with the idea of creating a bolt-in roll bar solution for the Evo X. Fall-Line was great, they took the reigns and moved forward with the process immediately. The guidelines were simple – a technically sound bolt-in roll bar (w/harness bar) that doesn’t require modification(s) to the interior while weighing less than the other roll bars available for the Evo X. Not only did they check all of the boxes, they went above and beyond with execution. Thing is a piece of art. Especially when painted 311RS Blue.

#On Track and In Depth

It can be removed in 15 minutes, and reinstalling it takes just over an hour. No need to remove the seats unless of course you want to. 311RS #01 is a street car first and foremost so the seats aren’t leaving this car.

#On Track and In Depth

Here’s a closer look at the harnesses we made for these cars. If you tick the box for the Fall-Line for 311RS roll bar these puppies are included. They aren’t available otherwise, we just can’t allow them to be installed improperly. We love how the puffs give them that extra pop.

#On Track and In Depth

Finally, track time. This was moment was pretty surreal for us, and we remember it well. Ryan stopped at the green flag on pit lane and he remarked his thoughts, “We’re about to embark on our first laps in vein with our first production unit. Big moment in the history of 311RS.” He’s typically not that guy but this moment was the start of something we’ve been working on for 5 years and would hopefully be a sign of things to come.

#On Track and In Depth

Alright, enough reflection. It’s time to rage on track!

#On Track and In Depth

Thing ripps. Out of the box the suspension setup was very close and the car was fun as hell. Bryan and Ryan were both happy with our base suspension settings and we knew things would only improve from there.

#On Track and In Depth

The first session in 311RS #01 was unreal. We’ll probably remember that session forever. With Evos being what they are, proper cooling after a hard session on track is key. #01 makes 400whp/360tq on AMS’ Dynojet on 93oct which is where we ran the car for the first session.

#On Track and In Depth

Each 311RS Evo X is equipped with the JRZ RS1 as standard. These dampers are based directly off the what we learned from the suspension on Ryan’s T/A car and refined with what we’ve learned on #00. That being said, #01 features a different damper setup all together. We mentioned the 311RS-spec JRZ 12 31s earlier in the post and they’re really unfair. They’re also based off Ryan’s T/A, but these new dampers feature JRZ’s latest and greatest 3-way adjustment complete with a huge dynamic range. We don’t run heavy spring rates in our cars, Ryan prefers compliance, so #01 runs 600F/800R springs (my T/A is on 700F/900R). This being a street car first and foremost we were focused on ride quality from the start. With the increased dynamic range built in to the dampers they are quickly transformed from track monsters to street gliders and vise versa. They’re super smooth, plush even. You feel what you want and they don’t jar the occupants..they actually absorb bumps! Crazy.. Both remote reservoirs are mounted to the Cusco strut brace for easy adjustment complete with heat shields to protect them from the 4B11T’s massive heat.

#On Track and In Depth

#01 had a some time to cool, we adjusted the suspension accordingly, now it was time to turn it up. Our VP MS109e track map was uploaded and filled the car with with some fresh VP fuel. On the track map, Chris from AMS tuned the car to 440whp/370tq for a nice safe ripper track map.

#On Track and In Depth

This guy would always ask how much later Ryan could brake into Turn 4, like he was testing us. It’s a gnarly downhill decreasing radius left hander.

#On Track and In Depth

After a warm up lap, Ryan blasted into the corner to test the car. For being on true street tires (Nitto NT05) we were really happy with how it performed in this tricky section. Downhill braking, a decreasing radius design with a bump on apex, that’s a recipe for some nice understeer.

#On Track and In Depth

Bryan and Ryan worked throughout the day on the chassis setup. #01 was dialed in with three progressively dynamic suspension setups. In theory, the owner of #01 can adjust his car as he builds his confidence level over the course of time.

#On Track and In Depth

Speaking of the owner, we definitely owed him some track time at this point… We set him up with our Phase One chassis settings for the first session. Phase One allows for a safe chassis that will progressively understeer at the limit. He’s been on track in plenty of cars so we didn’t have much to worry about, he wasn’t a bozo out there. His intent when purchasing 311RS #01 was to make it “his” car. The goal was for him to understand every inch of the thing, make the right suspension adjustments and understand the process of setting up a car for the track (psi, alignment, ride height, etc.). His first words when we got out of the car? “I f***ing love my car!” That’s what you want, mission accomplished.

#On Track and In Depth

After each session on track Ryan always wipe down the wheels, without fail. He gets made fun of a lot. It’s something he’s been doing after every session/race since 2008 when he transitioned to cars. There’s a method to the madness though… If he had more important things to attend to he wouldn’t have time to clean the wheels. So we look at it as a good thing. Also, a clean car always looks better in photos.

#On Track and In Depth

More sessions throughout the day…

#On Track and In Depth

Meant more cleaning of the wheels.

#On Track and In Depth

We made a huge push the final session to see just how quick the car actually was. Phase 3 chassis setup, race map, pressure checked NT05s, etc. We ended up posting one of the fastest times recorded for a car on true street tires at MMC – 2:28.4. The car weighs 3,325 and has a full interior so it’s a legitimate street car on street tires (not R-Comps). A Viper ACR-X ran a 2:26 or so, so we were running a good pace and Ryan was satisfied.

#On Track and In Depth

So there it is, 311RS #01 after it’s first few days on track. It took the beating like a champ and the owner was proud of his purchase. We were not only relieved that everything went well, but also taken back by the experience. We had no idea it would feel this rewarding. Seeing how happy the owner was and to be proud of the car for functioning properly felt great.

#On Track and In Depth

It felt as though the car came alive during these few days. It’s full of character!! The etnies E-Suede and Tartan fabric transform the interior, not only the look and feel, but also the scent. It smells “premium” (if that makes sense at all). After #01’s initiation on track all of us felt closer to the car, as if it had became our friend. Hearing it, smelling it, driving it, everything came together really well.

#On Track and In Depth

Each of these 11 cars will be unique. Each will have their own goals and in turn will have different stories to tell. We’re looking forward to production this fall and meeting all of the great people who will become part of the 311RS family. Our goal is to host a track day for all 11 owners after we’ve completed production. The thought of seeing all eleven (11) 311RS Evo Xs on track together is too much to pass up!!

#On Track and In Depth

It’s been a long journey filled with plenty of hurdles but we’re glad we’ve pushed through and making this program a reality. It will be fun to see it play out over the next few months and into the future.

That moment when you open Robb Report and see your first production car featured on a full page..

That’s when you know you’re doing something right. Robb Report was a magazine Ryan grew up reading for inspiration. Not necessarily because we wanted to buy all of the products, but for the feature stories about people who’ve achieved success and were open to sharing their principles. Robb Report to us was a guide, a “how to”, on how to do things right and be successful while doing it.

#01 Delivery

The 311RS Evo X is featured in this month’s “25 Most Innovative Brands” issue. Talk about inspiration! For 311RS, a young brand in the midst of launching our first production car and rolling out a line of products, this is a huge boost of confidence. Our goals are huge, and it will take years to reach them all, so when we heard that we were to be featured in this issue of all issues it felt like it was a good sign.

#01 Delivery

Thank you to Robb Report and Robert Ross for the great story. I’ll cherish this forever!

We are excited to announce that we’ve confirmed our allocation for 11 Evo Xs from Mitsubishi and are slated to launch production this September. We’ve built 311RS #01, now it’s full steam ahead with units 2-11.

We’re in the process of owner selection and reviewing many inquiries, but there’s still time! If you’re interested in the opportunity to own one of the remaining 311RS Evo X units slated for production, please email us at info@311RS.com.

We brought the car to NYC to display it at Classic Car Club Manhattan, yes. But also to deliver the thing! The owner works in NYC, but lives in Connecticut. It made perfect sense logistically to display the car at CCC prior to delivery.

I had a weird thought while I was transporting the car from NYC to CT, “This isn’t my car..” Might sound odd, but up until this point I was the only person to have driven the car, the only person to really spend enough time with it to really get to know the car. It felt like it was my car. But it wasn’t, none of these 11 cars will be, but it hit me – I care about each one of them as if they were my cars. That is a good feeling.

#01 Delivery

Instead of showing up at the owner’s house with a truck and trailer, I decided to unload #01 at a local Home Depot and drive to the owner’s house. My thought was that it would feel a bit more special to see (and hear) your new car come rolling up. See it in motion for the first time. My thought was that it would give the owner a sense of occasion, the time is now, the car is mine, let’s go for a drive.

And drive we did. I stepped out, dangled the keys and climbed into the comfy Tartan-lined Recaro Pole Position passenger seat. This would be a drive of many firsts – first time the owner would drive his new 311RS Evo X, the first time I would ride as a passenger in my limited production automobile, the first time we’d fill the car up with fuel, you get the picture. This was a big moment for 311RS. Very exciting!!

#01 Delivery

To be brief, the drive went just as I had hoped. The car ran great and drove very smoothly. The owner took delivery with less than 50 miles on the odometer so we were technically still in break-in period. Even so, we pushed it a little to get some adrenaline flowing. These cars are so incredibly capable I was even blown away! The way the car carries itself is money. It felt planted, firm yet plush, very solid. It was interesting sitting in the passenger seat, I was able to relax and take in a lot of the nuances that I had previously never realized.

Owner #01 went for our full “Interior Upgrade” package that includes etnies E-Suede on the dash, A, B, and C pillars, headliner, and the steering wheel. The E-Suede adds a very premium feel to the interior of the car while retaining the OEM ambiance. We didn’t want the car to feel custom, rather we were after a very high end OEM-like product. After spending time in the car, I would say we accomplished just that.

#01 Delivery

Not only does the car feel much more upmarket with the E-Suede, it is also much quieter. The use of E-Suede throughout seems to have dampened a lot of the background noises allowing you to focus on the task at hand and enjoy the thoroughly beefy Akrapovic exhaust note.

We spent just over two hours on our first drive of 311RS #01. Winding through the back roads of CT just enjoying the car. It’s a great cruiser. I can’t stress enough how smooth this car is. Very well damped while giving you just the right amount of feedback. Driving the 311RS is a very pleasurable experience.

#01 Delivery

With 200 miles on the odometer we headed back to the owner’s home for some inspection time. I checked all of the nuts and bolts, looked for any leaks, smelled for any smells. etc. All was well. It was reassuring to see all that you have worked for come together and thrive so smoothly. We enjoyed dinner together and conversed about the car for the rest of the night. Plans are now to keep breaking in the car before our track day in mid-May. That’s when the real fun begins!

I’ll leave you with a quote from the owner after a week of ownership –

“After my first week of getting to know my new ride, I wanted to give you a quick update on the 311RS#01. First of all I fallen hard for the interior! It truly is an amazing blend of new technology with great visual references to some of my favorite cars from a different time. But what really has been a joy is the driving experience. Smooth but lightning quick engine response, a shifter that is precise but easy. Handling and steering that quite frankly is so razor sharp and communicates so well that I have not even been close to approaching it’s limits, and you know I have run it HARD already! Congratulations on such a balanced and high quality transformation!”

#01 Delivery

An invite to display 311RS #01 in NYC before most of the major Automotive press? Yes please.

This was exactly the case after we revealed 311RS #01 in Minneapolis. The car was all over the net, and because of this we were in contact with a lot of people who wanted to see the car in person. A friend reached out and asked if I would be open to displaying #01 at Classic Car Club Manhattan (www.classiccarclubmanhattan.com) instead of the NY Auto Show.

Jalopnik x CCC x 311RS Party

Typically I wouldn’t turn down the NY Auto show, but a chance to have the car placed directly in front of 100‘s of drunk automotive journalists is a rare one. You see, the car needs to be appreciated in detail. A passing glance tells you the 311RS is a modded Evo. Understandable, and I get it. But it’s when you have the opportunity to walk a person through the car, explain the methodology, point out the details, that’s when the 311RS begins to make sense. Add in the fact the journos will be drinking and you get a very intriguing combo.

This event would also be the first time the owner’s wife would see the car. I don’t think she really knew about the car until he took delivery…. Anyways, I took a few minutes to give her an in-depth tour of #01. Even sat her in the drivers seat. She really liked it. Actually, she loved it. It was a pleasant surprise. She was into all of the details and thought the interior was especially cool.

Although having the owner’s wife on our side was cool, I was more focused on getting the media on our side as well. We wanted them to really understand what the 311RS was all about. Thankfully there was plenty of interest in the car and I was able to connect with all of the right people during the event. I know that we did our best with the car, we’re all happy with the end product, but it’s especially nice to get genuine interest from automotive journalists who are around cars all the time.

The event was a success, now it was time for the real fun..delivering the car to it’s new owner! A short drive to CT and the car would be his. I spent the night in NYC and planned to set out for delivery in the morning.

Jalopnik x CCC x 311RS Party

My Great Grandmother Marge is so sweet. She’s 88 years old and still comes to support me at events. The 2013 Minneapolis Auto Show was no different. She was there to witness her Great Grandson deliver his first Production car and meet the Owner of the car. She couldn’t help herself, she had to sit in the car.

Her opinion –

“Great job Ryan, these seats are fantastic. I love you.”

I’ll take it! Thanks Grandma.

On March 11, 2013 we delivered our first 311RS Evo X to it’s owner at the Minneapolis Auto Show. The owner had only previously seen the car in photos, never in person, bought the car sight unseen.. This was a big moment for us!

Minneapolis Auto Show

What started out as a random email, was about to turn into reality for the owner of 311RS #01 (who wishes to remain anonymous). After first reading about the 311RS in Modified Magazine’s article from Tuner Shootout 2012, the eventual owner was hooked. He contacted us via www.311rs.com, we then spoke on the phone and eventually Ryan flew out to NYC to meet the potential owner of 311RS #01.

See, the first 311RS is very special to us. It’s our first “Production” unit, meaning it would combine all that we learned from the development of #00 along with all of the details that will separate the production units and the prototype. Starting fresh with a brand new 2013 Evo X, 311RS #01 began it’s journey through our production process in October 2012.

Minneapolis Auto Show

A few attempts at a delivery later, the owner’s schedule finally aligned for a 3/11/13 date at the Minneapolis Auto Show. How perfect, delivery of #01 on 3/11 day. We worked with Mitsubishi and Mole Richardson to design a unique experience to showcase #01 during the show and presentation to the press.

Mole Richardson provided their huge movie-quality “Day Light” spotlights to help us present the car in proper fashion. We believe 311RS Blue is a special color, and in turn deserves only the best light. Hence Mole Richardson. Apparently the Minneapolis Auto Show committee thought so as well, we were awarded “Best Use of Lighting” for the 2013 show. Trophy and all!

Minneapolis Auto Show

Onto the reveal.. The owner flew in from NYC on Monday morning, a few hours ahead of our scheduled reveal time. A quick drive from the airport directly to the Auto Show to spend some time building anticipation. His first view of his new car, covered up, only the bottom of the Ce28N wheels peeking out to hint at what lies beneath the custom 311RS cover. He was so annoyed, but at the same time so excited to see his car.

Following a brief presser in front of local reporters and online journalists, it was time. My girlfriend Christa was in attendance to help with the reveal. Together we pulled back the cover revealing 311RS #01 to it’s owner and the media for the first time! A huge collectiion of gasps and screams followed the reveal. A few more words with everyone then it was time to walk through the car with it’s new owner.

Minneapolis Auto Show

He was speechless! Seeing your new car for the first time is always a special experience and this was no different. 311RS Blue is not the same in photographs, it so vivid in real life. The width of the car, the ride height, everything about 311RS #01 has to be appreciated in person for it to make complete sense. We spent time together walking through the car pointing out the details and discussing decisions made with the owner that he was seeing for the first time in person.

It was a unique process building 311RS #01. The car had to be special, yet stay true to the 311RS concept. No built engine or gutted interior. It had be a real world street car with some added options to help visualize what was possible with the 311RS Program. We work directly with each owner to dial the car in to exactly what they want, and it by the look on the owner’s face when he saw his car for the first time, we are confident that we’ve accomplished his goals.

Minneapolis Auto Show

Minnesota native Ryan Gates and Mitsubishi Motors are set to unveil the first Production 311RS Evolution X on March 11th, 2013 at 2:00pm CST in the Mitsubishi Motors booth at the 40th Annual Minneapolis Auto Show. The 311RS is a turn key, limited production, full developed Evolution X built on the foundation of Ryan Gates’ motorsport program. Limited to 11 units, each 311RS is hand built in Minneapolis, MN and launches at $49,000 USD.

Visit www.311rs.com to begin your 311RS experience.

Press contact: Ryan Gates (612) 547-9311 or info@311RS.com

Too much is never enough. That has never sounded more correct than it does now. When building your own limited production car, it’s nearly impossible to call the thing done. There is always something more you could do. Here’s a look into a few of the details we’ve put into production, in this case on 311RS #01.

311RS-spec steering wheel – wrapped in Motorsport-grade E-Suede from etnies, the 311RS steering wheel is one of the first things you notice when you enter a 311RS. Grab hold of it once and you’re hooked. The Motorsport-grade E-suede is more raw than normal E-Suede. That raw translates into more grip, perfect for driving the 311RS on track, or on the way to a Prince concert. Finished off with CNC aluminum 311RS badging and gloss black paint, the 311RS steering wheel comes together just right.

311rs modified tuner shootout

311RS-spec Recaro Pole Positions – The quintessential track day seat, 311RS style. The first step was branding them with our logo across the headrest. The next step was to change the fabric on them for something a bit more our style. It’s a throwback to the glory days of driving. That’s about all I can say until delivery. Until then enjoy this shot of the two seats together with the Fall-Line for 311RS roll bar.

311rs modified tuner shootout

CNC aluminum 311RS badging – We wanted badging just as unique as the 311RS. Colin from Kinetic Custom Machine and I met during the 311RS Launch party at Oakley HQ last spring. Neither of us knew it then, but it was fate. The first of many CNC aluminum items produced together between KCM and 311RS are the exterior badges that signify this is no ordinary Evo X.

311rs modified tuner shootout

311RS-spec JRZs – Our long-time suspension partner JRZ actually surprised us with this one. All 311RS Evo X’s will come standard with 311RS laser etched onto the top mounts, but if you decide to upgrade to say, JRZ’s optional motorsport-grade 1231 Racing shocks, you’ll receive additional 311RS branding directly onto the external reservoirs. Cheers JRZ, you’ve outdone yourself once again.

311rs modified tuner shootout

Fall-Line for 311RS roll bar – Options are a mans best friend. I think that’s what I’ve heard… Regardless, the bolt-in Fall-Line for 311RS is by far my favorite option for the 311RS. Not only does it provide additional safety, it looks incredible. Painted 311RS Blue, it ties the whole color scheme together. Fall-Line and 311RS worked together to ensure a perfect fit without any additional modifications to the car. More on this product later.