MITSUBISHI EVOX MR

Name: Aramis Aguilar

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Car club: Legit Society Sponsors: Westside Mitsubishi, Noppswraps, 7EightyAutomotive, LegitSociety, BagBarn, DSG Motorsport

How long have you been modifying cars? How did you get into it and are there any early inspirations?

“Well, when I was younger, I grew up in a family that used to race cars. Both my father and uncle used to race skylines and supras in the late 70s and early 80s. And I grew up immersed in that, I was always with them in the garage, and since they were all modified cars I didn’t just acquire a passion for driving and cars I also got into modifications as well. As I got older I wasn’t into drinking and partying, and modifying cars was how I had fun. It was my way to express myself. So ya, it was a family love of cars that was passed down to me!”

So you’ve worked on a lot of different cars?

“Oh man, so many. I’ve been modifying cars since the 90s, when I used to swap engines out on Hondas. So many I can’t even name them all. Plus I used to work in a shop, so I put in a lot of work there.”

Your current project, the NVMYEVOX – a 2012 Mitsubishi Evo X - is famous on the streets of Edmonton, is there a reason you decided to go with an Evo?

“When I first started looking for a car, I was looking at a few different makes. And it’s funny, it actually came down to the attitude of the guys at Westside Mitsubishi made me want an Evo. I went to a few different dealerships and to be honest, did not have the best experience. But when I walked into (Westside) Mitsubishi, it was like night and day compared to the other dealerships. The guys were so friendly, supportive and really took care of me. I believe in having a good attitude, and want to support others who have the same. That’s why I chose to go with Mitsubishi, their service was just on another level. And the car itself is a beast. For the amount your spending, in my opinion, nothing can beat an Evo And when I first drove it, I was blown away. It’s a super sport, so has many options for suspension, tranny, etc. After just a few minutes behind the wheel I knew I had to have that car.”

Looking at the car now, it looks completely different from a stock Evo. Tell us more about this project, and did you have a vision in mind when you started?

“When I started I didn’t have a solid vision. I just knew I wanted something different. A lot of times in the mod scene you see car owners and clubs doing similar things with their projects. And to be fair – sometimes you can’t get away from doing the same – but I wanted my car to stand on it’s own and be truly unique. The first mods I did were to the engine, adding bolts, etc. – real performance stuff at first.

That was the first year, then after that I wanted to do something big so I started looking at Kits and vinyl wrap colors. I wanted a crazy color for sure, something unique. So I got together with Westside Mitsubishi and NoppsWraps, it was a real collaborative vibe. We ended up narrowing it down to like 2-3 colors. You know what’s funny? It was actually my wife who chose the gold color in the end. I asked her to help me make that decision, and I’m glad I did. I get compliments on the color almost every day, I’m really happy with how it turned out."

You’ve done so much to this car - what’s your favourite modification?

“It’s really hard to pick a favourite, they all have their place and serve their function. I guess the air bags are kind of cool. It helps me maintain my kit in good condition, and they’re really quick. I can squat it at a set of lights and pick it up and go when it’s green – I love it”

Favorite cruising music?

“Haha, I grew up in the 90s, so s a lot of hip hop. And Latin music – salsa, reggae-ton.”

What advice would you have for people who are new to the scene or getting started on their own project?

My advice would be simple – whatever you decide to do with your car – do it because YOU want to do it. Don’t let other people dictate what you do to your car. There will be so many people giving their input and telling you what you should and shouldn’t be doing, and ya its important to listen and take advice, but at the end of the day, the perfect car is the one that’s perfect for you, not for others. It’s the one that is built exactly the way you wanted to build it and does exactly what you want it to do. Unless someone is paying for your mods, they should have no final say in what you do. Otherwise you’ll just stop enjoying it, and the spark will be gone.”

You’ve been in the scene for so long, what have you seen change?

“I think the biggest thing is the popularity of the scene, its so much more popular and is part of mainstream culture now. And the money involved nowadays – it’s just crazy. Its almost out of hand - I grew up in a shop and I’ve seen so many people who invest in projects they really shouldn’t invest in. A project is supposed to add to your life, not take away from it, and I think that’s sometimes lost when you look at the amount of debt some people get into for their cars.“

Any shout outs or thanks?

“A big shout out to my family and friends. Especially my wife – who always supports me as I follow my passion. Not many people my age get to do this, and I’m really lucky to have her supporting me. Thank you to NoppsWraps for the amazing work they always do, and most of all –to Westside Mitsubishi. They’ve honestly been my biggest supporters and none of this would have been possible without them. I really wish other dealerships would follow what they do and support drivers as they realize their project’s dreams. They support the local scene, drivers and clubs in so many ways, and their support is what made this project possible.”

"I like to thank all the people that have been so supporting and positive towards me and my car. I like to thank all my followers on Instagram and Facebook for always giving me a great feed back. I like to even thank the negative peoplefor keeping me in check.

Remember you need to respect and hear everyone's opinions.

Finally we really need to as car enthusiast, respect everyone build and support one another. Putting down people builds, because of the lack of funds or knowledge is wrong. Instead support and be positive or else the car scene will disappear little by little"