John Butiu's G35 is as stunning as the view from atop a mountain
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Custom Car designer and modifier John Butiu is well versed in taking OE and making it the envy of all who lay eyes on his new creations. Originally from Kennewick, Washington, Butiu now lives in Manhattan Beach, California, with one of the cleanest and unique Infiniti G35 Coupe's on the west coast.
"I've had this car as my daily driver for 7 years and decided to modify it slowly so I can enjoy it instead of getting tired of it and moving on to another car," stated Butiu. "I try to look for mods that will stand out from the rest and chose rare mods like an authentic Top Secret Carbon Fiber Hood from Japan, Authentic Kuruma front bumper, and custom one of a kind rear bumper which I helped design." "My first mods were of course, lowering springs, tint, and a nice set of 20" HRE 540R wheels, chrome lip and brushed aluminum face, which you usually find on Porsches, Lambos, and Ferraris. I wanted a set of wheels which I can enjoy and not have to buy a new set every few years."
When asked about his inspiration and how he got into customizing and designing cars, John noted his education at the Art Center College of Design, majoring in Transportation Design/Car Design. With a formal education and a love for custom cars, Butiu was able to put all available knowledge, skills and contacts into designing his Infiniti.
Polished engine parts compliment the AEM Dryflow air filter, as well as other components in the engine bay
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"The full interior color change was also put together by Chuy's Auto Interior in Carson with the help of Randy Riggs. I created a 3D model using Maya Software of the full interior so I can show the shop how I wanted it to look. I also textured and rendered it in the materials from leather, suede, and painted pieces to show the different materials, as well as indicate where all the custom double stitching would go. We used suede, perforated suede, leather, color matched parts, seat belts, and super soft Porsche carpeting/floor mats." "I also had the entire engine bay polished, chromed, holes filled, stainless steel braided hoses, as well as a full wire tuck and color matched parts as well," reported Butiu. His G35 Coupe even includes simple details like having a custom polished intake modified so that the Mass Air Flow sensor is hidden away from view to create a clean look, along with an AEM filter which was included, "because I like the idea that it is easily washable and no oiling needed."
"I also had the finishing touches of a Stoptech BBK (color matched), Tanabe Z40 coils, sways, and a complete trunk audio sound system designed by me and good friend, Randy Riggs, build by Randy, materials by Chuy's Auto Interior, audio components by Newport Auto Sound, and Font Template by stickertome.com." Butiu, a member of the R-Rydes Car Club has been seen with the 2005 G35 Coupe at these events:
Hot Import Nights (LA, Pomona, Anaheim, San Mateo, Las Vegas, AZ), Motion Auto Show (Long Beach), SpoCom (Anaheim), Extreme Autofest (San Diego), IDRC and will hopefully be going to future big shows such as Sema.
This G35 exemplifies everything Butiu imagined a show car would be, even the interior
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AEM- "What drew you to this specific model? Why an '05 Infiniti?
Butiu- "The clean design and flowing lines of the Infiniti G35 coupe, which will be a classic design. I have been keeping my eye on the G35 coupe (aka Skyline 350GT in Japan) since its creation in 2003 and bought one in 2005. The exterior, interior, and engine are very well put together and very tuner friendly, with hundreds of aftermarket parts to choose from."
AEM- Regarding the unique styling and look of the vehicle, why did you choose it?
Butiu- "All the lines flow as if it were drawn with simple brush strokes from front to back. The proportions of the car as well as being a 6 cylinder RWD helped as well. I love the headlights so much, I had it modified by clearcorners.com with LED's all along the clearance strip and headlights. I wanted something different from your usual sports cars out there, I wanted something that had a unique, timeless look. That's why I chose a 2005 G35 Coupe in the Lakeshore Slate color, which is rarely seen, as opposed to the red, black, silver, white, or gun metal."
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