Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Owner Name: Stephen Baldea

Location: Alexandria, VA

Vehicle: 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR

Car Club Affiliation: Elite Performance, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our official website, www.clubeliteperformance.com.

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

What Events have you competed in?

In 2009 I Competed in Fast Cars & Freedom Car Show which I received a Dash Plaque for show and Wild Wheels Weekend, which I received Best of Show Pro’s Pick.

In 2010 I Competed in Mach V Motorsports Colossal Car Show and won their specialty award, “Car We’d Most Like To Drive”. I competed in the OC Car & Truck Show, Fast Cars & Freedom again, which I received another Dash Plaque for show.

In 2011 I Competed in Wild Wheels Cruisin’ Weekend and won 2 Outstanding Show Awards, I competed again at the OC Car & Truck Show and won 1st Place Mitsubishi, and I competed in a 4th of July Car & Truck Show and won 1st Place Import and Best of Show.

What will be your next performance modification/upgrade?

Since I’ve built my Evo from the ground up, when it comes to performance, the only big project I have next is a full Bride interior swap. I’m looking at Bride Gias front seats, Bride inserts in the rear, and Bride armrest, shift boot, and door panels.

“All Show”, “All Go” or Both, Why?

With my specific build I wanted to go wkith a little show, but all go. I wanted my Evo to be clean on the exterior with a little of style to set off the already aggressive look. I wanted to focus mainly on performance and handling.

Any Shout Outs?

I want to give some shout outs to all my sponsors and supporters, Mishimoto, Upscale Automotive, Prosport, SparkTech Ignitions, StickyLife, TTIN Photography and TWreck Films, Mach V Motorsports, and D&V Autobody. I want to give a shout out to my entire team, Elite Performance for their support and of course my wife, Autumn who allowed this build to take place and for her support.

Tuner of the Week: Stephen Baldea

Related Articles

Chopping Block: Acura RDX Chopping Block: Acura RDX
Now that we’re well into the new year, it’s time to welcome the first discontinued model announcement of 2026. This one caught us a bit by surprise,...
First BMW M EV confirmed for 2027 First BMW M EV confirmed for 2027
You read that headline right – BMW M will begin its EV transition next year. The Munich-based carmaker will launch its first next gen or Neue Klasse...
TE37 30th Anniversary Release TE37 30th Anniversary Release
RAYS is celebrating a major milestone for one of the most iconic wheels in the performance world: the VOLK RACING TE37 is officially turning 30. Since...
Toyota unveils GR Yaris Morizo RR Special Edition at TAS Toyota unveils GR Yaris Morizo RR Special Edition at TAS
Okay, we’ll get right to it. Yes, the Toyota Yaris (including the GR Yaris) isn’t sold in North America and, as far as we know, there are no plans to...
Nissan reveals Aura Nismo Concept at TAS Nissan reveals Aura Nismo Concept at TAS
The Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is a vast collection of hot performance cars and concepts that rarely disappoints, year after year. Come January, it’s a...
KW Automotive Celebrates 30 Years of Coilover Innovation KW Automotive Celebrates 30 Years of Coilover Innovation
KW Automotive marked a huge milestone at the Essen Motor Show 2025, celebrating 30 years of KW coilover suspensions—a product that helped shape the...