Photography by Ryan Nadeau
Gerard Patrick Gonzales fell in love with the Rocket Bunny Lexus RC as soon as he saw the one built by Importfest making its way across social media. The aggressive front grille design combined with the wild style of the full kit was enough to push him to buy an RC350 F-Sport of his own after a test drive just one year later.
With the help of Invision Auto Imports in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a Rocket Bunny body kit was sourced then installed and painted by the amazing (and patient) team at Trademark Auto House. Gonzales knew that his Lexus RC350 was in good hands; Derek and the team at Trademark Auto House had all the tools and skills required to assemble the car. “One of the major challenges was the installation of the kit. Fitting the kit on the car, taking measurements, cutting the parts off the car and drilling holes the right way - and in the right part of the car - was a challenge,” Gonzales says. “It took a lot of time and effort to make it work. Patience was the key to make it perfect.”
Gonzales also appreciates the age-old mantra that “less is more”, and that is echoed in his personalized style touches. He went with Volk’s TE37 Ultra Forged wheels in order to maintain some classic simplicity. “I've seen a lot of modern, funky sets of wheels but I like to stick to the classics. They look clean, simple and I believe that less is more,” he tells us. That’s a philosophy we are sure resonates with many enthusiasts.
Gonzales extends a huge thank-you to his girlfriend, family, friends and his crew, Lost Royalty for all the support he has received throughout the build process of both of his cars. He also ends with some humility. “My build is not top of the line and it isn't the best of the best out there. But for me, my build is perfect just the way it is. It took a lot of time and dedication but I have no regrets.”
TUNER BATTLEGROUNDS STATS
- Event: Driven Show (Edmonton, AB)
- Hashtag: #TBGLIVEGERARD
- Popular Vote: 65%
- Voters: 68
- Hashtag Reach: 758,622
- Hashtag Impressions: 774,702
- Click here for standings
ESSENTIALS
OWNER: Gerard Patrick Gonzales
VEHICLE: 2015 Lexus RC350 F-Sport
LOCATION: Edmonton, AB
ENGINE: Toyota 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6
HORSEPOWER: 306 (est.)
TORQUE: 277 lb-ft
Facebook: Gerick Gonzales
Instagram: d_d0ubleg
EXHAUST
- Custom exhaust by ABC Muffler Shop
- Catalytic convertor delete
WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
- Volk Racing TE37 Ultra Forged wheels – 20x11 (f), 20x12 +12 (r)
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires – 275/35/20, 325/30/20
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- RSR AWD Sports-I coilovers
EXTERIOR
- Rocket Bunny RC kit w/ side canard set
- F-Sport LED headlights
- Blackout Auto tinting
INTERIOR
- Rioja red leather seats
- FreshAir Premium car freshener
FUTURE MODIFICATIONS
- AccuAir air suspension
- DCTMS aftermarket leather steering wheel
- Takeda Pro DRY stage-2 intake system
- Rocky Bunny RCF wing (bigger)
SPONSORS
- Ming Shine Co.
SHOPS/MECHANICS
- Invision Auto Imports (Edmonton)
- Trademark Auto House (Edmonton)
