[BulletproofM]

I would like to take the time to focus on one of my personal favorite companies in this industry, Powerhouse Amuse.

Powerhouse Amuse is one of the most innovative, most well renowned companies in not only JDM tuning, but the aftermarket scene in general IMHO. Bulletproof Automotive introduced Amuse to North America back in 2001.

The S2000 was the bread and butter for Amuse for sometime as it dominated the Touge and made its way into the hearts of many different types of track enthusiasts. Through their "Touge Monster", Amuse was able to represent their ability to fuse track performance with daily driving and sacrifice nothing. Eventually Powerhouse Amuse decided to create an S2000 with a more, "JGTC Inspired" image and then the S2300 GT1 was born.

Tanabe-San was the mastermind behind Powerhouse Amuse all the way up until mid last year. During his reign as one of the leading S2000 tuners, Tanabe-San invested in everything possible for the S2000 from aero pieces, to exhausts, to suspension, to brakes.

Of course, the S2000 wasn't enough to satisfy Tanabe-San's craving for modifying. Eventually, with the help of his wife, Ericsson was born portraying the image of Amuse's branch for European makes and models. Miss Tanabe-San has been spearheading the Ericsson branch all the way before its debut at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2008; after the passing of Tanabe-San, Miss Tanabe-San took over the Amuse name as well. Since she was already acquainted with the operations of Ericsson, managing Amuse is something that she should be extremely familiar with.

The passing of Tanabe-San left a void in the industry that we experienced here at Bulletproof Automotive both professionally and personally; Tanabe-San's relationship with our company is one that we hold dear.

Fortunately, Amuse is still on the cutting edge, pumping out parts and conceiving of concepts that others treasure and envy.

The goal for Ericsson's image was to offer parts of extreme functionality while still maintaining a clean look that incorporated JDM elegance with a European inspired sense of class. Based on their experience with the S2000, Amuse/Ericsson believed that one of the best ways to unleash this German Torque Monster, was to shave off excess weight. Through this train of thought, Ericsson immediately started pumping out dry carbon and FRP aero products, and full titanium exhaust systems. What better way to shave weight than using methods often found in JGTC and Formula 1?

In the end, a wonderful company in my opinion who's high quality products represent their willingness to be one of the best, regardless of what struggles they have to face in order to do so.

Here are a few pictures from our different trips with Amuse. We have quite a few so if anyone would like to see more please ask.







-Hunter

[BoostedBMW]

Being a former S2000 owner, I'm a huge fan of Amuse in general, and I'm glad to see Ericsson getting some recongnition in the euro scene.

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

Being a former S2000 owner, I'm a huge fan of Amuse in general, and I'm glad to see Ericsson getting some recongnition in the euro scene.

Well, from one S2000 owner to another....

Amuse/Ericsson is one of our favorite companies for many reasons, most of which are obvious. It is always great to hear when other enthusiasts appreciate the same quality and offer the same respect.

I would imagine that you and I will be doing a lot of posting together in the future.

Do you or have you owned any Amuse/Ericsson products?

If so please feel free to post a few pics.

-Hunter

[BoostedBMW]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

Well, from one S2000 owner to another....

Amuse/Ericsson is one of our favorite companies for many reasons, most of which are obvious. It is always great to hear when other enthusiasts appreciate the same quality and offer the same respect.

I would imagine that you and I will be doing a lot of posting together in the future.

Do you or have you owned any Amuse/Ericsson products?

If so please feel free to post a few pics.

-Hunter

Hunter, nice to hear that you are an s2000 owner. I'm actually looking to get another s2000 to use as a dedicated track car/weekend toy since I really regret selling my last one, and I won't lie... the thought of going with a GT1 kit has crossed my mind at least once or twice. I just don't know if I would want to beat the snot out of it on the track with a fresh widebody paint job though. Since my S2K was turbo'd that ruled out any amuse header/exhaust combo, but I did have an R1 front bumper that I still think is the greatest looking non-widebody front end for that car...







I can't wait to pick up another one. I'm still undecided if I want to go with another AP1 or try out an AP2 this time around. Part of me is still biased towards the AP1 and the original F20c, but I like the AP2 as well. So, hopefully I'll be placing a few orders with you guys at bulletproof sooner than later for my next project car.

Now, lets see some pics of your S2K (with its amuse parts of course not to throw this thread completely off-topic ).

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

Hunter, nice to hear that you are an s2000 owner. I'm actually looking to get another s2000 to use as a dedicated track car/weekend toy since I really regret selling my last one, and I won't lie... the thought of going with a GT1 kit has crossed my mind at least once or twice. I just don't know if I would want to beat the snot out of it on the track with a fresh widebody paint job though. Since my S2K was turbo'd that ruled out any amuse header/exhaust combo, but I did have an R1 front bumper that I still think is the greatest looking non-widebody front end for that car...







I can't wait to pick up another one. I'm still undecided if I want to go with another AP1 or try out an AP2 this time around. Part of me is still biased towards the AP1 and the original F20c, but I like the AP2 as well. So, hopefully I'll be placing a few orders with you guys at bulletproof sooner than later for my next project car.

Now, lets see some pics of your S2K (with its amuse parts of course not to throw this thread completely off-topic ).

I agree about the Amuse bumper. That is IMO one of the cleanest most appealing non-wide body fronts. In terms of my S, the Amuse pieces I have aren't visible. They are all exhaust pieces:





My main love for Amuse comes from their weight savings. A full Ericsson exhaust on an E92 M3 shaves off about 58lbs. A full Amuse setup on a S2000 shaves off about 50 lbs. I personally love stripping off excess, unwanted weight on a car; and based on my past experiences...Amuse has the right parts for the job.

-Hunter

[BoostedBMW]

^ Wow, that's a great looking s2k you have. I love the stance with the wider front fenders (asm?) and the spoon rear fenders. I think a spoon diffuser would flow great on your car, especially with your hardtop. You have good taste.

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

^ Wow, that's a great looking s2k you have. I love the stance with the wider front fenders (asm?) and the spoon rear fenders. I think a spoon diffuser would flow great on your car, especially with your hardtop. You have good taste.

Thanks . I really love the lines of my car but the image isn't exactly what I was going for. Believe it or not I was aiming for an extremely clean look that is similar to yours. In the end, I enjoy tracking so I had to go with a wider stance and lower drag. Since this is also my daily driver I had to get the rear windows. Currently my car is undergoing massive changes. I really enjoy the sleek, classy design of your S2000. It has a look that will continue to be loved and your car isn't a reflection of any current fads.

I believe Amuse now offers exhausts for Forced Induced S2000's now. If you end up turbocharging your next S, let me know and I will see what Amuse can do for you.

Here is a cool exhaust pic from the Amuse Carbon R34. Hopefully this pic will show just how versatile Amuse is when it comes to exhaust designs:



-Hunter

[ALPINE6SPD]

good parts but the M3 front bumper is tacky as hell IMO.

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

good parts but the M3 front bumper is tacky as hell IMO.

To each their own. Amuse is very well known for choosing functionality over form. In the end, some people enjoy the "functional look", others don't...IMO that is makes the tuning industry so great; the common indifference and craving to modify while wanting to be unique.

I appreciate your comment on how good the parts are.

Great feedback

-Hunter

[BoostedBMW]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

Thanks . I really love the lines of my car but the image isn't exactly what I was going for. Believe it or not I was aiming for an extremely clean look that is similar to yours. In the end, I enjoy tracking so I had to go with a wider stance and lower drag. Since this is also my daily driver I had to get the rear windows. Currently my car is undergoing massive changes. I really enjoy the sleek, classy design of your S2000. It has a look that will continue to be loved and your car isn't a reflection of any current fads.

I believe Amuse now offers exhausts for Forced Induced S2000's now. If you end up turbocharging your next S, let me know and I will see what Amuse can do for you.

Here is a cool exhaust pic from the Amuse Carbon R34. Hopefully this pic will show just how versatile Amuse is when it comes to exhaust designs:



-Hunter

Oh, really? I had no idea that they offered FI options now for the s2k, but I will admit that I have a little out of the loop when it comes to that platform since I've been wasting too much time on here. So, I'm assuming that they are offering a single 3" setup that isn't titanium? Going back around two years ago amuse Ti exhausts and FI didn't seem to mix very well (in reference to the s2k alone, obviously not with other platforms like the R34 you pictured), but things can certainly have changed since then.

I believe that the exhaust you posted in that pic might have the world's largest exhaust tip known to mankind. I have always liked their craftsmanship when it came to their exhausts, but at the time it was only applicable for NA s2000's.

As far as looks are concerned, I have always leaned towards a more simple, clean look, but for my next s2k I think that I want to go a little more aggressive this time around (your car is a good example of this where its aggressive looking, but still very clean). I love when you have both form and function, and I think that there are a lot of options out there to achieve that when it comes to the S. There are almost too many options so it seems as though almost every modded s2000 slowly transforms from one look to another, but I guess that's just another reason to keep the car.

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

Oh, really? I had no idea that they offered FI options now for the s2k, but I will admit that I have a little out of the loop when it comes to that platform since I've been wasting too much time on here. So, I'm assuming that they are offering a single 3" setup that isn't titanium? Going back around two years ago amuse Ti exhausts and FI didn't seem to mix very well (in reference to the s2k alone, obviously not with other platforms like the R34 you pictured), but things can certainly have changed since then.

I believe that the exhaust you posted in that pic might have the world's largest exhaust tip known to mankind. I have always liked their craftsmanship when it came to their exhausts, but at the time it was only applicable for NA s2000's.

As far as looks are concerned, I have always leaned towards a more simple, clean look, but for my next s2k I think that I want to go a little more aggressive this time around (your car is a good example of this where its aggressive looking, but still very clean). I love when you have both form and function, and I think that there are a lot of options out there to achieve that when it comes to the S. There are almost too many options so it seems as though almost every modded s2000 slowly transforms from one look to another, but I guess that's just another reason to keep the car.

Long story short, there is nothing that Amuse/Ericsson cannot do. Just like the M3, there are many options for the S2000.

The convenience of the S2000 is that since there are many JDM enthusiasts, JDM S2000 products are more well known. There are actually a similar amount of JDM products for the M3; since not as many people take the full JDM route these parts are more rare.

Ericsson is a perfect example IMHO.

-Hunter

[94JZA80]

thought i'd make a contribution by representing the Supra crowd :











...and here's an S2000 application with full heat treatment:







...these are fully customizable exhausts down to the last detail, including how much heat treatment (blue coloring) you want, and where you want it.

[BulletproofM]

Great choices. That Amuse HFC was one of the first, if not the first one in the states.

When we weighed that Amuse S2000 exhaust manifold, with packaging it was only 11 lbs!!

Here are some more pics from that shipment. I hope you all enjoy looking at them as much I did:





We wanted to show exactly how big that Amuse JZA80 tip was...check it out:



Things for bringing in the Supra family

Here is an Amuse piece from the E46 M3 family. We went crazy with the pictures once we got this exhaust in:

E46 exhaust

-Hunter

[94JZA80]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

Great choices. That Amuse HFC was one of the first, if not the first one in the states...

...When we weighed that Amuse S2000 exhaust manifold, with packaging it was only 11 lbs!!

i think you're right about it being one of the first in the states...if its the same one that Dusty @ MVP is advertising on Supraforums.com. notice the pics are watermarked by MVP Motorsports.com. Dusty says the JZA80 application weighs in at a similar 10-lbs...i titanium.


*EDIT* - i just realized that the guy in the green shirt is in both of our pictures...i didn't realize at first that they are from the same set LOL.


btw, the diameter of that tip =


that e46 exhaust is sexy as hell too!

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by 94JZA80

i think you're right about it being one of the first in the states...if its the same one that Dusty @ MVP is advertising on Supraforums.com. notice the pics are watermarked by MVP Motorsports.com. Dusty says the JZA80 application weighs in at a similar 10-lbs...i titanium.


*EDIT* - i just realized that the guy in the green shirt is in both of our pictures...i didn't realize at first that they are from the same set LOL.


btw, the diameter of that tip =


that e46 exhaust is sexy as hell too!

I agree that the diameter of the tip is just and at 10 lbs.

The guy in the green shirt was actually me ha-ha. I am very particular when it comes to handling titanium and I am not the best photographer...so it was only smart for me to hold the products .

I am 6' so hopefully this pic will give you a better idea for scaling as to just how incredible that JZA80 exhaust is:



-Hunter

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

To each their own. Amuse is very well known for choosing functionality over form. In the end, some people enjoy the "functional look", others don't...IMO that is makes the tuning industry so great; the common indifference and craving to modify while wanting to be unique.

I appreciate your comment on how good the parts are.

Great feedback

-Hunter

I like functioal also. It would be better if there was not so much material on it also. Why does it have to be so overdone? You can make a bumper that is just as good and weighs less. Also why do they put larger and heavier wheels and tires on the car if they want function. If that was the case they would put Dinan wheels on it. They are the lightest 19's available besides the cf rims you see on Porsche. Trust me if they wanted functional they would not be putting those oversized wheels and heave tires on the car.

[94JZA80]

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

I like functioal also. It would be better if there was not so much material on it also. Why does it have to be so overdone? You can make a bumper that is just as good and weighs less. Also why do they put larger and heavier wheels and tires on the car if they want function. If that was the case they would put Dinan wheels on it. They are the lightest 19's available besides the cf rims you see on Porsche. Trust me if they wanted functional they would not be putting those oversized wheels and heave tires on the car.

do you even know what wheels are on it? and how do you know they're heavier than the OEM wheels that they replaced? can you see the tires so well that you know what make & model they are?...and that they're heavier than the OEM tires?

[94JZA80]

you know what? i think i'm going to order one of these bad boys...oh, wait a sec...i don't have $2500-2600 laying around . i guess i'll be saving for a while lol.

[BulletproofM]

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

I like functioal also. It would be better if there was not so much material on it also. Why does it have to be so overdone? You can make a bumper that is just as good and weighs less. Also why do they put larger and heavier wheels and tires on the car if they want function. If that was the case they would put Dinan wheels on it. They are the lightest 19's available besides the cf rims you see on Porsche. Trust me if they wanted functional they would not be putting those oversized wheels and heave tires on the car.

You bring up some great points .

As I mentioned in my initial post, Ericsson wanted "to offer parts of extreme functionality while still maintaining a clean look that incorporated JDM elegance with a European inspired sense of class."

If only we could all run carbon wheels on our ride .

One thing that companies such as Ericsson have to consider is cost and if the risk outweighs the reward. I agree with you about the wheels. Carbon wheels would be so much better. In the end, Ericsson needs to decide which wheels will sell more. If Ericsson takes the risk of running carbon wheels, will they sell enough in order to profit from their initial investments? Or is it more wise to purchase wheels that still have great quality and are a little heavier yet more affordable; which would make it easier to profit. It all comes down to personal beliefs and business strategies that work for that individual.

For styling and material, Ericsson is an amazing innovator IMO. In the end though they are still a business. Businesses often have to find a compromise between two different sides. In this case, the two different sides are clients who prefer function over form, and clients who prefer form over function. In order to increase their probability of selling more kits so that they can afford to fund future projects, Ericsson made a reasonable compromise by designing a kit that provides great function but still appeals to a majority of clients who prefer form.

Will this kit appeal to everyone? Probably not and Ericsson realizes that and so do I. The only thing that Ericsson can do is stay true to what they believe in and what they represent and hope for the best. So far I believe Ericsson has achieved that goal.

Since I am not an employee of Ericsson I cannot say with 100% confidence what the logic behind their thoughts are or what their secrets are etc. All I can really do is represent Ericsson to the best of my ability and continue to try and educate and enlighten. So far you have brought up some great points that I believe many members of this community will enjoy reading. I only hope that I am worthy counterpart in our discussions...please keep it coming

Originally Posted by 94JZA80

you know what? i think i'm going to order one of these bad boys...oh, wait a sec...i don't have $2500-2600 laying around . i guess i'll be saving for a while lol.

. In all honesty, I have had many clients make the same claim. Currently, a majority of them have an Amuse exhaust right now.

Forgive me if I am too forward, but I just want to let you know that pricing is never a problem with me.

Just let me know what you want and together we will make it happen.

-Hunter

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

You bring up some great points .

As I mentioned in my initial post, Ericsson wanted "to offer parts of extreme functionality while still maintaining a clean look that incorporated JDM elegance with a European inspired sense of class."

If only we could all run carbon wheels on our ride .

One thing that companies such as Ericsson have to consider is cost and if the risk outweighs the reward. I agree with you about the wheels. Carbon wheels would be so much better. In the end, Ericsson needs to decide which wheels will sell more. If Ericsson takes the risk of running carbon wheels, will they sell enough in order to profit from their initial investments? Or is it more wise to purchase wheels that still have great quality and are a little heavier yet more affordable; which would make it easier to profit. It all comes down to personal beliefs and business strategies that work for that individual.

For styling and material, Ericsson is an amazing innovator IMO. In the end though they are still a business. Businesses often have to find a compromise between two different sides. In this case, the two different sides are clients who prefer function over form, and clients who prefer form over function. In order to increase their probability of selling more kits so that they can afford to fund future projects, Ericsson made a reasonable compromise by designing a kit that provides great function but still appeals to a majority of clients who prefer form.

Will this kit appeal to everyone? Probably not and Ericsson realizes that and so do I. The only thing that Ericsson can do is stay true to what they believe in and what they represent and hope for the best. So far I believe Ericsson has achieved that goal.

Since I am not an employee of Ericsson I cannot say with 100% confidence what the logic behind their thoughts are or what their secrets are etc. All I can really do is represent Ericsson to the best of my ability and continue to try and educate and enlighten. So far you have brought up some great points that I believe many members of this community will enjoy reading. I only hope that I am worthy counterpart in our discussions...please keep it coming



. In all honesty, I have had many clients make the same claim. Currently, a majority of them have an Amuse exhaust right now.

Forgive me if I am too forward, but I just want to let you know that pricing is never a problem with me.

Just let me know what you want and together we will make it happen.

-Hunter

You have great points and I can understand them as well. What do ercison wheels go for? Carbon wheels go for about 10-15k I think. I would think ericsson wheels are 10k plus. Amuse stuff for the s2k is nuts. Its funny how expensive the parts are for a cheap 32k car. People buy it though so the pricing must be in line. I am also sure the Amuse exhaust sounds SICK.

[94JZA80]

Originally Posted by BulletproofM

. In all honesty, I have had many clients make the same claim. Currently, a majority of them have an Amuse exhaust right now.

Forgive me if I am too forward, but I just want to let you know that pricing is never a problem with me.

Just let me know what you want and together we will make it happen.

-Hunter

understood. the way you put it is very enticing ...i will definitely talk to you when i am ready for an Amuse exhaust. i can appreciate very much someone who can work with me to make something happen.

[im spencer]

funny to see bulletproof on here! been a member of s2ki since 2003!