So I’ve been internet friends with Ben for quite a while, and it has been really interesting to watch how his 2009 Gen 2 Mazda 6 has progressed over the years. My first thoughts when I saw his car at SoWo 2015 were that the car looks even better in person than it does in pictures. Ben has had a few phases with his big blue sedan, and I must say this is his best one yet. I remember seeing him first post his car when he was just on some Rays G35 wheels. Well, the Gen 2 Mazda 6 I can agree is a quite hard car to mod, but Ben has been able to throw his own personal taste into the platform and it has come out really well. He used to own a Volvo S60 R, so he is kind of used to coming up with new ideas for platforms that don’t have much to work with.
Since the car is a bigger body sedan Ben went more of the VIP route. He say’s, “I know the second-gen 6 is kind of a weird platform, and most people prefer either the older or newer generations – that’s why I’ve gone a quirky direction with the car. The Rapiers are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ve always drawn inspiration from VIP builds and these are OG VIP wheels. After mounting the Rapiers, I decided I might as well continue the gaudy theme and add chrome accents to the car like the livery and door handles. However, my wheel fitment is pretty conservative and I don’t run a lot of tire stretch or camber; this is a pretty damn heavy car and I drive 20,000 miles a year. ”
Well I was lucky enough to get in touch with Ben while he came down to Florida for the first time and we hung out for a bit so we shot together. So I was glad to get the opportunity since Ben is from North Carolina, I figure how many chances do we really get to see each other.
Can’t wait to see what else he does to expand this platform! Well here is the rest of our South Beach Miami shoot.
Even the Miami locals were impressed with his car!
Ben wanted to give some shoutouts as well.
Shoutouts: My girlfriend McKenzie for supporting me as I slowly destroy a family sedan, and all of the friends I’ve met through cars and who have helped me in the past several years. Lastly, I’d like to thank Shavi/MazdaFitment for giving me the opportunity to showcase my car here.
IG: @benznotmercedes
Modification List
2009 Mazda 6s 3.7L
Mod List:
Injen CAI
Borla mufflers, resonator delete
Chrome door handles
Galaxy print fabric wrapped A-pillars
Custom wooden 12” katana handle shift knob
D2 coilovers with UAS bags front/Air House 2 rear
Analog management with AVS switch box
5 gallon air tank, 444c compressor
Weds Kranze Rapiers: chrome faces, polished lips, gold hardware, tortoise shell center caps
19×9 +5 front after spacer, 19×10 +10 rear, 225/35/19 Kenda tires
Red taillights
Chrome vinyl MazdaFitment livery
