setting the scene
On a bluebird day in Sun Valley Idaho, Ron and I undertook the start of RVR madness spring by finding a snowy, drift-able parking lot and letting the 4x4 hatchbacks do the rest. It was late March, and as snow was still pounding the entire west it was time to promote one of the RADDEST Mitsubishi models we’ve had come through our shop: The mid 90’s RVR Sports Gear X3 (RVR stands for Recreational Vehicle Runner). The RVR is related to the acclaimed JDM Mitsubishi Evo sports car, yet still goes alongside its cousin the Delica as a sleepable 4X4 recreation vehicle. (If you haven’t seen the videos that came from this shoot, be sure to check them out on our YouTube! ) (Also keep an eye out for our upcoming behind-the-scenes BLOOPER video!)
Rondo and I caught like wild animals in a dash cam, late March in Sun Valley, Idaho
Since the valley was constantly socked in with low clouds and heavy snow, The RVR Madness video shoot occurred on one of the only sunny days during the last two weeks of March. We really had to time this one, both to ensure there was proper lighting and a nice blanket of snow laid for drifting!
Conveniently it was after some nice snowfall the night before, so we were able to get some epic shots of these speed demons in the sunlight but on a great drifting surface. The extra pack really helps the tires slide, and with the turbo spooling, we got a particularly epic run with Falco, the green 1994 RVR with a limited slip differential. (both RVR models listed have independent suspension)
RVR Sports Gear “Falco” ripping through the spring snow
The shot
After the necessary flashy filming, we got in tight with DSLR, phone cams, and a chest-mounted mic to debut the features of the RVRs with Rondo as our host. Spiked up on caffeine from an earlier visit to Maude’s coffee in Ketchum Idaho, Rondo’s passion particularly spiked as he reminisced to me about how he learned to drive stick in the American version of the RVR. It had come full circle for him: he was now selling an upgraded version of the car that brought him so many memories in his younger years. Excitingly too, Ron was donning a classic maroon jumpsuit he later went snowboarding in, redefining the definition of “business casual” before my very eyes.
A Beautiful (hilarious) Moment…
As we went into the later parts of the day, our sunburned noses and frozen ears, we showcased a memorable feature and moment: fully reclinable back seats that fit both Ron and me upon testing it out! We were now even more impressed by the exceptional use of space now that two rugged, strapping, brutish men were somehow comfortably chilling in the fully folded back seats of a HATCHBACK, and would have dozed off if they weren’t careful. (these seats can also be fully removed, and a camping cot can be retrofitted! ) This comes at no sacrifice to top speed or weight, as the seat configurations all take place within a vehicle with 220hp and enough acceleration for any offroad trail or dirt road. The versatility of the RVR would be great for anyone who wants to overland without losing the sleek “get up and go” feel of a hatchback, and it was great to break down all the features, often unseen at first glance.
The equipment we used for the entire shoot was simple: Two Smartphones, A Nikon DSLR, A blue tooth portable microphone, and a GoPro Hero complete with a suction mount. It’s incredible what can be done with this equipment setup when you have proper lighting, a beautiful backdrop, and an awesome subject.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our YouTube and Instagram videos that came from this robust shoot! And, expect more videos to come as the snow begins to thaw! (The RVRs seen in this shoot are currently on sale at 10% off on our Van Sales Page)