Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Gemballa’s Take on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

It’s fitting that the man in the clip below is called Shmee. That’s probably the sound he made when he first put the hammer down in the Gemballa-modified Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The legendary tuner of Porsches tweaked the hypercar’s ECU, bumping the 5.4-liter supercharged V8’s output up to 666 horsepower. Of course, it also customized […] More »

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 21, 2014

Improving on Perfection: ICON Customizes a G55 AMG

There are certain aftermarket companies that are known for their lack of restraint. After all, if you’re going to completely tear down a vehicle to customize it, why be subtle? Go big or go home. ICON, a Los-Angeles-based builder, did neither when it got its hands on a new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG. It went to its fabrication shop, and then it tastefully dressed up the right-angled rig.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 17, 2014

SL63 AMG to Get More Power for 2015

It’s safe to say the upcoming S63 AMG Coupe is already a motivator. I can just hear people hustling to put in their orders for it at dealerships around the world. Its roadster sibling, the SL63, will be exercising so that it tops its corporate sibling’s output by creating 585 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque for the 2015 model year.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 10, 2014

Watch this G320 Tear it up Off-Road

I’ve always found the Mercedes-Benz G-Class to be an attractive vehicle; its lines are straight and unapologetic. Under those butch right-angles is hardcore suspension hardware and apocalypse-proof rubber. The rig looks even better with some dirt splattered on it … downright beautiful as you’ll see in the clip after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 9, 2014

The S65 AMG Coupe is Coming

We’re living in great times for car enthusiasts. The artillery in the American horsepower wars is staggeringly powerful, Chrysler and Chevrolet are making V8-powered rear-wheel-drive sedans, and AMG is still twin-turbocharging V12s.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 8, 2014

Throwback: A Commercial for the SLK32 AMG

No matter what line of work you’re in, remember this: if your boss doesn’t appreciate the work you do, there’s bound to be someone out there who does … even if you’re a location scout for Mercedes-Benz commercials and that someone is an attractive space alien. Don’t roll your eyes. I’m trying to cheer you up on a Monday.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 7, 2014

Matt Farah’s S600 is not so Bulletproof After All

You remember that bulletproof Mercedes-Benz S600 Matt Farah was brave enough to sit in while it was put to the ultimate test? Well, apparently that wasn’t ultimate enough. While I can call the video after the jump a follow-up, I can’t really say it’s a test. It’s more of a murder. Farah, Rob Ferretti and some other gun-toting fellows absolutely UNLOAD on the big-bodied business barge.

By: Derek Shiekhi | April 3, 2014