2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan By STi & Kicker

Continuing with our reports on the supped up Imprezas that appeared at the SEMA Show (click here and here) this red-to-the-bone Subie was created by audio specialist Kicker. Using the 2008 Impreza 2.5i Sedan as a base, Kicker equipped the car with a full line of Kicker car audio equipment including Kicker speakers and two Clarion VMA7196 7” monitors highlighting an Xbox360 game-console. When it came to bodywork and mechanical tuning, Kicker took a look at the STI accessories bin fitting the Impreza Sedan with STI sport springs and a carbon fiber body kit. Inside, the tweaked Impreza features a roll cage and Sparco bucket seats.

Fully Customizable Scion xB Toy Car Appears At SEMA

Here’s a tricked out Scion that’s available for all ages. Created by toy maker Ridemakerz, the fully customizable ‘Scion Ride” is based on the new xB. Measuring approximately 12 inches in length, the approximately 1:18 scale xB models will be available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green and. The scaled xB’s prices range from $22 for the Cannonball Black and Comet Blue versions to $25 for the Wasabi Green. Custom accessories range in price from $2.50 for grille guards and hood scoops to $15 for a deluxe "Muscle Kit" that includes a blown engine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vents. Radio-control can be added for $25. -Continued

According to the Ridenmakerz, you or your kids can build the new Scion RIDE on RIDEMAKERZ.COM and at Shops located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. In November, RIDEMAKERZ will open two additional Shops at the Spotsylvania Towne Center in Fredericksburg, Va. and at Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, Ind.

UK Prices Announced For Saab’s Limited Edition 2008 9-3 Turbo X

Making its UK premiere at the MPH 2007 motor show in London, the 2008 9-3 Turbo X is a limited edition model that celebrates 30 years of Saab turbocharging. Equipped with an AWD drive system and a 280 Hp strong 2.8-litre V6 Turbo engine, the 9-3 Turbo X is offered in both Saloon and SportWagon bodystyles. According to Saab U.K., the order book for the 9-3 Turbo X is now open with first customer deliveries are expected early next year. Prices start from £32,495 ($67,750 or €46,860) but if you’re interested, better hurry up as only 500 units will be available in the U.K. -More pics after the jump

Maybach Landaulet Study – Updated, With Official Image Gallery


Earlier this morning we previewed a leaked image of the Maybach Landaulet. Well, now its official as mama-Benz has released all the details along with a string of images, both of which are available after the jump. In a nutshell, the one-off Maybach Landaulet is a concept vehicle that has had its rear roof module removed and replaced with a black soft-top that is opened electro-hydraulically. The soft-top is deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes about 16 seconds. Based on the Maybach 62 S, which is equipped with a 612 Hp V12 engine, the Landaulet also features a unique exterior paintjob, 20-inch rims along with revised interior trim. -Details and high-resolution pics after the jump







PRESS RELEASE

Maybach Landaulet Study: Only the sky is the limit

  • Maybach shows one of the world’s most exclusive luxury cars
  • Majestic open-air experience with the ultimate in luxury and comfort
  • Folding roof for pampered rear-seat passengers
  • Appointments in the rear include white leather, piano lacquer and exquisite black granite

Stuttgart– With this study of an open-top landaulet, Maybach has re-enlivened the great art of building majestic automobiles. True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur’s compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of the utmost luxury and exquisite style. Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world’s most exclusive luxury cars.

Large folding roof for passengers in the rear

In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

White paintwork and wheels

This impression is accentuated by the shining white paintwork of the study, an exclusive finish named antigua white. Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch wheels specially designed for the Landaulet study. These are also painted in white with high-sheen spokes, and are accompanied by white indicators in the front and rear light clusters in dark red.

Black for the chauffeur, white for the passengers

In addition, the already luxurious driver’s compartment of the successful Maybach 62 S has been enhanced in a number of important respects. All the interior trim is now surfaced in black piano lacquer, and for the extensive leather appointments Maybach has used particularly exclusive, glossy stromboli black leather.

In contrast Maybach has fitted the passenger compartment almost completely in exquisite seychelleswhite leather. The footwell and roof liner of this high-end luxury landaulet are also in white – the floor is carpeted in white velour and the roof lined with white fabric. A dramatic contrast is provided by inserts and decorative trim in glossy, black piano lacquer or exclusive black granite with numerous gold inclusions.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort

Outstanding comfort is assured by the generous spaciousness of the rear, which the Landaulet study has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats also allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position which travellers normally only encounter in the first-class armchairs of modern passenger jets.

The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass.

Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communications

As in the Maybach 62 S, the rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure. This is where Maybach engineers have grouped everything relating to the entertainment and pleasure of the rear-seat passengers: a DVD-player, six CD-changer, a cooler compartment with its own electric compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses, goblets and champagne bottles safely in position.

Engine and suspension

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) endow the Landaulet with outstanding levels of ride comfort, at the same time demonstrating that even a prestigious vehicle such as this can exhibit extraordinary agility and dynamic performance.

In addition to large, internally ventilated brake discs – with twin callipers at the front – both the study and the Maybach 62 S are equipped with two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems working in tandem. Together with ESP®, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, this provides the Landaulet study with the very latest in effective, high-tech handling control systems.

Innovative technology from the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz

Like all Maybach saloons, the Landaulet also benefits from the unrivalled experience of the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz in the development and production of high-quality cars in the luxury segment. Important innovations from Mercedes-Benz, successfully developed further for the Maybach saloons, are standard equipment in every Maybach and are of course also on board the Landaulet study – examples include the electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control), LINGUATRONIC voice control and the control and display system COMAND APS.

WTF? Female Erotic Car Seat Massager!

Great, that’s exactly what we needed; a bunch of sex-driven women circulating on the road with a seductive erotic seat massagers… See, this “kitty-cat” happy gadget is not like your everyday BMW, Lexus, Maybach seat massager. As the ad points out, this one “delivers powerful vibrations to 4 areas of the seat cushion – and your most treasured pleasure points”. What I’d give to see this product being advertised on TV – preferably by a modest, church loving femme-fatale like this one-One more pic after the jump

Link: lovehoney , Via: shiny shiny

2009 Ford Ka Rendering

Brit magazine Autoexpress is attempting to preview Ford’s next generation Ka through a computer-generated image featured on this week’s front cover. We cant say if the artist has come close to the actual Ka that will be presented at the 2008 Paris Show in September, but it does look eerily alike with the K(i)a Picanto facelift (see here). What we do know is that Ford’s new baby will be sharing its underpinnings with the all-new Fiat 500, which has proved a success even before it went on sale. You can check out the whole story on Autoexpress’ website by clicking the link below.

Via: Autoexpress

2008 Maybach 62 Landaulet Revealed?

A miniscule picture of a Maybach 62 Landaulet has been found circulating in the internet and while we cant verify its authenticity, it does look like its real. According to the guys that blog about autos, the semi-drop top Maybach is scheduled to be unveiled at the Middle East International Auto Show later in November. Powered by a 612-horsebower biturbo V12, the ultra-luxurious Maybach 62 Landaulet will most probably be built in ultra-limited numbers costing ultra-lot-of-money.

Via: Autoblog.com

SEMA: Lexus RX 400h by 714 Motorsports & MOMO

MOMO USA and 714 Motorsports collaborated to create a customized version of the Lexus RX400h for the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The hybrid SUV has received a series of cosmetic and chassis enhancements that include a full bodykit, 22-inch MOMO alloy rims in 235/35 R22 Toyo rubber, Eibach lowering kit, chromed detailing, high-end entertainment system and a Brembo brake kit. We don’t want to be rude or anything, but the specific RX400h was one of our less favorite customized vehicles at this year’s SEMA show. -Details and pics after the jump





Highlights:

Electronics

• POLK/MOMO (2) 10 inch Sub Woofers, (2) 6x9 Component Sets, (2) 6.5 Component Sets, (1) 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp, 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp

• Vizualogic 9 inch ALL-IN -ONE Headrest Monitor.DVD System

• Kinetic (1) HC1400 Power Cell

• Coastal Etech - Ultimate Lock Pick One - Un locks factory navigation features which gives you external audio and video inputs. Converts Factory Navigation Screen to show DVD on screen.

Lighting

• Advanced Automotive Concepts - Halo front headlights

Interior and Exterior

• 714 Motorsports - Builder Suede and Leather Interior, Recessed Front Grill w/ Stainless Mesh, Floor Mats, Audio & Video System

• Roadwire Embossed Seat Inserts “MOMO”

• Hush Mat Sound Deadening Material

• ALSA Corp. Ghost Chrome with Brushed Aluminum Satin Finish & Mirror Chrome exterior parts

Suspension

• Eilbach 2 inch Lowering Kit

Exterior

• Merzee Paint and Body Custom Paint

• Kenstyle USA 4 pc Body Kit

Tires and Wheels

• MOMO USA 22x9 Typhoon Wheels, 4pc Pedal Set, Shifter Knob, Floor Mats, Exhaust Booster Tip

• TOYO Tires 255x35x22 Toyo Proxes

• Brembo Big Brake Kit ( specs n/a yet)