We've no idea why he started with the Continental, but we do know he ended up with a vehicle supposedly equipped with machine guns (no word on whether or not they work), but definitely has rear-view video cameras, height-adjustable bodywork, a plasma screen TV, voice recognition controls, satellite navigation and a DVD player. [via PopSci]

The result draws a good mix of old car dudes and young rockabilly hipsters, with a random sampling of old-school lowriders, VW freaks, and drag racers thrown in for good measure.

I ran into Hellhammer, captain of the LeMons-winning Mustard Yellow V8olvo, and he took me for a cruise around the fairgrounds in his '49 Cadillac-powered 1927 Model T.

Also present was possibly the world's greatest semi tractor, which now has Oldsmobile 455 power in place of its original gasoline I6.

For the first time, Billetproof Nor-Cal is a two-day event, so you Bay Area readers can still get out to the Antioch Fairgrounds and check it out!

The recipe is quite simple: start with one banged-up W124 sedan, then find a wretched early-70s 350SL that's been sitting in a field so long that trees are growing through the engine compartment and buy it for $150. Transplant the 3.5 liter SOHC V8 and 4-speed manual tranmission from the R107 into the W124, and you'd think that would have been enough. But no! These madmen decided that they needed to do a chop job on the roof- supposedly performed by a guy who had just learned to weld that week- and the car looks much better this way. Even with a fairly trashed suspension (which enabled the Son Of A Blitzen to get through the BS Inspection with zero penalty laps), the car was quite fast, running an excellent 1:04.958 best lap (the quickest car had a 1:02.123 best lap) and placing 15th overall.

Check out the exhaust tips in the rear door! Somebody needs to build one of these things for daily-driver use.

We're going to fix that problem right now! I've finally found a genuine late-70s Chevy Van with authentic stripes and bubble windows. Let's get in the mood to appreciate this fine vehicle with the appropriate song:


Hmmm... that was actually kind of horrible. I was too young to drive back then, but I'm pretty sure Sammy Johns wouldn't have been my choice for custom-van soundtracks. See, that's what happened with Generation X and our damn cynicism and irony- we couldn't appreciate the simple pleasures of purple shag carpeting and CB radio. Anyway, it's good to see this battered but still recognizable Custom Van Era survivor still moving around under its own power.

This gem was sitting riverside at the Orphan Car Show, and gathered a constant crowd. Even though DeSoto was already on the way downhill before World War 2, Chrysler whipped this vehicle up as soon as production resumed and though it didn't sell terribly well (the relatively high $2,093-2,631 asking price probably had something to do with that), you can't argue with its piles of style. It's got everything we love about post war-era cars, a flat-head straight six, acres of chrome, effortless passenger room and so much wood you wonder how the forests survived. Just look at that rear door, four different types alone. Then there's the rear load floor deck which would be taken up and modified in the Kaiser Traveler a few years later, super cool. Imagine driving this car and attempting to avoid a solid blinding from all that dash chrome, that's a problem we'd probably suffer through without complaint.

A model of restraint and good taste, the builders focused on adding mechanical function before applying the classy finishes. The new front splitter, an excellent match for the SLR's styling, adds 220 Lbs of downforce at the vehicle's top speed: 217 MPH. That 9 MPH increase is thanks to engine tuning which brings the power up to 999 HP.

At the rear, a small increase in spoiler size and a revised diffuser, accented with gold trim, increase downforce by 80kg.

Of course, going that fast also requires excellent vision and to that effect 500 LEDs have been discretely incorporated in the revised bodywork. Even the functional ducts on the SLRs flanks are capable of lighting up in vibrant color to boost safety.

"Now, wait, gold is hardly an ideal material for automotive applications." I hear you saying. Do not worry! Areas under particular stress have been coated in 24k gold for enhanced durability. In order to avoid melting the gold in the area of the door sills due to increased exhaust gas temperatures, the exhaust pipes have been wrapped in a special insulating blanket. The car's makers have helpfully positioned mirrors on the floor underneath the car so that visitors may be able to view this enhancement.

Neither has the interior been neglected in this comprehensive improvement program. The leather has been painted gold, while buttons are in either gold or ruby.

As a final flourish, the wheel centers have had a simply extravagant gold and ruby SLR logo reimagined in the style of a dollar sign. This hints at the car's value, estimated to be $4.3 million. [via Autoblog.nl]

It appears that goingincirclez has discovered The Most Malaise Motor Vehicle Ever Built. It started life as a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, and then the legendary Moloney Coachbuilders took over and made it… the God Of Malaise. I'm speechless, so we'll let goingincirclez take over:

This car (along with 5 other Malaise Cadillacs and 4 Malaise Stingray Vettes) is parked for sale at a small-time dealer lot near my home in Frankfort, KY.

Now we all know how bad the 70's were in terms of fad lux; malaise era performance was an oxymoron, so metal gussied up with the Leisure Suits DuJour was many a nameplates raison d'ete. I mean, you had Granadas of all things amping Faux Lux to an art, but even cars like the Lincoln Mark IV weren't any more genuine in materials (I know because I owned a Granada and currently own a 75 Mark). But this Gilded Gauntlet of Gauche is certainly new in my lifetime... and it was OEM-built this way! Can you tell what it is... and what it was trying to be... before the 5th picture?

"Enjoy", because I think this car has nearly every bad 70's lux cliche - taken to wretched excess. Let's tally:

- Vinyl roof? Check. Heck, it'll see your wimpy new-money Landau roof, and raise you a partly-vinyl DOOR!
- Landau bar, regardless? Check. In case there was any doubt.
- Opera windows? Stand back because this baby has not one, but TWO... straight off a Ford Elite!
- Chrome? The Santa Fe Super Chief would bow in inadequecy.
- Redonculous androgyonous hood ornament? Somewhere, a Deusenberg weeps.
- Faux spare tire Hump? A Mark IV also cries...
- ... because it can only WISH it had a VINYL hump.
- On the other hand, at least the Mark IV did the "Rolls Grille" a proper, understated l'homage. I mean just look at that freaking grille surround. How many wrecks did this car cause from reflecting sunlight into the eyes of unsuspecting, Pinto-driving plebians?
- But we can all thank our heavens that the tint is impenetrable, or who knows what terrors that contrasting RED LEATHER INTERIOR would spring. Speaking or red leather interiors, were the matching painted brake calipers free?

- Really, the only Faux Lux Cliche this thing lacks is Coach Lamps. But wouldn't you trade those for vinyl doors, twindoperas, streamliner chrome AND a landau bar for the win?

According to the seller (a Cadillac collector who owns several others besides those currently for sale) - Monroney Coachbuilders apparently sold and built 274 (oy vey!) of these in 1976. From what little I can find online, Monroney began in the late 60's by building stretch Lincolns to order in the Chicago area, and tried to win more contracts direct from Ford around that time. But they somehow fell out of favor with Ford, and so began using GM chassis instead. But apparently they were used to Lincoln styling cues...

Oh, and a couple weeks ago I thought it had been sold! Was moved to a different part of the lot earlier in the day; on my way home in traffic, I saw it at the McDonald's drive-thru! Yeah, I know if I bought an uber-pimpmobile the first place I'd take it would be for some QPC attitude. But the next day, it was back on the lot. Still, what an official dealership food-getter eh?
Hope you enjoyed that. I don't have a commenter name yet but if it did it would be "goingincirclez". I have a new site/pseudo-blog at that name.

BTW a coworker and I are planning an entry for the 24 Hours of LeMons... we currently have access to a 94 T-Bird and a 91 Cougar - possibly even both for $500. We're planning on Carolina for next year... possibly Ohio or sooner if all the planets align!

Hot Rod Garages poses something of a dilemma for the intended audience, because it really ought to live in the garage, where you can thumb through it while digging deep for motivation to work on that rusty '61 DKW Munga Hell Project… but you'd feel a twinge of guilt the first time you dropped a torque converter on its snazzy three-dimensional cover (the windows in the cover's garage illustration are actual holes cut through the cover, an effect that doesn't show up so well in photographs but is pretty cool in person).
The concept behind the book is quite simple: Vincent visited the garages and workshops of 18 builders of vehicles that fall within the hot rod and/or custom tradition and documented what he found. Some are big names and some aren't; all create some pretty serious machinery, and their shops range from primitive to palatial. Here's the list, for those of you who might be interested in particular car builders:
Roy Brizio
Pete Eastwood
Cole Foster
Pat Foster
Cam Grant
John Gunsaulis
Gary Harms
Terry Hegman
Ron Jolliffe
Bob Lick
Steve Moal
Dick Page
The Rolling Bones
Don Small
Cal Tanaka
Vern & Keith Tardel
Billy Vinther
Dale Withers

I cracked open this book hoping to see hundreds of obsessive closeups of battered tools and weird engine parts on scarred workbenches, which wasn't what I found; most of the photographs show entire cars, many of which aren't parked in the garages in which they were created. That's not really a problem, however, because plenty of the non-garage photos were shot on the Bonneville salt flats and just about all the cars are serious gearhead pr0n.
You get a generous helping of text for a coffee-table book, including interviews of car builders and the author's reminisces of his experiences with them. Best of all is the fascinating history of the Moal family's operations in East Oakland, written by Michael Dobrin, and the extensively documented buildup- practically a how-to guide- of the Rolling Bones' George Poteet '34 coupe.

The verdict: a Three Rod Jalopnik book rating. An enjoyable book for the average car geek, a big improvement over the tedious stuff that sits on most coffee tables… and pure un-stepped-on crack for those hooked on the traditional hot rod aesthetic. Murilee says check it out!
[Motorbooks]

Thing is, he wants to paint it a color appropriate to its majesty before unveiling it to the world. You see, the Concours d'LeMons is no ordinary car show; organized by the same perpetrators responsible for lowering the collective property values of the automotive world with Billetproof and the 24 Hours Of LeMons, its metastasization of Malaise Era Detroit economy clankers, best-forgotten British Leyland clinkers, and Brezhnev-Approved™ Iron Curtain clunkers should make attendees of those other Monterey events abandon those boring ol' millionaires' toys in droves. The truly enlightened car freaks will hit both the Concours d'Lemons and the Buttonwillow Histrionics 24 Hours Of LeMons that weekend, because what could be better than driving 200 miles in order to watch $500 race cars throw rods in the 110-degree bovine-emissions-scented air of Merle Haggard country?

Given the historical significance of the very first Concours d'Lemons, Junkman is really under the gun to make the Eagle perfect. He'll be instructing the orange-peel maestros at Ohio's most exclusive Maaco to shoot that crypto-Toronado with a color that will guarantee him the Most Eleganté trophy. The question is: what color? Junkman feels that Jalopnik readers have the sensibility needed to make such a crucial decision, so he's decided to make a contest for our readers out of it:

As you know, I acquired the infamous Olsen Eagle several months ago. Since the car I entered in the Pebble Beach Concours last year didn't win, I have decided to make an all-out effort for best of show in this year's inaugural Concours d'Ignorance (if it happens). I believe the Eagle is the perfect vehicle to achieve this goal but, as you can see, it needs a bit of cosmetic freshening. As a result, I have sent it to the local Maaco to make it concours ready.
It's just about ready for paint and, being artistically challenged, I could use the help of the wildly talented Jalopnik commenteriat in suggesting a new color and/or paint scheme. Photoshop or written suggestions would work. In addition to my eternal gratitude, I would reward the winner with a 1/18 scale model of a PT Cruiser and a package of Sham-Wows with only one towel missing. I'll even pick up the postage!

There you have it, folks! I'm thinking a two-tone job would be nice, with Pearlescent Caterpillar Orange on top and Unnecessarily Purple on the bottom. How about you?

You beastmanned those brews, homie. I can't believe you were drunk enough to wear those matte black 18-inch wheels and that even blacker paint to the party. You don't remember that? Ha, that's not the end of it. You stopped by the shop and picked up those drop springs, a rear sway bar, TRD exhaust and some gnarly badges.

You dropped some serious coin, man. After it's all added up, you're about $2,300 poorer. That's a lot of busing tables. It's not like you didn't know this was coming - this is like the fifth time you've had a blowout like this. Your dancing up on the bar was so popular you've got 2,000 of your friends doing the exact same thing. Righteous.


Your mom left this note for you, check it:

SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR tC RELEASE SERIES 5.0 – TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE 2009 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2009 — Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the only limited-production tC for 2009, the tC Release Series 5.0 (tC RS 5.0), will have a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme and be available at dealer showrooms in March. The 2009 tC RS 5.0 will be on display in the Scion space at the Chicago Auto Show, February 11-22, for media and public days.

The 2009 tC RS 5.0 features gloss black exterior paint and numerous performance products from TRD. TRD edition 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, in matte black with red trim, and red TRD lowering springs provide this tC with its menacing presence. For additional stability when cornering, the tC is fitted with a red TRD rear sway bar. A TRD sport muffler gives the tC RS 5.0 an aggressive sound signature, while a TRD exterior badge marks the car. A black rear lip spoiler will also be available.

The TRD theme is continued inside with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching, black seats with red accents and floor mats with the TRD logo. The tC RS 5.0 is also equipped with a cargo mat. Individually numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,000 units of the tC Release Series 5.0 will be built. The tC RS 5.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,300 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the standard tC with a manual transmission is $17,000, while the standard tC with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $17,800. The available black spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Scion tC Release Series 5.0, you rule. Same time next week?

[Autoblog]

Hubless wheels work by fixing the rotating parts (brake ring, bearings, hubless rim) onto the outer side of a non-rotating inner ring that attaches to the motorcycle’s swingarm or forks.

Advantages include decreased unsprung weight, reduced structural stress (no spokes to transmit forces through), increased braking leverage, more accurate steering, reduced vibration and a lower center of gravity. Hubless wheels also look bitchin’, which, we’re guessing is the main motivating factor in Amen’s decision to use them.


Since this bike is a clichéd raked out chopper, any pretense of performance or functionality is thrown out the window in the name of extremely questionable style. We’re guessing the immense complication, need for extreme precision and high maintenance needs of the hubless design are the least of Amen’s concerns, as this motorcycle wasn’t designed to be ridden. [Amen]

With so much metal at the auction coming from the sale of a selection of classics from the GM Heritage Center museum, it's interesting that the top eight cars that've been sold so far at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ all came from that collection. Here's the top eight sales — so far.

8.) 1974 Pontiac Trans Am

Lot Number: 433
Details: This rotisserie restored, true, correct, and numbers matching Trans Am 455 Super Duty features photo documented 138560 numbers matching original 455cide Super Duty V8, correct 490132 block casting, correct Y8 block code stamp, Correct 1112205 3 A8 distributor stamping, correct 7044270 SF 2923 carburetor stamp, correct original 74-P 0-1213 automatic transmission, correct 3984828 13 40 2 74 ring gear stamp, correct GY G065 1 axle housing stamp, original Window Sticker, original dealer sales invoice, original odometer statement, copy of original title, original Auto Owner's Maintenance Folio, original owner's instruction and information manuals, original maintenance and safety manual, copy of second owner's title, dealer photos of original vehicle delivery, PHS documentation, and documents from the '73/'74 SD455 Registry. One of only 731 automatic transmission cars produced.
Day Sold: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sale Price*: $73,700.00

7.) 2007 Chevrolet Silverado "Dale Earnhardt Jr. Big Red" SEMA Concept

Lot Number: 114
Details: The Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Big Red" Silverado is based on the all-new, 2007 Chevy Silverado crew cab and features custom exterior appointments, an off-road-ready suspension, one-off custom 20" wheels at Dale Jr.'s request, a custom interior and more. This one-of-a-kind Silverado builds on Earnhardt's personal notion of off-road enjoyment, which was previously conveyed in his personal truck - a previous-generation Silverado named "Big Red." Earnhardt collaborated with GM designers on the truck, visiting the GM Design studio in Warren, Mich. to discuss the exterior and interior enhancements, which include all-new front-end sheet metal and rear fenders, as well as a "flying bridge"-type roll bar with integrated off-road driving lamps. The interior is as luxurious as the exterior is off-road-capable, with rich, black leather upholstery and other details. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Big Red" Silverado is powered by GM Powertrain's 6.2 Liter Gen IV V8 engine, a high-output, all-aluminum engine with variable valve timing that produces 380hp and 417 lb/ft of torque. It transfers its power to all four wheels via a Hydra-Matic 4-speed electronically controlled transmission. The front and rear axles are equipped with 3.73 gears and Eaton ELocker electronic locking differentials, which help the truck deliver exhilarating performance with tall off-road tires. Stopping power is enhanced with a set of Baer disc brakes, including six-piston calipers and 15" cross-drilled rotors in the front and twin-piston floating calipers with 13" cross-drilled rotors in the rear. It's a concept, and like the others, is not legal for driving on public roads.
Day Sold: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sale Price*: $88,000.00

6.) 2006 Pontiac GTO RA6 Custom

Lot Number: 738
Details: This specialty '06 GTO was a SEMA Show award winner by Kip Wasenko and the team at the GM Performance Division. It features RA6 body modifications and a Stage 3 750hp Twin Turbo Katech 402 engine with Pedders Extreme suspension and Z06 brake package. Apparently, this car can be driven on public roads — it doesn't say it can't!
Day Sold: Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sale Price*: $93,500.00

5.) 1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Lot Number: 96
Details: 1 of 83 1989 ZR-1s built and never released to the public. This car was used for media/press events and auto shows. Why'd this one go for a lower price then the other ZR-1 from '89? Probably because this one's painted purple. Also, like the other vehicles sold by GM here at the big B-J, this ZR-1 is not road legal.
Day Sold: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sale Price*: $110,000.00

4.) 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo "Intimidator" Show Car

Lot Number: 83
Details: A NASCAR-inspired show car that offered a glimpse of the 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo styling. Features aggressive styling cues and performance-enhancing technology. We like how it's a "street legal" car being sold on a Scrap Title — because, like most of the others, it's not able to be legally driven on public roads.
Day Sold: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sale Price*: $148,500.00

3.) 1990 Chevrolet Corvette "Active" ZR-1 Prototype

Lot Number: 82
Details: This vehicle pioneered the advantages of "Active Suspension" and has GTP Corvette race car technology. Built at the Bowling Green Plant, this vehicle was developed as a prototype for a limited edition run in the 1990 model year. It may not be driven on public roads.
Day Sold: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sale Price*: $150,700.00

2.) 1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 "Snake Skinner"

Lot Number: 396.1
Details: One of 83 production 1989 ZR-1s built in Bowling Green. This experimental light weight was aimed directly at maintaining Corvette's performance supremacy. With a 475hp LT5 V8 and less weight, this vehicle is GM Performance legend. Sold on a Scrap Title. May not be driven on public roads.
Day Sold: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sale Price*: $176,000.0

1.) 1923 Oldsmobile Custom Touring Roadster

Lot Number: 397.2
Details: This Olds concept vehicle is powered by a 4.0 Liter DOHC V8 IMSA GTS-1 race engine with an automatic 4L60E transmission, Halibrand quick change 4.10 rear, 4-wheel independent suspension, rack & pinion power steering and Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes. Also, because, like the rest, it's a GM concept, it's not legal for driving on public roads.
Day Sold: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sale Price*: $220,000.00

*Includes 10% Buyer's Premium

[via Barrett-Jackson]

There are the projects that make your friends shake their heads in awe, and then there are the ones that just make them shake their heads, period. You lock yourself in the Hell Garage and tell yourself that the stench of sulfur is perfectly normal. We had a pair of old Lincolns win the last Choose Your Eternity poll, so we're going to see if Ford's luxury marque can keep the string going… against one of the most ridiculous- yet coolest- project trucks we've ever seen.

I prefer to use the CAPS LOCK key sparingly, if at all, but sometimes there's just no choice but to apply it to the name of a Hell Project. When you take a four-wheel-drive chassis from a one-off Alaskan snowplow and perch the body of a 404 Unimog on top: behold the might of MOGZILLA! We're not looking at your usual silly-body-bolted-onto-Blazer-chassis deal here; why, that wouldn't even be particularly hellish! These days, MOGZILLA doesn't quite look as nice as it did when the photos in the listing were taken (and wouldn't you know it, the seller can't seem to provide any shots of its current appearance), because… well, there was a little mishap: "While attempting to set a world record for longest water crossing in a monster truck (dont ask me, I had nothing to do with it) the truck got stuck in the Hudson river in NY and the running gear got water in it and eventually froze up and busted the rear axle gears. The owner tried to replace the rear axle with one from a U.S. Deuce and a Half truck, but to find out that it turned the opposite direction of the existing drivetrain. So now it sits." Right, so it's a mystery Alaskan snowplow chassis- the secrets of which are probably buried in a hole in the permafrost- with an equally mysterious (and dead) drivetrain that rotates in the wrong direction, and the body of a vehicle so beloved by its aficionados that they won't be able to restrain themselves from attempting to tear your throat out with their teeth the moment they see your monstrosity. No problem! Thanks to Ben for the tip.

Sometimes there's a project car that so embodies both sides of the totally cool/totally hell PCH philosophy that its appearance on eBay triggers a disturbance in the Van Allen Belt, jolting hundreds of Hell Project addicts from their slumbers and triggering a phenomenon known as Optimism In The Face Of Eternal Vehicular Torment Disorder (OITFOEVTD). OITFOEVTD- which should be included in the DSM any day now- causes its sufferers to believe that they are capable of bringing the most hopeless Hell Projects back to life, and this early-40s customized Lincoln is such a project. Within hours of its appearance online, I had several tips on it- thanks, guys!- and no doubt many of the rest of you are cursing me for bringing in even more bidding competition for your nightmare dream project. It's a 1941 Lincoln Custom limo chassis with a heavily customized body, which the seller theorizes was built between the mid 1940s and the early 1950s. A lot of talk about possible appearances in car magazines of that period follows in the description, but the upshot is that nobody seems to know the real history of this car… which doesn't keep it from having a reserve price of $17,900. It's got a Ford flathead V8 in it now, but of course it should be powered by a Lincoln V12, regardless of the dictates of 1947 hot-rodding fashion (if the brain worms noshed the last remaining specks of my rational mind and I purchased this fine machine, I'd immediately start shopping for a GMC Twin Six… and a bulletproof vest to protect me from whatever scary variety of purist would insist on this thing remaining Ford-powered). The seller seems to think it will be an easy project and implies that owning it would make even Billy Gibbons hisself look at his own collection and shake his head in despair. Of course! You can't go wrong here!

"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds," was the phrase uttered by J. Robert Oppenheimer shortly after developing the atomic bomb. We can only hope he builder of this certain-death machine felt a similar emotion the first time he planted the progress pedal and rocketed himself into hot rodding lore.

Details are scarce, but we do know this street weapon is powered by a turbocharged 5.3 liter LSx-based engine. Taking the extra indie step forward, the fuel is managed by the beautifully homebrewed Megasquirt system. Die hard vintage VW fanatics will throw a rod when they notice very little original Bug remains, as it sits on a fully boxed one-off chassis with matching integral cage. Enough with the chatter — we'll let the pictures and video below do the talking.

Hat tip to TenBeers!

[LS1Tech]

2009 NISSAN CUBE SET FOR SPRING U.S. DEBUT; NEW ENTRY-LEVEL COMPACT COMBINES FASHION WITH FUNCTIONALITY – Small But Substantial, Spirited But Economical, All-New Third Generation Cube's Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Unexpected Charm and Utility – Huey Lewis once sang "It's hip to be square." Few believed him. Mathletes wax poetic about the superior geometric efficiencies of a cube in terms of volume v. surface area. And get little respect. Cavemen discovered that a round stone rolls better than a square one. And, as a consequence, gave birth to the traffic jam. In 1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, to minor consumer interest. Perhaps, like homo erectus, the Cube was simply ahead of its time. But times change, and so did the Cube. In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market. More spacious inside, more glass outside, more power under the hood and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior. Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm. A pocket-sized fun-and-function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers were smitten. And so, it turns out, Huey was right after all. Like the Nissan GT-R before it, the Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive magazines, videos and on the Web. Reboot to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance, and the Nissan Cube is ready to meet the world in person, coming to America in spring 2009 in an all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty, fun and uniquely functional. And still totally square. More than just unique geometry, however, the new 2009 Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn't want to be defined as car. "With its unique blend of fashion and function, Cube imagines a life less ordinary," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "Cube is as much of a Mobile Device as it is an automobile, something that enhances life like people's digital devices do. Cube is a vehicle that people of all ages can fall in love with, even when they don't love cars." Evocative Yet Rational Though its uniquely styled, asymmetrical body makes a standout statement against the backdrop of today's look-alike entry-level vehicles, Cube presents a range of strong rational arguments for purchase as well. Along with its projected fuel economy of over 30 mph Highway (equipped with the CVT transmission, actual EPA estimates not available at this time), Cube offers an alphabet of standard safety equipment – including an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six air bags (including front, side and curtain supplemental air bags) and front seat Active Head Restraints. "The new Nissan Cube is not, by any measure, a pure ‘youth car,' though it especially meets the needs of young adults' lives in the sense that it is social, expressive and practical," said Castignetti. "And like many entry-level vehicles, Cube will be purchased by young consumers with the help or influence of their parents. We believe the combination of value, fuel economy and safety will be especially reassuring to parents involved in such decisions." A "Bulldog in Sunglasses" The all-new 2009 Nissan Cube builds on the previous generation Cube's non-traditional design with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic movement. With Cube's long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 99.6-inch wheelbase against a 156.7-inch overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect, are pushed out to each corner – providing exceptional space utilization and a confident-looking stance that has been compared to a "bulldog in sunglasses." "The designers, engineers and planners' effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team," said Castignetti. "They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process." Along with its stance, the "incognito canine" look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short "tail" section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of "pure design," reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling. Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a "photo frame" design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking. "The ‘geometric circle shape in the square' rear window is Cube's signature," said Castignetti. "Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door." Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle. The back door opens fully when space allows for loading groceries, luggage or large-sized objects – or to a limited-access position (about eight inches) when space is restricted for retrieving or loading a backpack or other small objects. The one-hand door handle operation is designed for easy use, even while carrying things in the other hand or arm. The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in eight mild-to-wild exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl. A "Casual Lounge" Interior The centerpiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its "social space" – the surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. "Cube is not wasteful in terms of its footprint, carbon or physical. It creates a third space, in addition to home and school, for interacting with friends. It's a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalization," said Castignetti. Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a "Jacuzzi Curve" layout and "floating meter pod" driver's area. It combines "casual lounge"-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, armrests and the iconic circular/oval shapes of elements ranging from air conditioning vents, door pulls and climate controls. The comfortable Cube seating includes 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat, along with a "lounge sofa" style sliding rear bench seat. The reclining rear seat can be adjusted to three positions – full rearward (providing ample legroom), mid-position (3.9 inches forward) or front position (6.0 inches forward). The rear seat also is positioned higher than the front seats, theater style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility. "In some ways, the Cube is like the big cardboard appliance boxes you used to play in as a kid – they could be clubhouses, race cars, forts, whatever your mood and imagination wanted at the time," said Castignetti. "The new Cube's interior leaves room for imagination and personalization, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose." Stress-Free Driving, Room For Personalization Cube's stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: an extremely tight 32.8-foot curb-to-curb turning radius, a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood "invisible length" (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and backing up. "Our studies show that one of the most stressful aspects for young or inexperienced drivers is parking, particularly parallel parking," said Castignetti. "Cube is extremely adaptable to parking environments in terms of its compact exterior dimensions, good visibility and easy steering." Other interior features include the "floating pod" instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles "sweep" when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth. Sub-gauges are concentrated for enhanced visibility. The three-spoke steering wheel is available with leather wrapping and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube interior – including six cupholders (instrument panel, front center console and rear armrests) and five bottle holders (door panels and center console). There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place – including the instrument panel and rear passenger doors. The "shelf expression" concept features two "shelves" located on top center and passenger side of the instrument panel. Not designed for holding objects when the Cube is in motion, they provide convenient spaces for placing keys, cell phones or digital music players when the vehicle is parked. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's "Magic Rubber Bands," another clever Cube accessory item, are colorful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals. "The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users' needs, rather than the other way around – you can put your favorite items anywhere you want, not where the vehicle tells you to," said Castignetti. "The designers demanded that every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful, as well as functional." The Cube interior design also incorporates a series of subtle "Water Drop" concentric circles, inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water. The circles can be seen in items ranging from the roof headliner to the cupholders to the climate control design. A Wide Range of Available Features Cube's heating and cooling system provides quiet, efficient operation with easy to recognize and use knobs and switches. Other standard equipment offered on the 2009 Nissan Cube includes power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors. Available Cube technology features include Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Interface System for iPod® and a rear sonar system. The Cube interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite. Wall Gray, available in a quilted suede-like fabric with special "natural wave" stitching only, is designed to create a relaxing contrast between the warm, light gray upholstery and warm off-black interior accents. The warm off-black Graphite interior, available in two cloth grades, provides a combination of relaxation and more traditional "driving enjoyment" attitude. "The Cube interior is a great example of how an inexpensive, high value vehicle can be done well – quality design, quality materials and the features and equipment that the user needs with room for personalization, rather than forced customization," said Castignetti. Unexpected Power and Driving Ease Just as Cube has its own unique take on styling and interior design, the engineering team took a fresh approach to performance – creating a vehicle that is easy to drive and easy to handle in traffic. The emphasis for Cube's performance credentials is squarely on fun-to-drive, rather than exhilaration. Cube combines an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Torque is rated at 127 lb-ft. The MR18DE engine, also utilized in the popular Nissan Versa, is designed to be powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy is projected to be over 30 miles per gallon Highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA fuel economy unavailable at this time). The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as essentially "one gear" through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the "steps" between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions. Cube's new generation CVT adopts a new CVT oil warmer for enhanced warm-up performance in cold conditions (reducing friction). It also includes an advanced Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which detects the driving situation and style (economy, normal, sports) and communicates with the engine control – helping optimize both fuel economy and driving pleasure. The 2009 Cube is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with a new shift control system, triple cone synchronizers (1st and 2nd gear) and reverse synchronizer system. The 6-speed manual is available with Cube 1.8 and Cube 1.8 S models. "The Cube has a strong power-to-weight ratio, which combined with the advanced CVT, gives it a surprisingly spirited driving feel. Throw in the small turning radius, good outward visibility and the smooth suspension feel and you have the perfect formula for navigating through traffic with confidence and ease," said Castignetti. Cube's suspension combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the "Ripple Control" shock absorbers and the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires. Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Three Well-Equipped Models The 2009 Nissan Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. A full range of dealer accessories allows buyers to expand their Cube world with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more. "We know that self-expression is important to many potential Cube buyers, so we've provided the room and accessorize to help with personalization," said Castignetti. "However, Cube is far from a blank or empty canvas that buyers must equip on their own. Cube is a different kind of box than other vehicles on the market, with an abundance of personality right off the assembly line." Smart Simplicity "Economical, affordable, functional and adaptable, the 2009 Nissan Cube offers an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity.' It builds on a Cube DNA of distinctive spirit and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design," said Castignetti. "If cars could talk, Cube would be likely to say, ‘Nice to meet you.' Come this spring, America gets its chance."

Thanks to a whole bunch of you for the tip! [eBay Motors]

Near Clybourn & Belmont, I discovered the front of a GMC truck mated to the back of Lincoln Premiere. Include a transformers theme, and you have one seriously bizarre car. A look under the car revealed well fab'd true dual straight pipes.

Basically, BMW wants to muscle-in on some Harley-style factory customization, selling customers not only an expensive bike, but also a smattering of overpriced accessories. It sort of makes sense. BMWs have always been more individualistic than Harleys, so why not package that individuality into something they can sell?

Expect to see a similar model, using BMW’s 1200cc horizontally-opposed twin, to reach showroom floors in about two year’s time.

Want more EICMA coverage? Head over to Hell For Leather.

The Group 2 package includes the following all designed and developed by Classic Design Concepts:

-Composite front fenders & "Billboard" graphic flares with restyled wheel arches to accommodate the increased tire width
-10" wide front and 11.5" wide rear three piece wheels with 275 and 315 series Pirelli tires
-Front aerodynamic canards
-stainless wire mesh
-Aluminum hood
-Classic Design Concepts Cold air "shaker" system
-Sequential tail lights

Classic Design Concepts will be bringing 2 Challengers, a Black SRT8 with a Vortech supercharger good for 560hp, Pypes performance exhaust and 15" Baer Brakes with 6 piston calipers at all four corners and KW suspension. The White R/T includes a Procharger Supercharger, Pypes Performance exhaust, Baer 15" rotors and 6 piston calipers at all four corners with GfG forged three piece wheels and KW suspension, interior by Aleah Leather Specialists, paint protection by CGM detroit and Rockford Fosgate subwoofers and Amplifiers.

Classic Design Concepts will be in the north hall of SEMA, booth #11919 www.classicdesignconcepts.com

[Source: Classic Design Concepts]