What started off as a limited edition car [# 2/50] ended up as 1/1 in the world! All the LP650-4 cars came one way from Lamborghini with Grigio Telesto grey exterior paint and Arancio Leonis orange highlights. The owner of this car wanted the car matte black with gloss black highlights. This is how the transformation to become an AE Edition car began.
The car was transported by NTT (Norwalk Tow & Transport) to Avio Coach Craft to have the paint work done. The car was striped down to the metal and the complete interior was removed so that a proper complete paint make over could be achieved.
After the paint was completed the car was transported again by NTT to Giovanna Wheels to have the custom made 19” GFG 3-piece forged Narkid wheels and Pirelli tires installed. The wheels were painted with a gloss black outer lip, matte black center and orange highlights to perfectly match the brake calipers. Pirelli P-Zero 245/30/19 front and 355/25/19 rear tires were used to insure a safe and overall perfect fitment for this car.
From Giovanna NTT transported the car to Al & Eds Autosound in West Hollywood, CA for a custom one of a kind audiophile sound system. The factory speakers were replaced with Focal Utopia KIT 7 component 3-way speakers…Keeping with the orange interior highlight theme [they] did not use the provided Focal speaker grilles but rather created new ones from orange carbon fiber and plexi glass.
Behind the passenger seat [AE] fabricated a subwoofer enclosure using orange carbon fiber to accommodate a JL Audio 10W6 series subwoofer. All the speakers are powered by two Alpine PDX series amplifiers totaling over 1600 watts of power. These amplifiers were installed in the front bonnet of the car. Gloss black and orange material along with orange carbon fiber were used to completely redesign the area. Activated by a switch are orange LED lights that illuminate and really show off the install. To properly tune the system we also installed a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.2 EQ processor that offered us 153 bands of equalization, time alignment all controlled by a laptop that connects via Blue Tooth. Monster Cable and Stinger wiring were used throughout the system.
To protect the owner from speeding tickets [they] installed an Escort SRX “Ticket Avoidance System”. The main controller was installed in the center console, the two front laser defusers we custom molded into the front grilles while the rear laser defuser was installed in the rear license plate frame. The visual indicator LED was installed on the steering column.
Above is the first image from Cars 2: The Race of Champions which shows Lightning McQueen racing an unknown F1 car with Tokyo’s Mt. Fuji in the background. Set for release on June 24th, 2011 Cars 2 is being directed by Ratatouille producer Brad Lewis in his Pixar-directing debut.
The story follows Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), his pit team and new pit boss, Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), around the world for the “Race of Champions,” which takes place in five different countries and crosses several race disciplines from rally car to F1; hopefully no drifting. The first race is pictured in the above digital artwork which is a race starting at Mount Fuji and ending in downtown Tokyo. Other races include the “Porto Corsa” in Italy, which is based partly on the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, a German race through the Black Forest and a 24-hour race around Paris; I guess Paris is more recognizable than Le Mans, I just hope they don’t stray too far from that authenticity that made the original Cars so great. The final climatic race is in London, approaching Buckingham Palace which is guarded by Land Rovers whom are harassed by Mater as he snaps his “towtruck-abroad” pictures documenting their travels (in Germany he wears “Materhosen” while at Oktoberfest; hopefully there won’t be any drinking and driving lol).
John Lasseter announced that a large sub-plot of the movie will revolve around Mater; a “Hitchcockian” case of mistaken identity when he saves the life of a British secret agent named Finn McMissilein that develops into a huge spy thriller. Of course no one believes him, as he is has been known to embellish reality. Reports say McMissilein is to be an Aston Martin; hmmmm….Aston Martin, British spy, sounds a little James Bondish and with Sean Connery’s return to film being a voice over in the upcoming ANIMATION film Sir Billi our fingers are crossed for what is obviously the only appropriate voice for such a character with a Scottish sounding name!
We’ve already seen the epic trailer for Tron Legacy, now toymaker Spin Master has created a life-size light cycle to help promote the movie to debut December 26 of this year. Spin Master will also be releasing smaller, toy versions of these as well as other vehicles and characters.
Jay Leno is also joined in the Bugatti wing of his Big Dog Garage by John Hill, Bugatti’s North American Marketing Manager, and former F1 driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel to take a good long look at the Veyron Grand Sport. The Grand Sport can hit a top speed of 253 mph, do 0-60 in 2.48 seconds and can be yours for only $2.25 million!
Ken Block is off to race in the FIA 2010 World Rally Championship as part of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team. Block will continue to compete in the Rally America national series, as well as in X-Games XVI. And he’s doing it all in a Ford!
Block’s entry into the WRC is history in the making. He will be the first American to campaign the world stages as part of a multi-year program. In 2010, Block will compete in select rounds of the championship with an emphasis on developing his ability for a successful future in the WRC. “Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I’d still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future,” says Block. “I will be going head-tohead with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond.”
The Monster World Rally Team developed as a result of Ken Block’s relationship with the energy drink company. “A radically extreme form of motorsport with supremely talented drivers who compete on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice really mirrors everything we are about,” says Monster Energy President Mark Hall. “For that reason Monster Energy is pleased to join Ken
Block in the formation of the Monster Energy World Rally Team. Not only is Ken a cult hero to our consumers through his gymkhana videos and other stunts, the fact that he will be the first American racer to compete in the 38-year history of the World Rally Championship is truly impressive. Factoring in that Ken will be chasing the 2010 Rally America Championship Series,
a Gold Medal at X Games XVI while continuing to scheme-up new videos and mind-altering stunts, Monster couldn’t have a finer ambassador in our new venture into rally.”
In a partnership with Monster Energy, the team is also bolstered by Ford—a brand Block feels at home in. “I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford,” says Block. “They are an impressive force in the sport. From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200, to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford has an excellent history within rally. I couldn’t be happier to be part of
this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy.”
For the WRC, Block will be racing in a Focus RS prepared by M-Sport, the company responsible for handling all of Ford’s World Rally efforts. M-Sport’s Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who played a large role in ushering Block into the WRC, had this to say: “It is great news that Ken will be joining the WRC and even better that it will be with Ford! Ken has been instrumental in elevating the public awareness of rallying throughout the world with his multimedia exploits, particularly in the U.S. which is a key global market and an area where WRC has yet to reach its full potential. Ken’s appearance in the WRC and his desire to compete
toe-to-toe at the highest level is indicative of the determination and drive that he has exhibited in all areas of his life to date—be it in business or personal targets. Ken is a colorful character with a huge international fan base and his decision to appear in the WRC is warmly welcomed.”
In the United States, Ken will be racing both the Rally America Championship and X Games in the all-new Ford Fiesta, prepared by Olsbergs MSE. “We are excited to partner with Ken as we launch the Ford Fiesta in the United States in 2010 and showcase the Fiesta’s performance and fun-to-drive capabilities,” says Jamie Allison, Director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Rally racing has always played a key role in the global motorsports strategy for Ford Motor Company.”
In addition, the skateboard footwear company Block co-founded, DC Shoes, will also support the team, along with the popular video game title, Dirt2, in which Block had a starring role. Castrol Edge is providing support for the team as well.
The Chrysler Brand Joins Forces with “The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” to Contribute Relief Efforts to Haiti
* Chrysler brand President and CEO donates personal Chrysler 300C to raise money for Haiti
* CEO’s Chrysler 300C to be signed by Golden Globe attendees and auctioned for relief efforts for Haiti, expected to raise approximately 1 million dollars
* Chrysler and Stars for a Cause partner to donate six eco-friendly accessorized vehicles to celebrity charities for auction
* Nominee, Meryl Streep, presenters, Christina Aguilera, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Felicity Huffman and actor Colin Firth to arrive in their select Chrysler 300 eco style limited edition vehicle, which will be donated and auctioned to charity of their choice
* Chrysler is the exclusive automotive sponsor for the second-half of “The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards”
Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan 17, 2010 – Nominees, presenters and performers arriving to “The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” will have an opportunity to help raise money for Haitian relief efforts with a simple signature. Positioned at the entrance of the Beverly Hilton Hotel is President and Chief Executive Officer for the Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, Olivier Francois’ personal car, a Chrysler 300C. Francois donated his vehicle so that attendees to the ceremony could place their signature upon the sedan which could then be donated for auction to specifically raise money for Haiti relief efforts.
“Looking at the devastation this catastrophe has caused to an already impoverished country,there is no doubt that we have a social responsibility to assist in any way that we can. This will not be the only funding we will provide to this country on behalf of the Chrysler Brand and Chrysler Group LLC, there is more to come.”said Olivier Francois, President and Chief Executive Office – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We are pleased to join hands with Hollywood to offer this gesture as part of the relief efforts toward Haiti. And, to my colleague, Dodge Brand President and Chief Executive Officer, who is of Haitian-descent, and to all Haitian-Americans with family in Haiti, our thoughts are with you.”
The Chrysler 300C that will be donated for auction is expected to raise approximately 1 million dollars.
Chrysler Joins Stars for a Cause to Auction Chrysler 300 “eco style” Edition Vehicles
The Chrysler brand, together with Dick Clark Productions, has also partnered with Stars for a Cause to donate six eco-friendly accessorized vehicles that will be auctioned off to select celebrity charities.
Nominee Meryl Streep, presenters Christina Aguilera, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and Felicity Huffman and actor Colin Firth will arrive to the Golden Globes in their select Chrysler 300 eco style limited edition vehicle, which will be donated and auctioned to the charity of their choice.
Based off of the Chrysler 300C, the most-awarded vehicle in the industry, the eco style edition vehicles are accessorized with eco-friendly materials such as cork, bamboo, recycled jute carpeting and suede seat inserts and feature refurbished wheels while providing high-end luxury and elegant design. The vehicles feature a refined interior, premium technology and offer fuel-efficient performance and excitement.
Each of the celebrities will arrive to the awards in their select vehicles:
* Presenter Christina Aguilera’s Chrysler 300 eco style vehicle features a water-based Vanilla exterior color. On the inside are cactus-colored seat-inserts with bamboo applique placed on the door trim and center console
* Presenter Leonardo DiCaprio’s vehicle has Cream exterior and Aqua-blue seat inserts, a hydrographic water-themed applique is subtly placed throughout the interior
* Actor Colin Firth’s vehicle features a stately and sleek Black exterior color with Black Bamboo interior accents
* Presenter Tom Hanks will arrive to the awards in an elegant Black Chrysler 300 eco style edition vehicle with Curry seat-inserts and organic appliques
* Presenter Felicity Huffman will arrive in a Dark Cordovan vehicle with a stained Cordovan cork interior color
* Nominee Meryl Streep’s vehicle features a Platinum exterior and on the interior are Cumin-colored seat-inserts along with natural mat and cork materials
Recycled materials are used within the interior of the vehicle. Recycled ultra-suede seat inserts are used for the front and rear-passenger seats and are soft to the touch and durable. Hydrographics patterns are used to place organic themes on the center console and door trim of the interior compartment. Water-based paints are used on the exterior of the vehicle.
Under the hood is the 5.7-liter HEMI® engine with Muliti-displacement System (MDS). MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is needed. MDS optimizes fuel economy without sacrificing vehicle performance.
The storm we’ve been experiencing here in SoCal has moved its way into Arizona causing governor Jan Brewer to declare a state of emergency Thursday night. Strong winds in Scottsdale have blown over two tents at the Russo-Steele Auto Auction fortunately sparing the large tent in which as many as 10,000 people were attending the auction. After spending an hour searching the entire site for anyone in need of assistance, firefighters reported no injuries. Unfortunately many of the cars that the two tents were covering are figured to have also been damaged, although owners are being kept out of the area at least until morning.
Video recorded live during the auction when the announcement was made in the main tent to evacuate (at 21 minutes in); kudos to the staff of Russo-Steele for getting everyone out so quickly and orderly!
Video of the south tent going down, WW for some F-bombs in the background:
Beach Boy, Al Jardine, had his Hemi Cuda stolen back in ‘75 in St. Louis and it was recovered the same year, but was never removed from the stolen vehicle database; so when the car went to Barrett-Jackson this year to be put up for auction the DMV noticed that the VIN number didn’t match the one of the title and the Pheonix police impounded the car. As it turns out the Cuda was given a new VIN when it was re-registered however it still is tagged with the original.
As tribute to their legendary former chief test driver, the Lambo wizards have created their first rear-wheel drive street vehicle in eleven years, which is just making its way to American shores. Since Balboni is reputed to have test driven 80% of all Lamborghinis ever built, he was called in to consult on the Gallardo, which features a 5.2-liter direct-injected 542 hp V10 engine under polycarbonate glass.
This is just too funny and couldn’t happen to a better, errr worse, station. If you haven’t heard of the late night drama taking place on NBC then crawl out from under that rock. But just to catch those who have no idea what I am talking about, let’s catch you up:
- NBC is a station going down in flames and is trying anything and everything to save itself. - They stupidly moved extremely successful Jay Leno from The Tonight Show to a new 10PM show and gave Conan O’Brien The Tonight Show - No One watched Jay’s New Show. - NBC basically said, “to hell with multi-million dollar contracts,” and is moving Jay back to late night on March 1 and told Conan he could move The Tonight Show back half an hour or he could walk. - Conan decided to walk with a contractual payoff somewhere in the neighborhood of $45 million (added to the millions already paid to Leno from his initial canceling and the upping of his contract to bring him back to his initial time slot) and will most likely be back later this year with another show.
Ok so now you’re caught up, although you’ve missed some great jokes. Both Leno and O’Brien, as well as other late night talk show hosts, have been racking up the ratings by having a party at NBC’s expense and this week O’Brien has announced he will get his “satisfaction” by spending as much of NBC’s money with a run of “comedy bits that aren’t so much funny as they are crazy expensive;” kicking it off with a Bugatti Veyron turned MOUSE and some really expensive theme music!
