Purely Aesthetics

A vehicle is meant to be driven. These mostly four-wheel machines are not made to watch movies or to play videogames with. By removing all those high-end auto parts and gadgets in an automobile, it will probably look a lot like the Noddy-inspired car in Britain christened as the Zest Roadster.

The Zest Roadster has certain similarities with the car Noddy, who is a popular book-turned-television character made by British fiction writer for children Enid Blyton, drives around. Compared to the regular compact vehicles, this one is made wholly from plastic –from the interior to the exterior parts, thus it is super lightweight. Despite its measly 20-horsepower output, which is produced by a 500cc engine, such statistic is barely felt because of the balanced proportion between the car’s weight and power.

“It handles very well for what it is. With a normal car you have to brake or ease off the speed when you go around a corner but not with this because it is lightweight. It feels like it is on rails,” said Kelvin Kinkaid, who is the owner of the Qdos Cars that distributes the Zest Roadster all over United Kingdom.

This peculiar-looking car, which is carrying a tag price of £8,000, is the product of an unnamed French artisan. Running at a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, this straight-from-the-book Zest Roadster is the pioneer for a symmetrical car (From the front to the back and vice versa, it looks the same).

Source: Daily Mail UK.

Those who have abundant resources have the chance to own the custom-made 2008 Audi R8 by well-known architect and interior designer Tony Chi as the Swedish car is now available for bidding.

Chi, who is behind the exceptional designs of the Las Vegas-based Skylofts and Park Hyatt Shanghai, took his knowledge beyond establishments and tried his own hands in auto detailing. The vehicle now has a greater air of luxury after going under Chi.

Aside from the new touch, the 2008 Audi R8 also takes pride in its power that goes beyond the ceiling. Behind the 420-horsepower output is its 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine. To date, this car, which will be part of the Bergdorf Goodman’s 2007 holiday catalog, is among the much awaited luxury sports car in the United States.

The lucky bidder who goes home with the car will also be given the chance to give part of the money to his or her choice of charity. The auction proper for the prized Tony Chi Audi R8 has already started since last November 16 and will run until December 14.

A rapper like Curtis Jackson or more famous as 50 Cent knows how to bring a house down with his angst-full and energized hip hop songs. Aside from music, cars, especially those from Pontiac, are close to his heart. For that, it is no wonder that he came out with a customized Pontiac G8 that was featured in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) last week.

With the help of General Motors (GM)-produce Pontiac and the Unique Autosports, 50 Cent was able to come up with a powerful Pontiac G8 that debuted Las Vegas -based event. The whole team focused on making the engine more beefed up, thus a performance power plant from GM was installed. Behind the whopping 500-horsepower of this sports car is an LSX 427 engine. This powerful auto part is complemented with a cold air intake, a fuel injection system, and a crate engine controller, among others.

In terms of the overall look, the Pontiac G8 was not far behind its rapper inspiration as it was made to look edgier with a jet-black vertical paint on its body that broke the scarlet red monotony of the vehicle. Moreover, the confines of the sports car were fitted with crimson red leather cover seats. A 50 Cent and Unique Auto sports logo on each headrest and floor mat also made the car have that more customized-feel. Since this car was inspired by the rapper 50 Cent, the Pontiac G8 was also installed with an 800-watt JBL audio system.

“Partnering with Pontiac has given me the opportunity to create something truly unique - a customized performance vehicle I am really proud of,” said 50 Cent. “The G8 is like none other and it pushes the boundaries of what people think a car has to be.”

The customized Pontiac G8 cars will be available in the market by next year.

Creative juices were clearly overflowing every year in the Specialty Equipment Market Association or SEMA held last week. Unique ideas that ranged from customized vehicles to upgraded auto parts were found in this event held in Las Vegas, which is dubbed as America’s Sin City. An Apple iPod installed at the center most part of the steering wheel was among the countless new finds this year.

Without a doubt, iPod, along with other high-end technologies, has already found its way into automobiles. In this particular creation, an iPod video was placed just right at the center of the steering wheel. The location may be considered as a strategic place for this gadget especially for those dragging moments when heavy traffic occurs. The operator can enjoy to watch videos or movies while waiting for vehicles in front it to start moving. That is probably the best this iPod on steering wheel can offer.

Future patrons of this idea, however, have to consider road safety above any entertainment. At present, there are already other distractions for drivers such as mobile phones and televisions. Aside from the possible distraction, the location of the iPod is usually the place for an airbag. Just imagine an airbag inflating together with the palm-sized gadget. It may fit in pockets but this small gadget can also give one a bruise or two.

Apple iPod video is a bright idea. If ever such thing pushes through, motorists have to be extra careful in steering that wheel and have to keep an eye on the road rather than a music video or movie currently playing at the center of the steering wheel.