Slot cars: Small-scale racing; big-time fun

For a time, I worked as a magazine editor for a couple of hobby publications. I dealt with plastic model kits, die-cast models, radio-controlled vehicles, model trains, books, board games—you name it. However, my favorite hobby genre was 1/32 scale slot cars. I recently took out my slot car set and quickly remembered how fun this hobby is!

I began collecting 1/32 slot cars in 2005, and currently have 36 cars and a Ninco track (it's larger then the loop above). When I used to live in Wisconsin, I was even involved in a slot car racing league. Those tracks usually had four lanes, computerized lap counting, and full scenery. Really cool stuff and lots of fun—and very fast.

Most slot cars can be modified for better handling and more speed. Modifications can include stickier tires, faster motors, stronger magnets, different gearing, and more. Most of mine are stock, with the exception of some sticky silicone tires on a couple cars.

Some of the big names in the 1/32 scale slot car world include Scalextric, SCX, Ninco, and Carrera. All of these brands also make tracks, too. Prices generally start around $30–$40 for an analog vehicle; analog tracks start around $100. Digital slot cars have come out in recent years, but haven't caught on much.

Whether you're into classics, rally cars, F1, NASCAR, street vehicles, or even trucks, there's undoubtedly a slot car for you. Many of them are highly detailed with full interiors. Here are a few of my favorites from my collection:



My full list of cars:

- IRL car by Scalextric
- #2 Cooper Climax by Scalextric
- "Kimi" McLaren-Mercedes by SCX
- Ferrari F1 car by Scalextric
- #31 MK1 Ford Lotus Cortina by Revell-Monogram
- Caterham by Scalextric
-#24 DuPont Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR (Jeff Gordon) by Scalextric
- Stock car by Artin
- Lamborghini Miura by AUTOart
- Nissan 350Z by AUTOart
- Lamborghini Gallardo (AWD) by AUTOart
- Mercedes-Benz SLR by Scalextric
- 1966 Pontiac GTO (with working "spinner" wheels) by Carrera
- 1966 Pontiac GTO by Carrera
- 1966 Ford Mustang GT350 by Carrera
- "Starsky and Hutch" Ford Gran Turino by Scalextric
- Group 5 "Rodenstock" Toyota Celica by MRRC
- John Greenwood's BFG #48 Corvette by Scalextric
- SISU SL250 "Spirit of America" truck by Fly
- #00 March 83G "Kreepy Krauly" by Revell-Monogram
- #22 Tommy Archer Dodge Viper by Scalextric
- #5 Audi R8 by SCX
- #38 Au Toyota Supra JGTC car by Scalextric
- #32 Epson Honda NSX JGTC car by Ninco
- #8 Peugeot 307 "Snow Effect" (AWD) by Ninco
- #14 Ford Focus "Mexico" rally car (AWD) by SCX
- Renault Megane touring car by Ninco
- #14 Skoda Fabia WRC rally car (AWD) by Scalextric
- #42 BMW M3 DTM car by Ninco
- #16 Opel Vectra DTM car by SCX
- #24 Ferrari 330 P4 by Scalextric
- #129 Gulf Fiat 500 Abarth by SCX
- Texaco Fiat 500 Abarth by SCX
- Toyota Supra Tuner by Ninco
- Mini Cooper by Ninco

USDM Ford Fiesta photos leaked?

It appears that Ford Canada mistakenly published the 2011 Ford Fiesta's color options on its Web site for all to view. Although not live for terribly long, it was long enough for people to grab photos.

You can see that it looks pretty similar to the European-spec Fiestas—a good thing. One major exception are the chrome fog light/air ducts in the front bumper. I like the hatchback's grille treatment; the sedan wears the Ford three-bar chrome grille.

Overall, I can't complain. Although I prefer the small European fog lights, the chrome North American-spec units don't look bad, especially on lighter-colored vehicles.



LINKS
Ford Canada
Ford U.S.

Where are the three doors?

So where are all the three door hatchbacks? Mazda just announced the forthcoming Mazda2 will be sold as a five-door only; one can assume the Ford Fiesta will be the same configuration.

If you want a three-door subcompact hatchback nowadays, you'll have to opt for the Hyundai Accent, MINI Cooper, or Toyota Yaris. If you want to step it up in size, you can purchase a soon-to-be-defunct Saturn Astra; a Volkswagen Golf or New Beetle; or a Volvo C30—all available as three-doors.

One can only speculate this is because of historically low take rates for three doors in the U.S. The soon-to-arrive Fiat 500, however, will sport only three doors. We'll have to wait and see whether the Suzuki swift will have rear doors or not (or if it even shows up in the States).

I'm not complaining, though. I prefer five-door hatchbacks; they're easier to get people and cargo in and out of. If my Yaris had been available as a five-door (with a five-speed), I would've have purchased one. Our Suzuki SX4 is a five-door, and I love it.

Some people like the lines of a three-door hatchback better, and that's fine. The real question is, are there enough takers to warrant more three doors in the U.S.?

So which hatchback do you prefer and why?

Happy Thanksgiving from Subcompact Culture

No matter where Thanksgiving takes you this year, I hope you all have a happy, safe Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for a lot of things out there, and I'd like to thank everyone that has read Subcompact Culture! In fact, this is the 500th posting on Subcompact Culture!

2011 Suzuki Swift spy shots

A 2011 Suzuki Swift test mule has been spied! (Above is the current Swift.) A bunch of photos can be found at The Motor Report. According to the Australian site, the car is scheduled to debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October.

Of course the big question on my mind (and many others') is will it show in the U.S.?

Toyota Urban Cruiser (aka Scion xD) gets low score in Euro NCAP saftey test

Toyota's Urban Cruiser, aka the Scion xD in the U.S. (albiet, without the all-wheel-drive and diesel option), was recently tested in the Euro NCAP safety test. Unfortunately, the vehicle did not do so hot compared to many of the other cars tested, netting only a three-star rating, compared to all of the other cars' four- or five-star ratings. The reason? A low "Adult Occupant Protection" score of 58%.

Toyota responded by saying it was surprised by the result, since the vehicle was designed to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Toyota is investigating the matter.

The lower rating came when the vehicle struck the "pole side impact" test. Toyota says, "We remain fully convinced that Urban Cruiser is a safe car."

The other vehicles tested included:

BMW X1 – Five stars
Chevrolet Cruze – Five stars
Chevrolet Spark – Four stars
Citroen DS – Five stars
Infiniti FX – Five stars
Mazda 3 – Five stars
Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Five stars
Vauxhall Astra – Five stars
Peugeot 5008 – Five stars
Toyota Urban Cruiser – Three stars
Volkswagen Scirocco – Five stars

SOURCE
WHATCAR.com

'Black Friday' a great time to buy a car—especially a Suzuki SX4

Maybe you've seen the article today on Yahoo today entitled "Black Friday: Best Day to Buy a Car." It talks about how experts have determined that Black Friday—that melee of consumerism after Thanksgiving Day—is the best day of the year to save money on a new car. They say that on average, buyers can save 7.5% on the price of a vehicle.

So what vehicle can buyers save the most on this coming Black Friday? According to TrueCar.com, why it's none other than the Suzuki SX4. TrueCar.com predicts buyers should be able to save up to 28% off of the price of a new 2009 SX4. That means if you were to find an '09 SX4 AWD with an automatic transmission and Technology (MSRP: $17,949) you should be able to pick it up for a bargain price of $12,924. Now that's a good deal—if you can find one.

However, a quick online search of our two Portland-area Suzuki dealerships yielded nine 2009 SX4s on the lots (six crossovers; three sedans). It's times like these where I wish I needed a new car.

LINK
American Suzuki Motor Corporation

More 2011 Mazda2 info

By now, you're probably aware of the Mazda2 (based on the upcoming Ford Fiesta chassis) heading to the U.S. next year. Just released was some more information.

The Mazda2 will be powered by a 1.5-liter engine and a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy is supposed to be in the 30s. Additionally, only the five-door model will be sold. The car could also get Mazda's iStop start-stop technology.

SOURCE
GreenCarReports.com

Product Review: K&N Typhoon air intake for Toyota Yaris

An air intake system is a great modification to nearly any vehicle. It allows the car to breathe better and, in theory, make more power. And hey—it sounds good, too. Recently, I received a K&N Typhoon Air Intake System for my 2007 Yaris from Truck Champ Truck Accessories (yes, they sell parts for all kinds of vehicles, not just trucks).

I know K&N makes great products—I've been using their air filters for years (my Yaris actually had a K&N panel filter before this install). I'd installed a K&N AirChrager Intake Kit on my dad's 2006 Corvette last summer. However, I've been curious about this specific Yaris intake for some time. See, unlike most other intake systems for the Yaris, K&N's Typhoon employs a metal heat shield designed to keep power-robbing warm air away from the filter. Speaking of power, K&N claims 4.56 more horsepower than with the stock intake; they also include a dyno graph.

INSTALLATION
From the get go, you can tell this is a well-made, well-thought-out unit. Everything is packaged nicely; the parts are of high quality metals; and many parts even have part numbers stamped onto them to avoid confusion during installation. The kit includes instructions with a useful exploded view of the system, a listing of parts (with part numbers and description), and step-by-step installation instructions. You'll want to follow those instructions carefully, as there are a surprising number of parts to this intake, when you include all of the brackets, nuts, bolts, washers, etc.

K&N has added a few nice touches to this kit. First, it includes nylon lock nuts for all of its bolts, ensuring a long-lasting hold. Also, the metal drilling and cutting is first rate—from the black-coated aluminum intake tube, to each bracket. K&N really did its homework, as all of the brackets fit perfectly, the screws thread seamlessly, and it all goes together very well ... with one minor exception.

My review sample has a small section of weatherstripping that didn't want to conform to the heat shield's contour (see picture). I tried reinstalling the weatherstripping a few times, but it kept popping up in the area with the red box. However, with the hood closed, this section of weatherstripping conforms to the shield's edge, since the hood should create a seal. I may apply a bit of adhesive to make sure it stays put.

PERFORMANCE
So the real question: Performance. Compared to a stock Yaris, the Typhoon system roars at wide open throttle; it sounds fantastic. Like most intakes, there's no major difference at idle or at cruising speed. But mash the throttle, and it's hard not to grin!

Without putting the car on a dyno, I can't comment about actual power. However, K&N is a reputable company and actually guarantees that this intake will make power. I will say that throttle response is notably improved. And again—it sounds great!

Want to hear it?







Combine this with one of the many available exhaust systems on the market (FYI, I am running a Thunder axleback), and you'll have a great sounding Yaris with a bit more pep, too.

This is a very high-quality intake made by a reputable manufacturer that puts real research and development into their product. And although there was a minor issue with the weatherstripping, it's an easy fix.

The K&N Typhoon for the Toyota Yaris (part number 69-8612TFK) retails for$449.00, but is available at Truck Champ Truck Accessories for $321.04.

LINKS
K&N Engineering
Truck Champ Truck Accessories

360 hp Fiat 500 by Romeo Ferraris eats babys is one mean-looking bambino

Without a doubt, this is the most bad-ass Fiat 500 I've seen to date. With its flat-black finish over carbon fiber body panels, huge front-mount intercooler, and ginormous rear spoiler, this 500 means business—to the tune of 360 hp.

The car has a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and will be driving in an Italian endurance race.

LINK
360HP Fiat 500 Abarth by Romeo Ferrari to participate in Italian endurance race (Carscoop)

VIDEO: Kia releases second special-edition Soul

Kia has released its second special-edition Soul. Apparently called "Special Edition #2," this Soul wears unique "Ignition Orange" paint, black wheels with machined accents, an alloy fuel door, spoiler, body kit, moon roof, black racing stripes, and several other accouterments.

Ron Tonkin Kia in Portland, OR has uploaded some photos of this vehicle to its Flikr page. In addition, they've uploaded the video below to their YouTube site.



According to Kia's Web site, MSRP is $18,550. FYI, the first special-edition Soul was the blue-colored "Denim."

LINK
Ron Tonkin Flikr photos
Kia Motors America

Mazda2 to appear at LA Auto Show

Mazda officially stated that its subcompact Mazda2 will indeed be sold in the U.S. As previously mentioned, the Mazda2 rides on the same chassis as the 2011 Ford Fiesta. No word on engine choice, but I'd bet it'll be the same as the Fiesta. I know ... shocking.

The car will appear a the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks. It should show up at dealers late next year.

Subcompact Showcase: Aaron's Datsun 610 ... and it's for sale

Most people are familiar with the iconic Datsun 510. However, most aren't familiar with it's slightly larger sibling, the 610. A good friend of mine has taken a 1974 610 and made it into a killer car.

Little hasn't been customized on this 610. For starters, gone is the stock motor. In its place is a Nissan KA24DE out of a Nissan 240SX. The engine is mostly stock, but is still much more powerful than the car's original engine. There has, however, been a lot of work to get this engine into the car.

On the dyno, the KA24DE-powered 610 made a healthy 151 hp at the rear wheels, enough to make this Datsun a lot of fun to drive.



There has been a lot of suspension work, too, including a lowered stance, full disc brakes, custom strut brace, aftermarket rear sway bar, and more. The car wears Konig Rewinds with a zero offset wrapped in 195/55/16 Toyo Proxies T1-S tires.

The exterior wears two-stage Dupont paint, early bumpers, shaved emblems, BMW E30 headlights with HID bulbs, and more. The interior features Recaro seats, an Alpine CD player, new carpet, a restored dashboard, and a vintage MOMO Racing Line steering wheel.

Aaron is asking $10,900 for this rare Datsun. If you'd like to see more of the car or want to contact him, be sure to check out his Web site below.

LINK
1974 Datsun 610

Crazy project: Rotary-powered Suzuki Sidekick

While doing my usual browse of craigslist, I ran across what might be one of the best sleep projects I'd seen this year. This Estacada, OR resident took a Suzuki Sidekick two door and threw in a turbocharged, built Mazda 13B rotary engine. The owner says the vehicle has Haltech stand-alone fuel management, a mini-spool in the rear end, line lock, rollbar, front mount intercooler, and nitrous that has allegedly never been used. The craigslist posting says you can see more at http://zuki-r.com, but the site didn't work for me. The owner is asking $5,000 for the project.

I'm the kind of guy who loves great sleepers, and totally gets giddy thinking about blowing the doors off of sports cars in a turbocharged Sidekick.

LINK
Suzuki Sidekick Rotary (portland.craigslist.org)

Nissan Micra spy shots

by Sean Murphy

These are supposed spy shots of the next generation Nissan Micra. The next Micra will be headed here to the US but no word on what model we will see between the 4 door, 5 door, and MPV. It does look like the Micra will get a bit of the bulge added to it that will allow it to meet US crash standards. No word on engine or body styles yet from Nissan but it would be a good guess that we will at least see the sedan here in US.

The Micra has been around since 1982 (so have I!) and been a sales success just as long in Europe and Japan were it is known as the Nissan March. In those regions the Micra has also been used in many different motorsports including rally and in Japan it has its own race series the March Cup. I hope to see that race heritage and 1600cc engine make its way here to the states when the Micra lands sometime after 2011. Check the link below for more photos.

PHOTOS
Nissan Micra Spy Photos

An old, green Blazer with lots of new, green technology

So what's a big green Chevy Blazer doing on Subcompact Culture? This little big gem is actually a showcase of various cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. It's clear that this truck isn't your ordinary EV, either ...

The 1985 Blazer above is was built by Physics Lab of Lake Havasu. This group has a mission to retrofit heavy vehicles with renewable, regenerative technologies on electric drivetrains. So how do you get an '85 Blazer to get 100 MPG? You use four different means of generating electricity. Some ways are cutting edge, some are more established.

This Blazer uses lead-acid batteries to store its electricity, and has two electric motors, allowing the truck to maintain its 4WD drivetrain.

The technology that's most noticeable from the exterior, courtesy of a large black air intake on the grille, is wind energy. As the vehicles gains speed, air moves through its grille and turns a wind turbine. As the turbine spins, it generates power. And on a vehicle with a large frontal surface, this turbine can be put to good use.

However, the most exciting feature on the Blazer is its revolutionary regenerative shock absorbers. Every time the shock moves up and down, it generates electricity, as demonstrated in the video below. This really took mye by surprise—what a great idea. Shocks are something all vehicles have, and something that can be retrofitted to generate power.



In addition to the technologies mentioned above, the truck also has a solar thermal roof collector, and a waste heat engine to power an alternator. Both generate electricity helping to charge the big Blazer.

The Blazer's range on batteries alone is 10 miles; that jumps to 20 miles with the generator, roof, and shock energy inputs. The truck has a top speed of 85 and produces 340 hp / 1,000 ft./lbs. of torqe at 300V in series. It will get 50 MPG with the generator on continuously.

Physics Lab of Lake Havasu hopes to have its Regen Shocks available for the Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Ford F-150. In addition, the technology could be used on heavy trucks, rail cars, military vehicles, and other hybrid vehicles.


A multitude of great technologies implemented on an everyday vehicle. I love it!

LINK
Physics Lab of Lake Havasu

Global-E Pulse plug-in electric vehicle

Among the never-ending sea of hot rods, sports cars, custom trucks, and tricked-out compacts at last week's SEMA Show, I ran across an unfamiliar shaped subcompact. At first glance, I thought it might have been a car imported from Japan or Europe—but no. It turns out that this vehicle truly is a new small car. Attractive, sporty, and ... electric?

The car is called the Pulse, and it's from a Louisiana-based company called Global-E. Global-E is partnership of entrepreneurs and automotive enthusiasts—and an Automotive X-Prize team—who share a passion for science, innovation, and design, and the desire to build and bring to market an alternatively fueled vehicle.

The five-passenger Pulse uses Li-Ion polymer batteries and Nippon Chemi-Con "super capacitors" to help its range, which is between 70-100 miles, depending on driving style. Pulse also has a solar roof panel and regenerative braking to help with charging. Speaking of charging, the Pulse will fully charge in six hours using a standard 110V outlet. That means owners can use a standard power cord for charging—no need to rewire an outlet for 220V or the need for a special cord.

Global-E placed an emphasis on safety, too. Pulse has dual airbags, impact door beams, crumple zones, and other safety accouterments found on a traditional vehicle—something many other EVs don't have.

The car's standard interior features include an AM/FM/CD player, heater, power windows, air conditioning, 12V map lights, and more. This Pulse had a manual transmission, although I'm told an automatic will be available. Global-E says the Pulse will go 0-60 in eight seconds—not bad!

Global-E CEO, Carl Guichard, says, "This vehicle is going to change the way people think about commuting. It's going to make it fun and virtually free when you consider that the Pulse gets approximately 100 MPGe, doesn't need tune-ups, oil, spark plugs, mufflers, catalytic converters and about fifty other parts on current cars."

The Pulse at the show had add-ons, such as a carbon-fiber wing and ground-effect kit, 15" Speedy Race Mode wheels with high-performance tires, tinted windows, sport interior package, fog lights, and a Sony stereo system.

Global-E plans to sell a base-model Pulse for $23,000, and an extended-range vehicle (30 more miles to the charge) for $27,000. Production is slated to begin next summer outside of New Orleans, LA. The company anticipates producing 10,000 units its first year with as many as 40,000-50,000 within three years.



LINK
Global-E

Romik offers truck accessories for Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a neat car. Its shape, especially from the rear, almost looks a bit SUV-like. So I immediately took notice when I saw a Kia Soul with some truck/SUV-like accessories at the SEMA Show.

This red Soul in the Shewood Automotive booth at SEMA wore a Romik front bull bar, side steps, and rear "max city bar," among other accessories, such as custom healights, aftermarket wheels, and chrome side trim and grilles, which are available through Sherwood Automotive.

These truck-like products are definitely unique for the Kia Soul. However, with the Soul's shape it, I get it. FYI, Romik products are available though Subcompact Culture sponsor, AutoAnything.


LINK
Romik USA
AutoAnything
Sherwood Automotive

Automobile magazine names 2010 Nissan Cube 'Design of the Year'

The people at Automobile magazine have given the 2010 Nissan Cube its "Design of the Year" award.

Although they admit the Cube isn't a beauty, isn't elegant, and not particularly original, they do say it has charm, and that it all just works.

I'd have to agree, too. In my review of the 2009 Nissan Cube SL, I said the Cube had a "funky, techie, avant-garde sort of personality." This car is, indeed, loaded with personality, and it does not look much like anything else on the road. I do suspect there will be a fair amount of controversy surrounding this choice, though.

LINK
2010 Nissan Cube - 2010 Design of the year (Automobile magazine)

VIDEO: Road Wrap—a great way to protect your vehicle's finish.

You're probably familiar with clear bra products that protect a vehicle's front end, mirrors, parts of the body, etc. from rocks. If so, you're probably familiar with the high cost, too.

While at the SEMA Show, I ran into a product called Road Wrap: A temporary clear film to protect your vehicle's finish when you need/want it.

You can use it on the front end of your car on the way to a car show—keeps bugs/grime off, and is cheaper than "blue painter's tape."

You could use it behind your fenders at the drag strip to prevent bits of rubber from attaching themselves to the vehicle's finish.

Or, if you're like me, you'll use it in on the leading edge of your hood and in front of your rear fenders where rock chips destroy the finish of your car when going skiing. (After six times up the gravel-coated roads of Mt. Hood, I'm down to the primer in some spots—the car is 10 months old!). Road Wrap will prevent this kind of stuff from happening.

The product adheres with a water-based adhesive that doesn't leave a residue. It goes on super easy and comes off just as simply, and it's disposable. Check out the video below for an example.



Road Wrap is available in two sizes: 18" x 100' and 6" x 100'; prices are $29.99 and $12.99, respectively—a lot cheaper than having to repaint the parts of your car that take the most abuse.

In addition to Road Wrap, the Louisiana-based company, World Class Concepts, LLC, offers Rug Wrap, which allows users to cover their floor mats in protective plastic, too.

No, I don't work for the company. However, this is a great product that deserves some attention.

LINK
Road Wrap

SEMA: Super shift knobs by CON2R

Who doesn't like a cool shift knob? While at the SEMA Show, I ran across an Oregon company—CON2R (pronounced "contour")—that makes incredible looking shift knobs. Take for example the above "Torqued Wrench" model. It's made from chrome-plated brass, is extremely solid, and feels good in the hand. Form and function.

Perhaps even more amazing is the "Black Widow" shift knob below. Yes, that's a spider inside the knob. Also made from chrome-plated bronze, it looks very delicate, yet it is very sturdy.


MSRP for these super shift knobs is $119.95 for the Torqued Wrench and $139.95 for the Black Widow.

CON2R makes a few other awesome shift knobs, a line of made-to-order custom steering wheels for hot rods, custom badges and more. Check 'em out.

LINK
CON2R

October 2009 subcompact sales

Another month, another big sales gain by Hyundai and Kia with the Accent and Rio, respectively. The biggest change from this time last year is the Accent—up more than double from 2008. Kia's Rio has sold nearly 75% more than this time last year. The only car showing a positive gain compared to '08 is the Accent, although the best-selling Vera is only down 6.6% compared to last year.

Best selling subcompacts thus far for 2009:

1.	Nissan Versa	(70,543)
2.	Hyundai Accent	(60,106)
3.	Honda Fit	(59,175)
4.	Toyota Yaris	(55,169)
5.	MINI	(39,172)

The big loser this month is Smart—down more than 70% compared to October '08. The slow-selling Scion xD is down 49.8% for the year. Predictably, nearly defunct Pontiac only sold 227 G3s.

Make/Model	Oct. '09 vs Oct. '08	Year to date	Cars sold in '09 to date
Hyundai Accent	+106.9%	+28.9%	60,106
Kia Rio	+74.8%	-16.5%	27,238
Nissan Versa	-1.5%	-6.6%	70,543
Toyota Yaris	-13.2%	-40.9%	55,169
MINI (all)	-20.8%	-14.8%	39,172
Suzuki SX4	-33.0%	-32.0%	18,949
Honda Fit	-44.9%	-15.3%	59,175
Scion xD	-48.8%	-49.8%	12,709
Chevrolet Aveo	-53.9%	-33.8%	32,945
Smart ForTwo	-70.4%	-35.5%	13,082
Kia Soul	--	--	26,300
Nissan Cube	--	--	16,849
Pontiac G3	--	--	5,417

SEMA: Rockstar Scion xD = Show car done right

The Rockstar Scion xD, located in the AEM booth, is truly a show car done right. It's over the top, but not too over the top. The build quality is high. The paint is amazing—look at the detail in the airbrushing. It all works, and is great.

Built by Cartel Customs, a company that has built several high-profile custom compacts in the past, this kitted xD rides on Tein coilovers and wears one-off, forged Vellano wheels—20"x8.5" front, 20"x11" rear—wrapped in Toyo tires. The car has an AEM intake and TRD exhaust, a lightweight Braille battery, and Wilwood front brakes. Interior amenities include custom upholstered front and rear racing seats, a harness bar, and more. The paint is worth mentioning again. The airbursh work is awesome. A truly impressive Scion show car. Cartel Customs is part of DragCartel Industries, a maker of import performance drag racing gear.

LINKS
Cartel Customs (DragCartel Industries)

SEMA: Super-sleeper VW Bug packs hidden 351 Ford V-8

Honestly, I walked past this car a couple of times before stopping. It looked like a fairly clean VW Bug convertible, nothing too terribly interesting. Well, I was wrong. Residing in the back seat is a 351 cubic-inch Ford V8. Oh, hai!