Lexus decided to join forces with artists to create a line of Lexus IS designs that would really stand out from the crowd for this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. The opened up a design challenge to deviantART, the largest online social community for artists, to come up with a slick interpretation of the the Lexus IS sedan. There were hundreds of crazy, wacky, and fun ideas that were submitted but the best ones are being displayed at SEMA in Las Vegas which starts today.
One cool example includes Philip Chase with a Lexus IS 340. He took the powerful and brutal six-cylinder turbo engine, a unit that produces more than 700bhp, from the 1990s Supra and dropped it into the Lexus IS 340. The engine’s sound can be heard through a custom four-inch exhaust system, and its power is expressed in the car’s styling, with a front lip kit by Modellista and carbon fiber hood vents.
Lexus’s limited edition carbon fiber bicycle takes price of place on the roof of Gordon Ting’s Lexus IS AWD, that comes with customer exhaust and air intakes by TEIN USA, Street Flex dampers and Brembo high-performance brakes.
Paul Tolson and Gabriel Escobedo may have created the widest, lowest Lexus IS 250 F Sport. The F Sport is close to the ground with an Air Runner Systems air ride, something usually only seen on Lowriders. The paintwork is equally fun since it comes in shades named Orange Mercury and Root Beer.
Seibon Carbon has worked its magic on the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. It built a series of specialty body panels and aerodynamic parts made of carbon fiber, including the hood, hoodlid, spoilers and skirts. A set of Volk Racing 20-inch wheels, A’PEXi SPL suspension and exhaust and a custom intake further ramp up the sports performance. There will be no missing Vossen Wheels’ Lexus IS 350 F Sport, finished in LFA Pearl Yellow paint, rolling on 20-inch CVT Directional rims and sitting ultra-low thanks to RS-R Black-I Series coilover shocks.
It’s not just the current Lexus IS that’s in the spotlight at SEMA though. Lexus is also turning back the clock to show two new interpretations of the first and second generation models. Maricar Cortez has produced a cool version of the 2004 Lexus IS 300, adorned with three-piece HRE 19-inch wheels and Rod Millen Motorsport side skirts. Under the hood the six-cylinder engine gains a ProLex supercharger. Enthusiast Andrew Atigehchi contributes his work on a 2007 Lexus IS 250, fettled with 20-inch rims and performance exhaust, suspension and brakes.
The 2013 Baltimore Auto Show kicks off tomorrow and for any gearheads or car shoppers that are interested in seeing the latest and greatest from automakers for the 2013 and 2014 model years, it should be a lot of fun. The Baltimore Auto Show will feature several cool events, features, celebrity appearances, and family activities.
Camp Jeep will allow drivers to test the Jeep's capability inside the Baltimore Convention Center with a hill climb experience to test the Jeep's traction capabilities climbing a 18-foot high, 35 degree Jeep Mountain the highlight of Camp Jeep. Riders are over 20 feet off the ground when they sit on top of Jeep Mountain.
In addition attendees are encouraged to participate in the Ride & Drives with Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Cadillac. The Ride & Drives will occur outside the convention center and more than 35 models will be available to test drive at the Baltimore Auto Show:
• Cadillac– CTS Sedan, CTS-V Sedan, CTS-V Coupe, CTS-V Wagon, SRX, XTS, ATS and Escalade
• Chevrolet, Buick, GMC – Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado, Sonic, Spark, Traverse and Volt; Buick Regal, LaCrosse and Verano; and GMC Acadia, Sierra and Terrain
• Chrysler – Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country; Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart and Durango; Ram 1500 and FIAT 500
(Check the Baltimore Auto Show website for Ride & Drive times.)
If you want to see some exotic cars and supercars then you will be in luck. The EuroStar Auto Gallery will feature vehicles like the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lamborghini Spyder Gallardo, Aston Martin, Maserati GranTurismo and even more.
Neil Tjin, one of the automotive industry's most influential designers, who has been involved in the automotive aftermarket for over fifteen years, will be showcasing several of his customized vehicles that have been featured at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas. Amazing customized vehicles by Neil Tjin include his 2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2013 Ford Mustang GT, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE and more. The Tjin Edition Roadshow should be one of the highlights of the show.
Other customized vehicles will be on display thanks to theAuto Performance Aesthetics Club (A.P.A.C.). You can also see some amazing classic and antiques cars thanks to the Chesapeake chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA).
Don’t miss a collection of rare, vintage vehicles in The Elegance at Hershey Display, a special feature previewing the automotive history that will be showcased at the annual event, in Hershey, Penn in June.
Larry Sheets, a retired Baltimore orioles player, will make an appearance and will be signing free autographs at the show on Saturday, February 9th between 12-2 pm. Even if you are still excited about the Baltimore Ravens winning the Super Bowl (I just had to say it) I am sure Baltimore sports fans won't want to miss a Baltimore Orioles favorite.
If you want you can stop by the Sony a77 Studio and thanks to some cool green screen technology you can get a nice digital picture of you and the kids in some of the world’s fastest sports cars! The cars won't be there but it will make it seem like they are.
For kids Spider Man, Captain America will King Robota, and the Comic Bot will be making appearance on Family Day (Sunday). Children 12 and under are FREE when with an adult Baltimore Auto Show ticket on Family Day.
Before attending the auto show smartphone users can visit iTunes store or Google Play to download the new Motor Trend Auto Shows free mobile App. Use the App to buy tickets, map a route, view participating manufacturers and get vehicle information at a quick glance. (Of coures who really needs an app for one day?)
What: 2013 Baltimore Auto Show
Date: Thursday, February 7th – Sunday, February 10th, 2013
Location: Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St, Baltimore MD, 21201
Tickets Prices: Adults ($10), Children 7-12 ($4), Kids 6 and under are FREE
For more information on ticket pricing, appearance times, and show times, visit the Baltimore Auto Show website. Click here for special feature times.
Remember when you buy a Baltimore Auto Show ticket online or at the box office, you will get a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine thanks to the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association. There are usually postcards in the front entrance you can fill out to claim a subscription.
If you want to get FREE TICKETS check your latest Motor Trend magazine. I noticed in the last Motor Trend issue I received there was a page with two Free tickets to the show. Even if you don't have a Motor Trend subscription I am sure a friend does. Leave a comment below if you appreciated this tip!
Also a quick note about parking, I actually usually don't drive down there. I like to take the Light Rail to downtown Baltimore since it drops you basically right at the Convention Center. If you are going with a bunch of people it probably makes more sense to drive and park somewhere as most parking lots around the Baltimore Convention Center are about $10. There is parking info on the Baltimore Auto Show website.
People can also go checkout the 2013 Washington Auto Show, which goes until February 10th, 2013. It tends to be a little bigger and feature more government organizations.
The 2013 Washington Auto Show kicked off today, February 1st, and this year looks like it will be even better than last year. Packed with Celebrity guests, the Advanced Technology Superhighway, the 2013 Green Technology Award, and lots of policy talk people should have at the 2013 Washington Auto Show.
Washington, D.C. has long been the site of the country’s greatest ambitions for progress. The 2013 Washington Auto Show not only symbolizes the brightest and boldest dreams of the auto industry but marks the show’s transformation over the years. The Washington Auto Show has not only become the largest public show in Washington, D.C., it’s also the premier address for showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable technologies and drawing the most influential leaders in the industry.
This year, hundreds of thousands of visitors, including many environmental and automotive visionaries, will explore the more than 700 new makes and models from over 42 manufacturers at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The 2013 show marks a new era for Washington, D.C.’s largest public show. With its doubled time frame, from five to ten days, it’s an even bigger bonanza for area residents to enjoy the fully stocked, two-story convention center with an automotive showcase many describe as “new-car heaven.”
Many manufacturers come to Washington DC not only to display the best of what they will be offering in the new year but what they will be able offering in the future as well with prototypes. You should also expect to see a good amount of Supercars and Exotics at the show too.
Also with the heavy political influence in Washington DC a lot of policy talk goes on. If this is your cup of tea, you will be excited to go.
Probably most people will enjoy the celebrity appearances more. Notable celebrities includes:
Karina Smirnoff – The Ukrainian professional ballroom dancer and winner of the 13th season of the well known TV show on ABC, “Dancing withthe Stars,” will be at the Washington Auto Show on Tuesdayevening, February 5th, 2013.
London Fletcher – Linebacker for the Washington Redskins will be in attendance to sign autographs Thursday February 7th, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Richard Rawlings – The owner of Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas. He is currently featured on the Discovery Channel’s”Fast N’ Loud” television show. In the show, Richard, along with his partner, Aaron Kaufmann, search for, buy, and restore classic cars for auction in Texas and other nearby states. He will be at the show on February 5th, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Randy Orton – World Wresting Entertainment (WWE) superstar. Randy Orton was destined for a career in sports entertainment. After all, not every WWE Superstar can claim the title of “Youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE History”. Then again, Randy Orton is also one of the only third-generation Superstars in WWE history. The son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, nephew of Barry “Barry O” Orton and grandson of “The Big O” Bob Orton, Randy comes from a distinctive bloodline. He will be making an appearance at the show on February 6th, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
c “The Great White” – Another WWE star known to fans worldwide as “The Great White”, WWE Superstar Sheamus will be appearing Thursday, February 7th, 2013 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Penelope Menchaca – host from Telemundo’s “12 Corazones” will be appearing Sunday, February 3 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Johnny Lozada – From Univision's “Despierta America” will be appearing Sunday, February 3 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Garrett Reisman – A real NASA Astronaut will be signing autographs on the Toyota Live Stage on Sunday, February from 11:00am and 1:00pm
Other appearances will includes kids favorites such as PBS characters, Captain Planet, and Talking Friends. US Army bands will also be in attendance at the show. For a full list of appearances and times visit the website.
The Washington Auto Show is holding a Military Day on February 5th, 2013. This means if you are a member of the military or a proud veteran who served our country you will be admitted to the Washington Auto Show for FREE! All you have to do is show a valid military ID, or DD214 (discharge papers) and photo ID to get Free Admission to the wonderful auto show.
If you love cars and are in the Washington DC and surround area then you need to get yourself down to the 2013 Washington Auto Show.
Date: February 1st – 10th, 2013
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20001
Tickets Prices: Adults $12, Children 6-12 $5, Kids 5 and under are FREE
January is an exciting time for car enthusiasts with the the famous Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., (Jan. 13-20) and the Detroit Auto Show which takes place from Jan. 14-27 in the Motor City. The Detroit Auto Show (the official name is North American International Auto Show) features the latest and greatest models from some of the world largest automakers.
This year the Detroit Auto Show is showcasing an impressive array of new models and it's clear the competition from automakers is getting more intense. Ones I am keeping my eyes out for include the new Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra full-size pickup, the restyled 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Cadillac ELR, the BMW 4-series, Infiniti Q50, Toyota Furia and a new Ford F-150 concept.
Also at the top of my “can't wait to check it out” list is the redesigned Lexus IS, the 2014 C7 Corvette and the redesigned Acura MDX. Here's a look at why these vehicles are generating so much buzz in the Motor City.
Redesigned Lexus IS 250
Scheduled for release on Wed., Jan. 16, the redesigned 2014 Lexus IS sport sedan has been fully redesigned. According to Edmunds, its main areas of improvement are a re-tuned suspension, improved seats and additional interior room, and will be available in two F Sport and a hybrid upgrade.
The new IS features LED day running lights under the headlights and the wheelbase has been enlarged, making more room available in the car's interior. According to Autoweek.com, “Powertrain options will be mostly carryover units, probably with a bit more efficiency. We know from our quick drive last month of prototypes that the sedan will use a knob to switch from eco to sport-plus mode, which changes throttle and steering response, as well as transmission shift points.”
Redesigned Acura MDX
The MDX was Acura's first midsize crossover. According to Autoweek.com, it comprises 32 percent of total U.S. Acura sales in 2012. While the original model follows the same midsize platform as the Honda Accord and Odyssey, the industry expects the third generation to be more aerodynamic and have the same 3.5 liter, 280 horsepower engine as the Acura TL.
2014 C7 Corvette
Arguably, the event's most anticipated release the new Corvette. According to Forbes.com, the new model will include five major changes. The first is a V8 engine that “will be powered by the first version of an entirely new generation of V8 engines codenamed LT1.”
The next big change comes from the superior aerodynamics of the front engine and rear-wheel drive. “For example, the front grill and radiator flow paths reduce lift, improving vehicle stability at high speeds by keeping the car pressed to the pavement,” Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, said in a press release.
The next defining feature of the 2014 model is that it embodies a lighter and stiffer structure. Alex McDonald, a Chevy performance integration engineer, said in a video that the Corvette will have “more high-tech chassis aids than ever before,” adding, “This car is a new level of electronic integration.”
Two other major changes in the 2014 C7 include an improved interior, which is something everyone has complained about with the Corvette, and affordable price for its class. The 2014 Corvette will also bring back the famous Stingray design and nameplate to the Corvette
A series of teaser videos was produced by Chevy for the 2014 Corvette. Here's the fourth one:
If you are not too far from Detroit and are interested in attending the 2013 Detroit Auto Show you can visit the website for more information: http://www.naias.com/
If you attend the show please leave a comment and let me know what you liked most about the Detroit Auto Show and what cars got you most excited.
Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee attracts a wide range of vehicles every Saturday. This includes exotics, classic, tuners, motorcycles, race cars, and anything else you can think of.
Here is a great picture gallery kindly provided by Jack Moschetto of Gypsy Jack Racing. You can usually find him at Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee with his beautiful and very customized blue Yamaha R1. I would have used some of my pictures, but his photography skills are much better then mine!
Where: Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Rd, Hunt Valley MD, 21030
When: Saturdays, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Why: Because you like talking with other gearheads!
