Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Toyota’s Vegas-bound Venzas






When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn't stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The two low-slung crossovers (don't call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza's core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts "to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza's utility and functionality." We say, good luck.

Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skies. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20x10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.

We'll be checking out both models in Vegas in a few weeks, but check the gallery below now for a preview.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Paris Preview: Fiat Fiorino Qub


Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat Qubo MPV

The new Fiat Fiorino Qubo is a new multi-purpose vehicle that looks a bit like Kermit the Frog with a massive under-bite. Judging from the photos supplied by Fiat, it's a great vehicle for surfer dudes with hot girlfriends and families with dogs. Considering its got dual sliding doors and airy cockpit, we can imagine that the young guys and gals towards which it's marketed can find plenty to do with the MPV. Think of it as a very Italian Honda Element. Anyway, there are some nice details here, including an interior with six possible seating configurations -- all for a 13,000 euro starting price, which translates to about $18,500 in the States. Two engines are available, a 73-horse 1.4-liter gas-powered four and a 1.3-liter oil-burner with 75 horsepower along with a five-speed stick or six-speed "robotized" automatic. We expect to see the Qubo in person at the Paris Motor Show, soon after which folks in Europe will actually to get to buy one. Read the whole press release after the break and check out the gallery below to view more beautiful people having fun with the Qubo.

www.echeapcar.com