Hi-tech vannin' with Ai Designs

Scott Davis — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Trends, Truck, Chevrolet

I remember the 1976 Dodge van that my dad (our family's chauffeur at the time) bought and "customized." With hand-built benches, tables, and cabinets all finished in a patriotic red-white-blue theme, it was a rolling bicentennial celebration. At the time, it elevated hockey trips to Canada to a whole new level.

Enter 2006 and NY-based tuner extrordinaire, Ai Design. With the introduction of the Mobile Living Space (MLS), Ai looks to alter the course of chauffeur-driven vehicles forever.

The MLS begins life as a 155-inch extended full-sized Chevrolet cargo van equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 and Quigley 4-wheel drive system. Upon arrival at Ai Design, the roof section is raised a full 12" to maximize headroom and also sees the installation of a satellite dish. The exterior receives a custom monochromatic paint scheme in any color the owner desires, and custom wheels and window tint complete the look.

The interior is where it really gets crazy. The couch is undercut and is equipped with lighting to highlight the laser-etched exotic hardwood floor. A home-style wine cooler keeps the cabernet chilled, and a fully-stocked bar stands ready if you want to kick back with something a little stiffer than the vino. The bespoke leather seating is by Edelman, designed to customer specifications for maximum comfort. A 32-inch LCD screen and audio system designed to provide ultimate aural and visual satisfaction are controlled by a simple-to-use, centrally located touch panel instead of the usual frustrating array of switches. Beyond that, the sky's the limit. Ai Design wants to be sure that each vehicle is as unique as its owner.

(Additional photos after the jump)

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Continue reading Hi-tech vannin' with Ai Designs

Hi-tech vannin' with Ai Designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CLS55 AMG by Ai Design

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

Ai Designs has been making a name for themselves over the past few years, customizing everything from 'Sclades to Skylines for a select clientele. When DC Shoes co-founder, Ken Block, decided his CLS55 AMG was too pedestrian in the performance and appearance department, the New York-based customizing firm got a call.

On the outside, the CLS got the in-vogue matte black treatment, while the chrome trimmings were bathed in a shiny piano black. A full body kit, including front bumper, side skirts, carbon fiber grill and spoiler were all sourced from Merc uber-tuner Brabus and Ai contracted a jeweler to create a custom DC logo that adorns the trunk lid.

The vented hood allows passersby to peer into the engine bay and get an eyeful of the AMG muscle that lurks underneath. Not content to leave the powerplant alone, Ai again tapped Brabus to provide their K8 engine kit, which, with the addition of a less restrictive exhaust, brings power output up to 575 HP.

A Brabus electronically controlled suspension module drops the CLS overtop 20-inch Radenergie R10 rollers, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber and 15-inch discs are under the pressure of eight-piston Brembos.

Inside, the Merc gets a custom slathering of interior materials, including a DC logo emblazoned onto the head rests. A Valentine One radar detector is hardwired, with the display etched into the rearview mirror.

The end result is incredibly trick, substantially quick and downright menacing. In short, we like.

(More pics after the jump.)

Continue reading CLS55 AMG by Ai Design

CLS55 AMG by Ai Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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