Autoblog

Welcome to the basement of the 2012 LA Auto Show

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST

As much as we love to cover the mainstream part of the LA show each year - important debuts, fresh concepts, splashy presentations, etc. - we reserve a special place in our hearts for the tuner/aftermarket/toys/games/odd stuff that can always be found on the basement level of the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's in this space, sometimes referred to internally as "mini SEMA," we can count on getting to look at the physical instantiation of automotive imagination run rampant.

Unfortunately, as almost all of the booths are either still in the process of being set up or unmanned altogether, there's little to no detail to be had about most of the stuff on display. So rather than pepper you with, you know, facts and stuff, we invite you to simply enjoy the attached gallery of images on their own merits. A sort of digital walk-thru of LA's nether region, if you will. Enjoy.

Welcome to the basement of the 2012 LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Shows three tuner Avalons in Sin City

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Toyota, Luxury

Who knew the Toyota Avalon could be so... sporty? SEMA isn't just about tuning no-brainers like the Ford Mustang and Scion FR-S, it's about showing what's possible for a wide variety of cars, even seemingly geriatric machines like the big Avalon.

But remember, Toyota is seriously considering a sportier version of its Avalon flagship - we first brought you this news earlier in the year. And while these SEMA concepts aren't intended for production, nobody is ruling out that something very similar might make it to showrooms in the near future.

The stealth Avalon you see above is the DUB Edition, rolling on 22-inch matte black wheels and featuring a completely de-chromed exterior with blacked-out elements. The DUB Avalon doesn't offer any tweaks to the 3.5-liter V6, but behind that tinted glass is a totally black interior with suede accents on the seats and many of the touchable surfaces.

Moving on, Toyota has brought a TRD Edition Avalon that uses plenty of parts from the company's in-house tuning catalog, and showing that even hybrids can be sporty, the Avalon HV gets a meaner, sleeker look. Have a look at all three in the attached galleries.

Toyota Shows three tuner Avalons in Sin City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen, Mummbles Marketing and DUB bow at the altar of Equus

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

Mummbles Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ten years ago, when Hyundai came to SEMA for the first time, it did so with Tucson and Veracruz models with wacky appliques. Now, like Jay Z, they've rolled up Big Pimpin' with three Equus luxocruisers dressed and dropped by the likes of Rhys Millen, Mummbles, and DUB magazine.

The Mummbles Marketing steed, nicknamed the "Elegant Equus," has had its outside, inside, wheels, brakes, suspension and engine reworked. Among the extensive changes are an SPA turbo for the V8 with an S-Max intercooler and wastegate, as well as a Nitrous Express kit blowing out through a Magnaflow system, an Air Lift digital air suspension, Wilwood brakes hiding behind 22-inch Equip E10 wheels, while inside there are gunmetal and burgundy custom leather interior, glowing gauges, and Junction Produce curtains all around.

Rhys Millen is offering an RMR take on the Equus, the third year he's worked with Hyundai to show something off. A more subtle option than either of Hyundai's other big horses, Millen's gone for carbon fiber and blue satin outside on 21-inch HRE wheels with RMR brakes, thirty more ponies under the hood with the RMR air intake, while ostrich leather provides the... goosebumps... inside atop embroidered seats.

As for DUB - well, you know full well what they did: mesh, chrome, 24-inch TIS wheels, "D" logos, nine more speakers plus a couple more amps, blacklights, and DUB edition Monster energy drinks in iced coolers, all drenched in gloss black and matte charcoal. Be honest: you'd have been disappointed with anything else. Find them all in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Mummbles Marketing Hyundai Equus

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Equus

Gallery: SEMA 2010: DUB Edition Hyundai Equus

SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen, Mummbles Marketing and DUB bow at the altar of Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Equus Mummbles and Dubs its way to SEMA

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Design/Style, Luxury

SEMA 2010 Preview: Hyundai Lineup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has already shown us its GoGoGear Racing Genesis Coupe and a Rhys Millen Racing Equus. Now we get two more looks at what they're bringing to SEMA this week. Hyundai has teamed up with DUB Magazine and Mummbles Marketing on a pair of Equus sedans.

The DUB Equus shows surprising restraint. While it wears 24-inch wheels, they blend in nicely with the body kit. Likewise, the grey-black paint scheme is sinister without being SEMA-shouty. Dare we say it? This is one SEMA ride we wouldn't mind spending some seat time with.

Mummbles Marketing, a new custom shop of out Harrisburg, PA, has turned the standard Equus into a luxo-custom it calls the "Elegant Equus." Mummbles didn't just focus on looks, however; some wrenching was done on the Equus' V8 engine, too. Thanks to a turbo kit from Legacy Innovations, a nitrous system and a Magnaflow exhaust, the Elegant Equus now produces 450 horsepower. Mummbles also adds an extra iPad (over the stock tablet the Equus comes with) that controls the air suspension, rear curtains, stereo and windows.

Check out all four of Hyundai's 2010 SEMA vehicles in the gallery below. You can also read more about the DUB Equus and Mummbles Elegant Equus in the press releases posted after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Hyundai Lineup

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai Equus Mummbles and Dubs its way to SEMA

Hyundai Equus Mummbles and Dubs its way to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUB Edition Mustang hits dealers, package priced at $3,599*

Drew Phillips — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in May, Ford showed off the first of what will likely be many special edition Mustangs based on the 2011 model: the DUB Edition Package. Available on the Mustang V6, the DUB Edition features an assortment of Roush aero components, a Ford Accessories hood scoop, stripe package, lowering springs, 3:31 gears, DUB-embroidered headrests and, of course, 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli tires.

Starting next week, the DUB Mustang will be available at Ford dealers across United States and Canada, kicked off by a launch party at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA this weekend. Pricing has also been announced for the package, which carries an MSRP of $3,599.00 plus an additional $100 for shipping. DUB says that its contract calls for at least 1,000 of the limited edition pony cars to be built through 2012, with the possibility of a V8 version being added in the future.

[Source: Galpin Ford]

DUB Edition Mustang hits dealers, package priced at $3,599* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So it begins, again: Ford reveals DUB Edition 2011 Mustang V6

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition - Click above for high-res image

Limited edition Mustangs were all-too-common with the last generation pony car, and Ford has teamed up with DUB magazine and Roush Industries to get the party restarted with the 2011 model.

Based exclusively on the 305-hp V6 'Stang, the DUB Edition is available in coupe, convertible or glass-roof variants, and comes equipped with a Roush front fascia and splitter, quarter window covers, windshield banner, stripe package and a black interior with the DUB logo embroidered into the headrests.

Fittingly for a Mustang fettled by the lifestyle pub, the DUB edition rolls on 20-inch TIS wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, with Roush lowering springs dropping the Mustang for a more aggressive stance. Although the engine remains stock, a 3.31 rear axle is fitted out back to provide, in Ford's words, more "spirited acceleration."

Sales of the DUB Edition will begin this fall, with either an automatic or six-speed manual gearbox, and a choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Ingot Silver or Race Red. Make the jump for all the details.

Continue reading So it begins, again: Ford reveals DUB Edition 2011 Mustang V6

So it begins, again: Ford reveals DUB Edition 2011 Mustang V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Event Alert: March Calendar of Automotive Events

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Geneva Motor Show, Auctions, Misc. Auto Shows, Event Alert

This year's Geneva Auto Show should be huge

Besides the gradual thawing of most of the country, March means the beginning of the Formula One season as well as Sebring, the Geneva Motor Show, the Amelia Island Concours, and NASCAR ramping up to full speed. Those events alone would be enough to sate even the healthiest automotive appetites, but there's plenty more going on in the motoring world. As always, we tried to list the highlights as well as a few smaller events that we hope will be of interest to you. Feel free to use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Our Google Calendar and select listings are after the jump, all with links so you can get the full details. A few other March events worth noting are an homage to the Legends of Riverside; the Desert Classic Concours in Palm Springs; Hot Import Nights and DUB stops in L.A.; another Automotive World alternative vehicle conference; and a variery of local and regional auto shows under the Motor Trend/Autorama/World of Wheels banners. Some events are listed after the jump; all are in the Google Calendar.

As always, we want to give a shout-out to our two favorite sources; The New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages for local stuff here in Southern California. Dave's photographic coverage of these local events is fantastic. Check out the March event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. Oh, and don't forget we spring forward on the 8th.

Continue reading Event Alert: March Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: March Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Hyundai debuts tuned Genesis Sedans, 460-hp supercharged V8

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Genesis Sedans from SEMA

While the trio of tuned Genesis coupes have garnered their fair share of attention, these three Genesis sedans had a few tricks up their sleeves, beginning with the RKSport model above that benefits from a Hyundai-developed screw-type supercharger mated to the 4.6-liter Tau V8.

With 11 pounds of boost huffed into the bent eight, the RKSport sedan is putting out an estimated 460 horsepower, but with a new cylinder deactivation system, fuel mileage is equivalent to that of the V6-equipped Genesis. Hyundai made it clear that it hasn't made an official decision to offer the supercharger, but expect the cylinder deactivation system to be available in the future.

In addition to the engine mods, the RKSport model receives a custom body kit, composite hood, rear roof spoiler and trunk spoiler, along with Enkei LS-5 wheels, Baer brakes, a K&N air intake, Magnaflow exhaust and lowering springs.

Both the RIDES and DUB brought out their Genesis sedans to the show, and you can get up to speed below the fold and peruse the galleries for plenty of live and stock shots.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Hyundai Genesis Sedans

Gallery: SEMA 2008: RKSport Hyundai Genesis V8

Gallery: RIDES Hyundai Genesis Sedan

SEMA 2008: Hyundai debuts tuned Genesis Sedans, 460-hp supercharged V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis gets introduced to DUB

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for more high-res pics of the Genesis DUB-ified

Who says you need to wait for Hyundai's Genesis Coupe to get your tuning freak on? Not the rims and system folks over at DUB, who took two Genesis (Geneses?) and kitted one out like, well, KITT, and the other kind of like a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. For an interior we can't exactly describe as attractive, the white one's not that bad -- certainly not as bad as it could have been. Still, following Wesley Snipes' advice from Passenger 57, we're going to bet on black. Check out the gallery of hi-res images below. Thanks for the tip, Hyundaifan!

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Dub Edition

[Source: Bobaedream via Hyundai Blog]

Hyundai Genesis gets introduced to DUB originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Wheels: Clear has staying power

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Etc.

Click for a mini gallery of some of this year's clear rims

Last year "clear" was very in at SEMA: Clear wheels, clear hoods, clear heels, even clear engine blocks. This year a few wheel companies are keeping the trend alive with more on the clear front. While there was a set of massive 30-something-inchers on a particularly clean Riviera, we also saw some slightly more tame sizes on display as well. The big ones on the Riv were from Rimshot, but Dub had some out there, too, on a nearby Benz. The Dubs didn't capitalize on the all-clear concept quite as well, but they seem a bit more realistic in some odd way. Still kind of ridiculous for anything other than display, they at least LOOKED somewhat usable.

Gallery: SEMA clear wheels

SEMA Wheels: Clear has staying power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick to court hip-hop dollar?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Trends, Sedan, Etc., I.C.E., Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM

Dr. Dre is over 40 years old. Grandmaster Flash? Knockin' on the big 5-0 (and we're not talking about the police, yo). So... what's an aging rapper to drive when arthritis rules out high-riding Escalades and Hummer H2s? Chrysler 300? Been there, DUBbed that.

So perhaps the next logical step is a blinged-out version of Buick's LaCrosse. The version seen here has been given the full rap star treatment, lowered and rollin' on 22" chromies, tinted windows and taillamp lenses, plenty of ICE and a reworked leather and suede interior. The sedan seen here will make the scene in 16 major markets on the DUB tour.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line and Buick]

Buick to court hip-hop dollar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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