Hi-tech vannin' with Ai Designs

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.