In late 2009, Scion turned over one of its xB box-wagons to Giant Robot magazine publisher Eric Nakamura, and the result is way cooler than any Release Series Scion xB the company has ever turned out. After all, how could you possibly not love a customized car that was inspired by Japan’s Nintendo Famicon Gaming System and its eight bits of raw processing power?

Awesome features abound, such as the doors that are operated by big red buttons reminiscent of the ones used on Nintendo’s 80’s-era game controllers, each of which is programmed to make its own period-correct sound. The whole shebang is powered by its own video game cartridge, and there are game controllers in each of the two front seats that allow the passengers to play video games projected from the left front headlight.

Rear-seat passengers needn’t worry, as they get their own separate lounge complete with controllers and a rear-mounted projector. Perhaps best of all, the car is completely operational – once the correct cartridge is inserted, naturally – and it was road tested once before going on display. Do yourself a favor and check out the video after the break.

[Source: YouTube via Kotaku]

Continue reading Video: Scion commissions video game-inspired xB

Video: Scion commissions video game-inspired xB originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2002 ItalDesign Alfa Romeo Brera Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Following up on a model as achingly gorgeous as the Alfa Romeo 159 – to say nothing of its Brera coupe and Spider convertible counterparts – is no mean feat. Which could be why Alfa is turning to the considerable pool of talent at its doorstep. According to the latest reports, three Italian design houses will be displaying their ideas of what the next-gen mid-size Alfa should look like.

If the source quoted by Inside Line proves accurate, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, Stile Bertone will show off a two-door coupe, with a Pininfarina-penned convertible and an ItalDesign Giugiaro four-door sedan sharing the stage as potential candidates to succeed the 159/Brera/Spider line-up. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo will be taking the wraps off the new Giulietta at its own show stand.

It’s worth noting that Giugiaro was responsible for the original concept car that spurred Alfa to put the Brera into production, and Pininfarina was responsible for the car’s assembly. And with Bertone also in the mix, this is one fight we’re looking forward to seeing unfold on the floor of the Geneva Palexpo.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Alfa commissions trio of 159-replacing concepts for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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