Articles by Ashlee Pleffer

Pimped, blinged, modified or simply done up. They all add up to the same thing: the process of altering a car. It's easy for outsiders to dismiss some of the more extravagant ventures as kitsch or simply a waste of money, but the influence of such films as Pimp My Ride and The Fast And The Furious is growing.For devotees, spending $30,000 on pimping a car is a way of self-expression, of forging a distinct identity and, most important, having fun.Albert Lahood has this sense of pride and enjoyment in abundance.After buying a new Subaru WRX two years ago, the 21-year-old business marketing student transformed it from a run-of-the-mill Soob to a unique show car.“I've added TV screens and had it retrimmed in suede and leather from Italy,” he says. “The wheels are custom-made, and I painted them the same colour as the car.“I've done the interior, the audio, done the wheels, exhaust, engine modifications — the list goes on.“A DVD player, an MP3 player. The engine's got an intercooler, and a special air-flow system, blow-out valve and and engine computer.”That adds up to an estimated $30,000 to $35,000, including the cost of adding no fewer than 12 television screens, some of which can be seen from outside of the car — one is in the boot lid.“It's more of a disease now. Once I had four TVs, but I just added and added,” Lahood says.His parents, and many others, may scratch their heads, but he doesn't need to search for an explanation.“It's unique; I do it to be different. You see many, many WRXs on the street, but I don't want to see many like my car.“That's what makes it. It's out there, wild. I express my thoughts in my car. It makes a statement.”That's something Tony Doran, the boss of Doran Pro Audio, has identified, particularly in the past three years.Doran, who carried out the audio and interior additions to Lahood's ride, says owners are sick of the norm.“They don't want to drive down the street and see an identical vehicle. They want to show their character.“They've evolved into being individual characters as such — and generated a name for themselves.”Mick Taleb, of Tempe Tyres, says this trend encompasses both genders from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. He's also ideally placed to notice that wheels keep getting bigger.Clive Wasserman, the owner of SunGard Window Tinting at Rockdale, says a lot of younger car owners get tinting on their windows, especially as it's a more affordable element of pimping.“They can spend anywhere between $295 and $495, depending on the size and quality,” Wasserman says.“Older people are more concerned about the protection and glare; youngsters are more interested in the appearance of their car.”Cars most likely to get the big makeover treatment include Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, Nissan 200SXs and Skylines and, of course, Subaru WRXs.Taleb says customers spend anywhere from $1000 to $30,000 on pimping at his company alone, and that doesn't include such items as wheels and tinting.Says Doran: “Before he did up his car, Albert was still Albert, but not noticed. Now he's known — he's a somebody.“It's a world of its own. These fellows can go a few different ways.“Some get into drugs, make a lot of money, but meet their demise abruptly, or they get into work, make a future.“Other fellows blow it all on their cars. A large majority blow it all on their cars to get recognised.”For Lahood, pimping his car has become a hobby — one he can share with 30-odd friends who have the same passion and attend car shows together.“It's more of a reality instead of an impossible thing. As if you'd think you could have 15 TV screens in a car like that. Whoever would have thought 10 years ago they'd have TVs in a boot?”Lahood has funded his automotive hobby by working part-time for his parents' fruit and vegetable wholesale business.Having spent close to $80,000 all up on his car, he'd be lucky to get the $45,000 he paid for the WRX in its original condition if he were to sell.“I didn't build it to make money. I built it as a hobby, and you can't make money off a hobby,” Lahood says.“It's become a part of me. Selling it would be like selling one of the family.”Lahood is equally straight up about the car's downsides. He says police pull him over at least once a week.“They just have a look, see what's going on, see who's driving the car. They're generally OK.“The car's been re-engineered, and I've got a certificate to prove it. I have to carry that.”Security is another factor. Lahood drives his WRX only on weekends and can't take it any place where he won't be able to keep an eye on it all the time.Then there's the big question of insurance premiums.Tony Doran believes the modified-car craze is just getting under way.“It seems as if it's growing at a very steady rate. Every day, we get more and more calls regarding this,” he says.“I'd say this scene is here to stay.”And if Albert Lahood's car is anything to go by, Doran may be right.“There's plenty more to do,” Lahood laughs. “Maybe a colour change, more motor modifications, more TV screens — as many as the battery can handle.”

The Veloster, which takes its name from the terms velocity and roadster, was unveiled this week at the Seoul Motor Show. Hyundai's vice-president of design, Oh Suk-Geun, says they wanted to try something different with the new prototype."We're keenly aware that we need radically new models for the Y-generation, the first-time, twentysomething buyer, and this is really a bold new direction," he says.The Veloster features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It has a panoramic glass roof and 20-inch alloy wheels.Hyundai also unveiled the FD Elantra Wagon, which could indicate a return to the small wagon segment.But Hyundai says no decision has been made as to whether the wagon will come to Australia.The display model was styled at the company's European Design Centre and has been fitted with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine.

Whoever said money can't buy happiness?What about leather luxury, V8 and V12 engines, and endless hours of fun and class. Apparently the originator of that saying never sat behind the wheel of a luxury coupe, because for a little more than $300,000 it seems money can buy you more than happiness. The new Mercedes coupe, for example, gets you pride, membership to a rather exclusive club and a feeling of all-round enjoyment.The latest addition to the Mercedes line-up Down Under is the elegant and stylish CL Coupe. But for those in the market for this happiness, the chance won't be around for much longer.Only 100 models will be available this year and since its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show last month, Mercedes has already taken orders for 77.At the bottom of the range is the CL500, which Mercedes anticipates will be the line's biggest seller.At $308,000 for the 5.5-litre V8, the entry level doesn't quite have the sportiness some may desire. Producing 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque, it's an extremely smooth ride as you glide over the roads. And while it's a very effortless drive, the engine is a little too quiet. It just doesn't announce its presence. You expect a V8 to sound meaty, a sweet growling note to the ear.But in line with its conservative nature, the CL500 lacks that bragging and instead is a more subtle performer.That said, this quiet achiever still races from 0-100km/h in just 5.4sec.Step into the CL63 AMG and you can find that sound you're looking for, although this time it comes from a 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 385kW and 630Nm of torque. The AMG is mated to an AMG seven-speed auto. The CL600 has five speeds and the CL500 has a seven-speed transmission.At $383,000, the AMG is the second model in the line-up and is a thrill to drive. Push the accelerator and you instantly feel the power, with an improved 4.6sec for the 0-100km/h dash.It also has high-performance brakes, which are powerful with only slight pedal pressure.The third and final model is the most expensive, the 5.5-litre, V12 bi-turbo engine for $389,000. With an increase to 380kW at 5000rpm and 830Nm from a low 1900rpm-3500rpm, it's torture confining this car to traffic and Australian speed limits. It also reaches 100km/h in 4.6sec.While the launch drive saw these cars get rather dirty in differing conditions including dirt, gravel and twisty roads, the majority of these luxury riders probably won't make it past the local golf club.But the good news is if for some reason one goes astray and gets lost, the CL can handle the challenge.On winding roads the CL sticks to the corners like glue. It's a real joy to drive.The steering feels a little too light at times, the AMG is slightly better.In terms of design, the CL looks classy and stylish. The contoured lines of the body give a gleaming and chic look. There are some great wheel designs that are either standard or optional on the top models which add to their stunning look.And for a four-seat coupe, the CL is relatively roomy in the rear with a decent amount of head space. Leg room also isn't too bad, although too long a trip could result in some cramping.Airconditioning controls are also located for rear seat passengers and the back windows can be put down. In the front, you slide into the multi-contour leather seats, which get better as the price increases.With the Active Body Control turned on, the suspension system eliminates the pitch and roll of the body when moving off, cornering and braking.Technology is rife in the CL, mirroring many features that can be found in the luxury S-Class. Presafe is standard, the system that recognises a potential accident in its early stages and takes precautionary measures, as well as Night View Assist.The Parking Guidance System is a no-cost option, which measures the length of a parking space and shows if there is enough room for you to make the manoeuvre. But taking this option means you sacrifice a reversing camera.Other features include Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, the enhanced cruise control which brakes the car in stop and go traffic.All three models feature a keyless-go start, ESP, a sunroof, an electric parking brake and a voice control system for the radio, navigation and telephone.A massaging function is standard in the 600 and 63 AMG and the 600 also gets suede roof lining.The standard features leave little to be optioned on, although there is always the novelty fridge for the boot.The three models in the CL class are great cars, as you would expect at that price. And the new exclusive CL club will have many old members.According to Mercedes, there's a strong customer loyalty in this segment, with more than three quarters of the initial inquiries coming from existing CL customers.The CL also tends to be the lowest-mileage Benz, which is a pity, because with so much enjoyment behind the wheel, it's a shame to keep it locked up.

Reflecting the immense power internet users now wield, the car company is handing the decision to consumers.Rather than the usual research channels, GM is conducting an online poll to allow the public to select the company's next small car.It will debut three concept cars at the New York International Auto Show, which begins today. People can log on to vote4chevrolet.com and vote for which one they think should be on the road in production form.All three cars — the Beat, Groove and Trax — are tipped to appeal to young buyers. Chevrolet will take the votes on board in deciding which best suits the market.Yet while Australians can log on and cast their vote, we may not get the chance to buy one.A Holden spokesman said yesterday the company did not know if the final car chosen would come to Australia.Chevrolet is part of the GM group, so Holden would have the option to bring it here.

But if you have plans to pack up the family and conquer new heights, there's good news: the Wrangler Unlimited can reach the top. Two Wrangler Unlimiteds have made the Guinness World Records, reaching the highest altitude ever climbed by a four-wheeled vehicle. The two Jeeps climbed 6646m above sea level to the top of the world's highest volcano, the Ojos del Salado in Chile. The team from German company Extrem Events, took five days to reach their goal, enduring hurricane-strength winds, -30C temperatures, not to mention glaciers, volcanic sand and rock cliffs. The two Wrangler Unlimiteds that completed this challenge were standard Rubicon models, with 3.8-litre, V6 engines. They were also fitted with electronic altitude measuring technology and winches, as well as Goodyear MT/R tyres. The team leader, Mattias Jeschke described the accomplishment as “unbelievable, tremendous, phenomenal”. The four-wheeled achievement comes 70 years after the first man climbed Ojos del Salado. It's the second highest mountain in the western hemisphere.

Subaru finally released images of the car this week after an internet storm created by a series of leaked photos. The new model has been labelled "more mature and sophisticated" by Subaru, which believes a more conservative look than previous models will appeal to a broader audience. The five-door hatch will be launched in September, followed by the four-door sedan a year later.The all-wheel-drive Imprezas will make their official world debut at the New York International Auto Show this weekend. The models on display will be US specification only. While different to the Australian version, Subaru Australia says they do give some indication of what to expect.The US WRX is lighter than the current model and produces more torque at lower revs.The centre of gravity has been lowered, the engine sits lower in the chassis and all models have new double wishbone rear suspension.Rigidity and ride comfort has also been improved and a longer wheelbase means more space, a more dynamic performance and a reduction in noise and harshness in the cabin."We will have important advances in engine technology, specifications, safety and style," says Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.The WRX STi model, the leader of the range, won't be unveiled for several months.

The latest edition to the Mercedes line-up Down Under is the elegant and stylish CL Coupe. But for those in the market for this happiness, the chance won't be around for much longer.Only 100 models will be available this year and since its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show this month, Mercedes has already taken orders for 77 models.At the bottom of the range is the CL500, which Mercedes anticipates will be the line's big volume seller.At $308,000 for the 5.5-litre, V8 engine, the entry level doesn't quite have the sportiness some may desire. Producing 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque, it's an extremely smooth ride as you glide over the roads. And while it's a very effortless drive, the engine is a little too quiet. It just doesn't announce its presence. You expect a V8 to sound meaty, a sweet growling note to the ear.But with its conservative nature, the CL500 seems to lack that bragging right and instead is a more subtle performer. That said, this quiet achiever still races from zero to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.Step into the CL63 AMG and you can find that sound you're looking for, although this time it comes from a 6.2-litre, V8 engine, delivering 385kW and 630Nm or torque. The AMG is mated to an AMG seven-speed auto, while the CL600 has a five-speed and the CL500 also has a seven speed transmission.At $383,000, the AMG is the second model in the line-up and is a thrill to drive. Squeeze the throttle and you instantly feel the take, with an improved 4.6 seconds for the zero to 100km per hour dash.It also has high performance brakes, which grab tight with some slight pressure.The third and final model is the most expensive, the 5.5-litre, V12 bi-turbo engine for $389,000. With an increase to 380kW at 5000rpm and 830Nm from a low 1900rpm to 3500rpm, it's torture confining this car to traffic and Australian speed limits. It also reaches 100km per hour in 4.6 seconds.While the launch drive saw these cars get rather dirty in differing conditions including dirt, gravel and twisty roads, the majority of these luxury riders probably won't make it past the local golf club.But the good news is if for some reason one goes astray and gets lost, the CL can handle the challenge.On the winding roads the CL sticks to the corners like glue. It's a real joy to drive.The steering feels a little too light at times, the AMG is slightly better.In terms of design, the CL looks classy and stylish. The front radiator grille with the large Merc star shines on the road, while the contoured lines of the body give a gleaming and chic look. There are some great wheel designs that can be optioned on or come standard on the top models, and this adds to its stunning look.And for a four-seat coupe, the CL is relatively roomy in the rear with a decent amount of head space. Leg room also isn't too bad, although too long of a trip could result in some cramping action.Air conditioning controls are also located for rear seat passengers and the back windows can be put down. In the front, you slide into the multi-contour leather seats, which get better as the price increases.With the Active Body Control turned on, the suspension system eliminates the pitch and roll of the body when moving off, cornering and braking.And technology is rife in the CL, mirroring many features that can be found in the luxury S-Class. Presafe is standard, the system that recognises a potential accident in its early stages and takes precautionary measures, as well as Night View Assist.The Parking Guidance System is a no cost option, which measures the length of a parking space and shows if there is enough room for you to make the manoeuvre. But taking this option means you sacrifice a reversing camera.Other features include Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, the enhanced cruise control which brakes the car in stop and go traffic.All three models feature a keyless-go start, ESP, a sunroof, an electric parking brake and a voice control system for the radio, navigation and telephone.A massaging function is standard in the 600 and 63 AMG and the 600 also gets suede roof lining. The standard features leave little to be optioned on, although there is always the novelty fridge for the boot.The three models in the CL class are great cars, but what more could you expect at that price. And the new exclusive CL club will have many old members.According to Mercedes, there's a strong customer loyalty in this segment, with more than three quarters of the initial inquiries coming from existing CL customers.The CL also tends to be the lowest-mileage Benz, which is a pity, because with so much enjoyment behind the wheel, it's a shame to keep it locked up.

"Jac had two owners before me," she says. "Betty is an adopted child; we don't know anything about her ... she's been abandoned. Betty's my favourite but Jac is not allowed to know." In case you can't tell, Yongsiri has an obsession with her Minis. Betty, is a purple 1977 Leyland Clubman LS that she bought about two years ago for $5000. A friend took the honours in naming Yongsiri's pride and joy when she couldn't come up with the right name to suit her new baby. And with this very close connection to her motor vehicle, you can understand her distress when returning to her car after work and discovering Betty had been tipped over. "I saw it on the surveillance camera — five blokes rolled her," she says. "I was in tears, devastated. I thought my life was over." The upsetting event occurred last November, making Betty a complete write off, although Yongsiri says it's now in the shop being repaired and she will restore it. Yongsiri couldn't bear the thought of living without a Mini, so invested in Jac the Turtle, another 1977 Leyland Clubman, the S Version, this time in green and costing $4500. "Jac was named because the number plates are original, JAC278, that's what it was sold out of the factory as. And Turtle because it was green and slow," she says laughing. The industrial design student thinks her obsession for the classic cars from the 1960s and '70s was with her when she was born. But the first evidence of her interest was about the age of eight. "When I saw them when I was younger, I said I was going to get one when I could drive and I did," she says. "There used to be Minis that would park near my house and I always admired them." And she finds there are still youngsters out there who get a bit of a kick out of her dream car. "I get a lot of looks," she says. "Primary school kids love it, jumping up and down and pointing and smiling." And Yongsiri says it also attracts attention from the older generation. "They stop for a chat and say `When I was your age, I had a Mini'," she says. When Yongsiri first bought her Mini, she decided to become fully involved with her passion and joined the Mini Car Club of NSW. And while she initially received a welcome reception, the Mini fan from Parramatta says some people doubted her commitment. "There are very few girls," she says. "When I joined the Mini community, everyone was really happy to help. Then some of the guys were kind of like `it's a girl, she's not going to last'. "I was thinking maybe the Mini wasn't right for me but I wanted to prove them wrong and stuck with it. Now it's like a passion." Yongsiri can now change the oil, air filters, spark plugs and her boyfriend will soon teach her how to change the wheel bearings. She can perform what she calls "basic things", which is enough to impress a lot of other male and female car owners. "There's no power steering in any sort of old Mini," she says. "You can put air con in it yourself but it costs a bit and the uni budget doesn't afford that sort of thing." She's even got her mum interested in Minis and is currently trying to convert her sister, who's of the opinion "they just break down". And having already achieved teaching her sister to drive a manual transmission in a Mini, she's not far off her goal. When it comes to her friends, they've learned to respect her undeniable passion. "My girlfriends just laugh and say I'm always a different, special child. I can't see myself driving anything else but a Mini. There's nothing else that I would be proud of driving."

In this segment of Sports Activity Vehicles, a phrase coined by BMW for its original X5, buyers can't seem to get enough.Sure a four-wheel-drive says "I`m adventurous" but in the case of the X5 and other luxury models, most rarely make it beyond the dirt track on the way to the boat ramp or a muddy polo field.The second generation of the BMW X5 will go on sale in Australia next month, complete with improvements in engines, suspension, fuel consumption and comfort.Initially, the X5 will be available in the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo diesel and the range-topping 4.8-litre, V8 petrol engines.The diesel will start at $86,800 and the 4.8-litre will be priced at $118,300.A 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol model will follow in June, with an $85,000 price tag.And while it may look similar to its predecessor, take a closer look and the new X5 has undergone considerable changes.Project Manager for the X5 Series development, Albert Biermann, says their aim was to make the X5 look close to the first model, while offering more room on the inside.And buyers now have the option of fitting a third row of seats, making it the first BMW to be available as a seven-seater.But the extra two seats will set you back between $3000 and $5000, depending on what engine model you choose. And these are really only suitable for children or short adults, as there is limited leg room.The X5 is now longer and wider.On the exterior, changes include integrating the bumper and plastic fender, tweaking the style of the rear and the front, a newly designed double kidney grille and black covers around the bumper and side gills.On the interior, the instrument display is now the same level as the cluster and positioned towards the driver, so you don't have to look down as much.And there have been some big improvements behind the scenes as well.All three engine variants produce more power and torque, with an 18 per cent increase in power for the base model six-cylinder, up to 200kW and five per cent more torque, with 315Nm. The V8 delivers 261kW and 475Nm of torque.The diesel's torque is even better, with 500Nm from as low as 1750rpm to 2750rpm and 160kW of power."Off road was not on top of the agenda when we developed X5," Biermann says. "It can go off road, it's capable of providing really good traction but it was not the main focus at all."The body and suspension of the new X5 are brand new from the ground up. It has 15 per cent higher torsional stiffness, which means less body roll when tackling corners. And this was noticeable during our first drive this week at the Australian launch of the X5.Changes have been made without increasing the weight of the vehicle.And while it isn't exactly a top off-road four-wheel drive, it handled quite well on the dirt roads this week.The test didn't involve extreme conditions, but the ride quality and handling was still comfortable, although a little bumpy at times.The free-revving V8 particularly highlighted the great driving dynamics of the X5 out on the country roads.And with torque kicking in relatively quickly on the diesel, as well as a considerably quiet engine, this model also won friends.The X5 now sits on 18-inch runflat tyres instead of 17-inch, the V8 standard with 19-inch runflats.And in terms of suspension, the X5 is thefirst BMW to use a double wishbone front axle, which Biermann says gives a highlevel of acceleration and good traction and braking capability. The shock absorbers are also more responsive.A manual is no longer available, as only five per cent of first generation X5 buyers chose the manual option. Instead, all models have a new six-speed automatic transmission.To allow for the American obsession of "supersizing", the X5 has been fitted with electric transmission and an electric handbrake — to make room for bigger cup holders. The new transmission is smooth, and shifting into the sports mode is an enjoyable drive. It allows the engine to rev high without having to change gears yourself.It was perfect for winding roads, although the manual function on the transmission can also be used. And while BMW has kept the price down, there are a lot of worthy options, which means you'll probably end up spending more than expected.Features such as heated seats and a reverse camera would have been good as standard, but instead incur an extra fee. An Executive model is available on the six-cylinder models, offering some common extras, including the reversing camera, navigation, TV tuner and bluetooth, for an extra $9500.BMW expects to sell around 2600 models in Australia this year, most of them diesels.

But one word you don't usually associate with these cars is "cool".This is usually reserved for pocket-rocket sports cars or used by a young driver to describe a dream model.Until now. On returning to the E200 Kompressor parked in a city side street, I noticed a fluoro yellow note bearing the words "You've been cool hunted" stuck to the mirror.Sure it was some sort of advertising ploy, but surrounding cars hadn't been slapped with the label. And it got me thinking, is the Mercedes-Benz E200 K a "cool" car?According to the Macquarie Dictionary, cool in the colloquial sense means attractive, excellent, so we can tick that box off.With its spacious interior, smooth, stylish exterior and a sense of luxury it is an attractive package.And at $84,500, it's perhaps even more appealing, sitting as one of the more affordable Mercedes-Benz models without sacrificing quality or taking away the class that comes with the brand.And while a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine may sound small for this bigger type of car, the performance is surprisingly enthusiastic, thanks to the additional turbocharger.Take it out on long, stretching roads and you'll discover it's a comfortable, smooth ride.With good grip on the road and around corners, your passengers won't complain. Indeed, mine found it relatively easy to nod off for a few winks.Up hills, the five-speed automatic transmission quickly adjusts when in Sport mode to power you through while a quick shift into manual mode gives even greater control.Even kicking back a gear while at relatively high revs is a smooth transition. In this latest E-Class, which was released in Australia last September, the base model generates 12 per cent more power with 135kWm, as well as more torque, a total of 250Nm.So while it is an enjoyable ride, it's not exactly thrilling.But it fits the whole theme of the car, with the comfortable, classy ride mirrored through the interior setting.With eucalyptus-wood trim adorning the dash, leather interior and an analogue clock, you can see why this model has been given the Classic label. And for many, Classic doesn't usually mean cool.The entry-level E-Class is a car for a professional: if you were to stereotype you can see a doctor or lawyer driving this and an older, more mature person at that.But while it may be a more conservative car, it could be seen as cool-esque by some.In a class that ranges from this $84,500 model right up to the $233,600 variant, the E200 is the more affordable choice. But when comparing what's on offer from other luxury makes, the E200 K does seem a little more expensive, when bigger engines are available for an even lower price.A novelty inside is a button located on the centre console, which allows the front-seat passengers to have control of the back head-rests, I assume in case you want better vision.But a word of warning: this can be dangerous for the back passengers when there's a practical joker sitting in the front who just can't resist the inner child.Fuel consumption averaged 8.9-litres per 100km, close to the combined claimed figure of 8.7-litres per 100km.The E200 K comes with 16-inch light-alloy wheels, ABS and Electronic Stability Program, rain sensors, parking sensors, a six-disc CD changer, electric seating controls and a leather steering wheel and gearshift lever. It also has a high level of safety features, including Pre Safe and Neck Pro head restraints, as well as airbags.There's no doubting the E-Class is a conservative, elegant and easy driving car. But you can't rule out "cool" either.