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Suzuki's Xbox 360-infused SXBox concept vehicle
It's not often that companies hit it big twice in a row, but we'd say Suzuki's SXBox concept car is just as nifty (albeit in a very different manner) as its previous carpet-ready ride, the MIO. Although this is likely a case of great engineering that'll never see any real-world play, Suzuki is still tooting its own horn at the 2006 San Diego International Auto Show by letting gamers gaze at the entertainment mecca that is the SXBox. Part of the "Suzuki LIVE Series" of concept cars marketed at various realms of "enthusiasts," this whip is based on the 2007 SX4 and features a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360, which is coupled with a "close proximity digital projection system to display games or watch a HD DVD movie on the interior of the vehicle's retractable hood." Additionally, a second console is connected to two separate LCDs in the seat backs for folks riding in the rear, and there's even a retractable 30-inch rear projection screen in the trunk for the ultimate tailgating experience. And leave it to Suzuki to remember the details, as you'll also find force-feedback front seats, four wireless controllers, matching "green" color accents, a bevy of recessed LEDs, full surround sound rig, and even a steering wheel-mounted control for the haphazard driver. As expected, this ride isn't even close to being mass produced, but if you seriously need all that gaming while in the comfortable confines of a vehicle, you most certainly have formidable alternatives. You know the drill, click on through for a few more pics.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Suzuki unleashes 360 integrated concept car
Today at the 2006 San Diego International Auto Show, Suzuki unveiled the SXBox, a concept car with a complete integrated Xbox 360 media setup. The car features a dash integrated Xbox 360 console using a projector display. The projector actually projects the image onto the inside of the vehicle's hood which can retract at the push of a button. Another 360 runs through two LCD screens located in the seat backs of the two front seats, and a retractable rear projection screen is located at the rear of the vehicle. The front seats include force feedback, the sound is produced by a surround sound system, and all 360s are played with wireless controllers. To top it all off, the driver's control is mounted directly into the steering wheel. Why anyone would put this much crap in their car, we have no idea (we'd rather play on the couch) but if we had to have a kickass car with an integrated 360, this is definitely the one we'd pick. [Image via bikracer's Flickr account]
Renault Twingo concept car goes tech crazy
If you can manage to squeeze yourself and three of your nerdiest buddies into this tiny car, y'all are going to have the one of the most gadget-laden rides ever perpetrated by man. From the pics you can tell the Renault Twingo concept is bristling with iPod docks, and a dashboard mixer puts them all to good use, but there's plenty of other stuff going on here. The car sports USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and each seat gets an audio jack for listening to an independent source, in case the front seat DJ isn't mixing it up well enough. There's also a 15-inch LCD, which is backed by an in-car PC with internet access of some sort. When you open up the hatch, there's some chilled beverages awaiting, and the speaker system points backwards to blast sound into the quickly assembling crowd of Very Cool People that suddenly will want to be your friend. Check out plenty more pics after the break.
URGE not so elegant
We've brought you news of the URGE, Nissan's concept car with integrated Xbox 360, before; however, we never got to see any of the real interesting details. Is the 360 integrated into the dash? Can you load games using the cars DVD sytem?Nothing so elegant I'm afraid: some pictures on MSN reveal it to be a retail 360 thrown atop a box in the trunk. The good news is you could probably throw a different system in there if that's your thing, the bad news is this confirms that this silly idea was probably spawned as a silly marketing stunt timed conveniently enough to capitalize on the hype of the Xbox 360. Nissan gets all the cachet of being associated with the hottest new tech buzz this side of the iPod, while Microsoft gives people like, oh, I don't know... US, something to blog about. I said it before, "...it simply doesn't make any sense. If you need gaming on the go, there are several options, but an Xbox 360 is not one of them."If you're still have an "urge" for more URGE news, check out Autoblog's coverage of the concept car from the Detroit Auto Show.
