Gladly accepting the challenge to build a one-off show Scion xB, the team at 5 Axis models, in Huntington Beach, California, collected the thoughts of each team member in order to create a mobile DJ studio. Everyone agreed the sound stage on wheels fit with Scion's image, but what they didn't agree on was how high to raise the bar.
The team contemplated how to make a stock xB stop traffic and draw a huge crowd at a show. Being one of the top show car and prototype builders, 5 Axis eagerly approached this challenge with teamwork. After several not-so-successful prototypes, the crew came up with a linear-actuated rear hatch system that houses all of the DJ hardware and showcases precise mechanical motion.
Moving on to exterior appearances, the chief designer created an aggressive 8-inch widebody kit. They didn't just stick some fiberglass panels onto the existing body. Each piece was meticulously molded-in for a genuine one-off appearance. After some debate from the fabrication team, the green light was given to chop the top a full 4 inches. Look closely. We're sure you won't see any rough body lines. After the precision bodywork was performed, all-new glass was cut for the Scion, and the body was prepped for paint. Tangelo Pearl was chosen to give the xB a unique look and to grab even more attention while bumping the bass. Sponsors are properly represented by sweet graphics from Sticky Fingers Design.
Hunkered low on Ground Zero air suspension and thanks to the widebody kit, this Scion nearly tucks the 19x8-inch custom-milled Budnik wheels. Out back, the little Scion stuffs huge 19x10-inch brushed-finished Budniks, a feat most "lifestyle" vehicles can only dream of. Wrapping the huge billets are BFGoodrich T/A KDW tires, measuring 235/35R19 up front and 275/30R19 in the rear. Stopping power comes in the form of Brembo 13-inch rotors and four-piston calipers. The crew at 5 Axis then moved to the interior to add safety, function, and enough audio to fill any club.
Inside, two occupants are welcomed by Sparco Monza seats and Tangelo-painted accessories throughout. Up front, a Pioneer AVH-P7500DVD head unit controls four 12-inch Pioneer subs, four 6-1/2-inch Pioneer components, and four 5-inch Pioneer components. Powering all of these speakers are four Pioneer GM D510 mono amps and two Pioneer GM 6000F four-channel amps. A push of the remote, however, reveals the true creativity and marvel of this particular project. Both rear doors are activated by actuators and open seamlessly to expose the huge built-in speaker rack that houses all of the Pioneer mids and highs. Meanwhile, the rear hatch is motoring outward on a track, and a huge DJ turntable is creeping upward at a stable pace.
After wiping the drool from our mouths, we instantly had to say job well done to the 5 Axis team. Mounted to the rear hatch section are two Pioneer CDJ1000 digital turntables, two Technics 1200 vinyl turntables, a Pioneer DJM 600 mixer, and two 8-inch Pioneer monitors, all housed in the custom 5 Axis DJ stage and equipment rack. Providing crystal-clear images in front of the DJ is a 22-inch LCD flat-screen monitor where the rear window used to be. Listening, watching, and even nodding your head is a great time while hanging out with the 5 Axis Scion.
Besides the obvious achievements in automotive design and engineering, keep in mind what you don't see: six amps, four batteries, four power caps, a power supply, power inverter, an air tank for the suspension, and all of the 'bag solenoids. Every nook and cranny was used to keep the install as clean as possible and everything working to the best of its operation.