Nintendo has taught millions of underage kids to drive, thanks to its immensely popular handheld Mario Kart video game. The driving routes are all virtual – thankfully – as they include not only unexpected sheer cliffs, but also driving under the water while evading baddies.

To bring part of Mario’s make-believe world to life, Nintendo has partnered with West Coast Customs to create life-size models of Mario’s Standard Kart and Luigi’s Bumble V Kart. While the characters are forced to enjoy their rides in the hazardous Mushroom Kingdom, we checked them out in the (relative) safety of the Los Angeles Convention Center during today’s LA Auto Show. Naturally, the West Coast Customs tie-in means that the karts’ construction will be chronicled in an upcoming episode of the shop’s reality television show.

The detail on the full-size working models is… well… interesting. Mario’s kart appears to be front-wheel drive, with 18-inch wheels on the rear. Noted for its Super Glider option for cliff jumping, the attachment is mounted prominently overhead. Luigi’s kart, decked-out with 16-inch wheels and disc brakes, is also front-wheel drive. It is available with a propeller to provide movement under water, but the accessory wasn’t attached when we visited. If you want to read more about the vehicles and hear about the new Mario Kart 7 video game, check out the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Nintendo partners with West Coast Customs to build full-size Mario Karts

Nintendo partners with West Coast Customs to build full-size Mario Karts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JG Francis is an man who knows a lot about the older products in the Mercedes-Benz family. He owns Los Angeles-based Mercedes Motoring, which is where Francis turns wrenches on classic tri-stars and breathes new life back into the lumbering German coupes, sedans and wagons. Sometimes Francis will travel far to bring a new project back to his California shop, and his pal Sean always seems ready to make the trek with him.

The duo’s latest conquest was a 1969 240 D sedan that was located all the way up in Fairbanks, Alaska. After 10 days and 4,000 miles, the men and their machine arrived back in the Golden State, and were given no issues by the classic diesel four door. Mercedes-Benz put together a short video about JG Francis and his shop, and the automaker is currently editing another about his most recent roadtrip. After the jump, we have the bio video for Francis and a teaser clip for his Alaska-to-California adventure.

Continue reading Classic Mercedes-Benz proves to be perfect west coast road-tripper

Classic Mercedes-Benz proves to be perfect west coast road-tripper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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