In 2004 and 2005, we pioneered the "Geek My Ride®" concept with our Macworld Boston show cars. (Don't believe us? We do in fact own the trademark to "Geek My Ride") Based on the same Lexus IS300 platform, these cars showed the world what was possible to fit into any everyday car with the cutting edge technology from back then.

Now it's time to up the bar with the latest "Geek My Ride III" Lexus. Here's the specs on the latest version of this unique car complete with photos.

Now on permanent display at Tech Superpowers Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA, our newest creation showcases Savant's home automation technology, Kaizen Tuning's performance upgrades, Boston Mobile Concept's (BMC) iPad in-dash installation, and Advanced Communication Technology's installation prowess in the "Geek My Ride III" showcar.

All told, the upgrades include over $40K in technology, customization, and labor. We've even installed a unique vinyl exterior to the car, enabling us to add logos, graphics, and even change the color of the car without permanently modifying the factory paint. Come visit the car in Patriot Place and you'll likely agree that it's well worth the price.

Lexus – Version 3.0

Everything the we learned about in-car tech upgrades, we've applied to the latest version of the Geek My Ride Lexus, but this time, we've included a few new partners to help us with things outside of tech. First off, the car itself has gotten a complete makeover with new wheels, suspension, exterior, carbon fiber hood and spoiler thanks to the guys at Kaizen Tuning. Then the dash got a complete overhaul with the incredible talents of Jonah and Ken at Boston Mobile Concepts, who put together the slickest in-dash iPad installation that you've ever seen.

Then the techies at Tech Superpowers got to install what we love the most - the tech. That included a complete Savant home-automation system, installed and programmed by Advanced Communication Technology. Add to that two Apple Mac Minis, dual 23" displays in the back seats, Xbox 360, and Meraki WiFi router, and you've got a completely mobile hotspot, gaming center, and computing system.

Incredible Integration

Of course, a Geek My Ride project wouldn't be complete without some integration, and that's what Savant's systems allowed us to do. Locks and windows can be controlled not just by the iPad in the dash, but also remotely from any iOS device, including an iPhone in your pocket. Keyfobs are ancient history. You can unlock the Geek My Ride Lexus using your iPhone and the Savant TrueControl App.

All of the audio in the vehicle is controlled by Savant's system as well, which means that you can not only control volume from the iPad, but you can also route different audio to different zones in the car. So the kids can be gaming in the backseat while the parents listen to music in the front.

Want even more? You can insert your own iPod touch or iPhone on the Media Dock in between the backseats and then have access to all of your music on the Savant system, controlled from the iPad in the front seat.

And of course you can do all of the things that an iPad will allow you to do, including web browsing, GPS directions, and play your music via the installed Apple TV and Airplay. That means you can drive into your garage, download some movies to the iPad via WiFi, and play them on the dual 23" displays in the backseat on your next trip across town. Want some new music? Just download it via the iPad's 3G connection and play it within minutes.

The Specs

Savant SmartMedia Pro Matrix Switcher and Controller
Savant 16-Channel Digital Amplifier
Savant Media Dock
Savant TrueControl App
Meraki MR24 Wireless Access Point
Apple Mac Minis (Two)
Apple iPad (Installed in the dash)
AppleTV
Dual Samsung 23" Inch Displays
Xbox 360

Built on a Lexus IS300

Photo Gallery

iPhone and iPad users, click here.