Sometimes the design and execution of an Alpine demo vehicle are so spectacular that they can overshadow the reason why the car was built in the first place. Of course it showcases the talents of Steve Brown and Gary Bell, but moreover it should really set off the latest multimedia gear from the venerable electronics manufacturer. The sensational center drive Mini Cooper roadster and the BMW X5, dubbed the Ultimate Listening Machine, are so dazzling as to blur one's vision--who can remember the '05 product line when you're trying to figure out the (re)construction of the interior and exterior. Without question, these vehicles both exemplify and encourage forward thinking in the mobile electronics industry and will most certainly remain near and dear to those who can appreciate the level of craftsmanship that they each represent. With such an extraordinary ancestry, it would seem difficult for Alpine to best their latest show vehicles. Further complicating this seemingly monumental task is the notion of creating a vehicle that follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, yet remains unique by its own merit. Alpine's Advanced Application R & D team of Steve Brown and Gary Bell, with the assistance of Glen Swackhamer from Alpine of Canada, raised the bar yet again with their latest masterpiece appropriately named the "Sinister Six."
QUESTIONABLE ORIGINS
At first glance, it's difficult to distinguish the origin or, better yet, what planet the Sinister Six came from. Lurking somewhere beneath the menacing roadster bodywork, lies the chassis and running gear of a BMW 645i convertible. A closer look reveals the completely hand-built body that has transformed the Six into an entirely new being altogether, resembling the spawn of the Alien and Predator. The biomechanical graphics coupled with the aggressive stance and styling create a visual statement of ominous elegance. Adding to that bold visual statement are the massive Boyd Coddington rims that were custom built just for the Sinister Six. The overall width of the former BMW was stretched over 9" to tuck the staggering 24" x 10" front and 26" x 13" rear rims into the beautifully sculpted fenders.
MOVABLE SEATING
Keeping with tradition, the center drive concept was employed again for the Sinister Six, but yet another method of entry into the vehicle was developed that is arguably the most innovative to date. The Six features a motorized one-piece circular cockpit that incorporates both the vehicle and multimedia system controls in addition to the entire front stage. The entire top of the vehicle behind the seat is also motorized to slide back while the cockpit rotates counter-clockwise. This reveals an opening on the left side of the vehicle that allows the driver to slide backwards into the modular seat. In this position, a hidden compartment is also revealed on the right side of the vehicle that contains two PDX series amplifiers and an iPod Nano, used as an additional audio source.
Once the driver is seated, the top slides forward to meet the rear of the cockpit as it rotates back to the driving/listening position. The most obvious omission from the cockpit is a steering wheel and shifter. The duties of both have been reassigned to a joystick for steering and a rotary switch for gear selection positioned at arm's reach to the right of the seat.