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Consumer Electronics Show (CES): Day Two
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV January 8, 2008
Story and photos: Mike Maez
»click here to see more pictures
Day Two of CES 2008 gave us a bit more time to explore the massive halls of
the Las Vegas Convention Center. But the best part of the show happened
outdoors.
A parking lot outside the convention center was transformed into an F1
wonderland. Thanks to major corporate backing from Intel, the BMW Sauber F1
Team Pit Lane Park gave CES attendees an insider’s look into the world of
Formula One.
Visitors had the chance to drive F1 simulators and race against the clock to
change the tires on an F1 car. They also got to experience what it’s like to
refuel an F1 car, using real pressurized fuel hoses on a cool-looking
translucent F1 replica car.
Speaking of F1 cars, there were two on hand. Visitors posed for pictures
with one of them. BMW driver Graham Rahal piloted the other on a mock
course.
The significance of this event was twofold. First, the USGP is long gone,
and who knows when – if ever – it’ll come back the U.S. There are currently
ZERO opportunities to see actual F1 cars in the USA. Second, the BMW Sauber
F1 team uses Rays wheels that closely resemble several of Rays’ newest
models, including the RE30. So there is a clear racing connection at the
highest level of motorsport to our own tuner industry!
In addition to the fun at Pit Lane Park, there was still plenty to see at
the CES. We delved a bit deeper into the electronics side of things and were
floored by Panasonic’s 150-inch plasma display. Not that it matters at all
to the aftermarket automotive scene, but impressive, nonetheless. More
relevant to aftermarket in-car electronics were the bevy of “carputers.”
They take the GPS units mentioned in yesterday’s coverage one step higher
and go for the homerun. Is there anything electronic that you can’t put into
a car these days?
More coverage from the CES is coming. Check back to read about Day Three
here at Modified.com. Stay tuned!
