EDAG LUV, powered by Intel and Brabus

The EDAG LUV is based on the Honda Ridgeline.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Most people intimately familiar with Intel never heard of Brabus, and, likewise, people that know a lot about Brabus often don't know much about Intel chip architecture. But both logos appear on design house EDAG's new LUV concept, shown at the 2007 Geneva auto show. LUV stands for luxury utility vehicle, although the concept is built on a Honda Ridgeline. A wood hood and other wood exterior accents are designed to appeal to the yachting type, a niche potentially underserved by the automotive market. Or possibly the designers at EDAG took a cue from the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, deciding the wood is in this year.

Brabus and Intel logos, together at last.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

But back to Brabus and Intel. For you computer types, Brabus is a high-end European tuner noted for souping up Mercedes-Benz cars. For you gearheads, Intel is one of the top two designers of computer chips for personal computers. The LUV uses a Brabus-tuned engine, a 6.1-liter V8 putting out 462 horsepower that can run the car to 62mph in just over 6 seconds. The Intel part of the equation comes in the form of two UltraMobile PCs (UMPC) set in the headrests, allowing the rear seat passengers to work, hold Web conferences, or play games. The UMPCs also are connected to the car's entertainment systems so the driver can access their music libraries. EDAG is working to advance the PC-car connection, and will show off the next generation of LUVs at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.