Mazda RX 7 - X Caliber

With hand-to-hand combat nearly extinct, the sword has become a relic of the past. In this matter, it has been replaced and updated for use as a contemporary weapon-a street-ported 13BT engine used to propel the car in its magical movements. It is so powerful, and yet unwieldy, that the entire unit seems to mystically live and breathe its own life, heard through the HKS Superflow intake system. This life force then makes its way through the front-mounted GReddy intercooler and piping, finally stopping when it reaches the heart of the weapon, the twin '99-spec JDM RX7 turbochargers. Here the power to slice and dice is made and subsequently transferred to the Tripoint Engineering lightened flywheel and ACT race clutch, which then distribute the power to the Blitz Technospeed 18-in. rollers. Ensuring target accuracy is the job of the Pirelli P7000's, H&R lowering springs, and the entire Round Table of Energy Suspension bushings. The roar of its movements are complemented by the dual ARC blowoff valves, a Tripoint midpipe/downpipe combination, and the Racing Beat exhaust.

In the heat of battle, every last ounce of strength and power needs to be utilized in order to overcome the enemy. With this in mind, the car has been outfitted with additional components in every aspect of offense and defense. Offensive material includes a Blitz manual boost controller, used to up the boost ante if the need arises. In addition, two stealth-mounted intercooler sprays accentuate the cooling properties of the blowing wind to reduce charge air temperatures and increase horsepower. On the defensive side, Brembo brake rotors were slotted, cross-drilled, and installed to bring the stampeding four-wheeled horse to a quick stop at the end of the street jousting tourney. A combination of AutoMeter and Cyberdyne gauges keep the warrior well-informed on the happenings in the battlefield, while a Whistler radar detector notifies of any oncoming scouting parties.

After the battle is won, it's time for the victory celebration party. This starts with Alpine's CDM-7829 head unit and ERE-G180 sound processor. Modified signals come from all directions: DVD, CD, VCD, MP3, and GT3 (Gran Turismo 3, that is) thanks to the hidden Deluxe Multi-player and Sony PlayStation. These signals process through the Alpine head unit and display on the in-dash 6.8-in. Accelevision monitor for the perusal of all the knights and ladies of Camelot. Power to reach the masses is provided by 1200 watts of custom-enclosed Crunch amplifiers, which share their housing with two 12-in. Rockford Fosgate XLC subwoofers and a relocated Optima battery.

While it's true chivalry is considered dead, and the Arthurian legend has been twisted and misrepresented over the past thousand years, one thing remains alive and unscathed by the passage of time: The mighty weapon Excalibur.

Although it has taken on a new form, it is still as commanding and powerful as ever. From the depths of the lake, to the valleys of Los Angeles, Excalibur has been reincarnated for another extended rule of the land, thanks to the handiwork of the craftsmen at Carisma Automobil Tecnik, Excel Autobody and Tripoint Engineering. Live by the sword, rule by the sword and always remember: Legends-and Sevens -never die.