Month: April 2007

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger teamed up with rapper Xzibit to “pimp” a ’65 Chevy Impala on an upcoming episode of MTV’s hit show Pimp My Ride.

Schwarzenegger, Mad Mike and the crew of Pimp My Ride give the Impala an ecological make over on the show’s season premiere, which takes place on Earth Day (Apr. 22).

“I would like to thank MTV and the entire Pimp My Ride crew for shining the spotlight on the importance of alternative fuels and the fight against global warming,” Governor Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “I am very encouraged by the great potential in converting vehicles to run on biodiesel as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am pleased that the power of MTV’s message will reach an audience throughout California and the nation to reinforce the benefits of alternative-fuel vehicles and protecting our environment.”

The special edition features the Impala getting an 800 horsepower Duramax diesel engine that will run on biodiesel fuel, educating viewers during the show about the benefits of ecological friendly cars.

“What better way to celebrate the anniversary of our Break the Addiction campaign than pimping the environment with a pro like Governor Schwarzenegger – a powerful voice in the fight against climate change,” added Christina Norman, President, MTV. “During the past year, we’ve reached millions, giving our audience the tools they want to make changes in their own lives. The state of our environment is one of the most critical issues facing our audience today and we’re honored that we can inspire and educate even more as we celebrate Earth Day with this special Pimp My Ride event.”

Pimp My Ride premieres Apr. 22, on Earth Day.

Source: XzibitCentral.com Exclusive!

For all those who have wanted to be a part of “Pimp My Ride” but you dont meet the MTV criteria – this is the answer for you!

“Pimp My Ride” fans can now sport some of the coolest virtual vehicles with the debut of Virtual Pimp My Ride (available for free download at http://www.virtualpimpmyride.mtv.com/). The first virtual world inspired by the Southern California car culture of Van Nuys, California, Virtual Pimp My Ride debuts tomorrow along with the season premiere of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” at 9PM ET/PT. With the help of rap superstar and host Xzibit, and car customization specialist Mad Mike and his crazy car makeover team at Galpin Auto Sports, MTV also announced the kick-off of the “Virtual Pimp My Ride Car Show-Off Contest.” The winner will walk away with not only the most tricked out virtual vehicle, but a real, brand new, tricked out car.

The first car “show-off” will be held on April 19th, at 9:30pm EDT at the virtual Galpin Auto Sports show-off lot and will continue every other week until the May 24th finale — where the winner will be crowned. Every other week members from the “Pimp My Ride” cast will come in-world to meet fans and judge the various “show-offs” to find the hottest pimp’d out virtual ride.

Fans will be able to purchase starter vehicles using MTV dollars, head to the Galpin Auto Sports virtual garages and begin customizing everything from their paint job and hoods, to tricked out tires and rims. Brand new racing tracks and customized car challenges will be unveiled throughout the season. Virtual Pimp Ride will extend car culture further into MTV’s current virtual world, Virtual Laguna Beach/Virtual Hills, with additional annex Galpin Auto Sports garages, so fans are never too far away.

Virtual Pimp My Ride debuts on Thursday, April 5th, the same night as the on-air premiere of the new season of “Pimp My Ride” at 9PM ET/PT. An in-world premiere party will take place at 9:30 PM ET complete with special cast appearances.

Virtual Pimp My Ride represents the evolution of MTV Networks’ virtual worlds and will extend car culture further into MTVN’s current virtual worlds. Virtual Pimp My Ride is the third virtual world experience from MTV Networks to be hosted on Makena Technologies’ “there.com” platform.

Source: XzibitCentral.com Exclusive!