ASC Concepts Capture Performance and Luxury at SEMA

Composites Group Offers Automotive Dreams Today

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2002; ASC Incorporated once again captures the attention of the automotive industry at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show with its array of concept vehicles and production vehicle enhancements.

"In a collaborative effort with the auto manufacturers we are showcasing fresh ideas in vehicle personalization," said Paul Wilbur, CEO of ASC. "Each year Las Vegas turns into a playground for auto enthusiasts with the annual SEMA event. ASC, with its concepts-to-reality focus, is proud to be a part of this event."

Saturn ION QC/T

ASC has created a performance and styling package for the all-new Saturn ION Quad Coupe. The Quad Coupe was designed with personalization in mind, and this year's SEMA concept car brings that idea to life. The Saturn ION QC/T concept was developed in conjunction with Saturn to catch the imagination of the younger performance-minded drivers.

ASC designed and produced a composite sport hood with functional scoop and new Saturn badge, unique front and rear chin spoilers, rocker moldings, and spoiler stanchions. Saturn added carbon fiber roof rails. Twistech's ECOTEC turbocharger kit kicked up the engine power, while Motegi Racing's 18 x 7.5- inch MR7 wheels, Bridgestone's 225/40ZR-18 Potenza RE 730 tires, and SSBC's four-wheel disc brakes provided the ION QC/T a performance stance. ASC painted the roof gloss black and tinted the windows to complete the ION QC/T "attitude."

"This is a driver's car," said Mark Trostle, president of ASC Creative Services. "The spoiler stanchions alone changed the dynamic of the vehicle. Add to that the rocker moldings and hood treatment and you're zeroing in on the younger performance-minded driver who is also looking for value."

Chrysler PT Big Sky

ASC continues its partnership with DaimlerChrysler in the development of concept vehicles with the unveiling of the PT Cruiser Big Sky concept at SEMA, bringing together a new level of luxury to the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser.

"The PT Cruiser Big Sky is a perfect example of ASC's concept-to-reality approach in vehicle development," said Trostle. "Working with the Chrysler Group and suppliers, the team created a totally integrated vehicle that incorporates leading edge design and technology."

In addition to the program management, vehicle integration and ultimately building and painting the PT Big Sky, ASC also created the chrome bodyside molding, ground effects with wheel flares, front grille and lower fascia accents, fog lamp area with painted spears, side vents, and fixed sideview mirrors with chrome accents. A Borla Duel Exhaust system, 18-inch BBS wheels, and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires complete the package.

The luxury is extended to the custom paint application by ASC using "Merlot," a paint color developed especially for Chrysler. The sunroof panels, side windows, and backlite are all tinted to match the body color using Vanceva(TM), a color interlayer produced by Solutia. Webasto Roof Systems created the five-panel glass sunroof.

ASC enhanced the interior with equally unique customized pearl beige interior, Seton leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and door panel inserts, and Johnson Controls Inc. custom seats.

Mitsubishi STAGE 1 Eclipse

ASC, in conjunction with Mitsubishi, developed and designed the Mitsubishi STAGE 1 Eclipse concept vehicle with sport performance in mind. Its special vehicle package offers exterior appearance enhancements that include blackout roof and rear spoiler, unique front and side grille inserts, and brushed aluminum door levers and aluminum fuel-filler cap.

ASC carried the sport image into the interior with red lower instrument panel and glove box; color-keyed floor mats with Stage I embroidery; carbon- fiber accent trim on door bezels, HVAC vent bezels, center console, and shifter bezel; color-keyed gauges, and Stage I badges.

Working with other suppliers, ASC added black and red leather interior trim, steering wheel and shifter from Classic Design; sport color-keyed pedals by Ichibahn; and Xenon headlights and fog lights from Aerospeed.

Power is further highlighted through the use of performance springs from Eibach; OZ F1 18-inch sport wheels; front and rear slotted rotors, with colored calipers by AEM; 225/40ZR-18 Potenza S03 high-performance tires by Bridgestone, and a T-304 polished cat-back exhaust system by Thermal Research.

Pontiac GXP show vehicles

ASC fabricated five Pontiac GXP show vehicles for GM Performance Division. On display at the GM booth are the Pontiac Sunfire GXP, Pontiac Grand Am GXP, Pontiac Vibe GXP, Pontiac Bonneville GXP and the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. In addition to painting, trimming, and powertrain components, ASC performed supplier integration for all vehicles.

Pontiac Grand Am Hoods

ASC's display of the Pontiac Grand Am customized Ram Air Hood is a SEMA success story. Featured at the 1999 SEMA show as a concept property, the Grand Am hood created customer demand to the point that today it is installed directly on the vehicle production line at General Motors.

"This is a fantastic example of what our composites team can do," said Mike Whelan, president of ASC Composites. "We created this hood as a concept. It captured attention and demand followed. An idea becomes a reality."

In December 2001, the Ram Air Hood was approved for production as an aftermarket accessory offered through GM Service Parts Operations and installed at Pontiac dealerships. Due to its success, Pontiac decided to offer the hood as a regular production option for 2003. Today, ASC bonds, primes and paints the hoods, sending them directly to GM for installation on the vehicle production line.

Dodge Viper Removable Hardtop

Another example of the composite team's expertise is the Viper removable hardtop, also on display at SEMA, featuring composite capabilities along with high-quality Class A finishing.

ASC Incorporated

ASC, a full service company that specializes in specialty vehicles and open air systems, shapes automotive dreams from concept to customer. Its product groups consist of Creative Services, Total Vehicle Integration, Open Air Systems, Specialty Customization, and Composites and Finishing. Together they create concept vehicles from design to production.

Total Vehicle Integration's inter-disciplinary approach includes program and manufacturing engineering, supplier integration, facility set up, assembly and logistics, and after-sale support. Open Air Systems develops, engineers and manufactures soft top convertibles, retractable hardtops and multi-paneled roofs that can be installed in an OEM production line or in a satellite facility. Specialty Customization builds specialty vehicles from the platform up or assists in brand image-enhancing, low-volume models/options for existing programs. Composites and Finishing supplies low-volume, high-quality composite products and class A finishing such as hoods, hardtops and roofs, utilizing leading-edge technology generally found only in much larger companies.

Headquartered in Southgate, Mich., ASC maintains operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information: www.ascglobal.com or stop by Booth 23677 at SEMA.