If you're thinking to yourself, "This is unlike anything I've ever seen before," you're right; you haven't. Hot like Charlie Murphy, the 5Axis Scion xB is hands-down one of the craziest things we've ever busted a nut on. At first we weren't quite sure what to make of it. Before we even knew that it was loaded with a complete DJ system, we just assumed that 5Axis was hell-bent on proving that it could build an xB that had more to it than just a neon ground effects kit and Altezza-style taillights. But it's much more than that. Its ultra-low profile and widened body are mere teasers of what lies within.
At the hands of 5Axis' master fabricator, Troy Sumitomo, the concept of this particular Scion was built with the DJ in mind. With consultation from some of the US' top hip hop and electronica DJs, Troy went straight to work, taking every suggestion and applying them as he saw fit. Because the xB is a fairly roomy car to begin with, the entire rear passenger area was stripped down, gutted, and then modified to accept a fully customized DJ stage and equipment rack. This stage moves in and out with a custom hydraulic system and can be controlled with the alarm key chain fob. After the stage has been opened up, the equipment rack unlocks easily and slides out to reveal a pair of Technics 1200 turntables up top and Pioneer's super high-tech CDJ-1000 MK2 CD turntables on the bottom deck. This xB is also a co-op between 5Axis and Pioneer Electronics, so a Pioneer DJM600 pro mixer was added for its sound control and built-in effects machine.
Along with the custom DJ stage, Troy pieced together various Pioneer components to accompany the mixing equipment. Although it's no club system, the quality of sound produced by the xB is outstanding and hits extremely hard. From the DJM600, bass lines pulled from vinyl grooves or digital audio are then force-fed through a collection of Pioneer speakers, including four TS-W12PRS 12-inch subs, two pair of TS-C130R speakers, and four pair of TS-C160R speakers. Even the rear doors open up to show off the latter set of speakers, while the subs are located inside, right behind the DJ. With firsthand experience spinning on the 5Axis xB, I can tell you that with enough sound coming out from behind you, there's no need for a monitor speaker. The system is also amplified extremely well with four GM D510 mono amps and GM 6000F four-channel amps. The xB also satisfies the needs of any car audio enthusiast with Pioneer's AVH-P7500 DVD head unit, an extra SDV-P7 DVD player, a 22-inch flat screen, and a pair of AVD-W8000 monitors, which is perfect for broadcasting porn or DMC DJ battles. Lastly, there is plenty of Monster Cable wiring, caps, and connectors, along with Dynamat sound-absorbtion material; the xB certainly needs it.
Though the car is first and foremost a DJ's dream, it could not stand on its own with just two turntables and a microphone. Equally as creative as the deck stand is the xB's exterior, which has been chopped 4 inches and widened 8, all designed and executed at the hands of Troy. Now it looks more like a concept car you'd find at an LA or Detroit auto show than a Best of Show import. The body has also been sprayed down with an ultra-bright Tangelo Pearl paint, making it stick out far more aggressively than Nads' manhogans. Matching the ultrawide body kit is a set of custom-milled 19x8 and 19x10 Budnik wheels, which feature a super-deep lip and have been teamed up with BFGoodrich's KDW tires. Safe to say, the 5Axis xB will probably not see very much time cruising public roads, but it still uses a Ground Zero airbag suspension to raise the DJ or dump him to the ground for show spectators. If it ever has to engage in racing situations, Brembo's 328x28 four-piston calipers will provide for on-point braking.
We're quick to admit that there are no engine performance parts on the 5Axis xB. It simply doesn't need any. It was made for vinyl-record lovers, not quarter-mile record-breakers. Sure, it would've been nice to see a custom-made turbocharger, but what's the point? Turn the audio on if you need a reminder as to why power isn't necessary. About the only other modifications were left to whatever remained in the passenger cabin, such as the custom-painted panels and upholstery, while the front seats were replaced with Sparco Monza seats.
The 5Axis xB is truly a sight to behold. You can't understand how crazy it is unless you've seen it in person. It's currently making the rounds to most import car shows around the country. If you're lucky, maybe you can see it up close. We suggest bringing a bag of records, just in case. Unity! 0