A Car and a Half for Drivers Who Don't Want to Drive.

What is it? The Viant SLV 365 is a custom conversion hybrid of the Cadillac Escalade ESV with the front end of a Rolls Royce Phantom. At 6,200 pounds, it's 400 pounds heavier than the original Escalade, but it has about 150 more horsepower than the Escalade's 345 hp.

Disadvantages: Reduced trunk space due to four massive stereo speakers housed within.

Be seen without being seen: Although the Viant seems destined to attract stares, it ensures the car's occupants can't be seen or touched. The tinted windows have curtains. Security monitors within show passengers what's happening outside. A security system tapes everything around the car when the vehicle is parked. Thus the car reflects the unease of modern celebrity: people who want the attention of the masses as long as they don't have to deal directly with them,

No rest for the rich: Star Motoring president Nick Vulaj notes that the Viant customer regards travel time as down time, so the car eliminates that. The car comes with three DVD players; wireless headphone sets; PlayStation 2; computer and wireless Internet access (monthly ISP charges are extra); an Alpine stereo system, including MP3 player and iPod hookup; and a 30-inch TV screen that sinks into a hiding place when not in use.

Drivers not wanted: The car is designed specifically for drivers with chauffeurs; all the amenities are focused around the rear seats, where owners will be pampered. The perks include: a set of crystal glasses; "motorized" mini-bar; suede wine cellar; cigar humidor; refrigerator; his-and-her writing tables; heat and massage system within the reclining seats; a passenger/driver intercom and divider; and suicide rear doors. The driver's area is basically unmodified, making actually driving it a waste of the owner's money.

A la car-te: The Viant currently exists as a single prototype. Customers who want one must specify any of hundreds of options and their actual cars will be constructed from scratch when ordered. The Viant--along with similar car-star hookups such as Funkmaster Flex's custom car show--thus represents a new pinnacle in auto marketing: a sales pitch for a car that barely exists.

Buyer qualifications: The car is aimed at musicians, athletes, rappers and movie stars, and any other extremely wealthy person who wants to ride in an armchair while their entourage is relegated to sideways bench seating in front of them. Price: $250,000-350,000, depending on the options (an Escalade is about $60,000). As the engine is modified from the Escalade's, which only gets 13 miles to the gallon, the Viant will likely/also be a gas-guzzler. But, as Vulaj says, "The type of client who purchases this type of vehicle is not concerned with the price of gas."

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By Jim Edwards