CAR enthusiasts will be hardpressed to pick between drooling over cool cars and hot babes at the upcoming Singapore Import Nights (SIN) next month.

For the first time in Singapore, expect to see close to 150 wildly decorated, in-your-face and 'zhnged' (local lingo for modified) muscle and race cars - many imported from the US and Japan - under one roof.

That is, if you are not too distracted by the famous models from the US, who will be flown in for the event, which will be held at the Singapore Expo.

The babes - KT So, Helen Su, Jeri Lee and Christine Mendoza - will each be paid US$1,500 ($2,200) per day.

The girls - all of whom have hourglass figures with a median waist measurement of 24inches and boasting at least B-cups - are big names in the US car show circuit and frequent pin-ups in car magazines.

They are also celebrities in their own right with their own fan base, websites and products like posters and such.

On the models, Mr Chris Ang, the show's producer, said: "All together, we're spending about $75,000 to bring in eight girls and to host them. That's how sought after they are."

There will be a model lounge where fans can get the chance to be photographed with these beauties and buy autographed merchandise like calendars and postcards.

Above: Sneak peak of what you'll see at SIN

SIN is conceptualised by event company Three Angles Production and seeks to be the ultimate in car entertainment for the local enthusiast.

It will be very different from the regular motor shows here, where exhibitors show off their latest models and perhaps throw in a stunt show or two.

In contrast, SIN will be a one-stop entertainment venue, like a huge, happening nightclub.

The event is modelled after the wildly-popular Hot Import Nights and Nightshift events in the US.

Originating in California, these are single-night events in different cities across the US, including Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas and others.

Well-known hip-hop and rap musicians have also performed at the shows.

Mr Ang, 34, said that planning for SIN started when Singapore officially received the green light to stage the F1 race in May this year.

He said: "Our main objective is to create an even more entertaining show that focuses on aftermarket parts and accessories.

"We also want a show that is entertaining and performance-based."

To that end, he has brought in exhibitors who will be displaying their latest rims, audio equipment, bodykits and others.

They will also be showcasing their signature souped-up cars to give the public an idea of what their individual garages are capable of.

The organisers will spend "no less than $600,000" to put up the show.

Other highlights include a Tokyo Drift-inspired drifting show and a Pimp My Ride-style autostyling showdown.

More than 20 cars and their owners will be competing to see which one is the most dazzling and tuned-up performance car.

SNEAK PEEK

The New Paper got a sneak peek and an exclusive photo opportunity with some of these cars - autostyling participants and display cars - on Thursday.

One of the beauties on display will be a black Skyline GTR R34 VSpec II.

Its owner, Three Angles Productions' executive director Simon Foo, said that he bought the car for about $200,000 a year ago.

It is understood that the previous owner had already spent quite a sum on modifying the car.

Mr Foo, 39, spent an additional $50,000 - enough to buy a new 1.6-litre sedan these days.

He said that this included "engine enhancements, improvements to the interior, adding of performance parts and improving the overall tuning".

Mr Foo said with a laugh: "It's a passion, one that is quite expensive and consuming."Hey, I don't even wear a watch!"

Mr Benjamin Xia, 26, a noodle shop owner, agreed.

He has spent about $120,000 upgrading his Evo 9 GSR, which he bought brand new at $145,000.

Mr Xia said: "I want something unique.

"I'm quite fussy about my car and personalising it, and making it fit my performance requirements, (a process which) almost never ends."

Even the sound system and speakers are not left out when it comes to building a dream performance car.

Said Mr Peir Chan, sales manager of IMS marketing, which distributes the JBL sound system: "I have clients who are willing to put their cars with us for two weeks to a month, just so that we can outfit their vehicles to their specifications.

"Typically, owners here spend about $20,000 to $30,000.

"And it's not just the young ones who love their music. We also have customers who are older businessmen and retirees."

Meanwhile, while some modifications are approved by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), many are not.

For those owners, their cars are largely just a hobby and are kept at home or in the garage.

Said Mr Ang: "That's why we don't usually see the whole range of souped-up cars on the roads.

"This event and the dress-up competition in particular will allow enthusiasts here to view the full range of possibilities.

"We will also be able to see the wide variety of designs and the different capabilities of our local garages and owners."

Well, with all that bling going around, bring your sunglasses, baby!

FYI
WHAT: Singapore Import Nights 2007
WHEN: 8-11 Nov, noon to midnight daily,
except on 8 Nov when it is 2pm to 12am.
WHERE: Singapore Expo Hall 5
TICKETS: Adults $10, kids (aged 12 and below) $5
For more information, go to www.superimportnights.com.