MTV Splits With Pimp My Ride Makeover Experts  1/3/06

The future of rapper Xzibit's hit MTV show Pimp My Ride has been thrown into doubt after the company carrying out the car makeovers pulled out over concerns about its new pop image. 

The thirty-minute show, which quickly became one of the music channel's most popular after its March 2004 debut, saw Xzibit and his hip team of mechanics revamp and restyle ageing vehicles for young contestants. But West Coast Customs owner Ryan Friedlinghause has now closed his workshop to the MTV crew, and is developing a more serious show with the producers of TV's American Chopper and American Hot Rod for The Discovery Channel. 

The new program is expected to focus on private jets, luxury helicopters and tour buses, but it is unclear whether the Hey Now rapper will be asked to front the revamped show. MTV spokesman David French says, "We've had a great experience with Ryan. Everyone in that garage is very talented and we wish them all the best."