Q: What is "washingtonpost.com on wheels" or "WOW"?
A: "washingtonpost.com on wheels" is the ultimate concept car of the future. Built from a 1998 Lincoln Navigator that has been stretched to 27 feet, loaded with six computers, armed with a satellite dish and Internet access from virtually anywhere, "washingtonpost.com on wheels" delivers washingtonpost.com and the Web to the community.

Q: How long did it take to make WOW?
A: Almost a year from concept to completion.

Q: Who made WOW?
A: There are three main WOW sponsors: Brown's Car Stores, Easy Computer Solutions, Inc., and Intellicom, Inc. Brown's provided the Lincoln Navigator, Easy Computer Solutions provided the on-board computers, and Intellicom provides the satellite connectivity to the Internet. DuPont Automotive Finishes provided the paint.

Vendors that were involved in the development of the vehicle include Craftsmen Limousine, Propeller Works, ADWORKS, IGP, and Advanced Collision Technologies. WOW was stretched and customized by Craftsmen Limousine in Ozark, Mo. Alexandria, Va.-based Propeller Works conceptualized the exterior design. ADWORKS, based in Washington, D.C., conceptualized the graphic design. The satellite dish, featuring an automatic GPS (global positioning satellite) system, is by IGP, Holland. The vehicle was painted by Advanced Collision Technologies in Beltsville, Md., using DuPont ChromaLusionTM paints.

Q: How many people can ride in it?
A: Two-a driver and a passenger.

Q: Do you need a special license to drive it?
A: No, just the ability to parallel-park a 27-foot long cyber-sport utility vehicle.

Q: Why did washingtonpost.com create WOW?
A: WOW's purpose is to provide Washingtonians a positive one-on-one experience with the Internet and washingtonpost.com. The goal is to deliver the very best of content, technology and fun to residents and show them what the Web has to offer.

Q: How much did it cost to make WOW?
A: Less than you might guess. Three primary sponsors -- Brown's Car Stores, Easy Computer Solutions and Intellicom - partnered with washingtonpost.com to develop WOW. DuPont Automotive Finishes provided the ChromaLusionTM paint.

Q: How will WOW be used?
A: WOW will bring the information superhighway to the community. It will visit schools, shopping malls, church bazaars, sporting events - anywhere it can build awareness of the Web and washingtonpost.com.

Q: What are future events where WOW can be seen?
A: WOW's schedule is available via its very own Web site (www.washingtonpost.com/onwheels). Check back with the site to find out where WOW will be appearing.

Q: Where are the computers located on WOW?
A: WOW is equipped with six 400-MHz Easy Computer Solutions computers with 21-inch monitors, three on each side of the vehicle. The computers are exposed when the side gull-wing doors of the vehicle are opened. Computer keyboards and mice are on adjustable trays for easy keystroking. The gull-wing doors serve as awnings over the area where users stand for protection and shade.

Q: How is WOW connected to the Internet?
A: WOW's on board local area network (LAN) connects to the Internet via a signal transmitted from a space-based satellite that is received by the roof-mounted satellite. The vehicle is jam-packed with technology, including an on-board router, transceiver, hub and proxy server, to serve Web pages seamlessly. Flexible connections, including Ethernet and ISDN in addition to satellite, allow for rapid transfer of data (up to 10 megabits per second) regardless of where it is parked.

Q: Can you surf the Internet while WOW is driving down the road?
A: No. WOW must be parked before it can provide Internet access.

Q: How are the computers and satellite powered?
A: A generator powers WOW's computers, monitors, satellite and cooling system. It is the quietest, most powerful unit available on the market and it was customized to support WOW's onboard systems. The vehicle also can connect to a traditional power supply.

Q: How does WOW run?
A: WOW runs on gas and is equipped with a 30-gallon tank. The generator that powers the computers and satellite is gas powered.

Q: What kind of engine does WOW have?
A: It is the original V-8 Lincoln Navigator engine.

Q: What kind of mileage does WOW get?
A: We estimate the vehicle gets about 10 miles to the gallon.

Q: How do you control the gadgets on the vehicle?
A: All vehicle controls are accessible from the front driver's seat of the vehicle, located in the console between the driver and passenger seat. This includes all of the controls for the generator, electrical system, satellite dish and modem, air conditioning unit, sound system, etc.

For more information on washingtonpost.com or "washingtonpost.com on wheels," contact Erin O'Shea Starzynski, communications director, at 703/469-2646 or erin.oshea@washingtonpost.com.