The makers of MTV's "Pimp My Ride" recently introduced Virtual Pimp My Ride, a virtual world inspired by the Southern California car culture of Van Nuys, California. Fans can visit Virtualpimpmyride.mtv.com and start customizing their own tricked-out rides online for free.

Virtual Pimp My Ride debuted April 5th along with the season premiere of the TV show. MTV also announced the kick-off of the Virtual Pimp My Ride Car Show-Off Contest: The creator of the hottest virtual ride will walk away with a real-world car. The first "show-off" will be held April 19th at 9:30 P.M. EST, at the virtual Galpin Auto Sports show-off lot. The show-offs will continue every other week, with actual "Pimp My Ride" cast members judging the virtual vehicles. At the May 24th finale, a winner will be crowned.