• Five Axis' Chris Yato talks about the design and technique behind one of the cosmetic features that sets off the highly custom trunk on the Lexus IS-F, presented at the recent CES at Pioneer's booth.
  • Kia has a lot of momentum these days and they're building speed. They're being very aggressive in adding new technologies to their vehicles, such as UVO which uses improved speech recognition software to help drivers access and manage their entertainment files. But Kia also has other technologies on the horizon. Read the news article in "The Factory."
  • Sony has been working with Ford for a while and now it has collaborated with Ford to help create the MyFord Touch. It's sleek, cosmetically appealing, incredibly well integrated and frankly makes you wonder about the future of the aftermarket source unit. This system will be available first on the 2010 Ford Edge.
  • Available in the U.S. in February for a cool $61K, the new Porsche Boxster Spyder is about 180 pounds lighter than its predecessor and does 0-60 under 5 seconds. By the way, you won't find a radio or interior door handles. We say no problem, add a removable audio system--and the straps are fine for opening the doors.
  • A car with the right exhaust can be inspiring, but most of the time we simply want a quiet vehicle to enjoy our sound system in. The Buick Lacrosse (sort of like the Lucerne perhaps?) is touting how quiet it is. After the relaunch of Car Audio and Electronics we'll try to do some side by side readings of the Buick, a Lexus and the Hyundai Genesis, among others, to see which cars are the most quiet.
  • A show-winning Kawasaki ZX14 from Eye Candy Designs, built by MV Designz's Mike Vu. In addition to the double-DIN Alpine source unit and the integrated iPod, notice the Grip Ace handle with the buttons that allow for control over the aftermarket electronics.
  • From home to car--the new 800 Series Diamond speakers and Bowers & Wilkins audio in the new Jaguar XJ.

  • The Acura ZDX is definitely more impressive in person. Yes, it's a little reminiscent of a certain BMW, but I think it shows better, especially with the sharp angles accentuating the overall bodylines. Inside, Acura continues to refine one of the best (if not THE best) entertainment systems in the automotive industry. Look for a complete review of the vehicle and its technology in late January.

  • A couple of different approaches to adding subwoofers to your vehicle. The video in the Cube shows the motor for the spinning subwoofer cubes. And in the WRX, you see Realm's new flat subwoofers.

  • Vibe Audio almost makes this Mazda RX-8 unrecognizable. But while the identity of the vehicle may be obscured, the custom audio system is seen and heard loud and clear.
  • We followed the new Suzuki Kizashi around, from the SEMA Show to the LA Auto Show. Here are a few different Kizashis, an aftermarket version in Las Vegas to the factory ride in Los Angeles along with a race ready vehicle and a Rockford Fosgate demo car with a cool little audio system. The stock car produces about 185hp and you get OE Rockford audio. Should give Kia, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota a run for their money.

  • A few trucks like this and KICKER can meet their sales goals for the entire year. Hey, if you're going to do it, do it loud. And get a bike in case you need alternative transportation.
  • With all the great European sports cars we sometimes forget one of the finest performance vehicles on the road is made by Chevy. The Corvette ZR1 has an 6.2-liter LS9 V8 that produces 638hp. It has a top speed of 205mph. It costs a little over $100K sans options. Add the Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth, navigation, among other features and the price tag is a cool $120K+. If you can afford the options, then you can afford an aftermarket audio system instead, Bluetooth and navigation included.

  • This is no ordinary Rolls or Ferrari by Giovanna. A perfect high-end automotive combo.
  • The last of the Zondas, this work of art is both beauty and beast with a 739hp 6.0-liter V12, producing the other kind of motormusic that we like to celebrate. Not many were made so your average millionaire wouldn't have been able to buy one. We'll settle for owning this video.

  • If you're a baller you don't get your windows tinted, you get Vario Plus by American Glass Products Company. It takes your car's windows from transparent to opaque with a touch of a button. Basically you have crystal particles that align or don't align according to the electrical signal you transmit using the system's remote. In addition, the glass is bullet resistant. Hey, with the economy going to hell the streets may not be that safe in the near future!

  • With the Flamekitz flamethrower kit installed, it's time to make some fire.
  • It's all about the hybrid these days. Humans, art, cars and commerce. Combination is king. The Hybrid Tourer has a couple of electric motors as well as a gas-sipping engine and obviously a sleek design which we should see implemented in regular production vehicles in the green future.

  • With a turbo diesel and small electric motor, the three-door Up! Lite may be the automotive future. True to its title, the car weighs less than your fat uncle. So although it produces way less than 100hp, it's supposed to be surprisingly fast. Sorry, they wouldn't let us drive it around the floor at the L.A. Autoshow. (It's not like the show was open to the public on press day!) Regardless, this is a progressive vehicle that is somewhat derivative in design--think CRX and C30.

  • The would-be Voltec-powered Converj from Cadillac which GM says they will make....whenever. By the time automakers put a car into production, the desire has subsided. That being said, this was probably the sexiest car at the L.A. Auto Show.

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