This article was written by Jonathon Ramsey for autoblog.com
BIRMINGHAM, MI (04.21.22) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration might be devoted to ensuring drivers aren’t distracted while on the go, but automakers are growing just as inclined to ensure you’re never not distracted when you’re stopped. Looks like Ford will be the next automaker to load its infotainment system with games, after Tesla launched its Arcade mode last year and the Mercedes-Benz EQS options list included a game bundle.
Darren Palmer, Ford’s VP of global EV programs, posted a video to LinkedIn with the caption, “Some cute little games now on the F-150 Lightning. Proving a hit with my kids in final testing …” We’ll assume it’s his kid’s hand in the video using the volume knob to weave some Ford model — perhaps the Mustang Mach-E — through traffic on a four-lane road. We’ll also assume that since Palmer wrote “games,” there will be more than one available in the system.
This game appears to have all the basics of a good time-waster: simple control, simple objective, easy enough for a kid to play and enjoy, task-oriented just enough for an adult to play and save a sliver of attention for whatever that adult is waiting for. And there’s a secondary game (for us, anyway) of “ID the Traffic.” We spotted a Mustang GT500, an F-150, and a GT. We really wouldn’t mind a Frogger version of this, either.
Winter is staging one last stand before the onslaught of spring and its promise of warmer weather. However, with climbing temperatures comes the impetus to drive topless. Who are we to argue?
But convertibles can be pricey; however, we’re offering up five of the least-expensive new convertibles you can buy. Surprisingly, all are iconic, which may explain their continued popularity. Best of all, all cost far less than $45,927 — the average price of a new vehicle in March. This means you’ll have a whole mess of fun without breaking the bank.
Note that prices do not include destination charge, options and taxes.
5. Ford Mustang: $32,705
After nearly six decades of continuous production, this sporty stallion mixes American moxie with European lines buffed to a modern sheen. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine develops 310 horsepower to the rear wheels, more than the Mustang’s base V-8 developed 10 years ago.
A 6-speed manual is standard, a 10-speed automatic is optional. Best of all, all Mustangs eventually become collectibles, although you’ll have to wait. In the meantime, imagine the fun you’ll have. No wonder it remains the world’s most popular sport coupe.
4. Chevrolet Camaro: $32,695
The Mustang’s chief rival remains a compelling competitor, thanks to its outlandishly fun wardrobe that elicits longing glances from children disguised as adults. Yet it’s the car’s chassis that brings the greatest satisfaction. Its combination of cornering ability without a bone-jarring ride will surprise you.
But the Camaro comes with caveats. Its 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission make for a quick ride, although the base Mustang has more ponies. And visibility is far from great with the top up, which is another reason to keep it stowed.
3. Jeep Wrangler: $29,995
Any convertible will get you to the beach, but this is the only one that can transport you across it with its doors and top removed and its windshield folded. And it’s the only droptop listed that carries five adults, can ford rivers, and easily cut through the worst winter weather thanks to four-wheel drive. Try that in a Miata.
Keep in mind that this money buys you the two-door Jeep, not the four-door Unlimited. Power is good from its 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, just don’t expect a smooth quiet ride on paved roads.
STILLWATER, OK (04.20.22) – KICKER Marine Audio travels from Oklahoma to join its distributors, dealers and fans at the 25th anniversary of the Lake Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout – April 21-23.
As the title sponsor of the popular and currently sold-out (but not to fans and viewers!) Desert Storm for years, KICKER Marine Audio will have an impressive presence at the Thursday Street Festival where its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) will bring a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street. Millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats will be on display from 1-9 PM, including new boats from Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu and Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats. Cuvelier has been an installer of KMA for years and will now do so under his new company, Elite Audio, specializing in marine audio systems.
Voegele recently became a catamaran fan after riding in a friend’s DCB and was convinced by the ride of the company’s F32 that he bought one and customized it, wrapping it in his logo and signature bright green, highlighted with electric blue. “I’ve never been in anything like it!” Voegele says of the DCB, “Nothing rides like this!” And can we add, SOUNDS like this!
The boat is loaded with KICKER speakers and subs including 6 KM 8” speakers with RGB lighting, 2 KMFC 9” tower speakers with swivel mounts and 2 KM 9” subwoofers under the hatch. Of course, KMA head units and amplifiers “amp up” the sound, so everyone will be able to enjoy the clear sound of the Gatorwraps boat! The crowd will also hear KMA sound from the company’s Kenworth W9 Show rig, and International CXT show truck, both heavily decked with KICKER audio components and broadcasting live and loud from the Street Party and throughout the event.
Cuvelier totally updated his Rinker Flotilla boat which made its debut this year at the SEMA SPL (Sound Pressure Level) show with 4 KM 15” L7 Q subwoofers and 2 KM Comp Q 12” subs. Amid all the other KICKER Marine Audio equipment, clusters of numerous KM coaxials, 6 KMC 11” swivel tower speakers and even KICKER SeaDek flooring, do you think you can feel the bass in his music?!
Cuvelier explains his KICKER allegiance stating, “Even with KICKER being such a prominent leader in the audio world, they still manage to share that same excitement and passion for sound systems that their dealers and customers have. They bring you in like family and show support like no other.”
River Dave of River Dave’s Place boating forum, has been a supporter of Desert Storm since 2007 and just replaced the factory sound system of his 2021 Avalon Excalibur pontoon boat with KICKER Marine Audio gear, adding 6 KM 8.5” speakers, 4 KM fixed 9” tower speakers with RGB lighting, and 2 KM 10” subs in the helm. Dave also opted to substitute an L7 Q subwoofer for a refrigerator ensuring “cool” sound! His twin Mercury 400s will take this pontoon to 70 mph so he is not only livin’ fast but Livin’ Loud with KICKER! “I’ve been with KICKER Since I was 21-years old,” he says, “It’s not just the quality of products but the staff–they are more like family–and the customer support that makes the difference.”
“KICKER Marine Audio finds long-time friends and enjoys making new ones in the boating community,” says Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “Performance boaters enjoy power in their engines as well as in their sound systems so being seen and heard gives KICKER an advantage with our ‘Real Marineä’ components which are top-grade , reliable and tested in the marine environment. We’re happy to lend our support in Lake Havasu!”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white, complete with LED light complements. Amps, media centers and KICKER’s signature square subwoofers are only part of the line, so when you want to “Kick” up your sound system, rely on the brand that delivers the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components—KICKER Marine Audio. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
AVON LAKE, OH (04.20.22) – Automotive heat and sound control products company Design Engineering, Inc. is doing its part to make sure the annual HOT ROD Power Tour features some of the most imaginative, inspiring and just plain cool cars around.
Along the Power Tour, the DEI booth will play host to vehicles provided by Boris Maryanovsky and his shop, Street Machinery, as well as Sally’s Speed Shop and Chris Hamilton and his Project Rocky. The tour runs June 13-17 through the backroads of Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
“Visitors to any and all stops of the Power Tour are invited to come by the DEI booth to learn more about our performance heat and sound control products,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director of DEI. “We’ll have great vehicles on display at every stop, plus a few other surprises!”
The 28th Annual HOT ROD Power Tour Presented by eBay Motors Driven by Continental Tire is returning to its traditional early summer running time for 2022. The world’s largest traveling car show will make a 1,000-mile journey through the small towns of the American South.
The Tour stops each afternoon, allowing vendors to welcome interested participants and spectators. Make plans to visit DEI’s booth each day:
June 13 – Liberty Park, Memphis, Tennessee June 14 – Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee June 15 – Hoover Met Complex, Hoover, Alabama June 16 – Pensacola Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida June 17 – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
For more information about DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit designengineering.com.
DETROIT, MI (04.20.22) – This week, on April 14, 1964, the automotive press saw what the general public would see three days later, a new car that was first confirmed by a Ford Motor Co. press release in February.
“Ford Division confirmed today that it will introduce a new line of cars this spring,” said the press release issued Feb. 6, 1964, by Lee Iacocca, vice president of Ford Motor Co. “The new line of cars will be called the Mustang … no further details on the new car line will be revealed until the time of its public introduction.”
Ford Motor Co. executives Lee Iacocca and Don Frey with the 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang.
The car would become an icon for Ford and create a new class of automobile, the Pony Car.
With a 108-inch wheelbase, 2,500-pound curb weight and a $2,368 price tag, Ford sold 22,000 Mustangs on the first day. Its popularity proved unprecedented. But its development was a long one, having started in 1960.
Healthy sales despite stodgy cars
Ford’s bestseller at the time was the Ford Falcon, a sensible unexciting compact sedan introduced that year alongside such new competitors as the Chevrolet Corvair, Plymouth Valiant, AMC Rambler and Studebaker Lark. Ford’s bird was the most successful, selling more than 400,000 units in its initial year. The car was emblematic of the Ford line under Ford Motor President Robert McNamara: solid, conservative and dull.
The 1960 Ford Falcon platform was dull but popular, and used as a basis for the first Ford Mustang.
As Ford Automotive Division general manager and vice president, McNamara took the two-seat Ford Thunderbird, introduced for 1955, and added rear seats in 1958, instantly eliminating its cache. The elegant, Lincoln Continental Mark II was dropped and the ungainly Edsel introduced instead, leading to a $250 million flop. In its wake, Henry Ford II proved reluctant to consider any new cars and the company’s products became increasingly stodgy and dull.
By 1960, McNamara was named Ford Automotive Division’s president, with Lee Iacocca inheriting his old spot, but the arrangement wouldn’t last long. When McNamara left Ford in late 1960 to become Secretary of Defense under President John F. Kennedy, Iacocca was named Ford Division President. He was 36 years old.
The Euro-styled Ford Allegro was one of the early proposals for what would become the Mustang.
A market looking for a car
But Iacocca was becoming aware of the emerging youth market, one that was entering their teenage years and would soon be driving. He felt a car should be made to meet the market. In late 1960, Iacocca formed a committee of Ford managers to investigate the possibilities, but knowing Henry’s reluctance, convened the new team at The Fairlane Inn, a motor lodge two miles west of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, and away from prying eyes.
What the The Fairlane Committee discovered was what they termed “a market looking for a car.”
Ford market research had consistently shown that college educated consumers, like the Baby Boomers now coming of age, accounted for 46% of new car purchasers despite the fact they only made up 18% of the overall population. Research also showed that women car owners were one of the segments growing most quickly and that they would be the ones most likely to use a second car. But it would have to be small, maneuverable and be easy to park.
HOLLY HILL, FL (04.19.22) –Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics has added to their RGB and RGBW LED product lineup. Now shipping is a universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit, RGBW Bulk Wire, and RGB Bulk Wire. These products are designed to be compatible with other Heise RGB and RGBW products. They offer colorful, durable RGB and RGBW lighting solutions with less installation time and labor.
Universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit
The RGBW1-UNDGLED is a new vehicle lighting package for installers who want to add brilliant underglow lighting to a vehicle. The kit includes four sealed LED tubes, mounting hardware, and extension cables. This kit is rated IP67 and designed for both on and off-road vehicles. When set up with the Heise RGBW-CB1 controller (sold separately), users can choose from a true white color PLUS 16 million different color options using the Metra RGBW smartphone app with pre-programmed lighting transitions, flash patterns, and more. A dual connection to the controller assures maximum current and even illumination. The RGBW-CB1 controller is sold separately and required for operation, and can be synced with additional compatible Heise RGB and RGBW lighting products.
RGBW1-UNDGLED Product Specifications:
Includes (2) 48” and (2) 36” LED tubes
Dual connection to controller for maximum current and even illumination
Mounting hardware and extension cables included
Requires RGBW-CB1 controller (sold separately) that works with Metra RGBW smartphone app
RGB LEDs plus true white LED color
IP rating: IP67
Not for use on public roads
1 year limited warranty
RGBW Bulk Wire
The RGBW-250SPL Bulk Wire from Heise is designed specifically for use with our Heise RGBW lighting products. This wire features water-resistant black over-mold to protect the individual cables.This 5-in-1 OE style is easier to run and has better aesthetics than other wiring options. Red, green, blue, black and white wires are concealed within the over-mold to make this a 5-conductor wire. This bulk wire comes in a convenient 250 foot spool.
RGBW-250SPL Product Specifications:
Length: 250 feet
Gauge: 22 Gauge
Wire colors: R/G/B/BL/W
Water-resistant black over-mold
Works exclusively with Heise RGBW lighting products
1 year limited warranty
RGB Bulk Wire
The RGB-250SPL Bulk Wire from Heise is designed specifically for use with our Heise RGB lighting products. This wire features water-resistant black over-mold to protect the individual cables. This 4-in-1 OE style is easier to run and has better aesthetics than other wiring options. Red, green, blue and black wires are concealed within the over-mold to make this a 4-conductor wire. This bulk wire comes in a convenient 250 foot spool.
RGB-250SPL Product Specifications:
Length: 250 feet
Gauge: 22 Gauge
Wire colors: R/G/B/BL
Water-resistant black over-mold
Works exclusively with Heise RGB lighting products
1 year limited warranty
These products are in stock and shipping now. Visit MetraOnline.com for more information.
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.19.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The images in this article showcase Vickers AV with a new Stinger Heigh 10 shipment, The KICKER XRV headed to Desert Storm in Lake Havasu, Rydeen Mobile team members at Bangharts in West Chester PA plus action at the N&H dealer event in Hattiesburg MS in the last few days.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
NEW YORK, NY (04.19.22) – Pandora has announced the launch of a new station, Country Grit.
The late, great Harlan Howard once described country music as “three chords and the truth,” and there’s a new wave of the genre that may add a few chords but takes authenticity to a new, unapologetic level. Pandora’s brand-new Country Grit station, launching today, was born from the undeniable popularity of rock-infused, edgy country music that pushes both sonic and lyrical boundaries.
“I’m a fire-tongued dеvil with a belly full of gasoline,” sings Cody Jinks on “All It Cost Me Was Everything,” which plays out like a lyrical confession. It’s this kind of heart-on-sleeve, uncensored songwriting coupled with dueling electric and steel guitars that defines Country Grit.
Jinks joins other indie trailblazers including Warren Zeiders and Whiskey Myers on the station, along with icons like Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert and Aaron Lewis. Red-hot newcomers Bailey Zimmerman, Tyler Braden, Parker McCollum and Morgan Wade are also among the artists featured on the station, linked by their affinity for loud guitars and the cold-hard truth.
“Thrilled to be included in Pandora’s new station Country Grit,” states Morgan Wade. “For me, country grit is just an attitude of being your true self and going after your goals, whether they are personal, professional or whatever they may be.”
EAST WENATCHEE, WA (04.18.22) – The 2022 IASCA World Finals will take place in three locations, one for SQ and two for SPL, in conjunction with MECA and EMMA.
“We’re looking forward to working with MECA and EMMA again on hosting combined finals events. Every year, we keep improving what we offer to competitors to give back for supporting the organizations,” said IASCA President Travis Chin.
Travis Chin
SQ Finals will take place on Oct 8 th and 9 th , 2022 at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, in conjunction with MECA and EMMA. The event will be located in the Center’s Exhibition Hall which boasts 34,000 square feet of space to house up to 170 sound quality vehicles.
The Cowan Civic Center, site of the IASCA SQ Finals October 8th and 9th in Lebanon, MO.
SPL Finals East will be held on November 12th and 13th , 2022 at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center Lebanon, Tennessee, minutes away from Nashville, in the main Exhibit Hall boasting 45,000 square feet of room for up to 200 cars.
The Farm Bureau Exposition Center, site of SPL Finals East November 12th and 13th in Lebanon, TN.
West Coast IASCA SPL Finals will be held near the end of October, as venues are currently under review. Scores from the West Coast Finals will be combined with scores from the East to determine the World Champions at the SPL Finals East event.
“This year’s events are competitor focused and we’re getting some really exciting things lined up for the shows,” Chin continued. “Final details are still being worked out regarding logistics and accommodations for each event. We will notify everyone as those details are finalized.”
Invitations for qualified competitors will begin to be sent out via email early September. Qualified competitors must accrue 75 C.A.P. points (Competition Award Points) in their format to qualify for an invitation to their respective event. For those wanting to view their point standings, the list is available on https://iasca.com/downloads/ under CAP.
For more information on IASCA Worldwide and the IASCA World Finals, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com.
DALLAS, TX (04.18.22) – Sunday, May 22nd, is the date for the SSR Distributors Dealer Show at the company’s new Dallas location. The 25,000 square foot location in northwest Dallas opened in January of this year after an extreme makeover of the building.
Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales/Ops, related “We look forward to showing all our new Dallas location. Over 20 of our best 12volt vendors and manufacturers will be displaying products with representative on site. We will offer super crazy deals on select products at the event. Also, there will be some training classes through the day with Audio Control and Metra already set with a training time.”
See Tracy, Amir, Bob and Anita with the SSR Dallas Team members at the Dallas Dealer Show.
At the new SSR Distributors location dealers will see a ‘friendly old face’ as Bob Irwin recently joined the SSR Dallas Team.
The SSR Dealer Show is a family friendly event with activities for kids along with food and refreshments.
Key SSR brands include KICKER, Pioneer, KENWOOD, JVC, Compustar/Firstech, VOXX, Metra, Audio Control and Nakamichi.
Make your plans to attend the SSR Distributors Dealer Show… 2880 Virgo Lane Dallas, TX 75229. Please RSVP by May 1st.
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