dBDRA Wrapped Successful Competition at OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car

Posted on November 21, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged dBDRA.

Competitors are pictured with their trophies and dB DRA staff as the Optima event at Calder Park in Melbourne concluded.

SOUTHFIELD, MI (11.22.2019) – OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car took place at Calder Park Raceway in Melbourne Australia during the weekend of November 16-17, 2019. The event was a multi-segment competition and car show event and dB Drag Racing was the official Sound and Vision partner. Competitors had a chance to compete in 2 events over the course of the 2-day show with this being the last 2 events leading up to the Australian Championship taking place the following weekend just outside of Sydney.

dB DRA staff members pictured as the Optima Street Car Search began. (LtoR) Ray Choy, Grant Stapleton, Samuel McWaters and Wayne Harris.

The event was judged by a team of North American and Australian judges (Wayne Harris, USA / Ray Choy, Canada / Grant Stapleton, Victoria / Samuel McWaters, South Australia). Huge thanks goes out to the crew at Optima, the dB Drag competitors and the judging staff.

Saturday’s 1X Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Paul Khodeir
Pro Stock NL – Billy Arnold
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Richard Snell
Extreme NL – Samuel McWaters

Bass Race
Bass Race 119.9 down – Chris Petrie
Bass Race 120.0-129.9db – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0-139.9db – Fedee Fattal

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Rod Baldock
Psychlone –Wall – Steven Perisanidis

Top Dog
Fedee Fattal

Sunday’s 3X Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Sam Casabene
Pro Stock NL – Paul Khodeir
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Zac Trigg
Super Street 1-2 – Ethan Heppi Walker
Super Street NW – Daniel Kennedy
Super Street X – Jamie Deluca
Extreme NL – Samuel McWaters

Bass Race
Bass Race 120.0-129.9db – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0-139.9db – Fedee Fattal

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Rod Baldock
Psychlone –Wall – Jamie Deluca

Top Dog
Billy Arnold

A few comments from competitors that attended event.

Billy Arnold

“A great weekend of dB Drags, Bass Race, Tog Dog and Psychlone. Well worth the 1800km round trip, to attend and compete at this show. Awesome organizers and event staff provided the perfect location, along with Calder Park putting out some great weather for the weekend. This was surely an ‘ultimate’ dB Drag Racing event to coincide with Optima’s Search for Australia’s ultimate car. The competition was fierce in many classes, with competitors having a great time and sportsmanship of all who attended was spectacular and fun was had by all. Personally I will be there again next year, further recommending anyone that didn’t attend to go next year. This is a must see event to mark on your calendars.”

Tony Sljuka

“Had an absolute blast I’m glad I registered, it had been more than 2 decades since my last dB Drag event and super glad I came. Was awesome chatting with everyone including the interstate guys and getting demos in a few cars and at the end of the day walked out with a 2nd place medal. It inspired me to get my other dB Drag car out which is in the build for 2020 season. Thanks again guys hope to see you in the lanes.”

Sam Casabene

“My first time being involved in the event that held the DBdrags. A very competitive but friendly event. Everyone was super helpful as it was my first time. Most likely will be back next year to compete with a better setup to beat my PB! See you guys next year!”

Rod Baldock ( RFWRX)

“Had super weekend at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Event Show n Shine & DBDRAGS Audio Vision can’t wait til next event”

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Brandmotion Adds New Displays to Lineup

Posted on November 21, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Brandmotion.

Brandmotion is excited to provide new product displays for retail stores.

The company has recently redesigned all of their Point of Purchase displays to make them easier to set on a counter and grab the attention of your customers. They have a full line of displays that provide both working units like the popular FullVUE Mirror and Rear Camera system to videos of the customer benefits like the Radar Blindspot system.

Metra Electronics Introduces New Dash Kits for Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen

Posted on November 21, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Metra.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.22.2019) – Metra Electronics is excited to showcase 13 new vehicle-specific dash kits at the 2019 SEMA Show. These new kits are engineered to fit either standard ISO Single-DIN or Double-DIN radios in addition to several custom engineered kits for specific “L” shaped Double-DIN radio chassis designs. These new plastic TurboKits will be on display with an additional 20 new kits designed specifically for the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio that will be announced next week.

Metra’s plastic dash kits are proudly made in the USA with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit. Dash kits will fit select models for Jeep Cherokee, Kia Forte, Mazda 5, Mercedes Sprinter, Nissan Altima and Kicks, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Corolla and Hatchback and the Volkswagen Jetta. Installers can see Metra’s dash kits on display in Metra’s main booth 11639 in the North Hall of the SEMA Show from November 5th – 8th and featured in the 2019 New Product Guide, available for download at MetraOnline.com on the opening day of the show.

Dash Kit Part Numbers, Vehicle Models and Specifications:

95-6554B
Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001
● Permanent dash modifications required
● A new Double-DIN version for an old application
● A complete replacement panel for a factory look

99-7394B
Kia Forte 2019-Up*
● Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black

99-7527S
Mazda 5 2006-2007 (with factory NAV)
● Storage pocket included to replace the factory NAV screen
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket or Double-DIN radio provision
● Painted silver

95-8731
Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)
● Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations
● Polished gloss black to match the factory finish

99-8731
Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Polished gloss black to match the factory finish

95-7637
Nissan Altima 2019-Up*
● Designed specifically for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish

99-7637
Nissan Altima 2019-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish

95-7636B
Nissan Kicks 2018-Up*
● Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

99-7636B
Nissan Kicks 2018-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

95-8911HG
Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*
● Designed for Double-DIN radio provision
● Painted gloss black

99-8911HG
Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted gloss black

99-8270HG
Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2019-Up* and Toyota Corolla 2020-Up*
● Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted high gloss black to match the factory finish

99-9014HG
Volkswagen Jetta
● Specifically designed for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the top of the screen (or the current Pioneer 6.8″ screen and separate chassis)
● Blank plate included for Single-DIN installations
● Painted a color-matched gloss black to match the factory finish

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

New SiriusXM Solutions for 2020 Vehicles and New Harley-Davidson Application Re-Released

Posted on November 20, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Harley-Davidson, SiriusXM.

ENGLEWOOD, CO (11.21.2019) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2020 vehicle models. This solution allows owners of these 2020 models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising functionality.

The new 2020 integration kits provide coverage for 2020 Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Application guide available on VAIS Technology website. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications.

The re-released Harley Davidson, (GSR-HM51) application now includes a weather-proof enclosure as well as the SXV300 SiriusXM tuner, all in one unit, which now allows multiple source switching between the iPhone and SXM source via the factory radio.

This VAIS solution connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc. In the Harley Davidson, all controls are done thru the handlebars and factory buttons.

“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” Dennis Hopper, Vice President of Sales, says. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. Over the last few years many OEM’s are removing satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Tech. develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”

Visit www.vaistech.com for more.

Stinger Releases New Polaris Solutions

Posted on November 20, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Polaris, Stinger.

CLEARWATER, FL (11.21.2019) Stinger Electronics has announced its radio mounting solutions for select Ranger and RZR models.

Three new dash kits add to Stinger’s Polaris accessory lineup for select Ranger and RZR models, allowing users to integrate their 3-inch gauge-style powersports media players into their powersports adventures. Models include SPXRZRDASH for RZR 2014-2018(and 2019 Classic), SPXRZRDASH2 for RZR 2019-up and SPXRNGDASH for Ranger 2014-2019. OEM grade plastics and fitment mean seamless integration with durability for any situation. Precision engineering and manufacturing means quick and easy installation so you can spend less time in the workshop and more time on the trails. Get up and running in less than 45 minutes with secure mounting on factory dash panels for that OEM look, feel, and durability. Pair with Stinger’s soon to be released SPXM1 multimedia 3” radio and controller for the ultimate off-road entertainment solution.

Stinger is also releasing SPXRZRBAT2 Dual Battery Kit for 2014-2018 Polaris RZR. More RZR owners are outfitting and upgrading their vehicles with power hungry accessories like, lighting, wenches and sound systems. These added accessories are sometimes powered when the vehicle isn’t running and in turn, drain the stock battery. The addition of Stinger Dual Battery Kit, SPXRZRBAT2, allows for a secondary battery and isolation of the two batteries when the vehicle is not running. Allowing all the accessories to be powered from the secondary battery and keeping the primary battery fresh, eliminating the possibility of getting stranded from a dead battery.

Ease of install was also a priority when designing the kit. Everything to complete the install is included from pre-terminated terminals, pre-cut wire, custom brackets and battery terminals. All that is needed is the addition of a Stinger SPX950 High Performance Advanced AGM battery which is sold separately.

Visit stingerelectronics.com and aampglobal.com for more.

Velocity Distributing Appoints Marquis Richardson to Marketing Manager Post

Posted on November 20, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Velocity Distributing.

HOUSTON, TX (11.21.2019) – Marquis D. Richardson is on board as the new Marketing Manager at Velocity Distributing, Inc. With a Bachelor of Arts, from the highly respected Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach FL, Marquis learned and taught himself many things in the marketing field including outreach and social marketing to graphic design.

Shawn Simpson (R), Vice President of Sales & Purchasing, welcomes Marquis Richardson as Velocity Distributing’s new Marketing Manager. The two are pictured in the lobby of Velocity’s Houston, TX HQ.

Richardson also owns and operates EMDIAR Graphix which is a company founded and designed solely to create graphics for small businesses and personal branding. Richardson also helps with the branding development for student organizations at different higher education institutions like University of Houston, University of Central Florida and his alma mater Bethune Cookman.

Shawn Simpson, VP of Sales & Purchasing, Velocity Distributing stated “We truly are excited about the newfound relationship with Marquis and Velocity Distributing, Inc.”

Visit velocitydistributing.com for more.

The dB Drag Racing Association Gives Back to the Community with Toys for Tots Competition Series

Posted on November 19, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

AUSTIN, TX (11.20.2019) – The dB Drag Racing Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys For Tots” program, is proud to announce the 13th Annual dB Drag Racing Association “Toys for Tots” competition series. As an incentive to retailers that have hosted a dB Drag Racing event during the 2019 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy, and no other money will be accepted in conjunction with the event. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+. The event promoter or retailer must take a photo of the toys collected and submit to the dBDRA. In addition, the toys must be dropped off at a local “Toys for Tots” drop off location before the drop off date in the community.

Image from Nov 16th event at Audio Concepts in Fresno, CA.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA. “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”

To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate. To learn more about the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program, please visit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation at: www.toysfortots.org

While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.

To schedule your Toys for Tots dB Drag Racing event, contact: marketing@dbDragRacing.com

Alpine Shipping New Navigation Receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Posted on November 19, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

TORRANCE, CA (11.20.2019) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the 6.5-inch INE-W970HD Universal Navigation System. The INE-W970HD has reliable, built-in navigation as well as added infotainment features for a drive that’s exciting from the start of the engine to the destination.

The INE-W970HD has a 6.5-inch WVGA display and Swipe Graphical User Interface that’s optimized for in-vehicle smartphone use so drivers can access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music, messages, and navigation while keeping their eyes on the road. A built-in Bluetooth external pre-tuned microphone is also available so you can answer phone calls or play your music hands-free using voice commands.

Use your smartphone navigation to get you to your next adventure, or when you lose service, rely on built-in navigation with 3D mapping and Turn-By-Turn driving directions delivered by Text-To-Speech (TTS) technology. For added driving assistance, add front and rear-view camera systems with the INE-W970HD’s two composite camera inputs.

Play your music from your smartphone or the built-in HD Radio Tuner for AM/FM radio stations. If CDs are your style, use the built-in CD mechanism to listen to your favorite artists. For more music options, the INE-W970HD is SiriusXM Satellite Radio-Ready to give you the entertainment you crave (tuner and subscription sold separately). Various music file formats include FLAC / WMA / AAC / OGG / APE / MP2 playback via USB.

Control the bass, mid, and treble levels of your music without skipping a beat or taking your eyes off the road with the convenient sound button with balance and fader choices displayed on the touchscreen of the INE-W970HD.

Need a power boost? Alpine’s 4-Channel KTA-450 Power Pack Amplifier (sold separately) is small enough to install behind the INE-W970HD yet packs a big power boost that doubles your sound system’s power during powerful music passages using Alpine’s exclusive Dynamic Peak Power technology. It’s the perfect power addition for vehicles that don’t have space for a traditional amplifier.

Put it in park after a long drive and use the built-in DVD mechanism for a personal drive-in movie experience or use the included HDMI input to bring up the entertainment on your smartphone. When plugged into the HDMI cable, your smartphone’s app layout is mirrored on the INE-W970HD’s touchscreen, so you can view the content on your phone on the 6.5-inch screen.

The INE-W970HD is available now at Alpine Authorized retails or online at http://www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield for $799.95. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Stinger Releases 2 New Lighting Solutions for Powersports and Marine

Posted on November 19, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

CLEARWATER, FL – November 19, 2019 — Today,Stinger Electronics, designer and manufacturer of high-performance audio accessories and components, has expanded its line of Universal LED Pods, SPXULED, to now include green, amber, blue, and red. With limitless possibilities from function to style, Universal LED Pods are great for marine, powersports, and on-road vehicles of all types.

The bright CREE LED pods come in pairs; these powerful lights cut through the darkness to provide safety and flair, and their aluminum housing is waterproof and dustproof, making them ideal for off-road use when conditions are less than ideal. These LED pods mount reliably and securely on both flat and tubular surfaces so that they can be used with confidence in powersports vehicles’ underbodies, engine compartments, and interiors. Multiple cable routing options are available, and mounting pads and hardware are included.

Stinger’s 8-light universal underbody, SPXRGBUBKIT8, joins the 4-way SPXRGBUBKIT. This RGB LED kit allows users to add extra dazzle to their boats and off-road powersports vehicles. Bluetooth controls make for easy use via an iPhone or Android smartphone with an app available to choose dynamic modes and colors, or music fans can even put on a light show by syncing LEDs to change with the music.

Installation is easy thanks to the plug-and-play design that does not require any soldering or crimping, so, powersports aficionados can add RGB illumination anywhere they want it.

Visit stingerelectronics.com for more.

SSV Works Walks Away From the 2019 SEMA Show with Two Industry Awards

Posted on November 18, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged SEMA Show, SSV Works.

OXNARD, CA (11.19.2019) – SSV Works has announced that during the recent 2019 SEMA Show, the new WP3-RZ3O65 overhead weatherproof audio solution for two and four seat Polaris RZRs won the Best New Powersports Product Award as well as a 2019 SEMA Global Media Award. The WP3-RZ3O65 is scheduled to be available early Q1 2020 with an MSRP of $799.99.

“With these two awards, we couldn’t have asked for a better product launch than this,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Listen to your music via Bluetooth, AM/FM, or Aux-In through four 6.5-inch powersports speakers pumping out 200 watts of internal power with the new rugged SSV Works WP3-RZ3O65. This system also offers the capability to add more speakers and amplifiers by utilizing two additional high level and or low level outputs.”

The WP3-RZ3O65 tucks neatly overhead into the cage tubes of the Polaris RZR allowing great visibility and helmet clearance. The unit also works with both metal and the plastic factory roof option. Installation time is under 30 minutes to both mount and wire, and the rugged UV stable polymer enclosure protects from the harsh elements.