STILLWATER, OK (07.22.24) – KICKER is announcing the latest release in its long line of high-performance, low-frequency subwoofers – the CompQ Series. CompQ Subwoofers, considered KICKER’s best round subwoofer line, have begun shipping and will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Retailers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, the elite, round-coned CompQ Series will feature 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch models available at 2 Ohms or 4 Ohms, and will retail for $279.99, $329.99, and $429.99, respectively. CompQ will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.

CompQ Subwoofers are built to achieve audiophile sound quality with a smooth frequency response, having been expressly engineered for that purpose. But, as the flagship KICKER round subwoofer, CompQs are also capable of the high SPL consumers have come to expect from KICKER products. They feature all the latest KICKER innovations, including Forced-Air Cooling™ for increased performance and durability, and a high-performance suspension system and motor structure to allow for versatility in the size and types of enclosures in which they’re installed. The SoloKon™ cone system, which includes the ribbed surround, ensure the highest excursion while maintaining linear motion. The aluminum-alloy basket and oversized magnet provide the strongest electromagnetic field possible, protecting the components, decreasing weight, and increasing efficiency.

With SQ and SPL builds in mind, bassheads can install these subwoofers in sealed enclosures and expect the smoothest response with increased energy at the lowest frequencies. The CompQ will deliver highly accurate bass no matter what type of enclosure is used, with high-impact bass in smaller sealed enclosures, and more low-frequency protraction in larger sealed enclosures. And if higher SPL is the goal, the CompQ Subwoofers will handle massive amounts of power and outperform any competition in a vented box. From the design to the materials to the construction, the CompQ Series was built to achieve tight and accurate bass response so consumers can hear every nuance of their music.

Visit kicker.com for more.

TEMPE, AZ (07.19.24) – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce its MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training, scheduled August 9-12 at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. During the event, attendees will learn from the best in the business and enhance their shop’s capabilities by utilizing Mobile Solutions’ comprehensive training program that will reveal the secrets to mastering CAD design automation, 3D fabrication, upholstery, and high-end automotive finishes.

The MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training offers in-depth examples of three real-world design projects, executed to the highest level. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Bryan Schmitt and special guest, the acclaimed automotive designer and master fabricator, Tom Miller.

What to expect from the MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training:

• Hands-On Class: Participate in a hands-on class project that walks you through the entire design process from ideation to execution.
• Finding Inspiration: Get tips on how to find inspiration and navigate through the ideation phase.
• Efficient Planning: Improve your efficiency and elevate your design game with a fully realized plan, making it easier to start new projects and pitch ideas to clients.
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Engage in a collaborative environment where you can share ideas and get feedback from peers and instructors.
• Boost Your Business: Develop skills to effectively pitch your ideas and present your designs to potential clients.
• Master Advanced Techniques: Develop a deeper understanding of cutting-edge processes and technologies.

“Everything starts with a plan,” said Miller. “In our Door Panel Fabrication Class, you’ll learn how to turn your idea into a compelling, executable plan. We’ll cover finding inspiration, ideation, sketching on paper, digital rendering, and 3D modeling. Starting a new project or pitching an idea can be tough, often leaving us stuck. This class will boost your design skills and efficiency, helping you create a fully realized plan.”

Schmitt concluded, “This is your chance to elevate your craftsmanship and stay ahead in the competitive automotive industry. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and ensure your place among the elite in fabrication.”

Class time is 8:15am – 5:30pm each day.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com/doorpanelclass for more information and lodging opportunities during the training.

For additional information, visit www.MobileSolutions-usa.com.

MONTEREY, CA (07.19.24) – Following the excitement of the initial announcement, Hemmings and Motoring Culture Club (MC2) are delighted to reveal further features of “UpShift,” an innovative event that blends the sophistication of classic cars with the dynamic history of Hip-Hop. Scheduled for August 15th at SandBox in Sand City, Calif., this event is set to be a distinctive celebration, breaking traditional boundaries and fostering connections among enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Hemmings and MC2 are proud to announce that Complecto, a platform and agency committed to elevating and amplifying underrepresented voices in the watch industry and collecting community, has partnered with Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift. By supporting the event, Complecto and the partnering watch brands are helping to create a unique platform that honors tradition, embraces the future, and fosters connections among diverse communities. Their involvement underscores the event’s mission to transcend traditional boundaries and create a welcoming environment where enthusiasts can unite to celebrate shared passions.

“Watches and cars have long shared a rich history, with a deep cultural intersection between watch collecting and automotive enthusiasm,” says Jason Gong, Founder of Complecto. “We are thrilled to partner with watch brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift, an event celebrating the rich heritage of classic cars with the vibrant history of Hip-Hop. Through this partnership, we look forward to fostering connections and creating an experience that elevates and moves the culture forward.”

UpShift is a collaborative initiative with MC2, a platform focused on curating the future of the car community. It represents a significant milestone for Hemmings, promoting a more accessible classic car culture. This event aims to not only celebrate the profound influence of Hip-Hop on classic car culture but also actively open the doors to a broader and more diverse audience. By integrating this dynamic music genre with automotive history, UpShift seeks to create a welcoming environment that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting enthusiasts of all backgrounds to connect over shared passions.

“UpShift represents a pivotal moment for Hemmings as we continue to promote an inclusive classic car culture. This event not only highlights the influence of Hip-Hop on automotive history but also invites a broader audience to experience the joy and passion of classic cars. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where enthusiasts of all backgrounds – whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene – can come together to celebrate shared passions,” said Jonathan Shaw, President of Hemmings.

Event Highlights:

• Highlighted Cars: Attendees will be captivated by a curated collection of classic cars, meticulously assembled by Edris Ekhlas of Refresh.ERA. This company embodies the dynamic intersection of Hip Hop and automotive culture, celebrating their historical and contemporary connections. Highlights include Grammy-award-winning rapper Killer Mike’s Grand National, a tribute display honoring the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a Maybach 57 inspired by New Orleans artist Birdman, and a ‘64 Impala lowrider, an icon of West Coast Hip Hop.
• Luxury Watch Showcase: Attendees can get hands-on with a curated collection of luxury watches from sponsor brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant
  Photography Exhibit: A captivating exhibit showcasing works sourced from artist-enthusiasts across America highlighting cars relevant to this period of Hip-Hop.
• Hip-Hop and Culture: The event will feature a virtual set by DJ Self Born blending genres from disco to classic Hip-Hop. The DJ will provide the musical backdrop to the cars and evoke the spirit of the car culture synonymous with the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
• Inclusive Experience: With a mission to open doors to the car community, UpShift is an intentionally welcoming space for enthusiasts from all walks of life, whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene.

Tickets for the event range from $75-150 and can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/upshift/events/hemmings-upshift-108159.

For further information, interested sponsors can reach out via email at events@hemmings.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.19.24) – Delivering power that’s compact. Creating sound that’s clean and pure. This is STREET MACHINE POWER. Hear your sound through higher power. Embrace playback in every song that is powered through SM innovation!

Autotek STREET MACHINE amplifiers deliver an audio experience that brings out higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels and remains much more compact with a tighter footprint in size. Small amplifier size but MEAN POWER.

Power your sound with heavier STREET MACHINE amplifier gains and get ready to feed your audio through rich and clean-filled layers of deeper listening. The entire line of STREET MACHINE (SM) amplifiers features and includes monoblock, 2-channel, and 4-channel amplifiers.

Hear the highest sound quality in audio with quality RCA materials that help prevent interference and minimize distortion in the signal path. Embrace playback that infuses more detail and power into every song with a sleeker and more innovative style and design.

A high-energy pulse-width modulated power supply in every Autotek STREET MACHINE amplifier ensures more power is delivered with minimal impact or distortion throughout any song while remaining compact through an innovative smaller footprint.

Nickel-plated brass connection terminals allow for secure connections while resisting erosion. Sound Shield™ Technology assures additional mass in the heat sink and keeps every SM amplifier running cool while shielding audio from distortions that can be caused by heat.

Car audio deserves power that is clean, LOUD, and transcends your playback expectation with higher quality impact and sound. Your sound will perform with the highest playback quality while bringing out BIGGER POWER in every song.

Take down the streets with POWERED AUDIO through STREET MACHINE!
Learn more HERE about the entire line of STREET MACHINE amplifiers.

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (07.17.24) – From the SQ Sounds office in the Eastern Caribbean Island Tiffany and Triston Parris operate a business that facilitates product deliveries plus conducting sound-off competitions with a focus on DB Drag Racing events. Custom in-vehicle installation is also included in the company’s daily activities.

SQ Soundz has been turning heads and pumping up the vibe in the car audio scene! They kicked off their summer tour with a bang at a Father’s Day event in Barbados, bringing the dB Drag formats to the island.

Partnering with Sound Clash Frideee and Bragging Rights, SQ Soundz and the dB Drag crew turned the “Father’s World” event into a sonic spectacle, collaborating with promoters to provide expert judging for the local Sound Clash format. It was an all-day party for the patrons, complete with car audio competitions, weightlifting challenges, the fastest tire change contests, and live performances by local guest artistes gearing up for the Crop Over carnival in August.

Then, it was wheels up as SQ Soundz jetted off to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. They were part of the official judging crew for the summer auto show hosted by VI International Auto. This show was a two-day pop-up extravaganza featuring the island’s unique 360 format and MECA’s SPL. It was a massive hit, with the car audio community showing up in full force.And there’s more to come!

SQ Soundz has been receiving more invites to judge at other events across the Caribbean this year. They’ll be sharing what’s coming soon, so stay tuned like an amplifier for more high-dB action and competitions

.As Triston, the owner of SQ Soundz, said, “We’re all about bringing that Caribbean vibe, high-energy, and professionalism to every car audio event. Whether it’s Barbados, St. Thomas, or any other of the Caribbean islands, we’re here to make some noise, keep the party going, and continue making our mark in the audio competition world. Thank you to everyone for your support and trust.

“Linton Rabsatt, event promoter of VI International Auto, added, “VI International & Massive Vibes Entertainment would like to thank SQ Soundz and the entire judging team for their assistance and support in every way needed to make our annual audio shows a success

NEW YORK, NY (07.18.24) – SiriusXM announced that Subaru has expanded the installation of SiriusXM to make the audio entertainment offering a standard feature beginning with its entire model year 2025 vehicle lineup in the United States.

“We are excited to continue expanding our relationship with Subaru by making SiriusXM a standard feature across their entire lineup of vehicles,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Every Subaru customer will now have the opportunity to experience and enjoy SiriusXM’s extensive lineup of ad-free music channels, plus live sports, news, entertainment and comedy programming in their new vehicle.”

SiriusXM’s standard availability in Subaru follows the introduction of SiriusXM with 360L to Subaru’s vehicle lineup earlier this year. SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, which provides drivers and their passengers with more content, better discovery, and a more personalized listening experience. For more information about SiriusXM with 360L in Subaru, click here. 

Newly purchased or leased Subaru vehicles in the United States receive a four-month trial subscription to SiriusXM that delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access at home and on the go through the SiriusXM app on connected devices and speakers. 

For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit SiriusXM.com.