METAIRIE, LA (12.15.22) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the successful launch of its new 5900 Series Multifunction Reflector-Facing Technology LED Light Bars. Debuted at the recent 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. that garnered great attention and interest during the show, the new LED light bar system is now shipping with models starting at just $169.95 MSRP.
Featuring high-performance 8W LEDs and utilizing the latest RFT (Reflector Facing Technology) optics, which provide an impressive 95 percent light transmittance, optimize LED efficacy to maximize light coverage. The patent-pending design features an ultra-slim body (less than two inches tall) and standard dual heavy-duty mounting brackets to provide the user with options to mount these bars in a variety of applications where other LED light bars may not work. Other technology such as Electronic Thermal Management (ETM) is an onboard module that monitors PCB temperatures and regulates current if the LEDs to prevent possibility of LED overheating. This combined with over/under voltage protection, wide voltage input range (9V-36V), reverse polarity protection, high-current Deutsch DT Connectors, and IP68/9 Ingress Protection make this a very robust and high-quality system with long term reliability.
The unique design of the 5900 Series also features integrated multifunction marker lights with selectable colors. These Amber and White LED “Clearance Lights” enable the user to use the White for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and the Amber as a Marker Light (Parking Light) for increased functionality. These marker lights can also be left disconnected if the user prefers not the utilize this standard 5900 Series feature.
“We had a tremendous amount of booth traffic during the recent SEMA Show, and our new 5900 Series LED light bars were one of our most popular featured products,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Using our new advanced optics to optimize LED efficacy, these new LED Light Bars perform well in a very crowded market space. It is hard to stand out with a new light bar considering they are all relatively made of the same components, a lens, a LED array, and a housing that doubles as s heat sink. We are happy to bring another option to market that provides the user with some functional features that makes this product stand out.”
Additional features and specifications include:
Available sizes: 14in., 20in., 30in., 50in.
Electronic Thermal Management (ETM)
ECE R10 CE and RoHS certifications
4-pin Deutsch waterproof connector
Beam angle: 40 degree driving beam
Color temperature: 5500K – 6000K
Advanced Optic design for optimal visibility
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
SACRAMENTO, CA (12.15.22) – An in-store SoundSkins wall display was recently completed at the Rolling Soundz location in Sacramento. Store owner Nas Khan related “No doubt, our new display in this location puts the sound dampening category and SoundSkins brand in front of every customer that walks into our store.”
Rolling Soundz operates stores in Sacramento, Modesto and Turlock CA and has been in business over 10 years. Each location is staffed with 3 employees who are committed to providing the best experiences for their customers across the car, motorcycle, marine and power sports categories for top quality sound and performance..
Continuing Khan stated “We do a lot of bikes and installing SoundSkins brings out the best in motorcycles audio. The SoundSkins pre-cut kits are making easier and much faster to complete an installation. SoundSkins has expanded their selection of pre-cut kits and that is driving more sales. The product package looks very professional and the POP graphics tell the story as customers are looking at the product display that spans 12 feet on one wall in the showroom.”
Dennis Garcia, SoundSkins CEO, offered “Nas and the crew at the Rolling Soundz locations understand top quality sound and the importance of eliminating noise to achieve top quality sound. The SoundSkins wall in the Sacramento location shows the company’s dedication to top quality sound.We are located in Cerritos which makes for short delivery time.”
The 12volt Central Studios noticed the very impressive display wall on a SoundSkins Instagram post which led to this article.
SHREVEPORT, LA (12.15.22) The 2022 Holiday Season is here and Christmas lights, along with with Toys For Tots events, in-store decorations and parties, are in full swing. The 12volt Central Studios works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Santa has taken a seat in the 12volt Chevy Studios Chevy and is on the road to highlight Holiday activities.
Toys For Tots events show support for, and contribute to, local communities. The 2022 Holiday Season marks the 75th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
This post from Serious Innovations will Certainly draw a crowd to the Parkway Lanes for the Toys For Tots and Car Meet this Saturday.
The Kansas City Southern Christmas Train made stops at many cities on the railroads route. On November 23rd the KCS SantaTrain stopped at the KCS Rail Yard in Shreveport LA. People were lined up waiting to walk through cars on the train that were decorated with amazing Christmas scenes and displays. Children also took pictures with Santa Claus and Elves.
The engine on the KCS Santa Train greets all with a holiday smile.
KCS employees greet people and they walk through each Santa Train car seeing Santa and Elves along the way.
The Holiday Season is an ideal opportunity for members across the 12volt industry to showcase positives by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. Just Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844.
We look forward to seeing your activities in the 12volt Central Studios.
Did you feel the energy? A juggernaut hit Las Vegas this past November 1–4 when the annual SEMA Show roared back into the city’s convention center. And it was clear the specialty-automotive industry was ready for business.
Reflecting a rapidly changing aftermarket, the Show greatly revamped its education, networking and event programs. There were also new exhibitions, features, vehicle displays, and plenty of interactive thrills seen, felt and shared throughout the 1-million sq. ft. trade event—not to mention thousands of new products for attendees to discover. Plus, there was an exciting announcement of new things to come, with SEMA undertaking a citywide expansion of the Show, beginning November 2023.
Chip Foose takes a photo with fans.
“SEMA wishes extend a huge thanks to our 2022 Show exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners for making the event such an outstanding success,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Across the board, participation far exceeded expectations, and the industry’s support and energy were everywhere to be seen. This Show will be remembered as among the best our association has ever produced, and demonstrates again why the SEMA Show remains the world’s number-one automotive trade event.”
After its successful return as a live event in 2021, the 2022 Show proved beyond a doubt that the specialty automotive industry is revved up and leaving the pandemic behind. Nearly 3,000 exhibitors and approximately 130,000 attendees flooded the 2022 Show halls, representing 30% growth over 2021.
The 2022 SEMA Show officially opens.
“Trade events like the SEMA Show are meant to both highlight and energize industry trends and innovation, and throughout the Show it was evident that SEMA-member companies are ready to seize the future,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “It’s no exaggeration to say the 2022 Show was a historic milestone. From the moment you arrived at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you could feel the energy and momentum.”
“The 2022 event was very forward-focused,” added Gattuso. “We increased the size and scope of our SEMA Electrified section and added the new SEMA ADAS Showcase to demonstrate recalibration of modified vehicles for compliance with advanced driver-assistance systems, and attendee interest in both was notably high.”
SEMA Show Overland Experience.
“Also, there were more equipment manufacturers and electric-vehicle [EV] conversion companies for attendees to connect with as well as live demonstrations of products and procedures. We additionally expanded our educational seminars addressing vehicle electrification and other emerging technologies, and the many new opportunities they’re providing our industry businesses.”
Other key features included the popular SEMA Overland Experience, the Chip Foose Experience, and an eBay Motors Experience featuring the Hoonigan Burnyard, drift ride-alongs and a stunning collection of unique vehicles. An expanded OPTIMA Village played host to Ultimate Street Car Invitational events, numerous demos and celebrity appearances, and lots of tire smoke.
Moreover, the Show exuded industry diversity in every sense of the word. There were bed-dancing mini trucks, truck drifting, and lowrider hopping, courtesy TIS Off-Road and urban-car-scene veteran Myles Kovacs. Donk vehicles stood proudly alongside the traditional performance and street racers, trucks and off-road vehicles, hot rods and classic show cars. The Motorcycle Industry Council “Ride With Us” activation feature even taught new enthusiasts how to ride.
Special Keynote appearance by Emmitt Smith.
Meanwhile, the Show’s “Still I Race” exhibition paid tribute to African American Racing Association legends, and a SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Ford Bronco Wildtrak showcased the growing contributions of female builders. Headline celebrities further appealed to a broad range of interests. They included keynote appearances by football great and now NASCAR team owner Emmitt Smith, NHRA champion Anton Brown, and Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew, among others.
2022 SEMA Show Cruise.
The annual Monday-night Exhibitor Appreciation Party featuring the SEMA Awards, the Tuesday-morning Kickoff Breakfast, and the Thursday-evening Industry Awards Banquet all saw updated formats. Likewise, rules changes to the SEMA Battle of the Builders and Launch Pad competitions broadened their appeal, and the Show’s Friday Experience for qualified consumer attendees was expanded. Open to the public, the annual SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited after-party further amped public enthusiasm for car culture.
Ringbrothers
Ultimately, words can’t capture the scope and excitement of the 2022 SEMA Show. But you can get a feel for it all in these photos. And make your plans now: SEMA Week 2023 promises an even greater impact starting this November.
SHREVEPORT, LA (12.13.22) – WTF…Win This Friday. This Friday, December 16th, The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will roll for the 208th time. The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the first time on Friday, December 7th 2018. The 1st 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner was Stereo and Video Center in Tyler TX.
James Halter, the Winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Number 1, with the CRUX Prize package.
WTF…Where’s The Fun. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will now be spinning into Year 5. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
It’s easy for a 12volt retailer to have a chance to win a cool prize. When making a post to Instagram a retailer can #12voltspin and a slip for their company will be added to the jar for future spins.
The KICKER prize on the seat of the Winner’s car in Ardmore OK.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
A big 12volt News thank you goes out to our friends and partners on The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt News $100 check going into the mailbox for San Diego Car Stereo.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA and Certified Kustoms in Memphis TN… Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday December 16th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.14.22) – Each year prior to the SEMA Show, exhibitors are polled on the new vehicles that, in their judgment, represent the best opportunities for accessorization via the aftermarket for the coming year. Vehicles are chosen in six distinct classes—including a brand-new class for 2022, EV of the Year—and the winners are announced ahead of the start of the Show. This year’s announcement was made on Monday, October 31, on the eve of the 2022 Show.
“The SEMA Award recognizes the hottest new vehicles on the market that offer the greatest opportunities for customization,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. “SEMA Award-winning vehicles are setting worldwide trends in the automotive enthusiast industry. The 2022 SEMA Show had on display many of the SEMA Award-winning vehicles, each customized in its unique way.”
SEMA Vehicle of the Year award winners celebrate at the 2022 SEMA Show Monday Reveal. Pictured from left to right: SEMA Board Chair-Elect Kyle Fickler; SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence; SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Robert Gal on behalf of Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy for Volkswagen Group of America Hein Schafer; Group Vice President Toyota Marketing Lisa Materazzo; Vice President Dodge Brand Product Tom Sacoman; Head of Mopar Marketing, North America Heidi Hughes; and Vice President, RAM and Mopar Design Mark Trostle.
What follows on these pages is a sampling of the winning vehicles that exhibited at the 2022 SEMA Show.
SEMA Car of the Year:
Dodge Challenger SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year:
RAM SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year:
Jeep Wrangler SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year:
Jeep Gladiator SEMA Sport Compact of the Year:
Toyota GR86 SEMA EV of the Year:
Volkswagen ID.4
Car of the Year: Dodge Challenger
On its farewell tour, the “Last Call” Dodge Challenger—and its stablemate Charger—made a splash appearance at the 2022 SEMA Show in ScatPack “Swinger” trim, recalling the musclecar’s glory years of the late ’60s through the early ’70s. The limited-edition (1,000 units only) Challenger gets its own unique grille badging, painted Shaker intake, spoiler and “345” fender badges, 20×11 Gold School wheels with black six-piston Brembo brakes, Mod Grain interior with aluminum bezel textures, Nappa/Alcantara seating with green stitching and green Dodge Rhombi logo, retro Swinger rear fender graphics, and Sublime Green exterior paint.
Fullsize Truck of the Year: RAM
The SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year, RAM made multiple appearances the at the 2022 Show, including the TRX Gold Shot concept seen here. Designed for backcountry adventure, this Mopar-built, 700hp TRX rides on a set of 37-in. BFGoodrich tires mounted to 18×9.5 Black Rhino Camber wheels. Custom-etched skid plates are said to improve approach angle, and a set of Mopar rock rails provides additional armor proofing. A retractable bed step enhances bed access, and the Ram-Bar behind the cab holds a pair of TYRI concept lights. Inside, black Capri leather seats with Alcantara suede inner bolsters are accented by gold stitching, and vinyl flooring taken from a 1500 Tradesman makes cleanup easier after a day in the dirt.
Midsize Truck of the Year: Jeep Gladiator
The SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year, the Jeep Gladiator has made a splash in the overlanding space that was once the province of midsize Toyotas, and this Rubicon model located in the Overland Experience exhibit has many fine attributes. An Armadillo 23Zero aluminum hard-shell tent features polyurethane coating to keep inside occupants cool on hot summer days. ARB bumpers provide stoutness and strength, a Warn Zeon 10S 10,000-lb. winch aids with extractions, and the Factor 55 Ultrahook stores up against the fairlead for added safety. Rolling stock comprises a set of Nitto tires on black beadlocked rims.
Sport Utility of the Year: Jeep Wrangler
Among the most commonly seen vehicles at the 2022 SEMA Show, the Wrangler JL has been a hit with consumers and enthusiasts alike since its introduction in 2017, and this Magneto 2.0 concept Wrangler points a possible way to the future of the brand. All electric, the Magneto 2.0 uses 800-volt battery packs to power a custom axial flux electric motor which is said to produce an estimated 625 hp, 850 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0–60 time of only 2.0 sec. To accommodate the electric drive system, Jeep stretched the wheelbase 12 in. The six-speed transmission was retained, as was the Rock-Trac transfer case, but beefier Dynatrac axles—a lockered 60 Pro-Rock in front and a lockered Pro-Rock 80 rear—help handle the higher torque loads. A 3-in. lift clears rooms for a set of 40-in. tires.
Sport Compact of The Year: Toyota GR86
The SEMA award-winning Sport Compact Car, the GR86 has been an instant hit in multiple racing circuits, as this “Daily Drifter” proves. Built by SEMA 2022 Influencer of the Year Larry Chen, the Toyota utilizes an HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro ZD8 kit and a MagnaFlow NEO Series cat-back performance exhaust to produce some 300 hp. Power flows from a six-speed manual to an OS Giken Super Lock 1.5-way differential, and a StopTech Big Brake kit brings the ride to a halt. The drifter rides on an ST XTA Plus 3 coilover suspension that incorporates SPL Parts adjustable control arms, adjustable sway bar links, and a GK Tech steering angle kit. Inside, a Sparco EVO QRT racing seat with six-point harness and a Studio RSR four-point roll cage protect driver and passenger, and a Vivid Racing VR Bespoke steering wheel points the GR in the desired direction.
EV of The Year: Volkswagen ID.4
SEMA’s first-ever EV of the Year, the Volkswagen ID.4 made its SEMA Show debut last November. Despite its playful external appearance, this ID was designed to endure some serious off-roading. Built by Tanner Foust and Rhys Millen and piloted by Mercedes Lilienthal, this colorful specimen successfully completed the 2021 Rebelle Rally, traversing 1,400 off-pavement miles over three weeks across the California and Nevada deserts. Excess weight kills battery range, so modifications were limited to some new suspension components, tubular control arms, custom skid plates and battery protection, and a few other items required for a driving expedition. The AWD ID.4 EV utilizes a 107hp front motor and a 201hp permanent magnet rear motor, with a combined 339 lb.-ft. of torque, so despite its mild appearance, the ID.4 has plenty of power.
Toyota Tacoma
A runner-up for SEMA’s Midsize Truck of the Year award, Tacomas have long been a preferred platform for overlanders, as this example at the Redarc booth demonstrates. An ICON add-a-leaf suspension kit and Daystar rear airbags clear room in the wheelwells for a set of 265/75R16 Falken Wildpeak AT3s. A Warn V10 winch works in tandem with a Factor 55 fairlead and FlatLink Expert shackle mount to aid in extraction. An ARB Essentials recovery kit and dual air compressor are both on board for additional duties. For camp chores, an AluCab Gen 3.1 Expedition rooftop tent and Shadow awning provide shelter. A Front Runner roof rack affords additional storage, and a CBI Covert front bumper and 30-in. Rigid light bar provide protection and illumination. And, of course, a slew of Redarc products are aboard to improve electrical functions.
Wrangler/Gladiator Hybrid
Both Jeeps were 2022 award winners in their respective categories, and this unique version from Quadratec combines elements of both vehicles. A gas-electric PHEV, the Greg Henderson-built “JTe” began its life as a ’22 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe Rubicon, which underwent a chop behind the front doors with a Gladiator truck bed and Mopar body replacement panels added to the back. The Jeep rides on a Lynx 2.5-in. suspension with adjustable control arms and Steer Smarts steering components. Bronze 17-in. Lynx TrailGunner wheels and 37-in. Nitto Recon Grappler tires provide traction, and Carnivore front and rear bumpers offer protection. A Lost Canyon bed rack and rooftop tent have been installed, as have Rotopax water containers. Quadratec’s J5 50-in. LED lightbar features ORACLE Lighting flush-mounted LED units.
Toyota Tundra
SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year runner-up, the Toyota Tundra made a strong showing at the 2022 SEMA Show with a number of intriguing concepts, including the off-grid-oriented Trailhunter prototype shown here, which is slated to see limited production starting in 2023. Toyota was vague on specs at the SEMA Show, but the company did reveal that each Trailhunter will come equipped with custom badging and graphics, its own dedicated suspension kit, and accessories including skid plating, roof rack, bumpers, lighting, refrigerator and a rooftop tent all engineered for the overlander.
Nissan Z
Car of the Year runner-up, Nissan brought its latest NISMO project to the 2022 SEMA Show outfitted with a slew of performance parts that will be available for the production Z in the future. Among these are new LM-RS1 forged wheels, an all-new, ride-height-adjustable coilover suspension, and a big-brake kit comprising six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers. Under the hood, a new cold air intake and a performance heat exchanger will help optimize performance on the track, and a number of dress-up items are also offered for the Z, including a GT titanium shift knob, carbon-fiber side-mirror housings and carbon-fiber steering wheel trim.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.13.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) has released new Alpine Status speakers: the HDZ-653S 6.5” OEM-Fit 3-Way Component Speaker Set, HDZ-65CS 6.5” OEM-Fit 2-Way Component Speaker Set, and HDZ-65 6.5” OEM-Fit Coaxial Speaker Set.
Exceptional Build Quality Drawing inspiration from the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system, the Alpine Status speakers feature a unified carbon composite cone construction throughout the speaker components for a unified timbre identity. Alpine Proprietary Double Gathered Edge Surround technology gives the speakers ultra-low distortion and linear diaphragm movement that reproduces music true to the artist’s original intentions.
Custom developed for Hi-Res Audio Playback, the speakers have an ultra-wide bandwidth of 55Hz – 40kHz, which is perfectly suited for accurate reproduction of even the highest quality of studio recordings. Each speaker component is designed to cover a wider range of the playback spectrum, providing a wider range of adjustability.
Flexible Installation Options The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are factory-fit speaker models that are intentionally designed to fit into most factory speaker openings without custom work. The HDZ-653S includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver, a 3.5” midrange driver, and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65CS includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65 includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and 1” coaxial tweeter.
When used as a complete system, Alpine Status achieves the highest in-class audio performance only second to the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status.
The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are the latest components to release from the Alpine Status line and are now available at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
FULLERTON, CA (12.13.22) – Vision Tech America, Inc. (BOYO ) believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.
Richard Hong, BOYO VP of Sales, in the company’s SEMA booth with new products featuring AI Technology.
In that regard, BOYO has unveiled the new VCT700AI-4 with AI (Artificial Intelligent Technology) featuring 7” 4 Channel AHD AI Monitor with intelligent detection and warning alert. See the spec sheet graphic for complete details.
“AI (artificial intelligent technology) is becoming increasingly important in the automotive aftermarket industry. With this in mind, we launched the VCT700AI-4. This product will help our customer with much more safety, efficiency, and performance on the road.” stated Richard Hong, VP of Sales.
HENDERSON, NV (12.13.22) – Retro Manufacturing has released a new set of Speaker Mounts for select classic vehicles to make replacing factory Dash Speakers hassle-free. They are constructed of a thick metal alloy and are installed from underneath the dash for a factory-like fit. There are four new Speaker Mounts available, each for different applications. The RS-SB01 is specifically for the 1968 Chevy II Nova, 1968-1969 El Camino, or the 1969 Chevelle and mounts a RetroSound® 4″ x 10″ Dash Speaker. The RS-SB02 is for classic GM, Chevrolet, and Pontiac vehicles from the ’60s and ’70s, also designed for mounting a RetroSound 4″ x 10″ Dash Speaker.
The RS-SB03, like the RS-SB01 and RS-SB02, mounts an 4″ x 10″ Dash Speaker but is not vehicle specific, fitting a wider variety of classics. The RS-SB04 is for classic cars and trucks with a 5″ x 7″ Dash Speaker. The RS-SB03 Speaker Mount will be on display this year as a featured product in the New Product Showcase at the SEMA 2022 show.
RANCHO CORDVA, CA (12.12.22) – During the week of December 5th Reliable Products Marketing team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii were one the road in NorCal with Wet Sounds National Trainer Carl Campbell. The product training sessions were held in Livermore at Cattlemens on Tuesday, in Fresno at Dave & Busters on Wednesday and capped at the Wake Audio facility in Rancho Cordova on Thursday December 8th.
Scott, Carl and Brent arrived at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno (bottom image) and Livermore (top image).
“Each of our trainings for Wet Sounds dealers hit the mark. At each of the stops dealers were excited to attend factory training in the field and all engaged with Carl Campbell as he was spot on with his presentations. The Cattlemens and Dave & Busters locations were good locations for trainings but the Wake Audio facility knocked it out of the park” Baughman related.
Carl Campbell conducting the training at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno.
Wet Sounds raffle winners in Fresno.
Wake Audio is geared for marine audio with a 5000 sq ft facility in Rancho Cordova. At the time of the Wet Sounds training, which was set up in the installation bay, there were 7 boats, a CanAm and Lambo arranged in the area. Wet Sounds Marine and Powersports displays from the showroom were moved and set up in the training area.
The Wet Sounds training underway in Rancho Cordova.
This image shows the Wave Audio bay rearranged for the training.
“It was terrific to hold the last of the Wet Sounds trainings in the Wake Audio facility. Over 40 people attended with a couple of dealers driving from 2 and 3 hours away. Alex Aldma and his partner virtually insisted we hold the session in their facility. They arranged the shop and placed tables and chairs with room for the make your taco area for dealers. Wake Audio is a very top Wet Sounds dealer and they load 25’ and larger Malibu boats from top to bottom with Wet Sounds Marine.”
Wake Audio system light up the night on the lake too!
This Wake Audio Instagram posts shows their followers big possibilities.
Alex Aldma commented “Marine audio is what we do at Wake Audio since we opened in 2015. Consumers in the area know we are the place for high-end marine audio. When a customer has a $280,000 boat they really want, and certainly deserve, the very best in marine audio and Wet Sounds is our go to brand. Having the Wet Sounds training in our shop was special.”
Concluding, Baughman stated “It was a long but very productive week In total as Carl was able to train over 100 staff members from Wet Sounds dealers at the 3 stops. Each of the attendees were there to learn the latest from Wet Sounds and Carl delivered as each training went very well. We thank all who attended and contributed to the successful 3-City Wet Sounds training swing.”
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