Auburn Hills, Mich. (February 6, 2023) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) announces the Alpine Optim8™ 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning. The Optim8™ offers automatic sound-tuning controls that can tune a factory system in less than five minutes.

“We’re excited to introduce the Alpine Optim8™ believing it will eliminate the pain points that are associated with most aftermarket processors,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “The Optim8™ makes it easier than ever for both dealers and customers to quickly and effectively tune a factory sound system.”

With a built-in internal 8-channel amplifier and High-Resolution processing (96kHz/24Bit), the Alpine Optim8™ is the all-in-one solution to amplify and sound tune a factory or aftermarket head unit. The amplifier offers 50W x 6 @ 4Ω + 150W x 2 @4Ω or 50W x 6 @2Ω + 300W x 2@ 2Ω, for a solution that’s able to power a full sound system. Digital inputs include Coax and USB (DAC) while a high-level speaker input of up to 30V allows the Optim8™ to connect to a factory amplifier. Outputs include 8-channel 4V RCA.

Automatic Sound Tuning
To address the pain points and intricacies associated with sound system tuning, the Alpine Optim8™ features automatic sound tuning through PC App or IOS App for the iPhone that guides users through quick and simple measurements of their factory or aftermarket sound system. Guided motions on the app instruct the user where to place the external microphone (KTX-CSP1 Tuning Microphone for PC, sold separately) or built-in mic on the iPhone in the front cabin of the vehicle for accurate measurements. This advanced software, partnered with Alpine’s Matrix summing capabilities, eliminates the margin of error when placing the microphone and brings the measurement time down to a mere five minutes.

The Auto-EQ software, a technology Powered by Eilex PRISM®, analyzes the vehicle’s acoustic response and automatically corrects it in both amplitude and phase domains. The user is then able to tune the sound system to their listening preference by choosing a target curve that is applied to the system in real time.

Contrary to competitor processors that use filter devices such as Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) or Finite Impulse Response (FIR) to measure and tune sound systems, the Optim8™ uses a Variable-Resolution Impulse Response (VIR®) that features a wide bandwidth for High-Resolution audio (10Hz – 48kHz @ 96kHz), making it the ideal product for High-Resolution systems. VIR filters also use lower MIPS (millions of instructions per second) for increased speed and accuracy during tuning, giving the Optim8™ the ability to tune a system in under five minutes.

The Alpine Optim8™ PXE-C80-88 will be available in Spring 2023 for $999.95 and can be purchased at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on http://www.alpine-usa.com for details.

Features:
Alpine PXE-C80-88 Optim8™ 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning
• Hi-Res Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit)
• Intuitive Realtime Sound Set-Up with 5 Minute Vehicle Self Tuning
• Manual & Automatic Sound Tuning with PC App Control
• Automatic Sound Tuning with iPhone App
• Anti-EQ for OEM System (Eliminates Factory EQ Curve)
• Auto-EQ Powered by Eilex PRISM® with APVD Collection which Quickly Creates a Flat Vehicle Response
• 31 Band Parametric & Graphic EQ
• Outputs: 8-Channel 4V RCA
• Digital Inputs: Coax, USB (DAC)
• Speaker Input: Up to 30V
• Built-in Internal Amplifier: 50W x 6 @ 4Ω + 150Wx 2 @ 4Ω or 50W x 6 @ 2Ω + 300W x 2 @ 2Ω
• Compatible with KTX-CSP1 Tuning Microphone (sold separately)

“Eilex PRISM” is a registered trademark in US, Japan and EU.
VIR is a registered trademark in US, Japan and EU by Eilex International, LLC.

Product information is based upon current information at the time of press but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications, and delivery dates are subject to change without notice. 

Keystone Automotive Operations announced it will open the 2023 BIG Show Presented by Weather Guard—its annual customer event—with a live demonstration showcasing the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition finalists and winners. The annual customer-only, business-to-business networking event, to be held for the first time in Colorado at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, February 10–11, will feature receptions, an array of automotive aftermarket exhibitor displays, new products, show vehicles and education, along with substantial show-only sales and promotions.

Led by Emmy Award-winning host, Chris Jacobs, best known for his work on “Overhaulin’” and Mecum Auctions as well as a number of Discovery live specials, the interactive 2023 Battle of the Builders Panel will provide an exclusive, insiders perspective into what it takes to compete and win on the world’s largest automotive stage.

Longtime automotive aftermarket industry veteran, SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera—a former Battle of the Builders judge for many years—will be introduced to provide his insight along with the history and background of the competition as it has evolved over the years.

“The SEMA Show and The BIG Show are about building meaningful connections; connecting jobbers and shops with the suppliers and manufacturers whose products they install on customers vehicles every day,” said de Vera. “SEMA is proud that this competition creates an opportunity for all builders at every level from multiple aspects of the business to be recognized for their creativity, skill and dedication. While this panel represents some of the industry’s elite builders, their efforts in overcoming challenges on the path to accomplishing their goals will resonate with each attendee.”

Joining Jacobs and de Vera will be two-time Battle of the Builders champions Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, who captured the title at the 2022 SEMA Show with their one-of-a-kind ’48 Chevy Loadmaster Truck. Having also taken the overall prize in 2019, Ringbrothers also took top honors in the Off-Road and Truck category at last year’s Show with their custom K5 Blazer.

Representing the future of customization on the stage will be 2022 Battle of the Builders Young Guns winner and overall finalist Josh Michels. At just 22 years old, Michels rescued a ’66 Corvette from a field in Wisconsin and transformed the classic into a modern supercar to take top honors in his class in 2022. Rounding out the panel will be Russell Built Fabrications’ TJ Russell, who parlayed his expertise in vehicle development and customization along with his passion for off-road racing to take the class win in the Sport Compact, Luxury and Exotics division last year with his ’91 Porsche “Baja” 911.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders is the greatest custom vehicle competition on the world’s largest automotive aftermarket stage,” said Keystone Automotive Operations Vice President Category Management & Marketing and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors Larry Montante. “Each of the individuals on this panel, representing multiple facets of vehicle building and customization has a unique story to share. We are looking forward to hearing their perspective on their motivation, how they approach their business and sharing with attendees how entering and winning a competition like Battle of the Builders can help attract customers by showcasing their talents with these high-profile builds.”

The SEMA Battle of the Builders Panel will be held on February 10, at 4:30 p.m., at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in the Aurora Ballroom for registered BIG Show attendees only. Show attendees will also have a chance to visit with the panelists throughout the event while viewing the Ringbrothers’ 2022 winning vehicles along with Greg Ward’s ’71 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser—a Top 4 finalist in the 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road category.

For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb. For more information about the Keystone BIG Show, click here.

Pompano Beach, FL (01.30.23) Rich De Sclafani and Rep-Corps Inc. announce partnership for the representation of the German Maestro brand across the U.S.

De Sclafani has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of the 12 Volt Industry, starting his career as an installer, specializing in wiring and circuitry. He has been a retail manager and expediter manager. On the supply side, he has held posts as a test engineer, sales manager, technical support manager, and product trainer.

De Sclafani is a long-time fan of classic German audio, being a retail salesperson for MB Quart when it was still manufactured in Obrigheim, Germany and says that is excited at the prospect of bringing the acoustical magic only comes from that region back to the U.S. Market in full force.

In this partnership De Sclafani will assist Rep-Corps in outreach to the entirety of the continental United States, leveraging his existing network of contacts through his high-end integration product line RDVFL to get German Maestro in the hands of capable Hi-End Dealers, and will be performing outreach and representation of German Maestro and future Rep-Corps brands.

De Sclafani stated “I am ecstatic to partner with Rep-Corps and to be part of the German Maestro brand! Retailers are going to be blown away by how good the whole line of speakers sound and the exquisite build quality. The whole speaker line of products are manufactured in Germany, even the entry level products are not farmed out. The best sound and highest quality is the core goal of the German Maestro brand. We offer $500 free freight at an average of 3 days to your door and a 3 year warranty on their products when installed by our authorized dealers to show we stand behind the quality of the products and our dealers. The German Maestro brand will be a niche, high end line for any retailer who brings them in. We will be VERY selective in who can carry the line to ensure not only territory protection but also no internet sales and proper representation of the products.”

For more email sales@rdvfl.com to contact with Rich De Sclafani.

CAMARILLO CA (01.30.23) ORCA to Debut New In-Vehicle Measuring System at KnowledgeFest Night Training. The new Mosconi BMMS system measures sound from a passenger’s natural listening position.

Orca Design and Manufacturing will showcase the newest measuring tool from Mosconi at a special night training during KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas. The Binaural Microphone Measuring System (BMMS) features a replica head with ultra-sensitive microphones strategically placed in each ear canal location. The system integrates with Mosconi’s DSP software to provide an all-in-one measuring and tuning solution.

Attendees are invited to attend the training, February 4 at 6:45pm. Orca Trainer Nick Wingate will demonstrate the BMMS system and show how its measurements allow for more precise, vehicle-specific system tuning in conjunction with Mosconi amplification and Digital Signal Processors. Attendees can reserve a seat in the training session at https://mea-events.as.me/Mosconi-Night.

For more information, please contact: Carrie Sahotsky • (805) 484-4355 • carrie@orcadesign.com

LOS ANGELES, CA (12.30.22) – The Microsoft Theater was packed for the Metallica Concert. The Metallica Helping Hands Charity Auction was recently completed. PowerBass was proud to partner with friends at T-FRESH / TIMMY FRESH BRAND custom bicycles and their Metallica Themed Charity Auction Bike!

The custom Timmy Fresh bike brought a bid of $6500. The Timmy Fresh Metallica bike was a unique theme built one-off charity raffle item that was part of the All Within My Hands Foundation to help the Helping Hands Concert & Auction in Los Angeles on December 16th. A PowerBass BT-200 was added to Timmy Fresh Custom Bike and added to the value of that auction item.

Tim Garcia, Timmy Fresh owner, related “We have been doing custom bikes in our shop in Clovis CA for 8 years. We have participated in many charity auctions. Early this year I reached out to the Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation. When I heard back we made a presentation that was accepted. Our bike builds are special with matte finishes with different wheel sizes and more. We are waiting to learn the name of the winner so we can arrange delivery. The actual bike was in the PowerBass booth at SEMA and grabbed a lot of eyeballs which also led to visibility of the PowerBass BT-200 BlueTooth speaker.”

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, was instrumental in arranging the BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker on the Timmy Fresh bike and attended the concert. “The Microsoft Theater was packed and Metallica did not disappoint. Their performance was Emmy winning and the presentation on stage was second to none. The Helping Hands Auction saw a the top bid on the Tommy Fresh bike at an amazing $6500! The auction winner will certainly enjoy the PowerBass BT-200 Bluetooth speaker on their rides” Harbour related.

All Within My Hands Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.

The Timmy Fresh Metallica Auction Bike was featured on display in the PowerBass Booth at SEMA and spotlighted the new Timmy Fresh Bike mounts for the PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT Portable Bluetooth Speaker which keeps the rider’s music secure so the ride keeps on rocking!

For more see powerbassusa.com.

12-30-2022 Olathe, Kansas – ZyCoat, LLC announces the launch of ZyClear™, the game changing, high temperature, high gloss technology clear coating formulated for the automotive industry. ZyClear is a liquid thin film, single component coating that makes engine parts look awesome under the hood. ZyClear is spray applied or wiped on and is a mere 4 to 6 microns thick when applied. ZyClear is the first high temperature, high gloss coating for the harsh under the hood engine environment.

“The ZyClear coating is a continuation of ZyCoat, LLC’s development of high temperature, direct to metal, liquid coating that are easy-to-apply yet touch enough to withstand the harsh engine environment”, stated Tim McCarthy, Founder & CEO. “There are so many benefits related to ZyClear. The applications are endless, and we expect ZyClear to not only complement our ZyBar color coatings but also an outstanding standalone clear coating product for high temperature environments. We are incredibly proud to be the first to bring this technology to market”, McCarthy added.

ZyClear is the first high temperature clear coating technology to offer high gloss and high durability in the under-the-hood automotive environment. ZyClear hs very good corrosion resistance, is easy to apply and now gives us a clear, high-gloss topcoat for ZyCoat’s line of ZyBar® high temperature coatings. ZtClear’s hydrophobic properties which makes it an excellent clear top coat to make any engine compartment parts that have been painted with automotive paints easy to keep clean. ZyClear can be applied to chrome, stainless steel, cast, mild steel, aluminum, and many other substrates. ZyClear is currently being tested to be applied to heavy truck stainless stacks to make the removal of carbon build up and discoloration easy to do.

ZyCoat provides detailed application instructions and has numerous professional coater referral partners across the country. ZyClear brings a new technology that simply didn’t exist in this market up until now. To learn more about ZyCoat and the ZyClear technology visit the HushMat & ZyCoat booth #23195 located in Hot Rod Alley.

NOVI MI (12.29.22) – Introducing Brandmotion’s New Wireless Transparent Trailer System. The Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System from Brandmotion consists of two HD digital cameras delivering HD video to a full-width digital rearview mirror screen. This allows you to see behind your trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – and continuously monitor your truck bed and the front of the trailer.

The system provides obstruction-free rearview visibility, solving the traditional visibility problems for pickup drivers who tow. The rearmost camera is wirelessly mounted behind the trailer and easily snaps into trailers with built-in camera brackets. The second camera, cleanly integrated into the third brake light of the pickup truck, provides an unobstructed view of the vehicle’s bed and the front of the trailer. When not towing, you will have a view of the vehicle cargo bed and the blindspots behind the vehicle.

Together, these camera views – easily selectable with a touch of the high-quality rearview mirror display – eliminate blind spots. Unlike any other towing camera on the market, the Brandmotion Transparent Trailer system provides continuous visibility and utility with or without a trailer, making it a versatile and high-value option for drivers who detach and reattach their trailers regularly.

• See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.

• Watch the front of the trailer through the integrated third brake light cargo bed camera. Want a quick check on your boat, camper, or horse trailer? Simply touch the bottom of the mirror to switch camera views.

• Capture excellent daily utility beyond towing by watching your pickup bed cargo at all times AND eliminating blind spots around the rear of your truck when not towing.

• Thanks to the wireless trailer camera that snaps into most existing trailer camera brackets, installation of the entire system is simple, with no hole-drilling or loss of vehicle features (professional installation recommended).

Click to select your vehicle.

Since 2018, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has raised awareness of successful women in the automotive aftermarket through its ‘She Is SEMA’ campaign. Every month features a new and exciting feature spotlighting what these women do, how they landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

This month’s She Is SEMA spotlight is raising awareness of the 11 women who led the SBN All-Female Bronco Build to success. Coming from various industry careers, these women put in countless hours of organizing and planning to ensure each of the 127 total SBN build volunteers had a hand in the build.  

Read about each SBN build lead below to learn about who ‘She Is’:

SBN Build Leads

Cathy Clark

Clark is the president of Bob Cook Sales, SBN chair and a 14-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Sara Morosan

Morosan is the SBN chair-elect, president of BAJA Forged and SEMA’s 2021 Person of the Year. Raised in an automotive family, Morosan has been building cars since she was 13 years old and currently volunteers with several SEMA committees and initiatives including SBN, SEMA Cares, TORA and SEMA Education.

Build Week Leads

Jennifer Petraitis

Petraitis is employed at Driven Lighting Group. Petraitis takes pride working in the automotive aftermarket, focused on being the best in automotive lighting. When she is not at work or home, you can find her at the dragstrip with a camera or lending a hand helping a radial tire car.

Kathryn Reinhardt

Reinhardt is the senior vice president of marketing and events at Hemmings, a SEMA Board member and an automotive industry veteran with a passion for marketing aftermarket parts. Reinhardt’s dedication to the automotive aftermarket includes memberships with SBN, TORA, FLN and SEMA Cares.

Parts and Sponsorship Leads

Cora Jokinen

Jokinen is the president of Toq-Masters Industries Inc. With a design, engineering and project management background, Jokinen offers consulting services for business strategy, marketing and branding in the automotive and offroad industry.

Rebeca Olavarrieta

Olavarrieta is the CEO of Roxo 4×4. Olavarrieta got involved in the automotive industry when she was 16 years old by racing 1/4-mile with her supercharged Mustang Cobra. Her company is now present in Miami, Honduras and Spain, but even her busy business schedule can’t keep her off the wheel, as she has also competed in international off-road events in Venezuela, Honduras, Panama and Germany representing her business.

Event Leads

Tiffanie Hartenstein

Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting. Hartenstein’s approach to business includes a heavy importance on culture and people. She enjoys infusing fun into the workplace while providing new and exciting products into the industry.

Aliceje Keyburn

Keyburn is a senior graphic designer at Race Winning Brands. She has been involved in the powersports and automotive industry for almost 10 years and has been a passionate fan all her life. Uniting her passion for creativity with her love for powersports and automotive is her dream come true.

Marketing Leads

Charlene Bower

Bower is the owner of Bower Motorsports Media. Bower has worked in the off-road industry for more than 27 years between multi-line motorcycle dealerships, the magazine industry, offroad education and event and media management. Her most recent project is Ladies Offroad Network that offers education for women in the off-road space.

Mandee Bradshaw

Bradshaw is senior marketing manager for Aftermarket for Vehlo. She has spent most of her career in the automotive industry and is focused on helping shop owners get access to the technology and knowledge they need to obtain success.

Beth Brennan

Brennan is the general manager of TREAD Agency, a part of Kahn Media. Brennan has a brand marketing background and has worked in outdoor and aftermarket automotive industries. She has been involved with SEMA for more than five years and volunteers for the SBN select committee.

Volunteer Leads

Haley Keelin

Keelin is in social sales at Driven Lighting Group. Keelin is passionate about all things automotive and started her career young as her father’s professional flashlight holder. She now works with the largest brands in automotive lighting and focuses on bringing the best products available to the industry.

Melissa Parker-Boudreaux

Parker-Boudreaux is a national sales manager at ORACLE Lighting. She recently celebrated 11 years with ORACLE Lighting, where she rose through administration and sales to land the position she has today. She oversees a dynamic sales and customer service team and creates relationships with distribution accounts.

Project Manager

Sherry Kollien

Kollien is a program manager at Motor City Solutions. Prior to her current role, Kollien worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years where she worked in the Dyno Lab performing powertrain testing and managed the SEMA Project Vehicle program and Ford/SEMA Tech transfer program. Kollien has served on the SBN and TORA select committees.

To learn more about the SBN All-Female Bronco Build, and to view a list of all 127 volunteers, visit www.sema.org/sbn-build.

Here’s a first look at the RHD Corvette E-Ray while testing outside of GMs Milford Proving Grounds.

Back in 2021, GM confirmed that they would offer the Z06 in right hand drive following the reveal of the C8 Corvette. The Z06 is expected to be offered in the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other RHD markets. That being said, GM has been pretty quiet when it comes to the E-Ray, but our shots confirm that it will be available in the aforementioned markets.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect an official debut in early 2023 with an on-sale date in Q2 as a 2024 model.