SEMA Ignited Is Back for 2022

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.11.22) – SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Credentialed 2022 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts may purchase tickets at www.semaignited.com beginning June 3, 2022.

Tickets available for purchase will include $20 “Standing Room Access” to SEMA Ignited. These ticket holders are able to meet with exhibiting companies and have a great view of the SEMA Cruise as well as all the drifting performances. You can also reserve your bleacher seat at the event and purchase your “Reserved Seating” ticket for $50. The limited reserved seating tickets allow you the opportunity to visit exhibiting companies, stop at one of the many food trucks for a bite to eat or just grab a drink without the concern of losing your seat.

Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to purchase the SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience badge allowing FRIDAY-ONLY access to the 2022 SEMA Show as well as standing room access to SEMA Ignited for $60, if purchased prior to September 30. After this date, SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience tickets will cost $90.

Friday Experience badge pick up will be located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Friday Experience Registration area. Friday Experience Registration hours are Friday, November 4, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. SEMA Show hours on Friday, November 4, are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Important Restrictions: Each person registered for the SEMA Friday Experience must pick up their badge with their purchase confirmation bar code and photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do not need to qualify to purchase and you MUST be at least 16 years or older to purchase and attend the Show.

For more information about Friday Experience or SEMA Ignited, contact info@semaignited.com.

Visit semaignited.com for more.

Design engineering Releases Knitted Exhaust Sleeves for 3″ Pipes

AVON LAKE, OH (05.11.22) – Users asked and Design Engineering, Inc. delivered. DEI’s popular Titanium Knitted Sleeves are now available in a smaller size to fit 3″ to 3.5″ (# 10042) OD exhaust and turbo pipes, up to 36″ in length.

Previously available in 12” and 24″ lengths to fit 4″ to 5″ pipes, the sleeves have a max temperature rating of 1800°F and a continuous rating of 1382°F. They can be cut to fit any application, and are also available in special-order custom lengths.

“Users have found many uses for our Titanium Knitted Sleeves, and some began asking for a smaller diameter to fit certain turbo downpipes,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “These versatile sleeves can expand up to 3.5-inch in diameter, offering heat protection for a variety of street and race machines.”

Designed to protect vulnerable components and prevent heat from transferring into vehicle cabins, the sleeves are made from a thick basalt material that expands over sensor bungs and flanges and can be rolled at the ends. Kits include locking ties and tool to secure the sleeves to the pipes.

The sleeves have passed a variety of flammability, burn and salt spray tests for reliability, offering complete protection for vulnerable components and bodywork.

For more information about Titanium Knitted Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Kawasaki Unveils New 2023 Teryx4 S Special Edition Powered with HiFonics Audio

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.10.22) – The ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition demands more out of adventure with a truly integrated audio solution that brings out godlike levels of listening, immersion, and durability. Hifonics is proud to continue its growing partnership with Kawasaki vehicles in an audio package that is explosive in volume, vibrant in playback, and brings out the ultimate adventure-seeking adrenaline in every rider. Get ready to unleash Teryx4 S POWER while demanding more from audio!

On Maxxsonics/Hifonics continuing the partnership and relationship with Kawasaki, Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Maxxsonics, said, “Being able to continue this partnership with Kawasaki and their vehicles has me very excited for the future. Hifonics is all about power that is ready for adventure seekers, off-road enthusiasts, and those who demand more from their audio and sound on every Kawasaki adventure. Continuing this crucial partnership with Kawasaki has been important and valuable to Hifonics and Maxxsonics.

ABOUT THE 2023 KAWASAKI TERYX4 S SPECIAL EDITION WITH HIFONICS AUDIO

The 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition comes complete with an AM/FM Bluetooth radio that utilizes a 4-channel, 160-watt internal amplifier that powers four high-end speakers. A large LCD display with backlit controls offers easy accessibility, while large waterproof buttons make control of your thrilling jam session a breeze while embarking upon the road ahead.

The speakers are mounted in composite enclosures (two below the dash and two in the dash) to help resist any elements from the journey or harsh conditions that the journey may bring. 12dB Butterworth internal crossover offers a smooth transition from high to lower frequencies, while a high-temperature composite enclosure secures the speakers to the machine and aids in assuring deeper bass.

In addition, bridged woofers and tweeters feature 19mm (.75”) pure titanium dome tweeters composite poly cones that provide sharp, crisp, and deep bass while staying waterproof against conditions on the way. A high-energy strontium ferrite magnet is utilized for higher output with minimal amplifier power, giving audio a sound that is clean and undistorted.

On the development of this Hifonics audio package featured in the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition, Armando Triana, Senior Product Development Specialist, said, “This audio package is a truly integrated solution that brings out loud sound that can be heard through any environment that adventure seeks out. You’re going to receive best-in-class fit and finish for this type of audio kit, and the playback you’re going to hear creates concert levels of immersion of loudness. I am so excited to be a part of this Kawasaki project, and I’m even more thrilled to see what comes next between this continued partnership.”

Available only through Kawasaki dealers as 99994-1524 or factory-installed on NEW Teryx LE models, feel untamed adventure flow through every outdoor journey with audio that transcends adrenaline. Bring undistorted levels of detailed playback and listening into every quest for wanting to hear more from your sound with the Teryx4 LE Teryx  Hifonics audio system. 

From booming lows to steady mids and rich highs, get ready for speakers that bring out quality with undistorted power into every genre of music. Feel your music come alive on every outdoor adventure with POWER FROM THE GODS,and take on thrills and adventure around every corner with the ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition!

Visit hifonics.com for more.

Eleven Engineering to Donate May Profits to Ukraine Support

EDMONTON, ALBERTA (05.10.22) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. has announced that it will donate its May 2022 profits from its Skaastore.com to help support Ukrainian refugees in dire need of assistance during the current crisis with Russia.

“May is a month to get angry and a month to do something about it,” said John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO. “We are heartbroken for the Ukrainian refugees fleeing to neighboring countries and those stuck in the warzone, as well as outraged by the needless humanitarian crisis caused by Russian’s unprovoked invasion. Putin’s a bully of the worst sort. He’s given orders to take Ukraine, even if that means killing civilians, and no one really even knows yet how many women and children have been displaced and killed already. He’s threatened all countries who would aid Ukraine with nuclear reprisal. But giving in to a bully never works…it just enables them and leads to even worse situations and outcomes.”

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, home to Eleven Engineering’s headquarters, has the largest Ukrainian population of any Canadian city. “And this fact really hits home for us,” Sobota said.

As a result, Eleven Engineering is not only pledging all SKAAstore profits for the month of May to go towards Ukraine support, it is also announcing a call-to-arms to other Canadian-based companies.

“What Eleven Engineering is doing here is a small thing, and Ukraine’s neighboring countries can also only do so much,” Sobota conceded. “So, Canadians need to pitch in as much as possible and that will make a difference. As a result, we’re challenging all Canadian companies to speak out and donate their profits in May, as well. Donate to where exactly? That’s up to them as we are still researching the best places to send the funds we’re raising this month and we’ll announce the donations’ destination(s) in June.”

As May rolls along, Eleven Engineering invites everyone to share their first-hand stories of heroes from this conflict on its social media platforms.

“We believe that most Russians would refuse to carry out the horrors of which Putin’s army has been ordered to do,” Sobota continued. “Most Russians refuse to become animals. We salute those inside Russia who risk their lives by openly protesting the war. We salute the Russian soldiers who’ve turned to fight for Ukraine, refusing to kill their Ukrainian brothers and their families to fulfill Putin’s agenda. These are real heroes.” #NotAllRussians

Sobota’s decision to donate profits and his call-to-action are based on these numerous factors, and more.

“We’re in the audio market in no small part because it’s as far away from war and violence as you can get,” Sobota explained. “But when something as horrible as this happens, plain and simple, it’s everyone’s responsibility to do something about it. We see heroes on television every day that are fighting back against this aggression, and we want to do something for those that have been displaced, or worse. That’s why we’re donating SKAAstore profits from May and working to encourage others to help in their own way through our social media channels.”

SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

For more information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com, and visit www.elevenengineering.com, www.SKAA.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook.

Maxxsonics Welcomes Chris Bennett

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.08.22) – Effective Wednesday, May 4, Chris Bennett will be joining Maxxsonics as a National Sales Manager. Chris will be adding more growth and company outreach while driving sales in 2022 and beyond.

On joining the Maxxsonics team and his new position, Chris Bennett, National Sales Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “What a great opportunity it is for me to join the team here. To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I look forward to helping our dealers, distribution partners, and representatives grow with flourish using any of our Maxxsonics brands. There is so much already in the works that will solidify the Maxxsonics brands with ALL of our direct dealers and distribution partners.”

Previously, Chris was the Director of Mobile Audio at AudioControl as well a National Key Account Manager at Metra Electronics. He also owned a successful retail shop in California called Audio Habitat. With nearly 30 years of service in the 12v community his passion for car audio is well known.

On the new hiring, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “I am so glad to have Chris as he brings a lot of experience and perspective to the Maxxsonics team. We’re certainly excited to have Chris here!”

As a National Sales Manager at Maxxsonics, Chris will be creating products and opportunities for direct dealers and helping Maxxsonics distribution partners grow and thrive. In addition, he will be educating and training clients so they can make the most out of using our products and building our brands to be the best they have ever been. Chris will help strengthen the reputation of all Maxxsonics brands, putting them on a pedestal of recognition, notice, and brand awareness.

On the new hiring, Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, added, “I am reinvigorated to welcome Chris Bennett into the Maxxsonics family. Seeing what he brings to the table regarding sales strategy and company growth has me very excited. His experience in the audio industry and his wealth of contacts will undoubtedly lead to his success.”

As 2022 approaches its midpoint, Maxxsonics is looking forward to having Chris bring his experience, new sales plans, growth, and fresh perspective in the car audio, Marine, and Powersports markets and his critical relationships in each industry.

Visit at maxxsonics.com for more.

2022 SEMA Show Registration Now Open

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.09.22) – Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2-18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10-15 minutes.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million square feet of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA Vice President of Sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends, and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

JBL WIND3 & WIND3S Adds Audio to Your Cycling Experience

STAMFORD, CT (05.06.22) – JBL aftermarket has now entered cycling audio market with the introduction of WIND3 and WIND3S products.

Both systems feature a tuned Bluetooth speaker for the outdoor environment. Durable on-the-road and on-the-go portability ready for cycling, hiking or wherever else your adventure takes you. WIND3S is your Bluetooth solution while WIND3 adds Aux input & FM tuner to stay connected to local broadcast. Both models are IP67 waterproof/dustproof rated. Both include the handlebar clip for secure mounting to round bar application.

“We are excited to provide a great sounding portable solution with great flexibility. Wind3 and Wind3S provide you with hours of playback front and center on your cycling route keeping you focused and alert on the trails.

You can undock it and take it with you so no need to disconnect or go without tunes. Great portable audio solution that pairs perfectly with JBL CLICK Bluetooth controller” Shawn Spedding – Director of sales – Aftermarket audio.

JBL WIND3S Features:

  • Bluetooth
  • IPX67 rating
  • Handlebar mount and clip included
  • 5 hours playback
  • $69.95

JBL WIND3 Features:

  • Added to WIND3S
  • FM Tuner
  • Aux input
  • TF/MicroSD
  • $79.95

Visit JBL.com for more.

Tint World Hires Dane Bryant as Front-End Developer

BOCA RATON, FL – (05.06.22) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the hiring of new front-end web developer Dane Bryant.

Bryant’s responsibilities as front-end developer at Tint World include the ongoing management and support of the company’s growing website as well as strategic support for the company’s digital marketing efforts.

Dane Bryant

“As Tint World continues to add locations and expand into new territories, our digital presence is also growing,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “Dane’s experience, technical skills and commitment are essential for us to continue to present a robust digital profile that supports our strategic growth in 2022.”

Bryant, a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, has more than 20 years of experience in web development, design and support, software development, multimedia, social media and digital marketing.

“It’s an exciting time to join the Tint World family,” Bryant said. “Being part of the team that has fueled the company’s dynamic success motivates me every day to ensure that our website and other digital resources are supporting our strategy and delivering results.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

SEMA Provides Chance of a Lifetime for Businesses to Reach New Heights with Launch Pad Competition

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.05.22) – Emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products are invited to enter their companies and brand-new inventions into the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition at www.sema.org/launchpad.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

Dustin Woolf won the 2021 Launch Pad competition for his product Natural Nitrous, a standalone mechanical intake cooling system.

“The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level.”

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

Jeep Beach wrapped with a beach cruise on Sunday morning, May 1st.

SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO, or VP) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13, 2022.

Alpine Now Shipping High-Resolution 2-DIN Multimedia Receiver

AUBURN HILLS, MI (05.05.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), is now shipping the iLX-507, a High-Resolution 2-DIN 7-inch Multimedia Receiver.

New Benchmark for Dash Performance
For those looking to upgrade their factory system with the latest in-vehicle technology but maintain a factory look on their dash, the iLX-507 features a standard 2-DIN chassis and fitment with a 7-inch WXGA High-Resolution Display (1280x720px) that fits into most dash openings.

The iLX-507 features High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) via a wired USB connection to a smartphone or wirelessly throughBluetooth® connection so music can be streamed from popular Hi-Res platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and more. The iLX-507 also has a USB input so Hi-Res music files can be played directly from a USB drive.

Features like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and built-in Bluetooth® hands-free calling with audio streaming allows access to music, messages, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via a wired USB connection or wirelessly. These features are controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone. The receiver is SiriusXM-Ready® (SXV-300G2 2018-Up Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; SiriusXM subscription required) and includes built-in HD Radio® for additional entertainment options.

Exciting System Expandability Options
The iLX-507 includes two camera inputs to add a front, side, or rear camera (sold separately). The rearview camera input includes a distance guide display that overlays guidelines onto the screen for ease when moving in reverse.

When used with the DVR-C320R Premium 1080P Front and Rear Dash Camera with built-in drive assist (sold separately), the iLX-507 can display real-time and recorded drives in high-definition and provide audible drive assist alerts like front collision, lane departure, and front car movement through the vehicle’s speakers.

On-board tuning features bring out the full potential of music playback with a 13-band parametric EQ per channel, for continuous frequency control. The 6-channel time correction ensures that music is staged properly in the front and center of the vehicle. Additional amplifiers can be added using the three sets of true 4V preamp outputs with front, rear, and subwoofer control if more power is needed.

The iLX-507 is compatible with the new RUX-H02 Alpine Halo Bass and Volume Controller (sold separately). The controller easily mounts to the dash and allows quick-access controls to the subwoofer and main volume through a wireless Bluetooth connection.

The iLX-507 is a Digital Media Receiver (no CD/DVD player). However, an HDMI input and output are included to connect a DVD player or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.  

Convenient System Compatibility
Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory functionality such as steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. However, iLX-507 is compatible with the iDatalink® Maestro Module (sold separately) allowing select OEM features to be retained and vehicle information displayed on the screen.

The iLX-507 is now shipping at a MAP of $749.95 and is available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Authorized Installation Centers can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.