Table of contents for Issue 2 2016 in InCar Entertainment

Just when you thought Lamborghini cars could not get more gorgeous, the Huracán open-top LP 610-4 Spyder hits the show rooms. In order to provide the true Spyder feeling, the Huracán provides a fast-folding electrohydraulic lightweight soft-top which combined with aerodynamic design features provides a superb ‘convertible’ experience. Of course, the brand’s class-leading performance envelope still applies here, the Huracán can reach zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 324 km/h via its naturally aspirated 5.2 l V10 engine which can provide 449 kW of pure unadulterated power. “The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.…

Summernats has said goodbye to its twenties in style with the 29th running of the event once again bringing big excitement to the Capital. The event saw over 100,000 spectators making the pilgrimage to see nearly 2000 entrants not only show off their pride and joy but prove themselves in competitive judging, grass events, Go to Woah, Burnout, Dyno and not to forget the Sound Off competitions. But before this could all commence, the annual opening ceremony of the City Cruise was completed. This saw a record 250 cars take part with some much wilder cars then previous years rolling down Northbourne Avenue… with a bit more rumble then normal traffic. This provided a great spectacle for thousands of families and punters looking at a taste of things to come…

The notorious ‘bush flat’ is a blown-out tyre, with a ring of tread rubber sitting on a smoking, shredded sidewall. This result leads most people to blame a sidewall puncture for the problem, but it’s usually not the case. When a tyre blows out in Hollywood style, it’s often due to an undetected slow leak, almost always caused by a small common tread puncture. The slow leakage creates a drop in pressure and that produces more tyre flex, which generates a build-up of heat. Persistent flexing and decreasing pressure means exponential heat increase. Eventually, the ‘baked’ casing surrenders. A tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system will alert a driver to such a leak in its very early stages. This allows the driver to pull over and make a temporary plug…

The third product category, produced by Midland and one that compliments 4WD thrill seekers is the ‘Next Generation’ range of intercoms that enable easy & reliable communication between motorcyclists and adventurers without compromising on safety. Whether riding quad bikes, skiing the slopes, or engaging in any extreme sport or adventure where your brains need protection, these intercoms leave the whole spirit of the rider or sportsman intact as they suit all types of helmets and are built for dusty & wet environments with an IPX4 rating. Providing complete handsfree communication and integration with your devices, the Midland intercoms are simply paired via Bluetooth to your phone, to your MP3, GPS Navigator and other devices while providing long lasting battery life. VOX voice activation means instant call answering without lifting a…

Any way you look at it, the Italians can build some amazing cars. Mentioned Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and the like and you’ll receive hushed tones of admiration and envy. But at the other end of the scale, where mere mortals live, there are interesting options too. Think Lancia, Alfa and, of course, the most diminutive yet eye-catching Fiat brand complete with a colourful and noteworthy history. Here we have Julian Gligorov’s Fiat 500 who approached us a few months ago asking us whether his pride-and-joy was feature-worthy. Our answer? A resounding si! TECH SPECS owner: Julian Gligorov vehicle: 2008 Fiat 500 engine: 1.4L Multi-Jet induction: BMC Air transmission: 6-speed manual exhaust: Custom Exhaust with stainless tips suspension: Eibach Pro-Kit brakes: EBC Rotors, front slotted, EBC red stuff pads wheels: Factory…

The newest incarnation of the oldest mass communication technology is presently firmly lodged in a chicken and egg conundrum. Radio is ready to move from an analogue pathway to a digital carriage. The technology is here. The standards have been set. But it will be difficult for broadcasters to justify the equipment expense until there’s a critical mass of DAB+ receivers. But there’ll be a limited demand for DAB+ receivers until broadcast coverage is wider. Meanwhile, the whole thing has been caught in a bureaucratic morass for years. DAB+ operates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and nowhere else officially. Tough luck Tassie! Travelling sales people, truckies and holiday makers from those capitals, if they have a DAB+ head unit in their vehicles, will have to switch over to…

Head unit specialist Zenec has announced its new flagship ‘universal’ multimedia deck with 6.2-inch touch screen and all the bells and whistles. The company refers to its new Z-N626 head unit as a ‘Naviceiver’ which of course states, right there, the unit’s possession of navigation and radio receiver… oh but there’s a whole lot more too. For starters, the navigation is via the latest customised NNG with iGO primo NextGen Navigation package for Australia & New Zealand (optional Hema 4WD maps). It features 3D landmarks, enhanced junction views, text-to-speech and much more. Parrot Bluetooth allows pairing with up to three mobile phones with up to 1000 contacts each while two phones can be used simultaneously. Music streaming from appropriate devices is also catered for. The Z-N626 features DAB+ radio (antenna…

It was reported at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show that two aspects of the mobile entertainment industry are going through signifi cant changes. Firstly, CarPlay and Android Auto are becoming considerably more widespread and far more affordable. These are the technologies that mimic an app-based UI from your smartphone while allowing hands-free use for a number of functions including text messages, etc. Several companies, such as JVC/Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer and Jensen are expanding their model options with these technologies on board while audio stalwart JBL has announced its fi rst head unit in many, many years also featuring CarPlay and Android Auto. While some companies are only offering either CarPlay or Android Auto due to the complexities of the technologies, many are opting to include both at a small price…

Like the intro states, this VW Golf GT Sport’s owner wanted a colour scheme that kept-in with the factory tones. But then, as a show car, it all had to be taken way, way ahead of any factory system via a commission to specialist Hyper Sound Car Audio. DESIGNING FOR DIGITAL In order to take the entire audio shebang to a whole ‘nutha level, the system was specified around Digital Designs range of amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. The factory VW RNS510 head unit with builtin navigation was maintained as the source signal generator while two Audison bit Ones (yes two, it has been confirmed) were put into the path to massage the signal to get the best out of it. The two bit One processors have been used in order…

Axis offers the latest in-vehicle accident Digital Video Recorders (often referred to as crash cams or in-car ‘black boxes’) that let you record your road trip in high definition, but also protect you from fraudulent claims or accident disputes! Installation is a simple plug and play with neat mounting internally on the windscreen. The Axis range of DVRs can be set up to loop record which means continuous capturing of what is happening on the road, and users can then simply playback the journey! This is ideal for recreational drivers and 4WD enthusiasts or parents that want to assess the safety of younger drivers. These smart recorders also automatically detect any sudden changes in movement through their smart G-Sensor, such as when an accident or impact occurs, or in a…

MIDLAND Since 1959, Midland has been at the forefront of consumer & commercial two-way radio technology, delivering versatility, durability, high-quality performance & affordability. Midland is the oldest manufacturer of CB radios in the U.S., the first to introduce a 14-channel FRS radio to the market, and a leading supplier of consumer weather/all-hazards alert radios. Midland is a leading supplier of 2-way Professional communications products to Federal, State and Local Government Agencies as well as Private Commercial Enterprises. The latest portfolio for Australia includes both CB & LMR solutions along with long range Bluetooth Intercom Systems & submersible HD cameras. AXIS For the last 20 years, AXIS has focused on developing specialised mobile electronics solutions for Australasia including: • Car audio, AV and mulitimedia systems, • Communications accessories • Mobile Safety…

We feature yet another outstanding iconic American car in this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS. The car stands out like a highly-ranked Aztec Warrior would with top honours from his own tribe. Just to fill you in on a little history, the Aztec Warrior was a glorified position in its society, basically like going into the army. They would offer significant rewards for the successful soldier. As an honour of being a real Aztec Warrior they got to carry weapons such as the macahuitl, clubs, and bows and arrows. SOUND BATTLE Even the owner, Matt Dearing, had a few requirements for his 65 Impala when he found it for sale, one being that it needed to have a massive audio system setup. Don’t worry mission accomplished, let me tell you all…

If ever there was an audio company truly describable as omnipresent it would be American-born Rockford Fosgate. During its half century tenure producing some of the most recognisable products on the planet, Rockford Fosgate, or simply Rockford in local vernacular, has been there and done it all. This includes the marine element too, and history will record that Rockford dominated this fundamental corner of the market long before many of its competitors even considered its relevance. HIGH SEAS One trend you’ll notice when browsing company marine stables (should that be aquariums?) is that the products number far less than that of car audio. This is not simply because there’s less boats but also because marine vessels tend to not adhere too strictly to standard size components, especially where head units…

Cars in general have meant a lot throughout Kim Smith’s life. She has always held a special interest in them and this ute, in particular, has been part of her life for around 12 years. And it became all the more important when Kim’s family had to suffer through a personal tragedy. Kim’s son Matt passed away in a car accident on his way home one night and the tragedy almost saw her pulling out of the car and audio lovers’ hobby altogether. Luckily, she was given enormous support from car audio enthusiasts and Kim was re-motivated to continue her passion while at the same time making her beloved ute a celebration of Matt’s life. GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS Understandably confounded as to how to make the ute into a celebration…

With the world’s most colossal tradeshow opening its doors from the 6-9th of January 2016 it was time to browse the latest technology and chat to the movers and shakers behind the scenes. Crowds were thick on throughout the tremendously lengthy halls of the LVCC building. The CES show makes history almost every year and this year was no exception. It broke its own records this year with more than 3,800 exhibitors, 170,000 attendant industry professionals including more than 50,000 from outside the United States. Preparations and planning were made to make the most of the spread-out mobile electronics exhibits. And it must be stressed that it’s quite the challenge to actually cover the entire selection of exhibitors when you consider time spent checking out products, getting relevant detail and…

Camera monitor systems have made a dramatic impact to driver vision and safety, offering wider angles of view and multiple images on a single monitor. They can help eliminate blind spots and when reversing, especially in 4x4s or SUVs they ultimately save lives. Also, when towing a caravan, boat or trailer, extra visibility can save time and headaches, and also prevent costly vehicle or equipment damage. Vehicle blind spots are a huge contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles and objects. The increased height and length of 4WDs greatly limit driver visibility. Further to that, the driver’s position, bodywork panels, absent or smaller rear windows, plus bulkheads all create further restrictions. Two of the best solutions include the JS358W and the JS055CK which cater for both occasional and full-time towing,…

Midland is all about capturing the action so the latest range of Action Cameras are essential for any 4WD, Camping & Off Road adventure. Midland is proud to have developed some of the most compact and lightest Full HD video cameras in the market which fuse sophisticated technology with extreme ease of use. Chosen by sports fans, bikers, winter sports enthusiasts, divers and many others, the Midland Action Cams are versatile and suitable for any situation, and for every moment that must be shot and remembered. The cameras have a massive range of mounting options and accessories with a big plus for helmet wearers in that they offer a side-mount option instead of forcing only a top-mount ‘tellytubby” look. Choose from either the mini XTC270/XTC280 (Black/Grey) at just $199 RRP,…

In 1973 three young guys calling themselves Fairfield Car Radio were selling and installing eight-track cassette players out of a tin shed and AM radios had trendy push- button tuning. How times have changed! Forty years on, Fairfield Car Radio is still the place to go in Sydney for the best in mobile electronic audio, video and security. Now located in modern premises the same basic business philosophy still applies -honesty, integrity, attention to detail, pride in its work, expert advice, some of the worlds best products and of course competitive pricing. We aren’t the biggest and we’re not always the cheapest – the best never is. We offer and recommend quality products which we consider being right for your individual needs, all at real value for money. Eight-track tape…

Within the competition arena, 40 year old American company JL Audio, colloquially known as JL, is either the crown upon your head or the thorn in your side depending on which side of the fence you’re seated on. Tenacious owners of early JL products still rave about them, and I too harbour fond memories of these weapons from decades past. The first generation W6 – retrospectively called W6v1 – was a hearty beast. The absolute pinnacle of sound quality subwoofers in its day, it was a serious force to be reckoned with. After years at the top JL chose to rework the W6 range, much to the dismay of many including this author. Not to say the evolved W6v2 didn’t improve upon its predecessors shortcomings; it’s just that some of…