To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the award winning W7 subwoofer, JL audio recently released a special limited edition run of the consumer and pro models. Not to worry, JL Audio hasn’t changed any technical specs of the W7, however they have added some commercial asthetics including: Satin-Black Basket, a “W7 Anniversary Edition” badge on the cone, a brighter outer trim ring, as well as new labels and packaging. Each has been signed and numbered by JL Audio’s founder, CEO and Chief Engineer Lucio Proni.

Hit the jump for pricing info and more images.

W7AE Anniversary Edition Subwoofers

13W7AE                    $1,199.95

12W7AE                    $   849.95

10W7AE                    $   649.95

8W7AE                    $   449.95

W7AE-LP Limited Editions

13W7AE                    $1,299.95 (Limited Edition of 300)

12W7AE                    $   949.95 (Limited Edition of 300)

10W7AE                    $   749.95 (Limited Edition of 200)

8W7AE                    $   549.95 (Limited Edition of 150)

After market car audio products have become increasingly affordable over the last couple years. Following that trend JL Audio just released the new JX new amp series aimed at entry level customers who want high quality audio. Designed by JL’s CEO Lucio Proni, the amps have a clean high end look without the high end price.

Two full-range models (JX360/2 and JX360/4) offer well-proven Class A/B designs with rugged unregulated MOSFET power supplies and high-mass heat sinks to effectively dissipate heat. On-board active filters can be used in high-pass or low-pass mode and pass-through pre-amp outputs provide additional system wiring flexibility. High-level wired and low-level RCA-type inputs are provided for easy connection to a wide range of source units and systems.

Two monoblock models (JX250/1 and JX500/1) feature linear amplifier designs, while the 1000/1D monoblock offers an ultra-efficient Class D circuit to reduce physical size and current draw. All three monoblocks feature variable low-pass filters, pass-through preamp outputs, variable Bass EQ boost and remote level control via an optional wired controller. As with the full-range models, high-level wired and low-level RCA-type inputs are provided for easy connection to a wide range of source units and systems.

Hit the jump for pricing information.

JX360/2: 360 Watt two-channel (US MSRP: $199.95)

JX360/4: 360 Watt four-channel (US MSRP: $299.95)

JX250/1: 250W monoblock subwoofer amplifier (US MSRP: $219.95)

JX500/1: 500W monoblock subwoofer amplifier (US MSRP: $329.95)

JX1000/1D: 1000W monoblock Class D subwoofer amplifier (US MSRP: $499.95)

Strut has upped the ante once again on after market elegance with the introduction of the Strut LED-Illuminated grille collections for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Land Rover HSE and Sport.

Each grille collection is triple-chromed and shipped completely wired with LED lights already installed. The energy-efficient LEDs are also encased in a waterproof capsule for protection from the elements.

The Mercedes-Benz S Class Collection is designed to work with the daytime running lights as well as the evening lights. The Range Rover Collections connect to the vehicle’s lighting system, and are automatically turned on when the headlights are.

All three designs are currently available.

Suggested Retail Prices:

2010 Land Rover: Range Rover HSE Collection $8,750.00

2010 Land Rover: Range Rover Sport Collection $6,750.00

2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class Collection $10,000.00

TOMTOM GPS just made a ton of Star Wars geeks very happy. Taking advantage of May the 4^th aka Star Wars Day (May the Force, get it) TOMTOM released the Official Star Wars Darth Vader GPS Voice by Locutio VoiceSkins.

This thing is awesome. Besides replacing the standard GPS voice instructions, the Darth Vader GPS Voice is decked out with some of the character’s classic lines, Lucas sound effects, and of course his iconic heavy breathing.

TOMTOM has plans to release C-3PO, Yoda, and Han Solo by the end of the summer. The Darth Vader GPS voice is available for download at TOMTOM.com for $12.95 and compatible with all TOMTOM GPS systems. And check out the Darth Vader promo video TOMTOM put together for the launch.–A. Kennedy

Pioneer made major noise at last January’s CES when the company announced news of 5 new in-dash technologically advanced audio video units priced below market standards. Late last week, they released two of the units, the  AVH-3200DVD and AVH-P3200BT.

Both are double DIN digital media receivers equipped with a user-friendly 5.8 touch slide interface for easy audio and video operation. The models offer advanced iPod and iPhone functionality with iTunes tagging via RDS radio, album art, alphabetical speed search, passenger control and link play.

Hit the jump for more images and info.

One absolutely incredible addition is the Advanced Sound Retriever(ASR), which restores the harmonics lost during the audio compression process. That plus an 8-band graphic equalizer ensure that users obtain the best sound quality. The AVH-3200DVD and AVH-P3200BT both offer DVD playback, while the AVH-P3200BT provides built-in Bluetooth. Both units are navigation ready, enabling control of Pioneer’s new outboard navigation unit, the AVIC-U220 (sold seperately).

The AVH-P3200DVD is offered at $449 and the AVH-P3200BT is offered at $499.

If  neither one of the units fit your car audio needs, check out Pioneer’s Fit Guide. The new site is a one stop location to figure out what Pioneer gear works best with nearly any vehicle on the market today.

The Nissan 370Z coupe is a beautiful car but if there is one thing it is lacking is trunk space (not that you would expect any in a real sports car), especially if you plan on adding subwoofers. That is why JL Audio’s Stealthbox is so fly (and functional).

The Stealthbox  contains two 10W3v3 subwoofers (puts out up to 1000 watts of power)  in a sealed fiberglass enclosure designed to mount ahead of the rear axle to preserve precious cargo space and maintain the vehicle’s excellent weight distribution.

The custom designed (unit will not fit in the 370Z Roadster) Stealthbox  retails for $949.

Today Strut announced the availability of the stainless steel jewelry collection for the Bentley Continental GT Speed. The kit will fit on the 2008-2010 models. The collection includes a primary front grille, a three piece lower intake air vent and a shield for the trunk. The MSRP is $6500 and the collection is shipping now. Hit the jump for more pics.

STRUT has created a collection that adds finesse to the powerful Chevy Camaro. The entire collection features a primary and lower bumper grille with a jewelry-grade stainless steel which surrounds diamond woven mesh. Both feature the distinctive STRUT shield. An additional STRUT shield is included for the rear of the vehicle. Retail price of the collection is $4,000.

2009 Nissan Cube
Horsepower:122
Torque(lb-ft): 127
MPG (city/hwy): 30 est. combined
Price: $13,000-$16,000 (special edition Krom $19,000)

The Cube has been a mainstay in Japan for 10 years now but 2009 will be the first time the mega-popular small SUV is readily available on this side of the Pacific. See more pics and full review

Overview: Built on the Nissan Versa platform, though this is the 1st generation of the vehicle in America it’s the 3rd overall  and the most spacious by far. It’s a full 10 inches longer and 600 lb’s heavier than the previous generation. No need to fret, the little SUV still packs enough power to whip around traffic with ease. We drove the base, S and SL models around sunny Miami and not only did the Cube turn heads with it’s futuristic body it was also surprisingly spry.

Clearly Nissan much like Kia with their new Soul, is going after the Scion Xb market with the Cube. With a similar price point, boxy design and 40 individual accessory options the Cube is a mighty challenger to the throne.

Pros: For such a small vehicle, the Cube is very roomy inside, 2 grown men can fit comfortably in the front and the back seat is raised up theatre style so not only do passengers have decent legroom, they can also see the road. the interior is also accented with ripple effects from the ceiling to the floor, it sounds crazy but it works. The left hinge rear entry is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Cons: The fuel economy is good but from such a small base we expected highway MPG in the mid-high 30’s range. Also the Base and S model 2-speaker and 4-speaker systems leave a lot ot be desired. There would definitely have to be some after market action in that area. Last but not least it would be great if there was a sunroof option on one of the models. The last con is not Nissan’s fault, the previous 2 generations had a front bench seat but due to some regulatory issue.

At the end of the day the Cube is not a chick car but it’s one for the younger consumer. With their viral ad campaign and decent sticker price the Cube just might win in this climate.

How much you’ll kuhvet it:3.5 out of 5