Lowell Conn
Sun
Kenwood’s newly released DPX503
Drew Technologies’ DashDAQ Series II Kit
Little Miss CARgo Jr.
1. Kenwood needs a brand manager: Kenwood’s newly released DPX503 is among the best double-DIN stereo values you’ll find this upcoming holiday season. Aside from the fact that it plays CDs encoded with every audio format in use, it has a large multi-line display that offers all sorts of unique illuminations. It’s a function that needs to be seen to be truly understood. In a nutshell, it helps this device mesh with any interior. Through one-wire connectivity, it has high-speed iPod control. Maximum power output is 200 watts and it future-proofs itself by arriving Bluetooth-ready, satellite radio-ready and HD Radio-ready to boot. The only thing that could lead to less than stellar sales for the DPX503 is that Kenwood seems to be a company that does not garner a high profile despite regular strong showings in both quality and innovation. It is a branding success story waiting to happen.
$350; visit www.kenwoodusa.com.
2. More than just fuel economy: Oil industry aside, the one sector that hated to see gas prices tumble in recent weeks was car diagnostics equipment manufacturers that had been running a great spin campaign touting their products as ultimate fuel economy tools. But Drew Technologies’ DashDAQ Series II Kit may be protected against this market turnaround because it does a lot more than just monitor fuel economy. Gauging “check engine” vehicle problems through an OBD2 connection, the DashDAQ tracks under-the-hood metrics, logs months of data, tests performance in areas such as acceleration, braking, horsepower and torque and even offers the promise of an add-on GPS navigation module, not to mention future firmware updates that would add entertainment functionality to the mix. So confident is the manufacturer that it regularly posts comparisons against key competitors on its website, even listing future products against which it will gladly generate a tale of the tape.
US$700; visit www.dashdaq.com.
3. Formula One fun (for kids): Little Miss CARgo Jr. would have a whole lot of fun with C&N Reproductions’ F-1 Racer Scoot-A-Long, which is targeted at children ages one to three.
This new entry by a company noted for its miniature reproductions of classic cars is a collector’s piece and children’s toy resembling a strange combination of the 1930s-era Auto Union D-Type and the 1959 Aston Martin DBR4/250. But the big, arguably goofy protruding steel chrome steering wheel reminds us it’s just a toy after all. Constructed from a heavy-gauge steel body with moulded plastic wheels, it’s finished with a child-safe non-toxic powder coating.
$100; visit www.pedalcar.com.