The Car Tech blog

(Credit: Sony)

Sony has announced four new Xplod in-dash CD receivers. The new 2009 fall lineup adds Radio Data System (RDS) technology, which is an FM radio tech that, when receiving a compatible station, displays text data such as artist, track, and song information or station call numbers directly on the display.

The CDX-GT240 is a rather basic CD receiver.

(Credit: Sony)

Starting at the bottom of the new line is the CDX-GT240 ($80), which is a fairly standard single-disc, single-DIN CD player. In addition to the AM/FM tuner with RDS technology, the unit features MP3 and WMA file playback from the optical drive and an analog aux-in on the faceplate to connect digital media players. The entry-level unit ships with a card remote control, but only features a single preamp output, so those who want more flexibility should look further up the product line.

Building on the GT240's feature set is the CDX-GT340 ($100), which adds a second set of stereo subwoofer preamp outputs. The more advanced GT340 offers the capability to add accessory modules for satellite radio, HD radio, and an iPod adapter (at additional cost).

The Xplod line starts to get interesting with the CDX-GT540UI.

(Credit: Sony)

Stepping up once again in the Xplod line brings us to the CDX-GT540UI ($140). The "UI" at the end of the model number indicates that this models gets a faceplate-mounted USB port with iPod connectivity. The GT540UI features Sony's DM+ processing that enhances compressed digital audio and Zappin, Quick-BrowZer, and Jump Mode technologies to give users a few options for dealing with the larger file libraries that are stored on digital media players.

At the top of the 2009 Xplod lineup (and pictured at the top of this article) is the CDX-GT640UI ($160) which adds a larger LCD display with a flip-down faceplate and a total of three preamp outputs.

Sony's new Xplod lineup will be available September 2009.

The Alpine iDA-X305 is a good example of a car stereo that can be found for significantly less than MSRP.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

Looking to save a few bucks on that portable navigation device or epic stereo system for your car? Well, we have a few tips to help you keep more money in your wallet.

Don't be afraid to look at the outgoing models.
In most cases, the newest of the new GPS devices only offer incremental advantages over the models they replace. Meanwhile, the cost of the outgoing models often drops drastically as retailers attempt to clear out their stock to make room for the new. If the difference in feature set is worth the difference in price, you could rake in big savings.

Don't worry too much about the maps not being the most up to date out of the box. Most manufacturers have some sort of a new map guarantee that will allow you to download a free map update within 30 to 60 days of purchase.

Make sure it will fit.
Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on a car stereo component, make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle. Check to see if your vehicle supports the standard DIN size (most do), or if it can accommodate a double DIN receiver. This is even more important when dealing with speaker components, which vary wildly in size from vehicle to vehicle.

Don't overdo it.
Before you go stuffing two 15-inch subs and a 1,200 watt amp into your Chevrolet Aveo, stop and seek the advice of a professional. Maybe your vehicle, your musical tastes, and your wallet would benefit from smaller speakers and a slightly less powerful amp.

MSRP is just a suggestion.
This is especially true in the world of car audio. It's not uncommon to see a car audio reciever retail at up to 25 percent off of the MSRP. Savings on speakers, amps, and other components is oftentimes greater. This can often add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

Don't forget to account for installation.
You've picked all of your car audio components and come in just under budget, but when you get to the counter you're suddenly hit with a barrage of installation fees, mounting kits, and accessories. Fear not. You can often save a few bucks on installation simply by asking for a deal. Don't be afraid to haggle.

Enterprising DIYers can save even more money by skipping the expensive labor costs and by shopping for their wiring and mounting kits online.

Take security seriously.
This last one isn't technically a shopping tip, but one of the best ways to save money on car tech is to make sure that it actually stays in the car. Having to buy a new window or repair a broken lock on top of replacing your stereo or GPS device once it's stolen is the ultimate example of adding insult to injury.

Look for stereos with detachable faceplates for security and make sure your speaker and amp installations don't attract a lot of the wrong kind of attention. Don't leave GPS devices exposed when away from the vehicle and definitely don't leave the cradle and charger stuck to the windshield overnight.

Rolls-Royce cars now sport Lexicon sound systems.

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)

I went to the New York International Auto Show to listen. Weird yes, but I'm the audio guy, and nowadays high-end cars all have high-end audio systems. These cars go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I was hoping to hear some decent sound. That didn't happen.

Naim's car audio system for Bentley didn't wow us.

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)

The nice folks at the Bentley Motors display put me in a spectacular Flying Spur Speed ($252,000). The car has a 6-liter W-12 engine with twin turbochargers, 6-speed automatic transmission, and a claimed top speed of 200 mph. The interior was lavish beyond belief, with truly gorgeous wood and leather that puts your average Mercedes to shame. Rock stars and sports heroes know how to live!

The sound? I'm sure the engine sounds fabulous, but they wouldn't allow me the honor of blipping the throttle. Ah, there was a Naim audio system in the car, and I'm a fan of Nain's home gear, but the Bentley's sound system was nothing to get jazzed about.

The $6,900 Naim audio system sports 15 speakers, including dual subwoofers. Just don't kid yourself, it's not remotely on par with a credible home system. I thought the in-dash display was sort of tacky. Naim would never put such a thing in its home systems.

The Mini Cooper sound system was one of the best per dollar, that's for sure.

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)

Next, Rolls-Royce cars, like this awesome Phantom Coupe pictured at the top of this blog ($437,000), now have Lexicon audio systems. Too bad I didn't get to hear it. (Maybe the Bentley guys told them about me, just kidding.)

The Mini Cooper people were a lot friendlier, so I checked out the sound in their 10 speaker MINI Hi-Fi Sound System. Considering it adds just $500 to the car's bottom line, it was pretty good.

The Panamera

(Credit: Porsche)

The Panamera is a different kind of Porsche.

It's a four-door sedan, a really fast sedan. The Panamera S at $89,800 comes with a 400hp 4.8-liter V8, capable of punching out 0-to-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Not quick enough for you? Move up to the Panamera Turbo, with a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, 0-to-60 mph in 4 seconds, and a top speed of 188. That bad boy will retail for $132,600.

So why is the Audiophiliac filling space with upcoming German super sedans? 'Cause they're going to have totally awesome ultra-high-end audio systems from Berlin manufacturer Burmester Audiosysteme. I love of the idea of matching super-performance luxury cars with bona-fide high-end audio systems. Hey, if Porsche buyers happily pay an extra $42,000 (!) to go a little faster, why not also spring for a sweet sound system?

For Panamera, Burmester crafted a 16 channel amplifier system that drives, you guessed it, 16 loudspeakers. The speaker system was designed specifically for the Panamera. In keeping with the Panamera's spirit as a true sports car, the sound system's weight was a key concern.

Specially developed software-supported menu functions allow for precise sound contouring for each individual seating position. They can also compensate for cabin and engine noise, and use proprietary sound algorithms developed exclusively for Porsche. Funny, the press release didn't mention an iPod dock, but I'm sure it's in there.

The Panamera is set to go on sale in the U.S. on October 17.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

The Fusion CA-IP500 is the latest in a wave of mechanical-free iPod receivers that we've seen, but it's the only one we've seen that features an internal dock. Just open the faceplate, pop in your iPod, and you're off. It seems easy and we were intrigued by its simplicity.

However, upon closer study, we found that while the CA-IP500's internal dock eliminates the need for USB or dock connector cables, it creates a new problem of dealing with multiple iPod sizes and designs with bulky adapter sleeves.

We had a chance to catch up with master car audio installer Mad Mike, from the television show Pimp My Ride, at our Car Tech booth at CES 2009 to pick his brain about the current trends in car audio and to gain some insight into the future of cabin tech.