Global audio powerhouse Harman is launching several new products for the automotive aftermarket—and they’re certainly not typical.
For decades, you could install or upgrade car stereo systems by component, from replacing the receiver or head unit to installing new speakers or adding a subwoofer. But it was up to you to figure out what could fit, as manufacturers were certainly no help and could even in some cases void your car’s warranty. Outfits like Crutchfield popped up in the 1970s and 1980s to cater to this specific market.
Harman is trying something different. The new Vehicle Specific Audio Upgrade packages include products that are designed to fit perfectly in specific vehicles, in the original factory locations, and by plugging into existing wiring harnesses with no splicing or fabrication required. All of the packages work with the factory head unit, so the installation is more or less stealth and doesn’t interfere with the increasing amount of in-car infotainment and tech already present in today’s cars.
The first one isn’t for us; it’s for the Hyundai IX35, a car sold exclusively in Russia, with more following for cars in India and Brazil. The first U.S.-bound Vehicle Specific Audio Upgrade will be for the Jeep Wrangler (pictured).
Don’t like the infotainment options in your current car? Harman is also unveiling Vehicle-Specific Infotainment Upgrades, which will come in small snap-in boxes connected to prewired cradles—initially, these are for auto manufacturers and car dealers, in order to facilitate upgrades during model year cycles without having to wait anywhere from four to 10 years for a car to be redesigned. But the possibility is even there for consumers to add them themselves as well. The upgrades connect to the existing steering wheel controls, touch screens, and rotary controls, while providing new hardware and software to let you add capabilities to the car’s infotainment system that weren’t there before.
Harman is also unveiling a new line of JBL and Infinity Mobile aftermarket products, including Infinity speakers focused for marine use (6-inch and 6×9 coaxials), a new line of JBL GX speakers with rotating tweeters, and GT7 automotive and Marine component and coaxials as well.
Having just taken apart the family Volkswagen to replace the poor-sounding factory speakers in the front and rear door panels, I can certainly attest to the need for this. While some cars have fairly standard speaker cutouts and wiring harnesses, many (such as mine!) don’t, and it can be difficult to do yourself. Here’s hoping the car manufacturers get on board with Harman’s concept.
