FMS Automotive knows that building a demo vehicle is always a difficult proposition. The purpose isn't self-expression; rather, to elicit as many positive reactions from as many people as possible. You have to think beyond your personal taste and wishes and try to create something with mass appeal. Of course if you know what you're doing then you don't have to pander to your audience. You have two options: lead them in the right direction by staying ahead of the game; or you put together something that is so perfectly integrated, with so much style, that it becomes an irresistible object of desire. This Trailblazer represents a seamless execution of a demo vehicle, on par with most audio manufacturers cars we have seen. All the elements work together for maximum impact.
The truck certainly has an eye-catching exterior, thanks to the painted flames and pin striping by Phill Whetstone of Miracle Design in Santa Ana, CA. But it's the combined sonic and visual impact that is most arresting. To pump up the interior, a pounding audio system was devised by Auto Sound Innovations. Replacing the factory counterparts in the dash and doors are JBL 608GTi components, a relatively simple swap. For the rear speakers, the factory gear was yanked and replaced with another set of JBL 608GTi components. So that the tweeters would not blare into the ears of the front passengers, they were mounted in the center of the mid in a coaxial configuration. Both the front and rear components used the supplied passive crossovers. Delivering the low-end are three JBL W12GTi woofers. They reside in a custom enclosure with one W12GTi mounted conventionally in the center while the other two subs display their baskets to the left and right. This is a sealed box made of plywood that uses fiberglass on the face for shape and aesthetics. This setup is conducive for a tight, deep bass that works well for all hard-hitting music as well as thunderous lows from action flicks on DVDs.
A total of five amps power the Trailblazer's system. Making it pound, three JBL BP1200.1 pump out approximately 1000 watts to each of the subs. On the mid to high side, two BP80.4 amps serve the front and rear speakers with a total power rating for the components reaching 320 watts at 4 ohms. Total it up and the Trailblazer is pushing a scratch over 3600 watts. And to keep all the current and signal flowing, Scosche cables were used.
The source for the music is a Harman/Kardon Traffic Pro CD/radio/navigation system while the video selection is played through an Accele Electronics DVD 1002 player which also spins MP3s and VCDs. It's mounted under the seat and features wireless remote with an IR eye. Accele Electronics also got the nod for the monitor setup.
Open up the hatch and there are two HRM5MAS 5-inch swivel screens just below the enclosure, while two 5.6-inch LCDP56F monitors are located in the driver and passenger visors. A slim, flip-down 8-inch LCDFD8R mounted on the ceiling makes for good video viewing from the rear seats. When everything is turned on, passers-by instinctively stop to watch and listen. There may not be a surround sound setup in the vehicle but passengers are still engulfed by the sonic force of the system. If you see this Trailblazer at a show we suggest you experience it for yourself. Overall, this truck is exemplary and a great model for others to follow suit, from the performance and cosmetic upgrades to the multimedia design.
Kudos go to Jonathan Garcia, who would like to thank his employer, FMS Automotive, for allowing him the time and funding to put the vehicle together; Auto Sound Innovations for the design and installation of the audio/video equipment; and all the sponsors that made this possible. v
DRIVER PROFILE
Thirty-year-old Jonathan Garcia works in OEM Business Development and Marketing Promotional Projects for FMS Automotive, a manufacturer of urethane parts such as body kits, fender flares, and spoilers. Being that the SUV market is thriving, this 2001 Trailblazer was deemed to be the appropriate vehicle to support another prosperous market, multimedia. Considering that this Trailblazer is on display at various events it needed to have that stature. As for the type of music that Jonathan listens to, it's usually hip-hop, techno, and alternative, with a movie showing when he's at shows.
SHOP BOX
Installer: Mike Mukai
Audio Sound Innovations
1001 S. San Gabriel Blvdv San Gabriel CA 91776
626-614-1055
www.autosnd.com
FMS Automotive knows how to get attention! Along with the five monitors located throughout, red neon accents each of the major JBL components in the cargo area.
Discretely mounted into the visors overhead, two Accele LCDP56F monitors consume what were once vanity mirrors. For safety reasons, these monitors only come to life when the vehicle is in park.
Located up in the dash, the factory Delco was removed to make room for a Harman/Kardon Traffic Pro CD/radio/navigation system. Video for the various monitors is streamed from an Accele DVD 1002. This player, along with a custom CD/DVD partition, is flushed under the glove box of the front passenger compartment.
An 8-inch flip down monitor by Accele resides on the headliner for rear passenger pleasure.
Forget the luggage, JBL has dibs on the trunk! The nearly 3000 watts produced by the three JBL BP1200.1 amplifiers drive the W12GTi's to serious SPL. Two other amplifiers, JBL BP80.4's, provide the power for the front and rear components.