Project Mu brake pads for...
Project Mu brake pads for stopping this sonic force
Akio began by sound damping the car extensively, laying out Cascade V-BLOK VB2 to the entire floor, ceiling, side panels and doors. As a long time car audio enthusiast, he did the install himself (the only help he received was for the work on the body of the car and engine modifications), so he naturally chose all the components. For a source unit he selected Alpine's CDA-7877J, neatly fitting into the factory location. The overall design concept of the entertainment system setup was to make it look like a V-12 engine sitting in the rear luggage compartment. As the imaginary head cover, Alpine PXA-H900 sat on top of four amps (MRV-F409 x 3 units and one MRV-T757) lined like a v-shaped engine block. The amps are suspended in the air by a roll cage-like frame, supporting the amps and the PXA-H900. This air-suspended installation also had the purpose of securing sufficient ventilation for the amps. The midbass speakers (SPR-175A) were installed in the door panels and the tweeters built into the A-pillars. Carbon fiber was used for the installation to make it as light as possible. The MDF board was put together with super glue custom made for this project.
The SPR-172B 5.1 channel speakers were installed by molding the rear side panels with carbon fiber. For the center speaker, the SPR-135A was installed where the original air vent was located on the dashboard top. Enclosures for the subwoofers were made from carbon fiber. Although the suggested box size was 66 liters, the limited space only allowed for a 40 liter enclosure. All moldings were painted in three coats of Alpine Blue, just like the exterior of the vehicle.
 The amps are suspended in...  The amps are suspended in air by a roll-cage frame, which also supports the PXA-H900. |  |  One of the TVE-T850 monitors...  One of the TVE-T850 monitors fed by a DHA-S680 video source unit. |
The speakers all ran to the previously mentioned amps in the luggage compartment installed in a roll cage-like frame. One of the F409's ran to the front tweeters and rear speakers. The second F409 was for the midbass speakers. And the last amp serves the center speakers, tweeter and mid/bass. As for the subwoofers, a T757 took care of the those.
A sophisticated install would not be complete without some monitors. The visual aspect was key to the idea Akio had for the car. In all, four LCD displays are in this Type-R. Alpine's DHA-S680 video source unit resides in the rear luggage compartment, under the roll cage frame; yet it is still quite accessible. One of the three TVE-T850 monitors was placed in the front instrumental panel, while the other two were installed in the rear. Another TVE-T720 monitor sits on top of the head unit in the front instrumental panel.
PIE 16 gauge cables were used for the speakers along with SF tubes. MONSTER cables for the RCA and PIE 4 gauge were employed for power and ground cables. Two Optima batteries power the entire system, and are located in the engine room, underneath the rear luggage compartment. Supplemental power is supplied via four 1-farad capacitors installed in the rear.
The entire system has a max output of 1890W, and took about six full weeks to finish. The final price tag for just the install is at least $50,000. Although Akio doesn't actively compete, he did win the Grandprix prize at the Auto Salon and the Auto Messe. No doubt, there are competitors out there who are probably grateful that they don't have to go up against this jewel of a car.
 The entertainment system was...  The entertainment system was designed to to like a V-12 engine. |  HKS Direct Brite Meters for...  HKS Direct Brite Meters for a fitting sporty touch |  |
 SPR-175A. The tweeters are...  SPR-175A. The tweeters are built into the A pillars. |  | |