Amid the seemingly endless sea of demo vehicles created to attract and inspire the mobile electronics consumer, there exists an elite few that push the proverbial envelope, making a mark on the industry and inciting the cycle of one-up-manship that fosters limitless creativity among installers. Spawned by this drive to build the best of the best is Sean Phillips' 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T, which features a truly amazing multimedia system crafted by Sound Decision in Montgomery, IL. Not long after purchasing the vehicle in July 2004, Phillips turned to veteran installers Brian Mobley and Sean Young to design a high-tech showcase for Stinger, Hifonics and Eiger Vision products to debut in the Stinger booth at the CES show in Las Vegas. Approximately 2,200 hours of labor over a period of four months were devoted to the creation of arguably one of the most technologically advanced demo vehicles to date.
A Big Head Honcho
The Magnum's factory DIN and a half radio location didn't quite fit the bill for what Young and Mobley had envisioned as the source for the multimedia system. Rather than settle for a mere 7-inch or 8-inch monitor, they integrated a 12-inch Xenarc monitor into the center of the dash by fabricating a custom bezel that blends into the center console. The monitor offers touchscreen control of the custom software that operates the entire multimedia system, vehicle demonstration program, power windows, door solenoids and air suspension. The Windows-based software was written by Mike Stevens to allow Phillips full control of the Magnum's multiple demonstration elements, which include custom lighting, motorization, DVD-based sponsor videos created specifically for this vehicle, and rear video projector that casts sponsors' logos onto the largest of seven waterfalls (yes, I did say waterfalls) incorporated into the installation. More details on these elements later.
Action-Packed Console
Tucked neatly between the front seats is a pair of nitrous oxide bottles feeding the Magnum's already potent Hemi V8 that breathes a little heavier thanks to ported and polished heads, Borla exhaust and a K&N air intake. Just above the two nitrous bottles, a Sony PlayStation 2 was flushed into the top of the custom-built center console. Wrapped in color-matched vinyl and suede, it flows rearward, splitting the back seat. Just behind the front seats, a custom-built pedestal attached to the center console houses a single 7-inch Eiger Vision monitor for the rear passengers, while the Stinger signal cables that create the backbone of the multimedia system are proudly displayed under backlit acrylic on either side of the console between the rear seats.
Fit for a Waterpark
All four door panels were completely redesigned to showcase the Hifonics and Stinger products. Up front, a Hifonics Atlas AS6.25CI component set was smoothed into the lower portion of the custom panels next to the 7-inch Eiger Vision monitor and backlit acrylic "window" that displays the Roadkill sound deadening mat applied to the doors. The larger "windows" incorporated into the top of the door panels reveal meticulously crafted displays of Stinger wiring products backlit with blue neon and accentuated with cascading water behind the acrylic panels. The rear doors received similar treatment, but with a smaller Hifonics Atlas AS5.25CI component set (due to space constrictions). Both rear panels also feature 7-inch Eiger Vision monitors and equally elaborate wiring displays complete with waterfalls, but unlike the front doors, Stinger digital voltmeters are displayed under acrylic instead of the sound deadening. Hidden pumps circulate the water through the displays to 1 1/2-gallon reservoirs beneath the front seats. For finishing touches, the ultracustom panels were wrapped in color-matched vinyl and suede to complement the Magnum's interior.
Make More Room For
Directly behind the rear seat, the battery/wiring rack houses an array of Stinger wiring and power distribution products viewable through acrylic panels and accented with blue neon. The rear edges of the rack blend into the sub enclosures on either side of the cargo area that each house a Hifonics Atlas ZS12SQ 12" square subwoofer. Above the enclosures and battery rack, the pair of Hifonics amps that power the components and subs are flush mounted in separate ampracks in the place of the rear side windows. A stout Zeus ZX6400 4-channel powers the front and rear stage, while the aptly named Brutus BX1800D drives the two subs. For added flexibility and control of the multimedia system, Young and Mobley added a second control center in the form of a Planar 15-inch touchscreen monitor in a motorized pod that rises from the floor of the cargo area. All system controls accessible with the dash-mounted monitor were replicated to facilitate a full demonstration from the rear of the vehicle.
Unnatural Wonder
Perhaps the most impressive element of the elaborate installation in the cargo area is the waterfall that cascades down from the overhead console into a rectangular slot just behind the rear seat. The incorporation of the waterfall itself is quite impressive, considering the task of integrating multiple reservoirs and pumps into a vehicle already laden with "a few extras." What really catches the eye, however, are the images of the sponsors' logos cast upon the sheet of falling water by a Sharp video projector concealed in the overhead console. Young and Mobley performed yet another feat of engineering and fabrication by incorporating a fully functional 5.1 surround system into the tailgate when opened. A 22-inch Sharp monitor supplies the video, while a Hifonics Zeus ZX5.1 mobile theater amplifier mounted in the tailgate powers the Hifonics Atlas AS52CXI and AS4CXI coaxials that are motorized to enhance the surround effect.
Don't Ignore the Exterior
Considering the extent of the mods to the interior of the Magnum, it is no surprise that the exterior received plenty of attention as well. A custom ram air hood and front bumper were fitted and the door handles, shaved before M&D customs bathed the smoothed exterior in House of Kolor's Galaxy Gray, Blue and Black. The obvious altitude adjustment comes by way of the computer-controlled air suspension system by Speedway Performance that tucks the 22" Lexani rims deep in the wheel wells. An additional display element incorporated into the exterior is a pair 15-inch Eiger Vision monitors mounted in the rear side window locations that also feature waterfalls cascading over their protective acrylic covers.
Taking it to the Edge
Nearly every component of the installation exudes the ideology that created this vehicle. Not only are the sponsors' products displayed creatively, but they are also promoted through the use of digital media that plays on each of the monitors and is projected onto the waterfall. A total of six Eiger Vision DVD players mounted out of sight play demonstration videos that help Phillips' Magnum practically show itself. The waterfalls incorporated into the vehicle are undoubtedly one of the coolest features and truly indicative of the level of creativity and skill possessed by Young and Mobley. This is not the first time a Sound Decision creation has awed us, nor will it be the last. Suffice to say, even with a vehicle of this caliber under their belt, topping it will be a pretty tall order.
For the overwhelming success of this project, Phillips expresses his gratitude to the sponsors including Stinger, Hifonics, Eiger Vision, Sound Decision, Speedway Performance, Borla, K&N, NoS and Covercraft. Special thanks go out to Sean Young, Brian Mobley, Derek Swiscz, Brian Victorine, Pete Murrin, Mike Plante, Kirk "Krash" Deyoung and Ryan Ellis.
Driver Profile
An unfortunate rollover accident that totaled his Dodge Durango R/T show vehicle prompted Sean Phillips to start from square one on a new project. As an active competitor in the NCCA show circuit, he chose one of the hottest vehicles on the market at the present time: the Dodge Magnum R/T. Managing an auto detail shop, Phillips has developed a passion for custom cars and high-end audio systems, so it seems only fitting that he would build a radical show car such as this. With the buildup complete and the CES debut in the past, Phillips now enjoys taking the Magnum to shows nationwide. He maintains that nearly any type of music sounds great with the new system, but don't expect to hear him cranking any country!
Tech
· Lexani 22" x 8.5" rims
· Nitto NT555 255/30/22 tires
· Computer-controlled air suspension by Speedway Performance
· EAI airbags
· NoS nitrous oxide kit
· Borla exhaust system
· K&N air intake
· Ported and polished heads
· Custom Ram Air hood
· Custom front bumper
· Shaved door handles
· House of Kolor Galaxy Gray, Blue, and Black paint by M&D Customs
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 Brian Mobley and Sean Young...  Brian Mobley and Sean Young of Sound Decision. |
 A custom overhead console...  A custom overhead console was fabricated to extend from the windshield back behind the rear seats. The front of the console contains the LCD display for the air suspension in addition to the backup controls for all vehicle systems in the event of a computer failure. |
 Viewable through the sunroof...  Viewable through the sunroof is a Stinger stiffening capacitor that was molded into the top of the overhead console. |
 The rear of the overhead console...  The rear of the overhead console houses the manifold for the waterfall and the Sharp projector that casts the sponsor logos onto the falling water. |
 Two nitrous oxide bottles...  Two nitrous oxide bottles are tucked into the custom center console that extends to the rear of the passenger compartment, splitting the rear seats. |
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 A Sony PlayStation 2 was flushed...  A Sony PlayStation 2 was flushed into the top of the console between the front seats, and a single 7-inch Eiger Vision monitor is mounted on a suede-wrapped pedestal attached to the console. Both sides of the console feature trick displays of the Stinger interconnects accented with blue neon behind the acrylic side panels. |
 The two Hifonics amplifiers...  The two Hifonics amplifiers that power the Magnum's system are mounted in separate ampracks on either side of the cargo area in place of the rear windows. The Hifonics Zeus ZX6400 4-channel that drives the components is flushed into the passenger side panel, while the aptly named Brutus BX1800D sub amp is flushed into the driver's side. |
 Each amplifier features illuminated...  Each amplifier features illuminated Hifonics logos that glow the same blue as the other neon accents throughout the installation. |
 A host of audio and video...  A host of audio and video equipment now consumes the Magnum's cargo area. |
 Behind the rear seats is a...  Behind the rear seats is a large rack that displays the two Stinger batteries and an array of wiring and accessories under acrylic. Also mounted out of sight in this rack is the pump and reservoir for the main waterfall and the six Eiger Vision DVD players that supply the video for the monitors throughout the installation. |
 A 12-inch Xenarc touchscreen...  A 12-inch Xenarc touchscreen monitor was molded into the center of the dash to serve as the control center for the multimedia system and other vehicle functions, including power windows, door solenoids and air suspension. Full control of all elements of the demonstration software is also offered by this monitor, including lighting, motorization, sponsor videos, waterfalls and the video projector. A custom bezel trims the monitor and blends into the center console. |
 On either side of the rack...  On either side of the rack are the two sub enclosures molded into the side panels that house the Hifonics Atlas ZS12SQ 12" square subs. In between the sub enclosures is a 15-inch Planar touchscreen monitor mounted in a custom motorized pod that rises up from the floor. All panels were wrapped in color-matched vinyl to complement the interior. |
 No, your eyes are not playing...  No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. An actual waterfall flows down from the rear of the overhead console into a channel behind the rear seats. As if that weren't slick enough, a Sharp video projector concealed in the overhead console casts sponsor logos onto the sheet of water as it falls. To answer the obvious question: No, Phillips does not drive with the waterfall on. |
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 The front doors received a...  The front doors received a Hifonics Atlas AS6.25CI component set molded into the lower portion of the panels adjacent to the 7-inch Eiger Vision monitors and backlit displays of the Roadkill sound deadening mat viewable through acrylic. The top of the door panels now feature custom Stinger wiring displays behind acrylic that feature cascading waterfalls contained within. |
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 Phillip's trick Magnum rides...  Phillip's trick Magnum rides on 22" Lexanis shod with Nitto skins that tuck neatly in the wheel wells thanks to a computer-controlled air suspension system. |
 Lifting the tailgate reveals...  Lifting the tailgate reveals yet another amazing component of the Magnum's demonstration-focused multimedia system. A self-contained 5.1 surround system has been incorporated into the tailgate, including a 22-inch Sharp flat screen monitor and a Hifonics Zeus ZX5.1 mobile theater amp that powers three sets of Hifonics Atlas coaxial drivers. While the bottom set of speakers is stationary, the middle and top pair are aimed with motorized pods to enhance the surround sound effect. |
 Just behind the windshield,...  Just behind the windshield, the Stinger power cables are displayed in an illuminated channel that spans the width of the dash. The channel is viewable through the acrylic panel topped with a black vinyl trim panel. |
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 To complement the flashy rolling...  To complement the flashy rolling stock, a modest layer of House of Kolor Galaxy Gray, Black, and Blue were applied to the body, but not before the handles were shaved and a custom ram air hood and bumper were installed. |