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Designing a Versatile Demo Car

Built with the anticipation of forthcoming upgrades in mind, this 2021 Toyota CH-R showcases Sony Car Audio’s Mobile ES line with stunning simplicity.

Brandon Green and Dan Castro of The Car Audio Shop were in attendance at KnowledgeFest Indianapolis, along with the demo car they built for Sony: a 2021 Toyota CH-R featuring Mobile ES components.

The main goal for the vehicle was to show off the ES line. For this reason, Green wanted to focus on simplicity when it came to fabrication, so the vehicle would be easy to upgrade. The team also made room for storage under the panels in the back of the car, so cables and other items can be kept there during a show.

“We wanted to make sure it displayed the product well for them. When the new ES amps come out, we can change it out. It had to be continually customizable,” Green explained. “All of the amp racks— everything is templated and ready to be replaced with new amps when they’re ready. It’s ready to go. It’s self-contained and simple.”

Castro went on to list the equipment that was installed: “It has 6.5 components up front, with 6.5 coaxials in the rear. It has four of the ES 10-inch subwoofers, a GS4 amplifier and two GS100 amplifiers, all running off the new 9500 ES radio,” he said. “There’s also underbody lighting, interior lighting and accents to make it a show car.”

Sound deadener was installed in the doors, roof and trunk. The car also has a remote start security system. “It’s set up to be upgraded easily to the future ES equipment that’ll be coming out.” Castro, together with Gary Greenslate, handled all the wiring and sound deadening. Castro tuned the car, and Greenslate took care of the alarm and remote start. “Then we had a local company do all the graphics on it,” he added.

John Brettle created the laser-etched logo. “I have four different ones that we use on special custom projects,” Green added.