Month: January 2020

Wilson Audio Specialties is taking hi-fi home audio to crazy new heights with the new Chronosonic XVX. Standing at an imposing six-feet tall, the Utah-based luxury loudspeaker company’s latest flagship builds on the original Chronosonic model and its Wilson Audio Modular Monitor (WAMM), which was invented by the late company founder Dave Wilson.  

The Chronosonic XVX, which was designed by designed by Dave’s son and successor Daryl, boasts some of technology present in its predecessor, including 10.5- and 12.5-inch woofers, critical crossover components and connectors. New for the XVX is a “QuadraMag” midrange
unit that combines Alnico (aluminum, nickel and cobalt) magnets in a “quadrature” geometry to deliver low distortion, crystal-clear mid-range frequency and ultra-high resolution from one unit. 

Robb Report has further details: 

A four-inch upper-midrange driver and a one-inch silk-fabric tweeter reproduce higher frequencies with transparent ease, while another tweeter firing from the rear replicates the ambience of the recording venue. Atop the main cabinet are four smaller modules containing a single driver each, stacked in a novel array that can be adjusted to optimize sound, depending on listener distance from the speakers, seat height and acoustic variables of the room itself.

Additionally, the XVX features two micrometer units that facilitate the exact movements of its components and two-precision engineered enclosure materials: an X-Material that offers extreme rigidity, monotonicity, and intrinsic damping, and a new “V-Material” that dampens vibrations by turning energy into heat at an “unparalleled” rate, according to Wilson. Everything comes together to deliver the type of ultra-realistic sonic experience of a live concert. 

Not to mention, the XVX looks fantastic with a “WilsonGloss”-finished cabinet and a choice of four standard colors, 12 upgraded colors or five top-end pearl colors. 

But let’s hope you have plenty of disposable income if you’re interested in actually buying these ultra-premium speakers. Priced at an eye-watering $329,000, the Wilson Audio Specialties Chronosonic XVX is available at just six dealers located across the U.S.—find the one closest to you here. 

Shelby American is dressing just 30 of its souped-up Mustang Super Snakes in classic 1970s-era colors for fans of the all-American performance customizer. 

In addition to standard blacked-out 20-inch rims, vehicles equipped Shelby’s “Bold” package will come clad in either “Twister Orange” with black racing stripes (pictured here) and orange interior accents, “Green Lime” with black stripes and green interior accents, or “Shadow Black” with green stripes and green interior accents. 

These retro hues are available in addition to the host of upgrades that you get in the latest snake-bit ‘Stang. As CNET’s Road Show notes, Shelby will supercharge the Ford Mustang GT’s Coyote 5.0-liter V8 to bring output from 710 to 825 horsepower as an option, pushing its zero-to-60 mph time to 3.5 seconds. 

The engine is mated to buyer’s choice of a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, and stopping power is provided by a custom Brembo braking system with flashy red calipers. 

Shelby also tricks out the exterior with a custom front fascia assembly, hood, grilles, rockers, splitter, spoiler and diffuser, as well as tinted windows and the brand’s badass Cobra badges. From the cockpit, driver’s can easily read the center-mounted multi-gauge cluster’s oil pressure, fuel pressure and boost gauges without taking their eyes off the road or track. 

The Shelby Mustang Super Snake Bold starts at $123,295 without the supercharger,  Prices for the aspirated version aren’t yet available. Alternatively, Shelby American will also convert a 2018-2020 Mustang GT to a Super Snake for $71,395.