Star Wars Themed Dodge Hellcat Audio System for Gainesville Client

A client from here in Gainesville dropped by Sound Depot and Performance to talk about his 2016 Dodge Hellcat audio system. We recently finished a sound system upgrade in his wife’s Mercedes-Benz C300, and he wanted something similar in his Challenger. This client is great to work with and understands how likes to enjoy his music. We knew that he was a big fan of Star Wars movies, so we suggested playing off the Darth Vader theme for the styling of the sound system. He loved the plan and scheduled an appointment for us to start work.

Front Speaker Upgrade

The Hertz tweeters fit in the dash location.

The door speakers were upgraded with Hertz woofers.

The project started with removing the factory speakers from the car. We installed two sets of Hertz HSK165.4 6.5-inch components from their Hi-Energy series. We created a set of plastic mounting adapters to mount the 6.5-inch woofers in the doors securely. A set of Fast Rings acoustic coupling baffles help to channel the output of the woofer into the vehicle’s interior. The tweeters from the component set are located on the top of the dash to help create a wide and deep soundstage. We mounted second set of HSK165.4 components on plates in the rear speaker location.

Forward-Facing Subwoofer Enclosure

The subwoofers were fired forward to minimize any additional trunk vibrations.

Just as in the C300, the client wanted the subwoofers to face into the vehicle. Our fabrication team built a sturdy enclosure for a pair of JL Audio 12W3v3-4 subwoofers. After that was mounted in the vehicle, the next step was to create a trim panel for the subs. Our team cut rings that fit around the subs, and another ring that outlines the opening in the rear seat. The guys attached the rings to the trim panel using stretchable cloth, then applied several layers of fiberglass resin to make it rigid. Once cured, they sanded the panel and filled any dips with body filler. They finished by covering the panel in red vinyl. The icing on the cake is a set of clear acrylic rings backlit with red LEDs around each subwoofer. The red illumination complements the red seat belts in the vehicle.

Dodge Hellcat Audio System Integration

The remote sub level control from the PAC interface was mounted within easy reach of the driver.

The Hellcat features the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. There is a lot more integrated into this radio than just entertainment options, so replacing it is simply impossible. We used a PAC AmpPRO 4 interface to extract an audio signal from the factory radio. The AP4-CH41 module connects to the head unit for audio and data signals. The digital signal processor inside the module controls the system volume and allows us to remove the factory amp from the vehicle. We can connect RCA cables from the PAC piece directly to the new amplifiers.

Amp Rack and Trim Panel

The three eXcelon amps power the entire system with plenty of power.

The combination of enclosure accent and floor insert give this trunk a huge WOW factor.

The red LEDs that back light the acrylic add a menacing look to the trunk.

The front lighting in the upper console was modified with red lighting.

Both overhead accent lights were upgraded with red LEDs.

Three Kenwood eXcelon amplifiers power this Dodge Hellcat audio system. We set up a pair of XR400-4 amplifiers as two-channel amps to power the front and rear Hertz speakers. In this configuration, each amp can produce up to 200 watts per channel to ensure the owner will never run out of power. An XR600-1 amp provides up to 600 watts to the pair of JL subs. We mounted the amps and all of the power distribution components on the back of the subwoofer enclosure.

Our fabrication team created a multi-layered trim panel to conceal the amplifier wiring. The panel features an outer ring finished in grey carpet that matches the remainder of the trunk. The main insert panel is wrapped in grey vinyl and includes several accent stripes and reverse-embossed opening around the amplifiers. We cut two acrylic shapes to flank the back-lit Darth Vader acrylic centerpiece. Red LED strips light up all the acrylic and tie into the interior theme of the vehicle.

Though a small touch, we finished the project by upgrading the interior lighting to red to further solidify the two-tone vehicle theme.

Transform Your Entertainment System at Sound Depot and Performance

The client returned to Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville, excited to see and hear his new sound system. We gave him a tour of the vehicle then let him have a listen. He was both impressed and thrilled with the results. If your muscle car needs an audio boost, drop by the store, give us a call or send an e-mail using our online contact page.