Finally!!! we're getting there

Scosche is pushing out a new adapter that will permit retaining A/C controls on setup like our dual zone as well as the steering wheel controls. Hopefully subies are in their line of sight. More info to come. At work now.

netbooks are great...

here ya go

http://www.12voltnews.com/?p=16719

YES!

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Sorry to burst your bubble, but you've read a little too much into that press release.

In the section headlined "Installation Kits," the first paragraph talks about their new kits for certain Fords and Camaros:

In an aftermarket industry first, Scosche will introduce dash kits for the 2010 models of Ford Mustang (FD1441B), Ford Taurus (FD1447B), and Chevy Camaro (GM5201B) that utilize a full color touch screen air conditioning controller. Configurable for single or dual climate controls, the kit plugs directly into the factory AC harness making for a quick and simple installation.

The second paragraph talks about some new plain dash kits:

Scosche will also introduce “Custom kit, Factory fit” dash kits offering automotive-grade components for a seamless installation of any aftermarket head-unit to replace the factory radio in select vehicle models. Scosche will introduce new installation kits for Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota vehicles.

They've actually already released the new kit for Subarus -- their SU2028B, a double-DIN kit for 2010-up Legacys and Outbacks. It includes a 1-DIN pocket that you can optionally install if your HU is 1-DIN.

I talked to them, and they're not currently planning a kit with a replacement for Subaru OEM auto A/C controls.

The next section talks about their new S3-1 module:

Scosche will also introduce the S3-1 stereo replacement interface designed to retain steering wheel controls when installing aftermarket stereos from Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood, JVC and Sony. Currently configurable for over 40 million registered vehicles, the S3-1:

• Reduces SKU count by consolidating 11 Scosche SKUs
  
• Reduces install time by incorporating a built-in plug and play steering wheel control interface
  
• Retains all vehicle warning chimes
  
• Provides navigation outputs
  
• Increases peg space as a one interface multi-harness solution.

Up to now they've been reselling the various PAC SWI-* units. The S3-1 appears to be a new Scosche product (not another PAC item). At least, the blue case matches Scosche's other iPod and aux adapters.

Release for the new products is slated for early 2011 (after CES).

I have a feeling that Subaru sales are too low for an A/C kit to be worth their time. I'm sure they're slammed getting the Ford/Chevy products ready in time for next year. After those are launched might be a better time to let them know Legacy/Outback/Liberty owners would be interested in a similar product.

Here's another blurb from TWICE ("This Week In Consumer Electronics"):

Scosche To Unveil Dash & Car Kits At SEMA

 

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 11/1/2010

 

Oxnard, Calif. - Scosche Industries lifted the veil on a range of new products being introduced at the SEMA Show this week.

 

SEMA is being held Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

New products include dash kits for the 2010 models of Ford Mustang (FD1441B), Ford Taurus (FD1447B) and Chevy Camaro (GM5201B), all said to use a full color touchscreen air conditioning controller and all priced at $299. The kits are configurable for single or dual climate controls, Scosche said, and plug directly into the factory AC harness.

 

...

 

[more about the other new, plain dash kits and S3-1 module, all expected to be available in spring 2011]

Here's the Mustang center dash area...

I haven't found any pictures of Scosche's kit yet, but if their touch screen takes up much of the space where the Mustang's buttons currently are, the thing may be too large for Subarus. The nav+stereo+A/C panel in the Taurus is very similar.

On the other hand, the Camaro dash doesn't look like it will leave much room for A/C controls if you have a double-DIN stereo. So who knows? We'll be watching for pictures.