Here at the Lab, we love working on a wide variety of vehicles, and the last week has been a perfect example. We had two very different but equally exciting projects come through the doors: a menacing 2024 Ram TRX looking for clean bass and a sporty 2016 Mini Cooper JCW needing a serious tech upgrades.
Here’s a look at how we transformed these two amazing rides.
Project 1: Weaponizing the TRX – A 2024 Ram Custom Subwoofer Install
The 2024 Ram TRX is an absolute beast right from the factory. It’s got power, presence, and an aggressive look that’s unmatched. But while the factory premium audio system is good, a true audiophile—or anyone who just loves deep, powerful bass—is often left wanting more.
Our mission: Add serious low-end punch without sacrificing an inch of the TRX’s cabin space or utility.
The Challenge
The TRX’s crew cab is spacious, but there’s no “trunk” to just throw a big box in. The only available, hidden space is underneath the rear seats. This area is wide but shallow, and the floor isn’t flat.
The Solution
A Custom Enclosure Built Specifically For The Subwoofer
This is where custom, equipment tuned enclosures shine. We built a high-quality enclosure molded perfectly to fit the contours of the Ram’s under-seat area with the help of fiberglass!
-
- The Hardware: The enclosure was designed to house a Hertz MPS 300 S4 subwoofer. This sub is engineered to produce deep bass in tight spaces.
-
- The Power: We paired the subs with a compact-but-powerful Audison SR 1.500 mounted neatly out of sight.
- The Integration: To get a clean audio signal, we integrated with the factory head unit using a PAC APSUB-CH42 . This grabs the full-range audio signal before the factory amp can eq the signal, ensuring a clean and appropriate frequencies are being sent to our added amplifier.
The Result
The TRX now has a subwoofer system that matches its monstrous performance. The bass is deep, tight, and incredibly powerful, filling the cabin without any rattles or distortion. Best of all, when you flip the rear seats down, the truck’s interior looks completely OEM+. It’s the perfect integration of high-performance audio and factory-fit aesthetics.
Project 2: Modernizing the Mini – 2016 Mini Cooper JCW Wireless CarPlay/Auto Upgrade
Next up was a 2016 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW). This F56-generation hot hatch is a blast to drive, but its 2016-era infotainment system feels dated. The owner wanted the modern convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, most importantly, wanted to add a backup camera.
The Challenge
Many people think you have to replace the entire head unit and screen to get these features. On this Mini, that’s not the best option. The factory “iDrive-style” screen is deeply integrated into the dash and controls vehicle settings. Replacing it is a costly, complex job.
The Solution: A “MMI” Interface Module via ZZ2
The answer is a “Multi-Media Interface” (MMI) box. This is a smart module that installs discreetly behind the factory head unit and works with the original screen.
- Seamless Integration: You get the full CarPlay or Android Auto experience right on the factory Mini display. You control it using the factory iDrive controller knob and steering wheel buttons. A long press on the “Menu” button instantly switches between the original Mini system and the new CarPlay/Auto interface.
- Wireless Freedom: No more plugging in your phone. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as soon as you start the car.
- Backup Camera Support: This is the best part. The ZZ2 module has dedicated video inputs. We installed a clean, low-profile aftermarket backup camera on the rear hatch and wired it directly to the module. It automatically displays on the main screen when you put the car in reverse, complete with dynamic parking guidelines.
The Result
This 2016 Mini JCW now has the tech and safety features of a 2024 model. The driver gets modern navigation (Google Maps, Waze), music (Spotify, Apple Music), and hands-free communication, all while retaining the car’s unique factory interior. The addition of the backup camera makes parking in tight spots a breeze. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
Your Vision, Our Expertise
Whether you’ve got a brand-new truck that needs more “boom” or a beloved weekend car that needs a modern tech refresh, we have the tools and expertise to make it happen. These two projects show that you don’t have to compromise—you can get the features you want while integrating them perfectly with your vehicle.
Ready to upgrade your ride? Give us a call or email today to talk about your project!