We've oh-so-little to go on right now, but initial impressions of the double-DIN MAX685BT are underwhelming at best. This in-dash AV center looks to sport a relatively ho hum display, integrated cellphone / navigation support and Bluetooth connectivity, but none of these totally expected features are likely to drop any jaws. Additionally, it plays nice with your dock-connecting iPod and offers up a built-in USB port, but unless Clarion reveals some earth-shattering addition that we're not yet aware of, we'll probably pass on this one.

Oh sure, we've seen plenty of flashy and sophisticated devices aimed at filling that gaping double-DIN hole in your dash, but how's about a device that 10-year old passengers and suckers for all-things-adorable would also dig? Enter Clarion's newest duo, which comes in either white (DUB275MP) or black (DUB275MPB; seen after the jump) and actually packs quite a nice feature set considering the lighthearted design. Aside from the CD drive, it also offers up a front-mounted USB port for loading up MP3 / WMA files, customizable accent lights, optional Bluetooth, AM / FM tuner, a 50-watt x 4 amplifier and a cutesy display to boot. Check 'em out later this month for ¥34,650 ($295) apiece.

[Via ShinyShiny]

For the handful of audiophiles who simply cover their ears with their uber-expensive cans when the rational crowd invites them to stop hoping for SACD to take off, here's to you. Sony has launched the "world's first" (we believe it, actually) in-car head unit that supports 5.1 SACD. The double-DIN XAV-W1 touts a seven-inch WVGA LCD, SACD / CD / DVD playback, Dolby / DTS support, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port, seven-band equalizer, 52-watt x 4 internal amplifier, a trio of AV inputs, an image viewer, MP3 / WMA compatibility, and comes ready to play nice with your iPod and satellite / HD radio receiver. Granted, this thing will run you more than some in-dash navigation systems, but paying $800 for this sure beats retrofitting a traditional universal player into your glove compartment.

[Image courtesy of Krunker]

Sanyo's taking a break from releasing all those projectors to focus on its in-car lineup, as it introduces a well-spec'd double-DIN navigation unit dubbed the NVA-HD1700DT. The head unit sports a seven-inch QVGA display, built-in DVD player and 30GB hard drive, and even a 1Seg TV tuner for catching up on sitcom reruns whilst stuck in traffic. Additionally, you'll find an FM tuner, 43-watt x 4 amplifier, and an integrated GPS antenna to keep you headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether an Americanized version of this system will make its way over, but those in Japan can pick one up later this month for a staggering ¥285,600 ($2,332).

[Via Impress]

People have been cramming PC's of all kinds into cars ever since LCD screens became ubiquitous, and even a little before that. HiPE's new Drive-N series of car PCs is designed to ease the usual DIY-grind by sporting a laundry list of features and interface possibilities. The units, ranging in price from $799 for a barebones Via C7 in an amp-style chassis up to $2199 for a tricked-out double-DIN touchscreen monster, all run Windows Vista MCE with the One Voice command system, and can be outfitted with GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, XM, and even a rearview camera. The machines can also interface with your car's OBD II unit to let you monitor vehicle diagnostics, as well as clear out some of those annoying error messages you usually have to let the dealer handle. All these features are nice, but nothing can excuse HiPE's lame-o tagline: "Why drive when you can be Drive-N?" Yeah, and why hire a marketing firm when you can just ask your 12-year-old niece?