Project A/V Runner: Katzkin

Every soccer mom desires the complete A/V entertainment system in her SUV to make the drive more enjoyable (that is to say, to keep the tikes in the back quiet). The focus of Project A/V Runner is to keep the vehicle functional for everyday driving, while providing entertainment and sound quality in an aesthetically pleasing mobile environment. Oh, and don't forget the performance upgrades -- hey, soccer moms have lead feet too.

The first step in the project vehicle, however, was to upgrade the interior from factory cloth to the luxury of leather. The light blue stock seats were replaced with black hide to make a bold change to the interior's appearance. Katzkin was chosen because of their high-quality leather hides and the selection of any customization you could imagine. The leather is available in over 50 different colors; embroidery of names and logos are also available making them an easy choice for the A/V Runner.

Audio performance may be the main goal, but a project wouldn't be complete, as we mentioned above, without a couple of performance mods. A supercharger and full exhaust are planned for a few extra ponies and twist. The suspension too will be addressed so that the final touch, adding the aftermarket wheels and tires, will take the A/V Runner from stock to sexy. (Editorial suggests 5-point harnesses -- we've seen Natasha, the owner of this 4Runner, drive.)

Future plans for the A/V Runner's include video with an in-dash DVD player/monitor combo and rearview mirror with a 5" monitor for the back-up camera viewing. Rear video will be portrayed via headrest monitors. The video has to be visible for each passenger, so great consideration was taken in the layout - hey, there is such a thing as too many monitors. The audio will be a simple setup with sound quality being key -- two amplifiers and upgraded high-end speakers placed in the factory locations. A single 12" sub located in the rear cargo space will add the boom to the bottom end.

You can follow along with the A/V Runner's install that took a couple of hours performed by Katzkin.