A few questions about upgrading stereo/speakers...

I'm planning on getting a Blizzard White Gen III Prius IV with solar roof within the next few months. (hopefully sooner)
I've done a little searching, but can't really find anything that answers my questions.

I am currently driving a '08 Scion tC. I upgraded the Scion's stereo to a Kenwood Excellon DNX8120, which is a very nice 7" touchscreen with DVD player, Navigation, full iPod control, Bluetooth, etc. It's a damn nice stereo, and I've grown very attached to it.

I got to check out and test drive a few of the new Gen III models over the past few days. As far as the stereo was concerned, I felt that I would definitely need to upgrade it...especially after seeing pics on here how bland and not-very-pretty the iPod interface is. (really the overall interface, including the Navigation.)

What I'm wondering is if anyone with a Gen III Prius has upgraded the stereo yet...?
Does anyone have any pics or link to pics/info?

When I get my Prius, aside from the stereo upgrade, I also plan to get some sort of custom subwoofer box made to hold either 2 10" subs or maybe one really nice 12".

This will be my first Prius and my first hybrid, so I'm not really sure how they hold up to adding extra stereo/electronic equipment.
Will a new head unit and an additional amp cause noticeable differences in the car? (as far as the battery consumption or fuel efficiency is concerned...?)

I really wanted to maintain the stock equipment and look, but my Kenwood head unit has just served me VERY well. The Garmin navigation is incredible, and not nearly as bland as the one in the new Prius. Another thing is I really want to maintain the steering wheel controls and I'm not sure if any mention of adapters or anything like that has happened yet.

If anyone has any links to good info or pics on upgraded stereo/speakers in a Prius (preferably a Gen III), please post here!

Thanks in advance for any helpful info...

 

It just seems that if I did an even swap for the JBL touchscreen in the Gen III Prius with my Kenwood DNX8120, all the factory controls would still be sitting there on each side of the stereo... unless a kit has been released or whatever.
Do you know anything about that?
Or if the steering wheel controls in a 2010 Prius can be adapted to work with aftermarket head units yet?

I'll probably just tough it out for a while, but I hate the though of stepping down in quality of interface, ease of use, aesthetic value, etc. especially when everything else about the car to be very nice.

As for the power I had in mind, I would probably just upgrade the head unit itself, and add a sub or two with an amp that probably won't exceed 400 watts.
I'll probably upgrade the door speakers eventually also, but just run then off the new head unit. I don't expect that to make MUCH of a difference in MPG, but I wasn't sure how the whole hybrid system handled extra electrical requirements. As I said, I'm new to these things.

 

Here is what my Kenwood's interface looks like.
In my opinion, it's much more user friendly and also just better looking.
(Sorry for the not-so-great pics. They were taken with my phone.)

 

Gotta love em!! My fingers are crossed that their reunion and touring will bring them back to the USA. I'll be shocked and disappointed if it doesn't.
Where are you at in New Orleans? What dealership did you buy from?
I'm a pretty big NIN fan too, but mostly older stuff... The Fragile and before.
Check out my music if you like heavy/melodic/prog/experimental type stuff:
www.myspace.com/bioshock

F8L,
I figured there wouldn't be anything out yet as far as kits and harnesses go. How long does it usually take for companies to release them for new model cars? I'm debating about whether I should sell my Kenwood with my Scion or keep it for when I can throw it in the Prius.

 

Ugh. I guess that's not a good sign.
If you hear anything or come across anything, let me and everyone else on here know please!!

 

I'm going with a IV because a sunroof is a must for me... the solar stuff is just an added bonus in my eyes, but also very awesome. (if it works well)

I have sat in and test drove a V with Nav. The stereo system sounded OK to me, for a stock system... but I NEED some more bass. I'm not into blowing money away so people a block down can hear my bass from inside their house... that's just stupid.
However, a dedicated subwoofer is also a must for me. I need that low end.

Why do you say a stereo swap would lose Nav?
If I did a stereo swap, it would be for something with more features than the stock Nav head unit. (DVD player, a Nav system that isn't DVD-based, etc.)

I LOVE my Kenwood... screw a DVD-based nav system... that's just stupid with today's technology.
I also enjoy putting in a DVD movie from time to time. Dangerous, maybe, but I don't stare at it the whole time I'm driving...and passengers love it.

I will most likely try adding a sub/amp setup first, before doing anything to the actual head unit. If after a while, I decide that the stock Navigation system meets my standards and that I can get over the butt-ugly and bland iPod interface... then maybe I'll just stick with the stock head unit.

Another deciding factor for me will be whether or not someone releases an adaptor that will let aftermarket head units utilize the steering wheel controls. I definitely won't be rushing to swap out the head unit, but if and when the time comes that I can do it and not really lose any features/functionality... I most likely will do it.