In a Venn diagram of passions, you might find a section where audiophiles and motorsport enthusiasts overlap.
This is the group that Italian audio brand iXOOST (pronounced “exhaust”) caters to, and it is this group in Malaysia that the brand hopes to reach too with its debut locally.
iXOOST is brought in by VSTECS Astar Sdn Bhd (VSTECS), a distribution hub for Information & Communications Technology (ICT) products in Malaysia. VSTECS will be the sole distributor of iXOOST here.
Hailing from Modena, the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley, the brand specialises in blending Italian craftsmanship, genuine supercar parts, and great audio systems in one.
All this to say, if you’ve never heard of iXOOST, you’ve probably never seen an audio system made from the exhausts or grilles of supercars, among other things.
During the launch today, iXOOST revealed to the media some of its portfolio products that are licensed by the partnering automotive companies.
There was the ESAVOX Automobili Lamborghini, a high-end sound system created from the original Lamborghini exhaust.
AVALÁN Automobili Lamborghini pairs original Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica exhausts that have a hexagonal grille with 80-Watt Class D amplifiers.
AMG Performance Luxury Audio is a tribute to the AMG GT Black Series and the first and only hi-fi system in the world to bear the AMG brand, iXOOST states.
iXOOST believes that XiLO is the ultimate expression of “made in Modena” craftsmanship, with its Formula One (F1)-inspired exhaust pipes.
Some other products that were specially mentioned were:
- Pirelli P ZERO Sound, born from a collaboration between iXOOST and F1 tyre manufacturer Pirelli. This system features a 130mm mid-woofer and a 25mm silk tweeter, housed within the real F1 tyre. It comes in three colours: yellow, red, and white, all of which are used in the Pirelli F1 tyre range to distinguish the different racing compounds.
- Bluetooth Speaker Helmets, which feature high-fidelity sound systems in a compact design. The first of this series is the DOVI # 04 SOUND, made from the original SR-GP racing helmet developed for Moto GP rider Andrea Dovizioso. iXOOST also crafted a Bluetooth speaker inside the original helmet of 1976 F1 World Champion, James Hunt.
Besides these, iXOOST’s portfolio also has the Radial 6 inspired by elements typical of the aeronautical world, and the KUBO Abarth 595 and KUBO Abarth 695, featuring a Bluetooth speaker connected to the replica of the Record Monza exhaust.
Exclusive speakers & extravagant prices
Luxury items come with impressive price tags, and iXOOST’s designs are no different. These fully handcrafted products are available as configure-to-order for those in Malaysia, and prices can range from RM80,000 to RM240,000.
As each order is custom-made, there may be a lead time of three to four months before you can get your iXOOST audio system in your home.
The audio world is a very competitive landscape, so iXOOST is aiming to stand out by not just providing good audio systems, but art pieces too.
So instead of targeting the mass market, it seems that iXOOST is positioning themselves to appeal to a discerning group of customers who are motorsports enthusiasts too.
On what gave him the confidence to bring iXOOST to Malaysia, Giovanni Panini, the founder of iXOOST, said, “The Italian lifestyle, like the fashion, food, arts, and supercars, is appreciated around the world.”
“I am confident also looking at the numbers that these supercar companies made here in Malaysia that it could be a good way to be here, especially with a partner like VSTECS.”
As for how iXOOST will be impacted by the continued growth of electric vehicles into the future, Giovanni joked, “We will be even more exclusive.”
Orders for the full range of their current portfolio can be made on iXOOST’s website or through their social media. The locations of dedicated showrooms for iXOOST products in Malaysia are still pending.
For a limited time from December onwards though, you can view and experience the iXOOST audio systems in person at Hoe Huat Electric Sdn Bhd, at Lot F-01 to F-03, First Floor, Encorp Strand Mall, 47810, Petaling Jaya.