“Before Fusion introduced the CA-IP500, iPod support in car stereo systems was kludgey at best,” said Todd Crocker, head of region, Fusion Electronics USA. “With our new solution, the iPod nestles into the stereo, removing the need for cables, elaborate set-up or extra space. Our complementary iPod interface also gives users a seamless and familiar way to access their music. Taken together, our new iPod receiver is the most simple and powerful car audio solution available on the market.”

If you haven't given over to the dark, precipitous desire that is iPhone fanboyism, or you still prefer to have a dedicated music player at your side, Fusion's new iPod-devouring car stereo might be to your liking. It's compatible with generation 2 and 3 of the Nano, generation 5 and 6 of the Classic, generation 1 of the Touch, and all of the new iPods announced in September. Once you slip your iWidget inside the dock, you'll control the music through the head unit. If that interface ends up not frustrating the heck out of users, Fusion might have a winner on their hands.

I am in the market for a new head unit for my aging system in my Jeep, and this is just short of my dream setup. Imagine if Fusion was not only compatible with the iPhone, but they enabled built-in handsfree and interfacing with phone calls. It'd be like every other iPod / cell phone vehicle solution, but loaded on HGH and Red Bull. Someone needs to turn this giggle-inducing fantasy into reality. I know so many OCD people who would swoon for that kind of lack-of-wires, hands-off, hands-free integration. Fusion's offering is, pending an actual test impression, a wicked awesome solution in the mean time.