Scosche iKit replaces car stereo with iPad

We've seen a few custom iPad dashboard mounts from the guys at SoundMan car audio. Now Scosche, manufacturer of car audio accessories, is stepping up to the plate and developing its own iPad dashboard mount kit, appropriately--and predictably--known as the Scosche iKit.

Unlike the iPhone mounts that we've seen from this manufacturer, the iKit actually starts a double-DIN module that replaces your car's stereo with an auxiliary audio input and a powered USB port for charging. Protruding from this module is a mounting knob onto which an iPad-mounting cradle is attached. You can then position the iPad and tighten a locking ring to hold the tablet in place. Included in the kit is a 30-pin dock connector cable that connects the iPad into the system's USB port and auxiliary input.

The connected iPad can then play back audio from its iTunes library through the vehicle's speakers when charging over USB. When used with an iPad 3G, you can choose from a number of Internet streaming audio sources or use the iPad with a navigation app such as the freshly minted CoPilot Live HD for turn-by-turn directions.

We assume that there's some sort of wire harness coming out of the back of the iKit to connect the car's speakers and 12-volt power. There would also need to be some sort of internal amplifier, as the iPad's headphone jack doesn't output enough juice to push four or more speakers. However, Scosche hasn't outlined any installation instructions or details about the iKit's internal electronics. Until Scosche releases more details, check out the introduction video below for a sneak peak at the iKit in action.

Is this new wave of iPad car audio accessories a cool implementation of new technology or does it herald a whole new level of driver distractions? Make yourself heard in the comments.