The price dropped because SonicBlue are dropping the RioCar product line.

They have stopped making them. All existing Empegs are in circulation or will soon be.

No follow-up in the aftermarket is planned, however, SonicBlue is allegedly partnering with OEM's to have similar products integrated with cars in the future. They just won't sell them as an add-on aftermarket stereo component.

All of this info is in the FAQ at www.riocar.org.