Audiovox this week announced a partnership with Sony that will bring the Japanese electronics manufacturer's popular PlayStation 2 console to cars everywhere.

Audiovox plans three models, which so far lack an official product name, price, or ship date. It appears that the company will offer these as aftermarket options to car manufacturers, and possibly to retail stores as well.

The flagship model looks a bit like standard in-car DVD player -- and it should, because that's essentially what it is. Inside the unit, however, are the guts of a PlayStation 2 player. It also incorporates a full-color 16:9 10-inch screen, 16-channel FM modulator, two game controllers, headphones, and a DVD remote.

Audiovox also plans a second unit without a screen, that can be folded up into the inside ceiling of the car. A third model will be mounted in a headrest bracket -- we'd assume that part of the chair might have to be removed to make that happen, but perhaps not.

The system will begin shipping in the middle of next year. It comes in a number of configurations with a base unit beginning at $299.

Additional details added on Jan. 10 by Mark Hachman.