Perched in the Wasatch Mountains, Snowbird Resort, was the locale for Yakima to announce its latest release. Utah's premiere ski destinations boasting the longest ski season in the state seemed fitting for unveiling the innovative Whispbar.

Whispbar is touted by Yakima as the quietest, most aerodynamic and fuel efficient line of roof racks. The line's original designer is a former Rolls Royce engineer who designed Whispbar with a low-profile design. Wind tunnel and real-world tested, Yakima advertises the Whispbar as reducing wind noise, vibration and wind drag by 70%.

Yakima's research showed that a segment of consumers spurned purchasing top-of-car rack systems and went with trunk and hitch mounted systems. Some consumers perceived that Yakima's current top-of-roof rack systems caused unnecessary wind drag and added unnecessary dollars at the gas pump.

A set-in channel runs through the top of each bar. Yakima is designing racks for bikes, boats and cargo boxes to mount directly into the set-in channel. Until then, all racks will mount around the bars. Current Yakima racks are compatible with the Whispbar.

The line consists of four styles.

FlushBar System – The Whispbar's base model (MSRP $389)

Through Bar System –Bars extend through the towers to carry more gear (MSRP $389)

Rail Bar System – Designed for vehicles with factory installed parallel side-rails (MSRP $349)

Roof Bar System - for maximum performance (MSRP $439)