Alpine X009-WRA CES 2015 demo Jeep Wrangler

Alpine Jeep Wrangler Demo CES 2015

Alpine X009-WRA 9″ Navigation for 2012 + Jeep Wrangler is one of several new models revealed by Alpine at CES 2015

Alpine X009-WRA

Alpine revealed several new 9″ direct fit style Navigation units at CES 2015 including an exciting new model specific to Jeep Wrangler 2012 and up, the Alpine X009-WRA. This unit features:

  • Bad ass 9″ Touch Screen
  • Navigation
  • 9 Band EQ, Time Alignment, Vehicle Specific Equalization
  • Digital output
  • 4 Volt RCA Preouts
  • iDatalink Maestro for steering wheel control retention and vehicle information integration
  • Bluetooth Handsfree
  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming
  • Voice Activation (for Siri)
  • USB
  • Rear Aux
  • SiriusXM ready
  • Multicolor display (Blue, Green, Amber, Red or Black)
  • Pandora Control
  • HD Radio
Alpine X009-WRA CES 2015
Alpine X009-WRA CES 2015 – The screen is washed out because of the showroom lighting, it’s actually quite sharp.

The oversized stereo sits nicely in the custom dash kit that ships with the Alpine X009-WRA.  I had questions about vehicle compatibility while visiting Alpine’s booth at CES 2015.  I was surprised to see it would only fit 2012 and up considering it’s the same Metra dash kit from 2007 and up.  Also, Alpine initially stated it would only work with the 4 door Wrangler and then later back tracked and said it would also work for the two door.  The window switch pod appears to be the same so 2-door vs 4 door shouldn’t be an issue.

Will fit this dash:

Jeep Wrangler 2012 and up dash
Alpine X009-WRA will fit the 2012 and up Jeep Wrangler Dash

Not this dash:

2007 - 2011 Jeep Wrangler Dash
Alpine X009-WRA will not fit the 2007 – 2011 Jeep Wrangler Dash

A quick google image search showed the heat/AC vents vary slightly from previous years and it looks like that change in style happened maybe mid 2011.  Basically, if your heat/AC vents and window switch pod look exactly like the one shown in Alpine’s Jeep at CES 2015 it should work.  For now, Alpine is stating that the X009-WRA is only compatible with 2012 + up Jeep Wrangler.

Alpine Jeep Wrangler Demo CES 2015
Alpine Jeep Wrangler Demo CES 2015

Alpine is working on making sure the X009-WRA is packaged with all necessary iDatalink retention harnesses including the ability to retain the OEM USB port and AUX input.  Alpine is also extending their standard 1 year product warranty on all X009 models to a 3 year product warranty (including those X009 models already purchased).  This oversized 9″ Alpine navigation for Jeep is expected to ship in March 2015.  Price is to be determined, but I imagine it will be in the $2500 – $3000 price range like other X009 models.

CES 2015 – Android Auto Pioneer & Kenwood, Alpine 9″ Jeep Wrangler Deck

Alpine X009-WRA Jeep Wrangler CES 2015

Highlights from CES 2015 in Car Stereo

CES is always fun, but it is always a lot of work.  Yesterday was a long day of traveling for me and today was a long day of walking, talking, learning, testing, trying, questioning, note taking and photo taking.  SO this will be a brief post summarizing all the cool stuff I will be delving into and writing about over the next couple days.  LOTS of photos will come shortly, and a couple videos – one on Pioneer Android Auto and another on Alpine’s new Jeep Stereo.  I apologize I can’t post it all now, but the internet speed (wired) at the Monte Carlo is atrocious and my 5 minute you tube video still has 375 minutes remaining to upload!

Android Auto – finally!

This is pretty exciting.  Both Kenwood and Pioneer are offering Android Auto compatible radios this year (which are also CarPlay compatible too).  Both operate by connecting through USB to micro USB and require Android 5.0 Lollipop.  Kenwood offers 1.5 amp charging and Pioneer is 1 amp.  Both companies had no charging issues and their phones had full charges and had been connected and operating on these stereos alone for the past couple days.  Pioneer was using a Nexus 5 and I actually forgot to ask Kenwood which phone they were using, but plan to follow up on that tomorrow.  My concern is there may still be charging issues for Samsung users as this has been an issue I’ve seen in the past using the most popular Samsung phones (S4, S5, Note 3) with App Radio Mode.

DDX9902S - Android Auto CES 2015
DDX9902S – Android Auto CES 2015

Couple key things about Android Auto to know:

  • It locks the phone out – Once connected, you have to do everything through the stereo which is largely voice activated.  Personally, I think this is a great thing and I think it will seriously help stop people from looking down and playing with their phone with one hand when they should have both hands on the wheel and eyes ahead on the road.
  • You can have audio from another source playing (such as SiriusXM, HD Radio or even a CD) while using Android Auto for navigation purposes.
  • Android Auto currently uses Google Maps with traffic information fed by Waze.

Alpine – New 9″ Navigation models for Dodge Ram, Ford F150, GM, and Jeep

I had to see it to believe it.  I didn’t see how they fit a 9″ touch screen in the OEM Jeep Wrangler stereo location.  Yet Alpine has done it and has fabricated a beautiful OEM fit and finish dash kit and packaged it along with an iDatalink Maestro integration module to retain select OEM features, steering wheel control functions and vehicle information details.

Alpine X009-WRA Jeep Wrangler CES 2015
Alpine X009-WRA Jeep Wrangler CES 2015

They are also expected to start shipping a new 9″ model for Dodge Ram 2013 – up (without 8.4″ UConnect radio) this month, that’s the X009-RAM.  Additionally they will be releasing a new model for Ford F-150  with the 4.2″ MyFord Touch radio, the X009-FD2.

Additional detailed posts will come shortly including full write ups, photos and videos on all the new products from Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer and JL Audio for 2015.  Check back soon for more information.