The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is the world’s largest gathering that brings together the latest electronic gadgetry, home electronics, and latest technological wizardry every year since 1967. This year, Alpine Electronics is rolling out more sound systems and camera systems that fit 3rd generation Jeep Wrangler (JK).
Jeep Wrangler owners won’t ever experience screen envy ever again, posits Alpine. They’ve designed an aftermarket in-dash system that features a 9-inch screen, is weather resistant, and has an off-road mode function when venturing into the wild.
“Wrangler owners are passionate about their vehicles and use them to their full capacity,” said Mike Anderson, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “The Off-Road Mode in the X209-WRA-OR delivers tools to help them tackle the terrain when trailing.”
New Jeep Wrangler JK Restyle Dash Systems
The new X209-WRA-OR in-dash system with 9-inch screen and Off-Road Mode will fit 2011-2018 Wrangler JK models. The Off-Road Mode has a tracking function that records trails and stores distance and travel time. Sharing trail information with friends is easy as copying the data to a USB stick.
When the Off-Road Mode is activated, the 9-inch screen converts to an off-road centric user interface. An information bar on the top of the screen displays vehicle data (tilt angle, tire pressure, battery voltage, GPS coordinates), tracking distance, tracking time, and compass readings. When the navigation source is chosen, additional soft keys for map operation and tracking operation appear.
When you use the X209-WRA-OR with the new HCE-2100RD Multi-View Rear Camera or HCE-C2600FD Multi-View Front Camera (both sold separately), you activate the Off-Road Mode camera interface. Three viewing modes (ground, tire, and panorama) let the driver view uneven terrain during rock crawls or trailing. Soft keys on the X209-WRA-OR allow for the switching of the cameras and view from the touchscreen.
The announcement from Alpine Electronics also calls out the new i209-WRA mech-less system with a 9-inch screen (for 2011-2018 JK), and the i207-WRA mech-less system with a 7-inch screen (for 2007-2018 JK). These models have a lower price point and don’t feature Alpine’s Off Road Mode. However, each model comes with a dash bezel that replaces the OEM radio for a better-than-factory fit and finish and Wrangler-specific wiring harnesses.
All three Jeep Wrangler Restyle dash systems can modernize the JK with the following features:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- Audio sources any one of the following – HD Radio, iPod and iPhone, audio streaming, Pandora, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Control) music playback via USB, and SiriusXM
- DVD Video, which is included on X209-WRA-OR, or from external DVD player that can be connected to the i209-WRA and i207-WRA.
- Built in navigation system on the X209-WRA-OR with driving directions and free lifetime HERE® Traffic RDS service. Navigation guidance is available from Maps on Apple CarPlay® or
- Bluetooth wireless technology with call waiting and audio streaming
- Connection of iDatalink Maestro module retains select Wrangler controls and features
Rear and Front Camera Interface for Factory JK Wrangler Screens
Alpine’s SGS-CH01 part for FCA vehicles provides means to integrate Alpine cameras with the Wrangler’s factory head unit. The SGS-CH01 adds active guidelines to the camera image. If you install multiple camera systems, you can use the SGS-CH01 with the KCX-C2600B Universal Camera Switcher. The KCX-C2600B comes with a button to toggle between the two cameras switch between camera views.
Alpine will release the X209-WRA-OR 9-inch Restyle Dash System for 2011-18 Jeep Wrangler JK models in February at a suggested retail price of $3,500. The i209-WRA 9-inch and i207-WRA 7-inch mech-less systems are available now. They’ve set the price for the i209-WRA at $2,200, and the i207-WRA will be $1,200.
Read the official press release that has more information from Alpine Electronics by clicking HERE.