Roger Fingas
Alpine is launching two new CarPlay-compatible receivers in March, led by the iLX-F259, which features a rare 9-inch capacitive touchscreen.
Further unlike most aftermarket add-ons with CarPlay, the F259 "floats" in front of a car's dashboard. The design isn't purely cosmetic, since it enables simpler installation and custom positioning — there are four tilt presets for the mount, helping to align with the dashboard and the driver's point of view.
The receiver supports Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and one default rear view camera input, though more can be added. CarPlay requires connecting an iPhone to the receiver's USB port.
The other receiver is the iLX-W650, which uses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and more conventional mounting. It is just 2.4 inches thick though, which may let it fit in a wide range of vehicles.
Where depth isn't a problem, the unit can stack with Alpine's KTA-450 amp using a bundled bracket, still coming out thinner than a regular double-DIN chassis.
More W650 features include Bluetooth, SiriusXM support, and three 4-volt pre-outs. Camera inputs must be bought separately.
Alpine will sell the F259 for $800, and the W650 for $500.
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Andrew O'Hara
Malcolm Owen
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14 Comments
Don't ever buy new vehicle without having embedded CarPlay in it's Infotainment system and works seamlessly. For old vehicles, add on like this Pioneer aftermarket system is all good.
The main change from last year’s nine inch model is a switch from a low res resistive to capacitive display. Must have got a lot of negative feedback. thing is though, if you are spending $800 you would expect wireless CarPlay.
Any word on power output with the add-on amp? It would be great if you could get them to supply not only the "Max" power rating but also a "real" power spec with all channels driven, full bandwidth, at a stated distortion level.
I thought Alpine made a single DIN floater? When I last looked it was the only one in the market and I was considering it for a classic car. Is this a replacement for that?
I don’t think they can make these (things) attractive, this one certainly isn’t...
There are better ways to spend $500 on an older vehicle...
I’ll stick with my iPad or iPhone for navigation, and wait for CarPlay in my next new vehicle.