In a car audio industry first, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today introduced its new FantomFace(TM) XL CD/MP3 in-dash players, the first DIN chassis head units designed with a 30 percent larger-than-normal faceplate. Alpine's new FantomFace XL head units incorporate several design elements previously only available with its industry-benchmark AlpineF#1Status(TM) products. Underscoring this design achievement, the FantomFace XL CDA-7998 tuner received the 2002 CES Innovations award for design and engineering. Alpine's new FantomFace XL head unit design is unlike any other on the market today. The FantomFace XL features a motorized faceplate that emerges from the dash to reveal a 30 percent larger-than-standard faceplate that can be angle-adjusted, providing optimum driver visibility and ease of use. Alpine's own Biolite(TM) technology provides the two-line text display with brighter visuals to help punch through sun glare, as well as wider horizontal and vertical viewing angles for easier operation. The CDA-7998 tuner and CDA-7897 receiver also feature a full-size, motorized pop-up volume knob which has the unique ability to automatically depress before the faceplate retracts into the dash when the unit is turned off.

Built to accommodate playback of multiple music formats, the FantomFace XL head units support standard CDs, as well as CD-R/CD-RW discs with MP3 file playback. In addition, they are XM Satellite Radio ready, allowing for plug and play of Alpine's optional XM Radio tuner module. To deliver the premium sound quality Alpine is known for, FantomFace XL head units feature Bass Engine(TM) technology, letting the user customize and control total system sound tuning directly from the head unit. The FantomFace XL head units have independent time delay for every channel, six-position digital crossover, and a five-band digital parametric equalizer, an industry-first.

Offering industry-leading personalization and control, the CDA-7998 features Alpine's new i-Personalize(TM) technology, which will allow owners to go to Alpine's website, plug in specifics of their car's interior, and customize the Bass Engine settings. This information can then be burned to a CD and uploaded to the head unit, guaranteeing the best, most personalized sound tuning possible for the individual's specific vehicle.

The new FantomFace XL head units are also MobileHUB(TM) ready, a feature that, in the future, will allow users to integrate with select Nokia cell phones to receive and display SMS messages and utilize the head unit's alphanumeric keypad for hands-free cellular phone operation.

``Alpine's new FantomFace XL head units set a new standard for design, sound quality and personalization in mobile electronics,'' said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. ``With FantomFace XL, Alpine is bringing a new form factor and advanced technology to this market segment and providing enthusiasts with greater control of their in-cabin audio environment.''