Sound system tech has changed a lot even in the past ten years. Reminisce with this archive feature on Alpine’s VW Passat CC audio car.
First featured in 2012.
Alpine (the audio brand, not the French sportscar manufacturer) have built some crazy demo vehicles over the years, including a BMW Mini that took over 4,000 man hours to build, had an electronic slide out boot entry system and no roof. Yeah it was slightly mental, but it was 2004.
A lot of things have changed since then, but one thing that has remained the same is Alpine’s ability and dedication to design top-notch car audio. And as my Nan used to say, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it,” which is exactly why Alpine have stuffed this Passat CC full of their audio.
The Goal
The man responsible for the build is Manfred Stengl and he had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with the build: “When you look into the car, I wanted people to see straight away why Alpine is the Multimedia Specialist for in-car entertainment.” Explains Manfred.
Another important aspect for Manfred was to show over the years, Alpine’s diversity in one build: “The car has two zones – in the front everything is integrated nicely. At the back, everything is for show!” grins the German installer.
Audio Upgrades
Alpine has expertly installed an INA-W910R double din head unit, with the steering wheel controls integrated to work with the new source unit. This gives an OE feel to the front of the car, but as Manfred explains: “This impression is soon lost when you look over your shoulders into the back.” His dual zone concept is in full flow.
An armada of amplifiers sit where the rear seats used to be, each kicking out 7000-watts of premium power; way more than necessary to power the speakers in the system. But, as Manfred puts it: “This is a show car, so nothing can be normal or have to make sense!”
In the boot you’ll find four 12-inch subwoofers that ensure good vibrations and an PXA-H800 audio processor with Alpine’s amazing IMPRINT technology. This automatically calibrates the audio system for the best sound possible in a car’s acoustical innards. Top stuff.
TECH SPEC: VW Passat CC Audio Car
INTERIOR
The seats are retrimmed in leather with Alpine logos, while the interior is finished off with Alcantara roof lining and trim details.
CHASSIS
KW Automotive Variant 2 suspension kit combined with HLS drop kit. The car also sits on 2011 Audi A8 L wheels with Pirelli 235/30×20 tires.
TUNING
Pfeffer Car Design exhaust.
EXTERIOR
CFC matt blue paint job with de-badged bodywork and Alpine decals.
AUDIO
1x INA-W910R advanced navi station with 1x DHA-S690 6-disc DVD changer and 1x PXA-H800 system integration audio processor. There’s also 1x RUX-C800 remote commander for PXA-H800, 2x PDX-F6 4/3/2-channel power density digital amplifier, and 2x PDX-M6 mono power density digital amplifier. On top of that, the car has 4x PDX-M12 mono power density digital amplifiers, 1x RUX-KNOB remote bass knob, 2x SPR-60C 6.5-inch 2-way component speakers, and 3x SPR-50C 5.25-inch 2-way component speaker. In addition, 4x SWR-T12 Type-R subwoofers, 2x SWG-844 8-inch subwoofer, and 3x TME-S370 – 6.5inch WVGA on-dash touch screen monitor. Finally, the package is complete with 3x KCE-635UB, advanced USB multimedia interface, and 1x HCE-C300R active view camera system.
