New Peugeot Concept’s Inside Job Sounds Good

PSA Group's Peugeot Fractal concept electric car previews potential interior designs and technologies for the carmaker. The new concept will be publicly unveiled later this month at the Frankfurt auto show.

Building on the i-Cockpit design PSA introduced in 2012, the Fractal's interior has an ergonomic layout and a wide array of amenities, including an innovative high-end sound system. 3D-printed parts make up more than 80% of the interior trim surface, which PSA says allows for greater customization and design freedom.

Described as an urban coupe, the Fractal four-seater has a minimalist cabin with a small steering wheel and integrated touchpads that control most infotainment functions. Drivers can customize the car's 7.7-inch holographic head-up display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Another 7.7-inch touchscreen is integrated into the center console.

PSA worked with Amon Tobin, a renowned Brazilian producer of electronic music, and French speaker maker Focal to develop the car's unique audio system. The 9.1-channel design features 13 speakers and "signature" sounds coordinated with various functions, such as navigation instructions and door-open chimes.

A tactile system built into the back of each seat intensifies bass notes. Called SubPac, the technology was developed by Los Angeles-based StudioFeed USA LLC through an Internet-based crowd-funding campaign.

The EV concept also is equipped with the new Evader system that detects the presence of pedestrians and emits a sound to alert them as the vehicle approaches. Developed by an 11-member consortium that includes PSA, the system meets European requirements due to take effect in 2019.

The concept car is powered by a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery paired with electric motors located on the front and rear axles.

A dynamic suspension system increases ground clearance when passing over bumps or entering steep driveways. Ride height is lowered at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics.