Chevy to debut MyLink infotainment system

Chevrolet Announces MyLink Infotainment System, Puts it in 2012 Equinox and Volt

The MyLink system, which was previewed earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, includes a 7-inch color display, but the majority of the system�s features are designed to give drivers additional in-car media choices. Perhaps the most significant option lies with audio streaming � after pairing a smartphone to the system via Bluetooth, drivers can use the data connection to stream music or talk radio via Pandora and Stitcher, respectively.

The voice-activated technology of Sync made it an instant front-runner in the ever-evolving in-vehicle infotainment environment when Ford introduced it in early 2007 � eons ago in electro-tech years. Ford has adopted upgrades and improvements for Sync � including the divisive new MyFord Touch interface � but Bly told Inside Line that while Sync was and is a formidable achievement, Chevy's new MyLink technology is vastly better to use.




Press Release

Chevrolet MyLink Creates Smartphones on Wheels

Smart interface design allows drivers to take advantage of mobile communications technology while the phone remains safely stowed

NEW YORK - Consumers who seek a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, plus the unmatched safety and security of OnStar need look no further than the 2012 Chevy Volt and Equinox.

When these vehicles go on sale later this year, they will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink - an in-car infotainment package that builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora� internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio� using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth device connectivity.

"There is a new generation of car buyers who don't want to settle for mass market radio," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "They want to create their own individual stations and have access to them wherever they are. Chevrolet vehicles have offered customers the ability to use portable media devices since 2006 and the introduction of MyLink takes media personalization to a new level. "

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. MyLink also includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.
"Chevrolet MyLink is the next logical step for in-vehicle connectivity," said Karl Stracke, vice president for Global Product Engineering. "MyLink leverages the mobile broadband capability and the sophisticated, online services made possible by today's smart phones."

MyLink retains all the capabilities of today's entertainment units, including AM/FM/XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs. But, Stracke says, "These are the essentials and we're building from there."

Among the new benefits provided by MyLink:

• Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance�, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones. A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of smartphone applications like "play (artist name)" or "call (name of contact)" to keep the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
• Pandora� internet radio allows users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and Stitcher SmartRadio� enables access to thousands of audio programming choices allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. MyLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver directed listening experience.
• Gracenote�: identifies the music collection on the driver's smartphone or MP3 player and presents information such artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of MyLink's voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as "The Boss," "G.N.R," or "The Fab Four" simply by using MyLink's touch-screen or steering wheel buttons and voice control interfaces.
• Upgraded USB connectivity: While Chevrolet has offered auxiliary device connectivity since 2006, MyLink adds flash memory capability to its USB device connections. This provides users with the ability to access approved applications that will make their MyLink system even more functional, while assuring that driver's maintain eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The debut of Chevy MyLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.
When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry's first embedded telematics system. It has grown from primarily offering automatic crash notification and security features to include remote vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to slow down stolen vehicles.

In November 2010, OnStar released a smartphone application for all 2011 Chevy vehicles that incorporated remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks as well as battery management functions for Volt owners. Volt owners also have the MyVolt.com website to provide those remote management features and other Chevy owners soon will have access to similar web-based OnStar services.

The combination of MyLink and OnStar will soon be joined by the integration of the Powermat� charging system - eliminating the need for charging cords. Chevrolet MyLink will be available beginning with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall before expanding to other vehicles in the Chevy lineup over the next 18 months.

GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads

GM announced this week that their venture capital arm called GM Ventures will invest $5 million in a small company called Powermat. The company makes a charging system that uses wireless technology to charge smartphones and other devices, and is considered a pioneer in the filed.

What is Powermat? If you�ve recently visited your local Best Buy, you�ve probably seen the Powermat product in the �Mobile� section. The product allows you to place your cell phone and other mobile technology on a mat and charge them without having to plug them into the wall.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it�s also safer and more efficient.

Powermat already sells wireless charging devices for the home to consumers at major U.S. retail outlets such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Source: GM





Press Release

GM, Powermat to Put Added �Charge' in Chevy Volt

Automaker Invests in Start-Up to Do Away With Charging Cords

LAS VEGAS - General Motors and Powermat, a pioneer in wireless charging technology, announced a commercial agreement today that will eliminate the need for charging cords for personal electronic devices in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products beginning mid-2012.

GM Ventures, the company's venture capital subsidiary, will invest $5 million in Powermat to accelerate the technology's development and support efforts to grow Powermat's business globally.

Powermat's technology allows electronic devices - smart phones, MP3 players and gaming devices - to be charged safely and efficiently, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine.

The Chevrolet Volt, conceived as a reinvention of the automobile that would help reduce America's dependence on oil, while providing the assurance of an extended driving range, will be one of the first GM vehicles to offer this technology. The technology is expected to revolutionize how electronic devices are charged in a car.

"Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you're driving on a family vacation," said Micky Bly, GM's lead electronics executive, including infotainment, hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

"The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio," Bly said.

Powermat, a private firm, was founded in 2007 and offers wireless charging products for the home in a number of retail stores, including Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart.

Poliakine is excited to start with the Chevrolet Volt, which has swept major Car of the Year awards to date.

"GM is among the rarest of giants in today's business climate: a forward-thinking innovator with the courage and good sense to care about the well-being of the consumer and the well-being of our planet," Poliakine said.

Jon Lauckner, who helped create the Volt concept and now is President of GM Ventures, has been dreaming about a technology like Powermat for years.

"We first developed the Volt concept car in 2006," Lauckner said. "The intent was to revolutionize every aspect of the car, not just the propulsion system. We had something like this in mind even then, and we think it will have widespread appeal."

About General Motors

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

About Powermat

Powermat was the first company to perfect inductive-based wireless charging and to bring it to consumers in a widely available, meaningful way via mainstream retail channels. The undisputed leader in wireless charging, Powermat leads the category in all facets including technology, retail footprint, consumer experience, and brand. Powermat allows users to enable their electronic devices once with a Powermat receiver and then set down up to three devices on the charging mat for fast, safe and effective wireless charging. It's simple, effortless, and provides consumers with first-of-its-kind freedom from the need to constantly plug/unplug as well as the angst of running on empty.

CES 2011: Toyota Entune Multimedia System Unveiled?Video?

Toyota has unveiled the Entune infotainment system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota Entune will be available as an option on select models this year. The featured apps of Toyota Entune include: Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora, as well as location-based services, such as personalized traffic, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and sports. A high quality JBL sound system is available as an option as well.

The Toyota Entune system features an iheartradio app, which provides users with over 750 hometown stations, XM satellite radio and HD radio. It also features USB connectivity and voice recognition, so the driver can keep his focus on the road ahead.

Entune can also read back text messages with its text-to-voice feature, and access your favorite Pandora radio stations, so it's sure to draw the eyes of those looking to other carmakers for the same functionality back to Toyota.

Entune takes a different approach to in-car multimedia systems. Instead of duplicating many of the functions your smartphone can do, Toyota�s system is intricately tied to the device. Once you download the Entune application to your smartphone, you can use the interface on Toyota�s touch-screen display. The system is composed of multiple apps, Microsoft Bing search and a voice-recognition system that Toyota says is best in class.





Press Release

Toyota unveils Entune multimedia system at CES

• Toyota Offers the Largest Number of Mobile Apps with Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora
• Entune Boasts Industry-Leading Advanced Conversational Voice Recognition
• Toyota Entune Is Compatible with Most Smartphones and Feature Phones

LAS VEGAS - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the Toyota Entune^TM multimedia system at the Consumer Electronics Show. Toyota Entune leverages the customer's mobile phone to create a rich in-vehicle experience that offers fully integrated and upgradeable entertainment, navigation, and information services. By utilizing conversational voice recognition and in-vehicle controls, the driver doesn't have to touch their mobile phone, allowing for safer connectivity. Toyota Entune simplifies the interaction for customers and will be available in select vehicles this year.

"Consumers have grown accustomed to having the world at their fingertips through their mobile phones," said Jon Bucci, vice president of the Advanced Technology Department at Toyota. "And unlike other industry solutions, Entune allows the driver to interact with informative and entertaining mobile content without fumbling with their phone. We offer features that our customers demand and integrate them seamlessly in the vehicle."

After downloading the Toyota Entune mobile application and pairing a Bluetooth capable phone with their Toyota vehicle, customers can begin accessing a wide variety of personalized content and services. Toyota Entune is wirelessly upgradeable, so in-vehicle applications are never obsolete. Ensuring that nearly all customers can take advantage of this new technology, Toyota Entune is compatible with a wide variety of mobile phones with a data plan. Toyota Entune key features include:

• Mobile Apps - Toyota Entune debuts Bing, keeping navigation continuously up to date with more than 16 million points of interest; OpenTable, make a reservation at one of 15,000 restaurants; and MovieTickets.com, buy movie tickets and read reviews. All destinations can be seamlessly sent to the navigation system. Making drivers' lives even easier, Toyota Entune delivers customizable real time traffic, fuel prices, weather, stocks and sports.

• Music - Toyota Entune brings you more music in more ways with iheartradio's 750+ hometown stations; personalized stations with Pandora; XM satellite radio 170+ channels with coast-to-coast coverage; and introducing HD Radio, digital broadcasts of your favorite terrestrial music. Toyota Entune also offers USB connectivity for portable media players and traditional terrestrial radio.

• Voice Recognition - Featuring a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system, Toyota Entune eliminates the need to memorize thousands of voice commands. The intuitive interface allows the driver to focus more on the road ahead.

"Toyota has always been a leader in the automotive industry, so it makes sense it would bring the latest in mobile technology to the car," said Chris Daniels, general manager of Bing for Mobile, Microsoft Corp. "By bringing Bing Maps and Bing for Mobile technology to the car, we are helping Toyota enhance the overall in-vehicle experience to be as rich and robust as possible, which means personalizing the information to each driver's needs."

Safety Connect
Toyota Entune continues to build on the excellent foundation laid by Safety Connect, bringing peace of mind to drivers with an added layer of more personalized and convenience-oriented features. Safety Connect is the cornerstone of Toyota's telematics systems providing Automatic Collision notification, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Roadside Assistance on select Toyota models. Safety Connect combined with Toyota Entune offers comprehensive safety services and mobile applications not found in any other vehicle make.

Product Availability
Toyota Entune will be available as an option on select models this year. The featured apps of Toyota Entune include: Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora, as well as location-based services, such as personalized traffic, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and sports. Toyota Entune also includes support for read-back and replay capabilities for text messages. These are combined with a fully featured entertainment and communication system, which includes XM radio, HD Radio, CD player, USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming and phonebook. A high quality JBL sound system is available as an option as well.

Focus EV to use Liquid Cooled Battery

Ford announced September 2 its Focus Electric, due out next year in the U.S., will contain a lithium ion battery pack with a liquid-based thermal management system.

Ford will use for the Focus a lithium-ion battery pack which will use heated and cooled liquid to handle one of the most dreaded things in an EV: overheating batteries. The liquid will be used by the car to keep the heat level to a minimum, hence increasing both the range and life span of the pack.

Ford is still developing the car, but the prototype we drove had a 23 kilowatt-hour lithium ion pack, which makes it about the size of the air-cooled pack in the Nissan Leaf. By using active thermal management, Ford says it will maximize battery life and range and optimize charging by heating, or cooling, the pack to the best temperature before pulling juice from the grid.

The introduction of this type of electronic cooling, will extend the batteries lifespan and also help to gain the maximum performance. By keeping the cells cool the active thermal management will be able to prevent the likelihood of cracks in the electrodes. These cracks can start to effect the batteries power and reduce the charge capabilities. On initial plug-in the management system will run a precondition of the batteries before it allows charging to begin.

The Focus Electric, which will be released in the U.S. late this year and in 2012 in Europe, is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will release over the next three years. The Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Source: Ford




Press Release

FORD USES INNOVATIVE LIQUID-COOLED BATTERY SYSTEM TO HELP FOCUS ELECTRIC OWNERS MAXIMIZE RANGE

• The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe, will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system that utilizes cooled and heated liquid to regulate battery temperature, extend battery life and maximize driving range
  
• The innovative thermal management technology helps the Focus Electric operate efficiently in a range of ambient temperatures
  
• Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver over the next three years in North America and Europe. The Focus Electric will be built at Ford's retooled Michigan Assembly Plant
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 2, 2010 � The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in the U.S. late next year and in Europe in 2012, will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery that utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of all-electric vehicles because extreme temperatures can affect performance, reliability, safety and durability. Ford has chosen an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

"All-electric vehicles do not have a conventional engine on board, so it is critical we maximize the performance of the battery under various operating temperatures," said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Program and Engineering. "Active liquid systems are more effective than air systems at regulating lithium-ion battery temperature. As a result, the active liquid system on Focus Electric will play a key role in providing our customers with the best performance possible."

The active liquid cooling and heating system also enables the Focus Electric to automatically precondition the battery pack temperature during daily recharging. When the vehicle is plugged in to the power grid, the vehicle system will be able to warm up the battery on cold days and cool it down on hot days.

The Focus Electric will be built at Ford's retooled Michigan Assembly Plant and will be available in late 2011. The vehicle will have an expected range of up to 100 miles and use no gasoline at all.

Battery thermal management in action
While air-cooling methods work well for many of today's smaller car battery systems, the larger, more complex lithium-ion battery technology powering Ford's all-electric vehicles calls for an aggressive thermal management system.

An active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions.

On hot days, chilled water absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated water warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

"Extreme temperatures impact a battery's life and performance, making it crucial to have an effective cooling and heating system to regulate temperature for these demanding applications," said Anand Sankaran, Ford executive technical leader, Energy Storage and HV Systems.

The liquid cooling system also plays a role in charging the vehicle. When the all-electric Focus is plugged in to recharge, the vehicle control system will automatically precondition the battery, if needed, to the optimal temperature before accepting charge. If the battery is already at the optimal temperature, the system will automatically accept charge and maintain an optimal temperature.

"We are working closely with our technology partners to accelerate the development of our lithium-ion battery systems to help our future EV customers get the most out of their vehicles," Marakby said. "Our goal is to build an electric vehicle that delivers on the quality and performance customers have come to expect from Ford."

Focus Electric is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will release over the next three years. In addition to the Focus Electric, the Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Electrified vehicles are one part of Ford's broader strategy to offer a wide range of environmentally friendly, advanced technology solutions to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions affordably for customers around the world.

Audi Sound Concept features 62 speakers

Audi Sound Concept is the most advanced project of the entertainment development engineers in Ingolstadt. The project is internally dubbed the Audi Sound Concept and is being tested on a Q7 model. This design boasts an insane 62 speakers in the vehicle, consisting of five woofers, five tweeters and fifty-two mid-range speakers in the instrument panel beneath the windshield, in the roof pillars, and in the doors.

The system consists of five tweeters spread between the dashboard and the rear seating area, a woofer in each of the four doors, a single subwoofer out back, and a whopping 52 midrange speakers wrapping the perimeter of the cabin and enveloping the passengers in 360 degrees of sound. You're definitely not going to want to crank this rig up to 11.

Moreover, five units are integrated into each door sill, thanks to modifications that included cutouts in the sheet metal, new bezels and lower interior door release handles.

Development of the system took place in both the �100,000 listening facility and the �10 million audio lab at Audi HQ in Ingolstadt.




Press Release

New approaches to perfect sound - Hi-fi expertise at Audi

High-end quality for listening pleasure is a field of technology that is becoming increasingly important. Audi is taking the lead in the advancement of this technology. Audi's successful collaboration with premium suppliers Bang & Olufsen and Bose is already setting standards, and the Audi development engineers have also established broad-based proprietary know-how independent of these partnerships. Their latest project takes an entirely new technical approach - and could turn out to be the next revolution in the hi-fi sector.

62 speakers: the Audi Sound Concept project

Peter Gleim's eyes light up when he cranks up the volume. The engineer works in Infotainment Development at Audi in Ingolstadt, where he heads the Audi Sound Concept project. His test subject is a Q7: Standard on the outside, interior modifications have transformed it into a rolling hi-fi studio that takes a radically new approach.

The idea behind Audi Sound Concept is a physical principle called wave field synthesis, which states that the front of any individual wave can also be considered as superposition of individual waves. In the world of acoustics this means that a sound wave can be recreated by a multiplicity of small sound sources placed closely adjacent to one another along the wave front.

The principle was first put into practice by Dutch scientists in the late 1980s, and it can be experienced today in a movie theater in Ilmenau, in the German state of Thuringia. Each of the 192 individual speakers at the Linden Lichtspiele movie theater is driven separately by a fast computer - at the precise moment in which the virtual wave front would pass through its point in space. Some signals are delayed by milliseconds, depending on the location of the speaker. The result is fascinating: Each moviegoer experiences perfect audio spatialization in optimal sound.

One of the driving forces in the field of wave field synthesis is the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) in Ilmenau. Audi began its development work in collaboration with the IDMT five years ago. The current status of the project is the Q7 prototype, which is parked in a workshop. A powerful amplifier takes up most of the space in the luggage compartment, and thick cables connect it to three PCs.

Installed in the Audi Q7 are 62 speakers - five woofers and five tweeters plus 52 mid-range speakers in the instrument panel beneath the windshield, in the roof pillars and in the doors. Five units are integrated into each door sill - with Audi-typical perfect workmanship. Specialists made cutouts in the sheet metal, fabricated new bezels and lowered the interior door release handles.

"Prepare to be amazed," says Gleim, as his eyes light up and he cranks up the volume. A sound like a thunderhead issues from the speakers - an artful mix of music, traffic noise and animal sounds. A female narrator guides the listener through the acoustic hubbub, dancing past the listener on the right and at other times on the left. The whole time the listener's ears are surrounded by the sounds of driving cars and roaring lions. A marching band seems to march from side to side through the Q7 before finally a helicopter flies a lap around the cabin below the headliner.

"That is specially created wave field material," says Gleim, "comprising up to 32 tracks, with specific spatial information for each of those tracks." There are no corresponding audio media available on the market because there are no playback devices, either. A few film studios are already producing films with the method, however."

New stereo sound: the wide virtual stage

Wave field synthesis is not dependent on special material to demonstrate its strengths, however. It also coaxes entirely new acoustic images out of conventional stereo signals. As Gleim explains, "We can simulate any wave front. With stereo, we can generate a sound as if the two speakers were located far outside the car. And we can also add any desired spatial impression computationally - not as a sound effect, but as a mathematically precise simulation."

The sample for this is also very convincing. The vocals come from far off to the left, seemingly from the corner of the workshop, with the guitar coming from the other corner. This impression remains the same regardless of whether the listener is behind the wheel or on the back right seat of the Audi Q7. And sound quality is always first class - with sparkling trebles, crystal-clear midrange and dry bass. Even the slight buzz as the guitarist's fingers hit the strings makes its way to the ear with extreme precision.

"Our goal was to show what is technically feasible; to explore the limits," explains Denis Cred�, Head of Sound Development at Audi. "What we are learning will be integrated into the sound systems of tomorrow. It's like with racing: A lot of what is first tried out on the race tracks of this world later shows up in modified in production vehicles. The Audi Sound Concept project is like racing for sound systems."

Wide-ranging know-how: Entertainment Development at Audi

Audi Sound Concept is the most advanced project of the entertainment development engineers in Ingolstadt. Audi has accumulated broad-based know-how in hi-fi technology in just a short time. The brand began collaborating with the upscale American supplier Bose a good twenty years ago; the collaboration with Bang & Olufsen began around the turn of the millennium.

Audi began offering the advanced sound system from the Danish sound wizards in the A8 luxury sedan in fall 2005. The 14 active speakers, including two acoustic lenses with anodized aluminum grilles, and 1,100 watts of amplifier power brought high-end sound to the automobile direct from the factory for the first time. The openly proclaimed collaboration between the two companies was another first in the European automobile industry. It proved to be a tremendous success for both sides - the advanced sound system has a penetration rate of greater than 10 percent in both models, the A8 and Q7, in which it is available.

If a new Audi model is to be equipped with a new premium or advanced sound system, the development work is performed primarily at Bose or Bang & Olufsen. The Audi engineers prepare precise requirement specifications in which the system layout - the type, number and installation location of the speakers - plus the speaker characteristics, the design of the amplifier and a target sound appropriate for the vehicle are defined.

Prototype vehicles are sent to Esslingen, Germany, and Struer, Denmark, where the partners work on the speakers, enclosures, amplifiers and acoustic algorithms. The last step is fine-tuning the sound, which is performed together with the Audi specialists in Ingolstadt. The "Sound Commission," a body comprising representatives from all units of the company, is responsible for final acceptance and approval.

How close does the high-end sound in a new Audi A8 come to the reality of the recording? "The determining factors are always the installation locations in the car and the quality of the components," explains Gleim. "When you order a car with the advanced sound system, you get the best speakers available anywhere. Many of them have membranes made of a fiberglass composite, which has a very natural and linear sound."

Pure sound is technically feasible - but not desired. "A linear frequency response in the car would be boring," says Gleim. The tight interior does not allow the sound to spread out like in a living room. Cushions and upholstery absorb it, which is why the low frequencies must be overdriven to a certain extent. The electronic fine-tuning - the tweaking of the algorithms in the sound processor - handles this.

"We deliver a certain fun factor with our compact and sporty models," explains the sound development engineer. "In the A8 and Q7, however, the sound is more subtle and natural. There is no ultimate ideal, though, because each person perceives sound in their own unique way."

Proprietary development: the Audi sound systems

Below the high-end and premium systems, Audi offers additional systems such as the Audi sound system, which also uses impressive technology to produce excellent sound quality. Because Audi alone is responsible for the design and tuning of these systems, the development engineers have developed an extensive foundation of expertise.

The Electronics Center established at the Ingolstadt plant in 2003 includes a sound laboratory, where the sound systems undergo rigorous testing during the development phase. The engineers test the speakers and amplifiers offered by the suppliers, beginning with the very first sample level and assess the quality delivered, in part by means of exhaustive listening comparisons.

The laboratory features equipment valued at nearly �10 million - from the microphones and the special amplifier test bed custom-developed to Audi specifications to the laser vibrometer. The latter uses a laser to scan the surface vibrations that occur on the speaker membrane, the speaker housing or the door in which the speaker is installed.

The color graphics produced precisely indicate if the membrane does not oscillate properly across its entire surface. "Weaknesses in a speaker are very often a simple question of design," says Gleim's colleague, Wolfram J�hn. "In many cases, the manufacturer can resolve these with minor changes, such as details of the curvature or the overlap between the paper and the rubber at the bead."

Speakers are analyzed at the Audi sound laboratory in a testing room, which is a room-in-room construction. The testing room is mounted on thick elastomer bearings and is completely decoupled from the rest of the building. An absolute necessity given its direct proximity to a roller dynamometer.

All six sides of the testing room feature large fiberglass wedges covered in silk that break up the sound. A floating wire lattice serves as the floor.

The testing room is acoustically dead - the human voice loses its richness here. The room is also often used to refine operating noises in the cabin, i.e., to fine tune clicking rotary knobs and switches. "As far as we know, none of our competitors have such a facility," says J�hn.

The listening room: resetting your ears

Whereas the testing room is used for mathematical analysis, the adjacent listening room is tailored for the subjective experience. It, too, is an acoustically optimized room-in-room construction - the special wooden double walls backed with insulation only allow the linear reflections desired. The precisely calibrated, high-end sound system installed here costs around �100,000 and its tube-based end stages are the size of small refrigerators.

"The listening room is our acoustic magnifying glass," explains J�hn, "where we check what really is on a CD or DVD. This is important because your ears quickly get used to a sound and sometimes interpret errors as interesting effects. We test our sample speakers blind. We can compare them to the optimum and reset our ears."

Thanks to these detailed tests and comparisons, the sound development engineers at Audi can define detailed specifications for the speaker suppliers.

Another element for success is the tight networking between Technical Development, Production and Quality Assurance at Audi. This enables requirements from daily production work and the real-world customer experience to flow into the development of new sound systems.

The quality of the sound systems has gotten significantly better in recent years as a result, according to Gleim. And the engineers are constantly learning - at a rapid pace, day-in, day-out. Audi will further strengthen its leadership position in the high-end sector.

Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 is the Ultimate Experience for Racing Games [Video]

Thrustmaster has just released its newest gaming accessory, The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition will make you feel like you really are racing in a luxury racing car. The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition features resembles is a cockpit ensemble that includes a built-in wheel and pedal set that will work on PS3 and a PC.

The wireless system is compatible with the PlayStation 3 and PC (Xbox fans are left stranded by the side of the road), but if you thought the actual Scuderia was expensive, the 23-pound Thrustmaster setup will set you back $250.

For starters, the whole setup is wireless. Plug the 2.4 GHz receiver into the USB port of a PC or PS3, and you'll be driving in no time. No pesky cables to trip over or wear out. We're also assuming it sends the standard peripheral signals Windows and PS3 games understand, which would make it compatible with any well-developed racing game. Aside from brake and accelerator pedals, the paddle shifters and buttons built into the steering wheel provide a pretty comprehensive control suite.






Press Release:

Thrustmaster Unleashes Real Racing Power with Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition

Thrustmaster has created the ultimate cockpit that puts you in the driver's seat of your favorite racing games

New York, NY - (May 26, 2010) - Thrustmaster, the innovative PC and console accessory brand, unveils its newest gaming accessory release: a pre-equipped, streamlined, Ferrari-licensed cockpit, that's foldable and ready to be set up anywhere. The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition is a cockpit ensemble featuring a built-in wheel and pedal set, for PlayStation� 3 and PC. It lets users experience the thrills of racing under conditions very close to those on real race tracks � without having to leave their living room. This compact, practical and efficient racing cockpit will be available in June 2010 for the SRP $249.99.

Wireless Cockpit Ensemble - The cockpit ensemble is wireless, featuring a range of more than 10 meters and 50 hours of battery life: it's got everything you need for great performance, whether in quick runs around the track, or endurance racing.

Optimal Stability - With a wide, solid base and a total weight of 23lbs., stability is optimal. The cockpit's construction is completely solid, thanks to its rigid metal structure, perfect for maintaining your racing lines, even through quick turns.

Adjustable Cockpit - The cockpit is fully adjustable, for an infinite number of possible positions according to the user's size (adult/child) and seating type (sofa/chair). It also features a mechanism which locks in place once the position has been selected. Foldable, with a detachable wheel and carrying handle, the cockpit takes up minimum space for easy storage when the race is over.

Absolute Precision Technology - This new racing release also provides absolute precision, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect Accurate Technology� system (12-bit precision, with 4096 values on the wheel's axis): it will give you the edge you need to take up the pole position.

Streamlined Design - The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition has a streamlined design with smooth and harmonious lines, and features the metallic colors of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia's "musetto".

Programmable Wheel Replica of Ferrari 430 Scuderia - The wheel, 11" in diameter, is a replica of that found on the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, down to the smallest details � from the 5-position Manettino dial which lets users configure their car directly in the race, to the sequential gearshift levers crafted of metal, and rubber-textured grip. The wheel is 100% programmable and features an internal memory.

Magnetic Resistance Pedals - The metal pedals, inspired by those in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, are built directly into the cockpit, and provide a long range of travel, for even greater realism. The brake pedal even features magnetic resistance for enhanced performance.

Volvo Concept Truck 2020

Swedish manufacturer Volvo Trucks recently unveiled the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 design concept, The Volvo Concept Truck 2020 displays a long distance vehicle, which can be combined in length, equipped with autopilot. The Volvo Concept Truck 2020 will be able to drive non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys that run at 90 km/h (56 mph) while the cars communicate with each other via a wireless connection.

Moving on to driver�s comfort, the driver�s seat looks more like a modern office chair with a thin ventilated mesh backrest. Behind the driver seat you will find a futon sofa which can be turned into a wide comfortable bed. The luxury experience is further complemented by the customizable lighting that can be changed as per in-cab tasks or resting. The driver may also control the privacy screening and blackout electronically.

Outside, the concept truck features LED headlamps and turn indicators that are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras, while images are projected onto the inside of the windscreen.

The Concept Truck 2020 has rear-view cameras that project an image onto the inside of the windscreen and helps the driver to orientate better, LED headlamps and indicators, and collision protection panels on the truck's nose.




Press Release

TRUCKS OF THE FUTURE; CLOSER TO REALITY THAN YOU THINK

Progress is getting ever faster. In just ten years' time trucks are going to be a lot different to those of today. At least that is according to Rikard Orell, Design Director at Volvo Truck Corporation and one of the brains behind Concept Truck 2020, the Volvo Truck Corporation's bold vision for the future.

Long distance haulage for the future: long combinations, controlled by autopilot, driven non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys on green super-motorways linking the continents.

This is the vision of the future that generated the ideas behind the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 design concept. But will it really look like this in just ten years?

"That is the whole point," says Rikard Orell Design Director at Volvo Trucks. "Progress is getting ever faster. Because of this our vision for the future is not that far away. Much of the technology in the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 is already available; other technology needs to be developed. One needs to dare to stride firmly into the debate, demonstrating what one can and will do. Just tinkering at the edges runs the risk of progress slipping away."

Safer and more efficient commercial transport

As road transport expands it must also become safer and more efficient. Volvo's design concept contains ideas about how that can be achieved. Some of these ideas can be integrated into production today, while others are there to arouse interest and start a discussion.

One of the more startling ideas is to link vehicles together wirelessly into long road-trains that rush across the continents at 90 km/h (56 mph).

"This will be possible when the transport sector's vision of green corridors becomes reality," says Rikard Orell. "Here heavy goods vehicles are separated from other traffic, driving in their own lanes, rather like a railway, but without the rails."

There are many advantages. Road safety increases, transport services require less space and wear and tear on the roads decreases. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions drop thanks to reduced drag when a truck is in the slipstream of the vehicle in front. In addition the driver can rest behind the wheel while the truck effectively drives itself. If this is counted as idle time, transport times can be cut, deliveries will be made more quickly and drivers can get back to their friends and families earlier.

Spacious and airy driver environment

The driver is at the centre of Volvo's world. It goes without saying that a design concept from Volvo Trucks contains a great many ideas about the development of the driver environment. In the Volvo Concept Truck 2020 the driver's environment is spacious, airy and free of disruption.

"We have replaced the traditional dashboard with a thin film panel on which information is tailored to suit the driver," says Rikard Orell. "The panel is operated like a touchpad, just like an iPhone. We have saved a lot of space that way."

Another space-saving idea is the sleek driver's seat with its thin, ventilated mesh backrest, more like a modern office chair than a traditional driver's seat. Behind the driver is a futon sofa which folds out into a wide, comfortable bed in the evening.

The lighting in the cab is divided into zones customised for the driver's various in-cab tasks, or for resting. Around the driver are large areas of glass providing good visibility out of the vehicle and even into it. This benefits eye contact between the driver and other road users preventing accidents. Privacy screening and blackout in the evening are also controlled electronically.

Aerodynamic collision protection

The design team also aimed for a sleek look for the exterior, reducing the perception of the vehicle's size. The LED headlamps and indicators are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras that project their images onto the inside of the windscreen.

The lower section of the front of the vehicle features integrated collision protection projecting forwards about half a metre. This �nose' is gentler on oncoming cars in the event of a head-on collision and has also been shown to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

As Rikard Orell points out, "Because the nose is a safety function, our starting point has been that it does not count as part of the maximum permitted vehicle length, just as rear-view mirrors today are outside the maximum permitted width."

Some things you just do not change. The �Globetrotter' sign on the roof is still there, but has been redesigned so that it harmonises with the lines of the vehicle and reduces drag. The driver can also change the text on the sign from the instrument panel.

The rear end is the next stage

So work on the external design focuses largely on aerodynamics, but by how much is it really possible to reduce drag on a truck ?

"We have come so far with the front of the vehicle that further changes to the basic shape provide only marginal improvements," says Rikard Orell. "However, a lot will happen when we start work on the design of the rear end of the vehicle. There is a great deal of untapped aerodynamic potential there."