This is the first time that a concept car design has incorporated sound to such an extent. Peugeot FRACTAL also innovates by bringing materials first seen on the ONYX to the B segment. 3D printing and the use of generative design ensure the highest standards in efficiency.

— Matthias Hossann, Head of Concept Cars & Advanced Design

Vehicle basics. A 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric motors on the front and rear axles to provide a total output of 150kW/204hp and combined-cycle range of up to 450 km (280 miles). The lithium-ion batteries are housed in the central tunnel, which lowers the center of gravity and improves weight distribution.

To take into account weight transfer considerations, the electric motors have different gear ratios. During acceleration in the 0-62 mph range, the rear motor kicks in first, with the front-axle motor gradually taking over beyond 62mph.

The four-wheel-drive FRACTAL has electric-assisted steering to ensure efficiency in the city and stability at high speed. The air springs can function automatically or be controlled by the driver to adjust ground clearance between 7cm and 11cm: the lowest position optimizes aerodynamics on the road and extends the cars’s autonomy; the highest clearance allows the car to negotiate city streets with ease and take speed humps and car park entrances in its stride.

Weighing in at just 1,000 kg, PEUGEOT FRACTAL goes from 0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds and can cover 1,000 meters from a standing start in 28.8 seconds.

The car is extremely compact, at 3.81m long and 1.77m wide, allowing it to weave through heavy traffic. The 19" Tall&Narrow wheels are positioned at either end of the car, with an overhang of just 0.52m front and back to maximize space utilisation and improve maneuverability.

An LED strip above the vent at the rear shows the battery charge status via an equalizer-type display. These LEDs also act as rear lights when PEUGEOT FRACTAL is moving. The light signature in the front starts below the grille and flows over the headlamps. It also includes scrolling indicators.

The already-low noise levels achieved by the electric drive system are further improved by the Tall&Narrow tires, with their narrow tread. To achieve the highest standards in acoustic performance, the wheels feature dihedral components to attenuate aerodynamic noise. Based on anechoic chambers, these additions reduce the intensity of sound waves, and therefore their noise levels, by causing them to bounce from one surface to another. This type of design is impossible to produce using conventional methods and was achieved through 3D printing.

The concept also makes everyday life easier for the vehicle owner through the use of a Samsung Gear S smartwatch, which provides continuous information on the status of the battery, charging time, interior temperature and vehicle location. The watch gives the driver one-touch access to open the doors and customize interior features such as the air conditioning and sound system.

9.1.2 sound system. The StelLab (Science Technologies Exploratory Lean Laboratory) is a PSA Peugeot Citroën research unit that has designed an innovative “9.1.2” sound system combining a high-quality set-up that features tactile bass systems built into the back of each seat to make driving all the more instinctive, enriching information through the use of acoustics.

Drivers need to process an increasing amount of information within their vehicle, which demands more and more attention. The acoustic ergonomics enhance interaction with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit and makes it easier to keep eyes on the road. The spatialization of sound sources allows the driver to absorb and understand information more effectively and easily.

—Vincent Roussarie, New Acoustic Services specialist, PSA Peugeot Citroёn Research & Development Division

9.1.2 is the numerical explanation for the effect of the number of speakers, bass-boxes and other sound systems contained within the vehicle.

To tap its full potential, the 9.1.2 installation features a 9.1 system comprising, in the front, three mid/high-range speakers, two tweeters, two woofers and a subwoofer, and, in the back, two mid-range speakers, two tweeters and a woofer. Leading French high-end audio specialist FOCAL also created the linen-fiber membrane for the speakers to render sound faithfully.

In addition, the FRACTAL features a world premiere by incorporating a two-channel tactile bass system into the back of each seat. This set-up is reflected in the name: 9.1.2.

Developed by SUBPAC, an American start-up, the tactile bass system offers a new sensory experience, which allows the bass to travel through a solid medium rather than through the air, meaning the sound waves reach the inner ear through the listener’s body. This gives the seat occupant a more intense and exclusive bass experience, without causing unwanted interference in the surrounding environment.

i-Cockpit. To ensure constant control, the driver’s seat provides kinaesthetic feedback based on the FRACTAL’s handling. The intuitive, compact steering wheel features a touchpad integrated into each of its two spokes. These thumb-controlled sensors control a range of FRACTAL’s functions and equipment.

The head-up display provides a holographic eye-level digital readout with a 45-degree polycarbonate strip delivering additional information. Drivers can customize the 12.3" HD digital display to suit individual preferences. The tilted polycarbonate strip gives added depth by showing information on a 7.7" AMOLED screen.

There are also toggle switches within easy reach on the arches on either side of the steering wheel. The right hand arch also houses the controls to activate the electric drive system. The 7.7" AMOLED touchscreen built into the center console can be used to control all FRACTAL functions. Passengers in the rear also have a panel allowing them to adjust their immediate surroundings.

The prospective i-Cockpit design in FRACTAL gives hearing its rightful place alongside sight and touch, since people rely on all three of these senses to negotiate their immediate environment.

The 9.1.2 sound system and related software provide a completely immersive experience. This digital sound technology simulates the human ear. Sound sources are created virtually and their location projected to enhance the information conveyed to the driver.

When the navigation system is in use, the synthesized voice appears to come from some distance in front of the car. As the vehicle travels along, the source moves toward the cabin and shifts to the side to which the car needs to turn. At intersections, it is positioned in close proximity, inside the car, to alert the driver to an immediate change of direction.

Spatialization ensures that the sound matches the morphology and path of the vehicle. The system developed by StelLab configures the different sound sources separately for the FRACTAL’s coupé and cabriolet modes.

3D printing. FRACTAL explores the use of 3D printing to create shapes that cannot be obtained through any other process. The resulting parts and components represent more than 80% of the interior surfaces and offer a combination of new styling and real functionality. The touchpad wires run through the spokes of the compact steering wheel.

The anechoic surfaces cover more than 15 square meters of the cabin interior and were produced by generative design. The computing power of today’s machines makes it possible to explore all variations of shapes and structures for a given part. Generative design recreates the natural evolutionary process through the use of algorithms to create efficient shapes and develop the perfect part in each case. FRACTAL uses just the right amount of material to ensure acoustic efficiency.