Fractal EV concept showcases Peugeot’s latest cutting-edge interior and sound symposer safety system
Peugeot will reveal the second generation of its i-Cockpit interior design language with this Fractal concept at this month’s Frankfurt motor show.
The two-door, four-seat concept, described as an ‘urban coupé’, is powered by two 168bhp electric motors - one located on each axle - with a combined output of 335bhp.
Peugeot says the concept has a range of up to 280 miles on a single charge. The motors are fed from a lithium ion battery pack mounted in the centre of the car.Measuring 3.81m long by 1.77m wide, the concept, which features a removable roof, sits on 19in ‘Tall&Narrow’ wheels and weighs just 1000kg. Peugeot says the Fractal can hit 62mph from rest in 6.8sec.
The minimalist cabin features a small steering wheel with integrated touchpads that can be used to control most infotainment functions. The 7.7in holographic head-up display and 12.3in digital instrument cluster can be customised by the driver.
Switches either side of the driver control the electric drivetrain, while another 7.7in touchscreen forms part of the centre console.
Peugeot says more than 80% of the interior has been created using 3D-printed components. The design was inspired by the materials and surfaces used in auditoriums and recording studios.
The Fractal features a next-generation sound system, which Peugeot says can create the illusion of direction with sound, such as when delivering navigation instructions. The seats of the concept feature a ‘tactile’ system for delivering bass sound.
The concept also has the ability to alter its ride height. A ground clearance of 11cm in the city is reduced to 7cm on motorways in order to improve aerodynamics and conserve battery life.
One of the most important features of the Fractal concept is its digital sound signature, which is used to alert pedestrians and cyclists to its presence. The sound is a response to forthcoming European legislation that states that all electric vehicles must make some sort of sound while driving by 2019.
Peugeot is one of a number of car makers that collaborated on the eVADER project, an EU-funded initiative to develop a sound symposer system for EVs.
In incorporating the eVADER system into the Fractal, Peugeot has as good as confirmed that it is working on a next-generation EV. Currently, the firm only has the iON electric city car.
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