Idries Noah’s T2 Concept: E55 AMG Performance without the Guilt

Graphic artist and automotive aficionado Idries Noah wows us yet again with the T2 Concept: an eco-friendly hybrid electric supercar. The South African designer, whose previous creations include the Audi R8-rivalling BMW M Sports Coupe and Dodge Viper-esque Project Fireblade, envisions the T2 Concept as, the “world’s fastest environmentally-friendly car”.
Kudos must be given to Noah for creating something that doesn’t look like a mere hodgepodge of other supercars like so many other artists’ work. I especially like the mix of sharp corners and harsh curves that make up the design.
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to two electric motors for a theoretical total output of 469 hp (350 kw), Noah estimates that the T2 Concept is good for a (imagined?) 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 km/h) time of 4 seconds. This is roughly the same as a W211 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.
And yes, I realize how silly it is to be talking power and performance figures for a car that is, in actual fact, non-existent. But just look at it and tell me you wouldn’t like one of these things in your garage in five to ten years.
You can check out more of Idries Noah’s work at his website and check out the T2 Concept in our gallery below.

By Tristan Hankins
Source: IDI3D

Audi Sound Engineers Place 62 Speakers into a Q7

After orchestrating the design and installation of some pretty far-out Bang & Olufsen sound systems into vehicles like the R8, A8, and Q7, you'd think Audi's sound engineers would be perfectly content. Not so. In fact, in pursuit of the perfect sound, some engineers within the company have created their dream sound system, which involves stuffing 62 speakers into a Q7.




The venture, dubbed the Audi Sound Project, is the pet project of infotainment development engineer Peter Gleim. His goal -- to focus on wave field synthesis -- sounds like a scientist's fantasy, but is actually quite impressive. The object is to recreate a sound wave with several sources (i.e. speakers) placed closely together. Each speaker is controlled separately, so the signal can be delayed and staggered, allowing the listener to hear an exact reproduction of the original sound. Better yet, the sound is produced in an identical fashion for each seating position.

"We can simulate any wave front," Gleim said in a release. "With stereo, we can generate a sound as if the two speakers were located far outside the car. We can also add any desired spatial impression computationally -- not as a sound effect, but as a mathematically precise simulation."

Gleim's team managed to cram all 62 speakers, baffles, and amplifiers into the Q7, but its interior looks anything but normal. The ASP system includes five tweeters, five subwoofers, and 52 midrange speakers, all connected to a large power amplifier. Speakers are integrated into the dashboard, pillars, door panels -- virtually anywhere engineers could find space. Three separate PCs are needed to control both the amplifier and the entire speaker array.

"Our goal was to show what is technically feasible; to explore the limits," said Denis Credé, head of Audi's sound development. "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."

We imagine both packaging and cost are two major hurdles in pushing the ASC into production. On that later note, adding the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in an A8 or Q7 adds roughly $6300. We suspect that figure would grow exponentially for a 62-speaker system.
We're fans of excellent sound systems, but aren't always convinced they're worth the investment. What say you -- when shopping for a car, is the sound system an important component, or do you skip that option box?

Source: Audi

German Take on English Tradition: Volkswagen's All-Electric London Taxi Concept

Over the decades, the London Taxi has become a British icon, just like the double-decker bus or the red telephone booth. However, this might change in the future, as stricter emissions regulations could threaten the aging diesel cabs. Volkswagen’s EV Taxi Concept, which is based on the forthcoming Up! supermini, could offer a solution to this problem, should it ever make it into production.
Motivated by a 115 hp (86 kW) electric motor that draws energy from a set of lithium-ion batteries, the Taxi Concept can reach a top speed of 74 mph (121 km/h) and has driving range of 186 miles (300 km). According to the German automaker, an 80 per cent charge of the batteries takes approximately one hour to complete.
It’s clear that, performance-wise, the EV is more than suited for taxi duty, but Volkswagen didn’t stop there. Designing a body with minimal overhangs, the automaker was able to create a roomy cabin, albeit for only two passengers at the back along with their luggage. Still, that’s pretty impressive if we take into consideration that the concept measures just 3.7 meters (146 inches) in length.
The cabin has a simple, clutter-free design with the most important functions, such as fare information, climate control and entertainment, controlled through a touchscreen display mounted next to the driver. A second display provides information for the passengers.
The Taxi Concept doesn’t fulfill current London taxi regulations, but it does offer an insight into future possibilities, which, in our opinion, are worth considering.

By Csaba Daradics

Gemballa Returns with Tornado Tuning Package for the New Porsche Cayenne

German tuning specialist Gemballa has announced a comprehensive package of goodies for the Porsche Cayenne called Tornado. This is the company’s first creation since former CEO and founder Uwe Gemballa was found dead in South Africa, after allegedly being involved in a money laundering scheme with a wanted Czech felon. Starting with the bodykit, most tuners apply carbon fiber body panels by bonding them to modified factory steel pieces. However, this method doesn’t lighten the car and according to current Gemballa CEO, Andreas Schwarz, it’s not the way these materials should be used. “Carbon-fibre is a high strength, low weight structural material that needs to be used honestly, and not just for decoration”, Mr. Schwarz said.
Consequently, Gemballa went on and replaced most of the steel panels as well as many plastic parts on the Cayenne with carbon fiber equivalents. As a result, the company claims it has shaved a total of 70 kg or 154 lbs over the standard car, while retaining all security-related features, like side impact protection bars.
The Tornado boasts a modified front bumper with enormous air intakes that channel air to the brakes and are flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. The wheel arches have been significantly widened, increasing overall width to 2.05 meters (81 inches). Many of the lightweight panels were left exposed, creating a sharp contrast with the white paintjob. At the back we can find rounded tail-lights, complementing the design of the four exhaust tips.
Huge 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/35 front and 335/30 rear tires, round up the exterior updates.
Gemballa doesn’t go into details when it comes to interior modifications, simply stating that these are still in development and will be “characterized by both elegance and functionality”.
As far as power is concerned, Gemballa is working on a Stage Two engine conversion for the Tornado, which will increase peak output to 700 hp and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, through turbocharging. Upgraded Brembo brakes accompany the power boost.
The Tornado will have a limited production run of only 30 units. Full specs and pricing should follow soon.

By Csaba Daradics