CES 2020

Continental and Sennheiser create an immersive vehicle sound system without speakers

New technology shown at CES allows for automakers to say goodbye to speakers inside their vehicles.

Photo courtesy of Sennheiser

Premium audio systems have what, like 12, 15 speakers? More? Contentnail and Sennheiser teamed up to create a concept car at CES that immerses its occupants in a sound cocoon without using a single speaker.

What?! How does that work?! The technology merges Sennheiser's AMBEO 3D audio technology with Continental's Ac2ated Sound system. The Continental system eschews speakers and instead uses surfaces within a vehicle to produce sound. When this technology is combined with Sennheiser's AMBEO Mobility, the result is "a breathtaking 3D sound reproduction that envelops passengers in an incredibly detailed and vivid soundscape and lets them enjoy their in-car entertainment to the fullest," according to a release.

Continental Sennheiser CES 2020 sound systemThe new type of system would save nearly 100 pounds of weight.Photo courtesy of Sennheiser

The weight savings is significant for autos. The Ac2ated Sound system enables up to a 90-percent reduction compared to the average weight of a sound system. Vehicles with the top-tier trim levels generally weigh more than their mid-grade and base model counterparts, which causes them to be less fuel efficient.

"For Ac2ated Sound we have brought together the highest levels of expertise in the areas of acoustics, infotainment and vehicle design. In Sennheiser we have found an audio expert who helped us make our pioneering audio system even better," said Helmut Matschi, member of the Executive Board and Head of the business area Vehicle Networking and Information at Continental. "Together, we have developed an audio system that creates premium sound out of nowhere. Additionally, Ac2ated Sound reduces space and weight. At Continental, we call this sustainability that's music to your ears."

But, how does it sound? According to the companies, the result of the technology is a natural sound experience that, for the occupants, feels, "as if they are sitting in a concert hall surrounded by sound."

The technology, if implanted in passenger vehicles, would allow designers more leeway in designing an interior, saving 75-90 percent of the space of a traditional audio system. It also would make the vehicles more fuel efficient.

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The IIHS may increase the speeds it uses to test advanced driver aids.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced that it is considering changing the speeds it uses to test vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems. The agency currently tests the systems at 12 and 25 mph, but says that the speeds don't accurately represent the types of crashes the safety tech is meant to prevent.

Front crash preventionwww.youtube.com

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is designed to notify of a possible collision and help respond with automatic application of braking. Just like a human using the brake pedal, it can stop the car, but higher speeds make it difficult to stop in time. The new tests would be conducted at 35 to 45 mph, which is the range where a large number of rear-end crashes occur. As Automotive News noted, an IIHS study showed 43 percent of rear-end crashes occur at speeds of 45 mph or less, so it's important to have a test that shows how well the tech performs at those levels.

A whopping 85 percent of 2022 vehicles earned a "Superior" rating in the current testing regime, so the IIHS will remove it from 2023 testing and Top Safety Pick award evaluations. Their view is that, since the majority of vehicles meet the criteria, it's no longer an accurate way of evaluating performance. In its place, the agency introduced a night test for automatic emergency braking systems that will begin next year.

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Brembo is the exclusive brake provider for Gran Turismo 7.

Brembo

The wait is over. Grand Turismo 7 is here, and is available for both Playstation 4 and Playstation 5. The latest chapter in the massively popular racing game franchise offers incredible driving and track mechanics, along with plenty of ways to buy, customize, and upgrade cars. Several big names in the automotive world are on board to provide cars and extras, including Brembo and Hagerty.

Gran Turismo 7Players have several customization options to choose from. Brembo

Brembo is on board with the game as the exclusive braking systems brand. The company offers in-game upgrades that include carbon ceramic discs and more. Players can choose from over 400 cars from more than 50 manufacturers, and Brembo brakes are available in the Tuning Shop.

Classic car insurer and automotive powerhouse Hagerty is also getting on the action. A "Legend Car Dealer" feature in the game allows players to choose from more than 70 classic and enthusiast vehicles, and company CEO McKeel Hagertymakes an appearance as an avatar. Just like normal cars in the game, Hagerty's cars can be purchased using in-game credits, and the prices for each car are set using Hagerty's Valuation Tool. Costs will change throughout the year based on market conditions. If you're a member of Hagerty Drivers Club, you'll have the option to select a special livery or your car.

Gran Turismo 7Hagerty offers a group of special cars for the game. Hagerty

If you're looking to get behind the wheel, Gran Turismo 7 is on sale now, and is garnering impressive reviews. It's one of the most accessible Gran Turismo games of all time, from the ease-in races offered during the download process to the myriad of options and upgrades for each car, there's an aspect of the game that any enthusiast can get behind. You can purchase and download the game through the Playstation store, or you can head to your local retailer to pick up a physical copy.

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