Electric Urban Coupe

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show is Peugeot's "Fractal." This electric concept car boasts a compact body measuring 3.81 meters long and 1.77 meters wide, with a total weight of exactly 1,000 kg. It features motors on both the front and rear axles. To optimize the low center of gravity and weight distribution, a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery is housed in the center tunnel, providing a maximum range of 450 km. Peugeot describes this vehicle as an "Electric Urban Coupe" suited for congested city traffic.

Both the front and rear motors produce 75 kW (102 ps), for a combined maximum output of 150 kW (204 ps). Since the front and rear motors can be rotated independently, traction is constantly optimized based on the vehicle's load distribution. For instance, during full acceleration, only the rear motor drives the wheels, and above 100 km/h, the front motor is gradually engaged. This ensures vehicle stability and optimal energy efficiency.

Further enhancing efficiency, the suspension system features variable ground clearance. This function, adjustable via the center console screen, allows the ride height to be set to a minimum of 7 cm on highways to reduce air resistance and improve energy consumption. In urban environments with lower speeds and more obstacles like uneven roads or parking lot entrances, the height can be raised to a maximum of 11 cm.

The body design continues the theme from theOnyxconcept car unveiled in 2012, featuring a sporty two-tone finish with the rear half in black. The color division line aligns with the hinges of the front-opening doors. The roof is removable, allowing it to transform from a coupe to a convertible. The rear LED strip functions as a blue indicator for charging status when stationary and as red taillights when driving.

Integrating Auditory Sensation into Driving

The concept behind the Peugeot Fractal extends beyond simply being a sporty commuter EV. It aims to explore the future of the driver's cockpit by evolving the i-Cockpit, first introduced in the latest208and308. To achieve this, it incorporates auditory information alongside visual and tactile feedback for the driver.

The device enabling auditory information delivery is the "9.1.2" surround audio system, jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën's research division, StelLab, and the French speaker manufacturer FOCAL. It features 13 speakers for a 9.1 channel audio setup, plus two "tactile speakers," a world-first, giving it its name.

Specifically, the front features three mid-high frequency speakers and two tweeters, along with two woofers and a subwoofer. The rear is equipped with two mid-range speakers, two tweeters, and woofers. All utilize FOCAL's high-fidelity linen fiber speakers.

Integrated into the seats are two channels of tactile speakers. As the name suggests, these leverage the principle that low frequencies transmit more effectively through solid matter than air, allowing occupants to 'feel' the sound through their bodies.

This advanced sound system allows the driver to utilize auditory cues for gathering information about their surroundings. One example provided is navigation. When approaching a turn, the guidance audio originates from the front and distance, gradually moving closer as the car approaches the intersection. By the time the driver reaches the intersection, the instruction comes directly from the direction of the turn.

To address the issue of EVs being too quiet for pedestrians and cyclists to notice, the car emits distinct external sounds. Three different driving sounds are used: one for acceleration, one for deceleration, and another for cruising.

Smartwatch Integration

The Fractal's audio-focused interior draws inspiration from the sound-absorbing walls found in auditoriums and recording studios, featuring a 3D textile white leather base reminiscent of a concert hall. This is complemented by black oak instrument and door panels, accented with copper chrome details that evoke audio connector designs.

The instrument panel features a 12.3-inch HD digital display, with customizable content to suit the driver's preferences. Above this, a polycarbonate head-up display covers a 45-degree field of view, projecting holographic information to keep the driver's eyes focused forward.

The 7.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display on the center console controls vehicle settings and audio. The compact steering wheel includes slide pads on the spokes, positioned for the thumbs, allowing for further control.

Furthermore, the Fractal integrates with Samsung smartwatches, allowing users to check battery status, charging times, interior temperature, and the vehicle's location. It also functions as a key; upon entering the car, the smartwatch automatically adjusts the climate control and audio system to the owner's preset preferences.

The Peugeot Fractal, a futuristic concept car that equips a compact EV for city driving with a novel i-Cockpit focused on auditory feedback, will be publicly displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.