Frankfurt 2015: Peugeot Fractal brings the noise
Sound–themed Peugeot Fractal concept hits the right note
Peugeot has been reliably producing some of the most interesting, thought-provoking concept cars of recent motor shows, and the Fractal, is no exception.
Despite its petit dimensions, the car has still provided scope for the designers to experiment with interesting surface treatments and shutlines around the front fenders, cool graphics with the anechoic-chamber inspired design of the rockers and rear diffuser, and new material choices, particularly with the development of the ‘coupe franche’ at the rear, which runs into the car’s fabric roof.
But the concept’s raison d’etre was that is emphasised the role that sound plays in the whole experience of driving. As a result, the Fractal features a superbly crafted interior, with 3D-printed foam on the door cards and floor, mimicking the shape used in anechoic chambers and recording studios used throughout the cabin.
Copper features heavily on the IP, referencing hi-fi speaker cables and also helping to add some extra visual and no-doubt physical weight to an otherwise light, foam-filled cabin.
And if you still missed the design’s emphasis on sound, the show stand exhibit includes a surround-sound speaker set up from French speaker manufacturer Focal, who also built the speakers for the showcar. The sound a video that play behind the car are the work of Brazilian producer Amon Tobin, with the resulting experience creating a suitably immersive backdrop for one of the most interesting concepts at the show.