Audi Sound Concept Uses 62 Speakers

Audi really wants you to enjoy your music. The German automaker has developed the Audi Sound Concept, which creates “wave field synthesis” using five woofers, five tweeters and 52 midrange speakers.

A spatial audio rendering technique, wave field synthesis essentially creates a sound quality that permeates the cabin of the car — in this case, a prototype Q7. No spot in the car has less sound quality than any other spot.

The speakers are arrayed in the roof pillars, in doors and even in the instrument panel beneath the windshield. The system can even create the illusion of sounds coming from outside the car. In its demonstration, Audi included the sounds of a lion roaring nearby and a helicopter buzzing overhead.

Don’t get excited too quickly, though: There are no plans yet to make the Audi Sound Concept commercially available. The project is mostly about demonstrating what is possible with in-car sound technology (not to mention it’s probably quite expensive). For now, Audi buyers are stuck with the 14 speakers of the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system.

Audi Sound Concept: One Car, 62 Speakers (Gizmag.com)

2009 Audi Q7 Video

For his review of the 2009 Audi Q7, Cars.com reviewer Bill Jackson takes on the diesel version, which he calls a “mixed bag.” In addition to his take on engine noise versus power on the road, Jackson gives a brief explanation of the sea of buttons one faces from Audi’s navigation system. Watch the video to find out if these issues are enough of a hindrance to bar him from recommending an otherwise pleasing luxury SUV.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 has been a second tier player in a crowded segment of luxury crossovers, but according to Cars.com reviewer Bill Jackson the diesel version of the Q7 manages to distinguish itself with a sure-footed, muscular ride that gives any driver a reason to smile. Yet the Audi has a few marks against it, one of which is a deal-breaker for Jackson. To find out what that is and if it will keep you from even test-driving a Q7, read his full review.

2009 Audi Q7 Review

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2010 Audi Q7

It’s that time again: The auto show season is winding down and all the brand-new models have been unveiled, but car companies still have to update existing nameplates. Audi is offering minor tweaks to its Q7 SUV, including a mildly revised front and rear end. The most noticeable change, of course, is the LED running lights encircling the entire headlight design. The rear also gets full LED brake lights.

The interior remains basically the same, with new leather front seats and Audi’s third-generation infotainment system with MMI (multi-media interface). The voice-activation feature for the navigation system is quite interesting. Users just need to say commands, such as “I need gas” or “I’m hungry,” for the computer to find the right points of interest in the vicinity.

Engine choices include the existing 3.6-liter V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8, along with a new TDI option for those looking for a diesel alternative. Audi says its 2010 Q7 TDI will get 25 mpg with a 600-mile range.  

The 2010 Q7 goes on sale this fall. A few more images are below. 

Audi Announces Pricing for 2009 Q7 TDI

Audi announced that its 2009 Q7 TDI will start at $51,900. The Q7 TDI has a clean-diesel engine that complies with emissions regulations in all 50 states and gets 17/25 mpg city/highway. That’s a 30% improvement over gasoline engines of a similar size. The Q7 also qualifies for an Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit of $1,150.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI will go on sale later this month.

2009 Audi Q7 Diesel to Get 17/25 mpg

Audi said today that its diesel-powered Q7 3.0 TDI will get 17/25 mpg city/highway. That’s 25% better than the non-diesel Q7 V-6. Audi spokesman Chris Bokich called the figures official estimates; earlier reports had only pegged the highway figure, and final EPA certification is still pending. If the numbers hold up, they’ll put the Q7 TDI squarely between three-row diesel competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec (17/23 mpg) and BMW X5 xDrive35d (19/26 mpg). Mercedes’ smaller ML320 Bluetec (18/24 mpg), meanwhile, is about even with the Audi. All four have standard all-wheel drive.

There’s no pricing info yet — the TDI goes on sale in April — but we imagine it will rank in the Q7 lineup somewhere between the regular V-6 ($43,500) and V-8 ($59,220). The X5 diesel costs $51,200; Mercedes’ M-Class and GL-Class diesels run $48,600 and $58,200, respectively. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the Q7 qualify for tax credits, too. Under the IRS’ Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles program, the X5 diesel qualifies for an $1,800 tax credit. The ML320 and GL320 Bluetecs qualify for $900 and $1,800 credits, respectively.