A dramatic 8.2 fully-digital multimedia system from specialists Alpine Electronics has made its debut in Jaguar's new Super Eight concept car. The spectacular 860W concept system employs 14 speakers to recreate sound precisely as the artist intended. The latest speaker and amplifier technologies have also been incorporated in this no-expense-spared installation that takes sound reproduction to new heights.
The 2-way front speaker set-up is complemented by a center fill speaker located in the middle of the dash. The rear compartment has also been extensively remodeled to incorporate additional mid speakers in the rear shelf, while increased diameter subwoofers provide a stirring deep bass sensation. The Jaguar's rear doors also feature the latest Alpine DDLinear drivers and soft dome tweeters. As featured on current Alpine Jaguar Premium Sound Systems, time alignment means all occupants receive the sounds at precisely the right moment, wherever they are seated.
Rear seat passengers are treated to the world's most integrated in-car rear entertainment system. Based on the current Jaguar XJ installation, the fully-integrated D2B network incorporates a switchpack in the central armrest, allowing the rear seat occupants to enjoy whatever medium they choose via individual fold-down screens -- all totally independent of the front occupants' selection.
At the heart of the new system lies a fully-digital Class D 8.2 amplifier. Producing 860 Watts (8 x 70W channels and 2 x 150W channels for the subwoofers), the amplifier features a number of technologies normally the preserve of home cinema -- Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS -- to recreate the cinema experience on the move. A massive 112 band parametric equalization is available, allowing the audio signal to be manipulated at specific frequencies to complement the vehicle's interior acoustics. This has allowed Alpine to tune the system specifically for the Super Eight concept.
DDL represents the latest thinking in powerful, but lightweight, audiophile speakers. DDL combines a dual gap and short voice coils, eliminating the modulation of motor power normally associated with excursion while the linear excursion characteristics remain in proportion to the input voltage. Using a shorter voice coil removes weight and reduces inductance.
Alpine also achieved further weight savings by using Neodymium magnets, which despite being lighter, produce more bass. More responsive and conceived with today's digital sources in mind, these provide lower distortion and a more dynamic bass sound. Bass performance is enhanced with 2 x 8-inch drivers in the rear of the car.
The Super Eight follows hard on the heels of last year's Jaguar R-D6 show car which featured Alpine's groundbreaking Shutter Screen technology. "We've been working with Jaguar on various projects for more than ten years now," explains Alpine's Business Development Manager Nick Bailey. "Collaborating on the Jaguar Super Eight has allowed us to push back the boundaries and the results are spectacular -- the 8.2 system is like driving around in your own home cinema!"
"We're thrilled that Alpine and Jaguar are embracing surround sound as an integral part of the Super Eight show car," added Mike Ward, Dolby's European Automotive Marketing Manager. "The inclusion of both Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II as part of Alpine's cutting edge multimedia system will deliver an unparalleled listening experience from both DVD and stereo music sources, in keeping with the spirit and innovation of the car."
Alpine produces some of the world's most advanced audio systems, on-board navigation and multimedia applications.