Motor Authority - blog Tag: BO

Since late 2007 Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen have been cooperating to produce some of the most exotic and technologically advanced automotive sound systems in the world. Now the two companies have come together for another system for Aston Martin's DB9.

The BeoSound DB9, as the system is called, develops the art of high-performance audio even further. Like all audiophile sound equipment and like all high-end luxury sports cars, image as important as performance. "Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen have achieved a reputation as leaders in both design and performance through constant innovation," said Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief... Since late 2007 Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen have been cooperating to produce some of the most exotic and technologically advanced automotive sound systems in the world. Now the two companies have come together for another system for Aston Martin's DB9. The BeoSound DB9, as the system is called, develops the art of high-performance audio even further. Like all audiophile sound equipment and like all high-end luxury sports cars, image as important as performance. "Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen have achieved a reputation as leaders in both design and performance through constant innovation," said Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, "we are proud that BeoSound DB9 continues a strong tradition of technology, design and artistry." Some of the system's key statistics include the proprietary ICEpower system that retains high levels of fidelity even at high output power and volumes while minimizing the size of the device. The now-trademark motorized tweeters pop up out of the dash to actuate Bang & Olufsen's patented Acoustic Lens Technology, which is intended to enhance the spatial perception of sound - adding depth and realism. A total of 11 other speakers in addition to the two tweeters, one a 200mm subwoofer, and Bang & Olufsen's DSP unit comprise the rest of the sound system. The DSP unit enables the system to adapt to road conditions and enhance the sound accordingly. The BeoSound DB9 in the Volante model even adapts to whether the top is up or down. As usual, the price of entry for the completely unique and custom-engineered sound system is the same as that of an Aston Martin DB9. And though it might seem an odd thing to spend so much time on given the Aston's own phenomenal V12 soundtrack, it's sure to be appreciated by those lucky enough to own one. The previous joint venture between Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen was the BeoSound DBS, built for Aston's car of the same name.Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DB9 audio system for the Aston Martin DB9 Read More

Pininfarina gave up contract manufacturing last year to focus solely on building electric vehicles (EVs). At the Geneva Motor Show this week, the company has reworked their B0 Concept into a more palatably-named BLUECAR EV, with more details on its expected production plans.

The B0/Bluecar EV was already slated for production, with test vehicles to built throughout 2010. Now Pininfarina has committed to going into production with the car by 2011, ramping up to 60,000 annually by 2015. The car will have a six-year model cycle, ending in 2017.

Powered by a lithium metal polymer (LMP) battery, the Bluecar is capable of a claimed 155mi... Pininfarina gave up contract manufacturing last year to focus solely on building electric vehicles (EVs). At the Geneva Motor Show this week, the company has reworked their B0 Concept into a more palatably-named BLUECAR EV, with more details on its expected production plans. The B0/Bluecar EV was already slated for production, with test vehicles to built throughout 2010. Now Pininfarina has committed to going into production with the car by 2011, ramping up to 60,000 annually by 2015. The car will have a six-year model cycle, ending in 2017. Powered by a lithium metal polymer (LMP) battery, the Bluecar is capable of a claimed 155mi (250km) range and a life-span of 124,000mi (200,000km) - not far short of a standard combustion-engine car on either account. The Bluecar is co-developed with Bollore, the company providing the propulsion technology for the drivetrain. Pininfarina says the performance is 'astonishing', though the 0-36mph (60km/h) time of 6.3 seconds and 80mph (130km/h) top speed tend to bring their definition of 'astonishing' into question. For more on the original B0 Concept, check out our original coverage here.Pininfarina Bluecar Concept Read More

This year has been a hard one for a lot of people, companies and industries. It has been an especially tough one for Pininfarina, losing its CEO, Andrea Pininfarina, to a traffic accident in August. Today news is breaking that the company has decided to end its stint as Italy's last contract manufacturer and focus solely on building electric vehicles.

Pininfarina's new plan is as much about finances as it is about the future: the new plan facilitated an agreement with its creditors that helped avoid bankruptcy for the legendary design and coachbuilding firm. Because of ongoing obligations, however, Pininfarina won't actually stop building... This year has been a hard one for a lot of people, companies and industries. It has been an especially tough one for Pininfarina, losing its CEO, Andrea Pininfarina, to a traffic accident in August. Today news is breaking that the company has decided to end its stint as Italy's last contract manufacturer and focus solely on building electric vehicles. Pininfarina's new plan is as much about finances as it is about the future: the new plan facilitated an agreement with its creditors that helped avoid bankruptcy for the legendary design and coachbuilding firm. Because of ongoing obligations, however, Pininfarina won't actually stop building cars under contract until 2011. The final cars of its contract-building run will be the Alfa Romeo Brera coupe and spider and the Ford Focus coupe-cabrio, reports Automotive News Europe. The escape from bankruptcy doesn't come cheaply, however: the Pininfarina family will have to give 50.6% of its shares in the company to its creditor banks, which hold €180 million ($250 million) of its nearly €600 million ($834 million) debt. Moving forward, building electric vehicles is the new future for the company, and it's already underway. The B0 concept first shown at the Paris Motor Show in October will be ready to go by late 2009, with test vehicles built throughout 2010. Volume production isn't expected until 2011, however, as the Turin, Italy plant ramps up output. The B0, which focuses on high-tech construction and EV-specific design, is indicative of the type of cars Pininfarina will produce. Rated at 153mi (250km) and good for highway speeds (80mph/130km/h) and capable of zippy city traffic acceleration (0-60mph in 6.3 seconds) the B0 hatch blends capability with a unique look that pushes all the right buttons. Of course we'll have to wait for the production model to see if it lives up to its potential.Pininfarina B0 electric vehicle at Paris Motor Show Read More

Pininfarina first announced plans to design and build its own electric vehicle when it debuted the striking Sintesi fuel-cell concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. The Italian design firm and coachbuilder was to partner with France’s Bolloré Group to source the advanced lithium-ion battery technology that would power the car and was planning to have the car on the market by the end of the decade.

Today, at the Paris Motor show, Pininfarina, together with Bolloré, has unveiled its new electric vehicle, which is confirmed to start production at the end of next year in Turin, Italy.

The car is called the B0 (B-zero) and it is... Pininfarina first announced plans to design and build its own electric vehicle when it debuted the striking Sintesi fuel-cell concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. The Italian design firm and coachbuilder was to partner with France’s Bolloré Group to source the advanced lithium-ion battery technology that would power the car and was planning to have the car on the market by the end of the decade. Today, at the Paris Motor show, Pininfarina, together with Bolloré, has unveiled its new electric vehicle, which is confirmed to start production at the end of next year in Turin, Italy. The car is called the B0 (B-zero) and it is powered by Bolloré’s proprietary lithium-ion metal polymer (LMP) battery technology. The B0 is a fully-electric vehicle without any carbon dioxide production. Its batteries are housed in a compartment specially designed for that purpose and located under the car, between its axles, lowering its centre of gravity for improved handling. Its LMP battery, which will be rechargeable in a matter of hours from a standard domestic main socket, will provide it with a range of 250km (153miles). The B0 will have a top speed that is electronically limited to 130km/h (80mph) and will be able to accelerate from 0-60km/h (37mph) in about 6.3 seconds. Its Pininfarina-styled body features a five-door hatchback design with space for four adults and solar panels mounted on the roof and grille to help top up the batteries.Pininfarina Sintesi ConceptPininfarina B0 electric vehicle at Paris Motor Show Read More