Zerostart 8608512 on 2040-parts.com

CES: Cranking up Harman's QuantumLogic 3D surround-sound system

Yesterday we reported how Audi was readying a lavish 3D sound experience with 23 speakers and 1,400 watts of goosebump-inducing audio power. Not to be outdone, Harman had been quietly developing a system of its own: Quantum Logic 3D brings together 25 speakers and more than 2,000 watts of Tubthumping power to a new car near you, like driving inside Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. Sitting inside the demonstration BMW 7-Series that Harman painstakingly lifted into the Studio at the Palms, Global Audio Engineering vice president Phil Muzio explained, "great music is delivered in stereo, yet our consumer research indicates that people enjoy surround sound." QuantumLogic 3D's surround sound expands beyond the boundaries of the vehicle's cabin, providing "a sense of detail and spatial placement that you don't get in stereo." Five height component speakers mounted in the corners of the headliner, and above the rearview mirror, elevates audio beyond the confines of the roof, "almost like you're in a convertible," said Muzio.

Audi SQ5 TDI arrives at Le Mans

The Audi SQ5 TDI – a 309bhp diesel Q5 – is revealed at Le Mans as the first Audi S model with a diesel engine. It’s quite appropriate that the first diesel S Model from Audi has arrived at Le Mans in the shape of the Audi SQ5 TDI, where Audi are expected to dominate in diesel-engined cars. It also shows that Audi are aware that powerful diesel compact SUVs are a must have in today’s car market, and they’ve got in first with a proper barn-storming diesel Q5 before a Range Rover Evoque Sport with perhaps the 3.0 litre V6 diesel or a BMW X3 M40d arrives.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept heading for Detroit

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept (pictured) heading for Detroit The original VW Beetle was a perfect candidate for a Dune Buggy, and many old VWs were converted to blast across sand dunes around the world. VW had a bash at their own Dune Buggy back in 2000, but now, ahead of a reveal at the Detroit Auto Show next week, we have what looks like a buggy from VW that could actually be heading for production – the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept. VW has revealed a single image of their Beetle Dune Concept (above) that shows a jacked-up Beetle with big wheels and tyres, a ski rack on the back and a bit of cosmetic titivation.