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Audi partners with Bang & Olufsen, Fraunhofer IIS for 3D Sound

Audi steps its ultra-premium audio offerings up a notch with a 23-channel 3D sound system.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

LAS VEGAS--We're huge fans of Audi's Bang & Olufsen ultra-premium audio system, but the automaker is kicking things up another notch at CES 2013 with the announcement that it is developing a 3D Sound system in partnership with audio giants B&O and Fraunhofer IIS.

The automaker will be demonstrating the 3D Sound technology in its booth at the CES 2013 in an Audi Q7 playing a version of the "Iron Man 3" trailer with a sound mix that should highlight the system's abilities. The 3D Sound system features 23 speakers, each of which is a distinct channel controlled by a DSP, and more than 1,500 watts of amplification. The Q7 has speakers in the dashboard, in the A and D pillars, in the front and rear doors, and in the spare tire well. The B&O Acoustic lens technology that we saw in the Audi A8 will also be in full effect here.

The Audi Q7 Concept Car's 3D Sound system is meant to demonstrate what the next generation of ultra-premium audio from the automaker will sound like, so we can expect to be hearing about this technology as an option in Audi vehicles at some point on the horizon. We'll definitely be stopping by for an ears-on, so stay tuned.