New Fiat 500 minicar: Interscope Hi-Fi

The Fiat 500 offers a radio complete with audio CD and MP3 file player, and a choice of two Hi-Fi systems. The radio is part of the design of the dashboard, in an ergonomic position in the upper part of the facia where it can easily be reached by the passenger.

The device can be easily connected to the Blue&Me system so that, thanks to the hands-free function with Bluetooth interface, the driver can use a Bluetooth cell phone even if it is in a jacket or bag, without taking his hands off the wheel.

Because the Blue&Me incorporates an advanced voice recognition function, interaction is immediate and the voice does not have to be ‘learned’; the system can also interpret incoming text messages.

The original sound system has six speakers: two 30 Watt tweeters and four full-range (two 40 Watt and two 35 Watt).

The second system is available on request. Known as the ‘Interscope Sound System’ it is a novelty in this segment and was designed and calibrated specifically for the Fiat 500 passenger compartment.

The new Interscope Sound System comprises six speakers (two tweeters, two woofers and two full-range, all 40 W), one 100 W sub-woofer and a 30 W amplifier. What makes the sound experience on board the car unique is the fact that the Interscope Sound System uses 3 different methods of processing the signal and the related acoustic effects simultaneously.

The first method (TruBass) extends the perceived frequency field towards the bass without needing a subwoofer so that the listener has the sensation of listening to a system that produces extended, very deep basses.

The second method (Focus) raises the apparent position of the sources of sound to ear level. This gives the sensation of listening to speakers positioned higher than they actually are, and simultaneously the response in perceived frequency goes back to being ‘natural’, because the ‘colouring’ caused by the filtering of the head has been removed.

The third method (3D) spatially equalises stereo reproduction, correcting errors due to the position of the speakers and improving spatial perception. The result is a more embracing sound, which recreates a correct stereophonic effect even for listeners who are positioned further away from the symmetrical axis of the speakers (as in the case of the car).