Is the MINI a disco on wheels?

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At the international motor show in Geneva, Harman, the premium global audio and infotainment group, announced two new additions to the line-up of MINI models featuring Harman/Kardon sound.

The latest members of the MINI family to be equipped with the distinct Harman/Kardon audio experience are the brand new R61 Paceman – available since December 2012 – and the MINI Clubman Bond Street Edition, which made its debut appearance at Geneva.

To maximize the fun factor and complement the character of this classic car, the MINI models feature a high-performance Class-D 480-watt DSP amplifier which delivers richly layered audio to the ten vehicle speakers, and weighs in at just 1.3 kilograms.  Loudspeaker positions are optimized in each MINI model, providing listening pleasure to all vehicle occupants in both front and rear seats: with crystal-clear treble tones and rich bass sounds, driver and passengers can enjoy an unforgettable sound experience, with all the realism that characterizes a live performance, says Harman.

The fidelity comes from special metal matrix diaphragms that have a sandwich structure made from an aluminum core with a ceramic surface to produce a top-class, high-fidelity music experience.  Two 26 mm metal matrix tweeters in the A-pillars are supported by two 100 mm midrange speakers in the door panels.

The innovative ALumaprene diaphragms have excellent damping characteristics for a fine-tuned frequency response, and are designed to deliver the optimum balance between stiffness and weight.

Harman Kardon acoustic specialists have also integrated two bass speakers in the front door panels.  With a diameter of 150 mm, these door woofers ensure high fidelity sound reproduction and excellent dynamics of even the deepest bass rhythms.  The rear side panels feature two more 26 mm metal matrix tweeters and two powerful 150 mm × 230 mm midbass speakers (woofers).

There’s enough sound pressure there to blow your doors off!  But pity about the price in Thailand.