Sometimes the design and execution of an Alpine demo vehicle are so spectacular that they can overshadow the reason why the car was built in the first place. Of course it showcases the talents of Steve Brown and Gary Bell, but moreover it should really set off the latest multimedia gear from the venerable electronics manufacturer. The sensational center drive Mini Cooper roadster and the BMW X5, dubbed the Ultimate Listening Machine, are so dazzling as to blur one's vision-who can remember the '05 product line when you're trying to figure out the (re)construction of the interior and exterior. Without question, these vehicles both exemplify and encourage forward thinking in the mobile electronics industry and will most certainly remain near and dear to those who can appreciate the level of craftsmanship that they each represent. With such an extraordinary ancestry, it would seem difficult for Alpine to best their latest show vehicles. Further complicating this seemingly monumental task is the notion of creating a vehicle that follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, yet remains unique by its own merit. Alpine's Advanced Application R & D team of Steve Brown and Gary Bell, with the assistance of Glen Swackhamer from Alpine of Canada, raised the bar yet again with their latest masterpiece appropriately named the "Sinister Six."
Questionable Origins
At first glance, it's difficult to distinguish the origin or, better yet, what planet the Sinister Six came from. Lurking somewhere beneath the menacing roadster bodywork, lies the chassis and running gear of a BMW 645i convertible. A closer look reveals the completely hand-built body that has transformed the Six into an entirely new being altogether, resembling the spawn of the Alien and Predator. The biomechanical graphics coupled with the aggressive stance and styling create a visual statement of ominous elegance. Adding to that bold visual statement are the massive Boyd Coddington rims that were custom built just for the Sinister Six. The overall width of the former BMW was stretched over 9" to tuck the staggering 24" x 10" front and 26" x 13" rear rims into the beautifully sculpted fenders.
Movable Seating
Keeping with tradition, the center drive concept was employed again for the Sinister Six, but yet another method of entry into the vehicle was developed that is arguably the most innovative to date. The Six features a motorized one-piece circular cockpit that incorporates both the vehicle and multimedia system controls in addition to the entire front stage. The entire top of the vehicle behind the seat is also motorized to slide back while the cockpit rotates counter-clockwise. This reveals an opening on the left side of the vehicle that allows the driver to slide backwards into the modular seat. In this position, a hidden compartment is also revealed on the right side of the vehicle that contains two PDX series amplifiers and an iPod Nano, used as an additional audio source. Once the driver is seated, the top slides forward to meet the rear of the cockpit as it rotates back to the driving/listening position. The most obvious omission from the cockpit is a steering wheel and shifter. The duties of both have been reassigned to a joystick for steering and a rotary switch for gear selection positioned at arm's reach to the right of the seat.
Headless System
Another noticeable omission from the cockpit is a traditional head unit. The Six represents Alpine's new product direction by incorporating the new VehicleHub Pro OEM integration system that is the epicenter for the entire multimedia system. The wired rotary commander integrated into the left side of the cockpit puts control of all audio and video sources at arm's reach. The display from the VehicleHub Pro is cast upon any of the five 10-inch monitors positioned in front of the driver. The additional video sources, including DVD video, DVD navigation and rear-view cameras, can be directed to these monitors as well. The center channel components are integrated into the dash above and below the center screen, while the multiple front stage components surround the driver in the rotating cockpit. Additional components positioned behind the driver supply the rear fill that completes the 5-channel configuration.
A Shapely Behind
With styling cues reminiscent of mid-engine exotic sports cars, the rear half of the Six exemplifies the perfect blend of form and function. The shape of the vehicle would lead you to believe that there is a finely tuned V12 nestled between the broad rear fenders, when in fact a powerplant of a different nature inhabits this space. Viewable through the large acrylic window molded into the rear panel (which could easily be mistaken for a hood), nine PDX series amplifiers in three banks span the width of the vehicle. When the top panel retracts, the amplifiers are more visible, as is the detailed mechanical artwork airbrushed onto the trim panel. This artwork makes them appear more like a futuristic engine consuming the rear of the vehicle. To pay homage to its somewhat distant roots, a BMW emblem was molded into the center ridge of the top panel just below the Six's integrated rear spoiler.
Unconventional Subs
Suffice to say that not one element of the Sinister Six could be labeled as conventional, and of course, the subwoofer configuration is no exception. A casual glance around the vehicle would provide no evidence of the presence of subs at all, unless of course, you are less than 2' tall. The reason for this is that the four 12" subs fire downward from under the rear of the vehicle. The sub enclosure is vented through a massive port that extends upward and exits directly behind the driver's head for maximum impact. Though this is quite an unusual configuration for subs, it definitely fits the theme of the vehicle as yet another unique element that does not detract from the stylized exterior.
An attempt to identify precisely what makes the Sinister Six such an awe-inspiring showpiece would be futile at best. Some may be drawn to it solely based on aesthetics, while others may be more impressed with the multimedia aspect coupled with the monstrous audio system. Whatever the allure may be, one cannot overlook the level of detail exhibited in every element of the vehicle. With another project of this magnitude complete, we anxiously await to see what Brown and Bell have up their sleeves for next year.
Go to www.caraudiomag.com for a Quicktime pictorial of the Sinister Six with additional photography not shown in the story.