In what seems like a reversal of roles, Lotus will provide audio technology to Harman Becker, a division of Harman International, the huge OEM audio supplier that's home to such brands as JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon Mark Levinson and Lexicon.
Lotus will supply Harman Becker with a trio of audio technologies, one of which is active noise cancellation that uses microphones to monitor engine and road noise and sends the information to a processor. The processor then generates an opposing signal composed of frequencies that, when played through a car's speaker, cancels the offending noise.
The second piece of technology is designed to add some noise to electric and hybrid cars via external speakers so that the blind can hear them coming. The third is another sound-generating technology that creates a signal relative to the vehicle's engine speed. The resultant signal is fed into the cabin to give drivers the impression that car has an "exciting exhaust note."
And they don't have to regret that they coulda had a V8.
cwc1 says:
08:28 PM, 04/17/09
If it's not real exhaust sound, then what's the point?
brn says:
01:30 AM, 04/18/09
"sound-generating technology"
I love that term. It's as if speakers never existed before.
We developed a wonderful new technology that makes car sounds.
altimadude00 says:
10:10 AM, 04/18/09
I can make car sounds too.....vroomvroom....wwaaaahhhhhhh!
felonious says:
08:27 AM, 04/20/09
"so the blind can hear them"... lol yeah RIGHT. :)