Latest news with #HypersonX
NZ Autocar
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Should car makers bother with fake engine noises for EVs?
Is there any point in synthesising engine noises for electric cars? Well, those into their sporty machines would answer in the affirmative. The Ioniq 5 N fake engine noises tell a lot about the relationship between a car's gearing and its speed in an otherwise silent EV. Extra sonic information and feedback while driving in a spirited fashion is useful. It's another way of telling what the car is doing, according to Alistair Crooks from Auto Express. The fake engine sounds and gearshifts do boost driver engagement but no EV yet can convincingly mimic a combustion engine. BMW is following a different path with its HypersonX system for its Neue Klasse models. The firm calls it a 'unique soundscape' but it doesn't attempt to recreate ICE power noises. Evidently the firm is using 'tones from nature' and 'structures from the worlds of art and science'. The mind boggles. However, the German does suggest HypersonX will 'embody the pleasure of driving for which BMW is renowned'. And good on BMW for sidestepping what's involved in replicating the sound of a straight-six through an audio set-up. Besides, an EV isn't an ICE machine so why should it strive to be one? The job will be doubly difficult for Ferrari, given its ICE power machines sound about as good as it gets. It recently filed a patent for 'audio files' that it will use in its inaugural EV, due later this year. Whether or not it tries to replicate 'historical' Ferrari engine and exhaust notes is unclear. However, it has partnered with Bang and Olufsen so there's hope it will do justice to the endeavour. And while we're on the subject of EVs, AutoExpress believes it has found the best of the genre to date. Mike Rutherford reckons the R5 is the most convincing and credible EV yet. High prices, range anxiety and an inadequate charging network have worked to moderate EV uptake. However, in the 15 years they've been on sale, prices have dropped thanks to increasing competition, and range has ballooned. He praises the R5's minimalism, honesty and entertainment value. The International Best Cars of the Year (Best COTY) awards named the R5 as The New Car World Champion 2024/2025. Car designer, Shiro Nakamura, commented 'Although the all-new 5 is designed as a homage to the original version, it [goes] beyond retro design and expresses modernity.' In the UK Renault's R5 kicks off at £23k and has 18-inch alloys. Admittedly, it is a tight on interior space but 'it has on-road presence, proportions and credibility of no other EV in its class'. 'If there is a similarly priced, better-looking, more desirable and classier pure-electric supermini with greater provenance, I'm not aware of its existence', proclaimed Rutherford. He even rated it as 'highly recommended,' primarily because of its design. Also at its price it is 'special as a pure-electric car for the real world'. Here, Renault New Zealand is currently selling commercial vehicles only, Trafic and Master vans.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
How EV makers are trying to make them sound, feel and drive like petrol cars - but can you be tricked?
Silence is usually sought after. But when it comes to electric cars, the lack of soundtrack is a petrolhead's biggest gripe. The void of engine noise, the fact that you'll never hear a V8 roar, is for some the worst part owning an electric car. For manufacturers, this is both a challenge and opportunity as electric cars become more popular, with many believing that artificial engine noise will convince people to make the leap and bring emotional driving to those who are already driving under battery power. BMW has become the latest car maker to invest in sound design in order to bring an immersive journey experience to EVs, with the launch of its new 'HypersonX' sound technology. Created by BMW Design Sound Studio, it will come to life in the brand's upcoming electric Vision Neue Klasse models. With this latest addition to the synthetic engine sound game, we look at how manufacturers are employing different tactics to make their EVs feel like combustion engine cars. But will it help accelerate sales? BMW HypersonX sound BMW's new Neue Klasse EVs will come with HypersonX sound technology that will make its next generation of EVs sound like petrol and diesel engines. Unveiled this month, the bespoke soundscapes aim to give the Neue Klasse models, scheduled to launch this year, 'highly distinctive character acoustically'. The HypersonX system comprises 43 sound signals, with specially tailored drive sounds for Personal and Sport Mode. BMW says it adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand, in order to 'create an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.' Personal and Sport Mode apparently 'focus on the essentials' and are inspired by sounds from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. BMW's integrated the acoustic system with the integration of BMW Operating System X to let the soundscape adapt in real time to the different driving scenarios presented. Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group commented: 'The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. 'Through our focus on precision, warmth and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle.' Porsche Electric Sport Sound Porsche was a pioneer of electric car 'engine' noise, bringing the Porsche Electric Sport Sound in with its Taycan EV in 2019. Porsche said the engine tone is 'skillfully composed and tailored to the vehicle's personality and vehicle status'. The Electric Sport Sound minimises disturbing noises from the drive architecture, instead harmonising emotive sounds that match what the car is doing, and amplifying them. Porsche promises that the emotive noises are composed in such a way that, while it's clearly an electrical statement, it's 'still unquestionably the sound of a genuine Porsche'. The driver can activate and deactivate the Electric Sport Sound by selecting the Sport Plus driving mode directly in the Drive menu of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or via the configurable joker keys. It's not just emotive though, the Porsche Electric Sport Sound also has a standard system to meet the legal requirements for pedestrian protection. Hyundai N Active Sound This is the fake engine noise that has many of the biggest haters accepting of fake engine noises for EVs. The Ioniq 5 N arrived with innovative N Active Sound+ in 2023. Generated by 10 internal and external speakers to mimic a combustion engine, N Active Sound+ offers 'a sonic reference point' with three available sound styles for the car. In addition to generating a futuristic electric car sound, it goes the extra mile by integrating the familiar engine and exhaust noises typically associated with petrol-fuelled cars. The technology produces varied noises depending on the users' preferences and the three sound styles are called 'Ignition', 'Evolution', and 'Supersonic': 'Ignition, pays homage to Hyundai N's sound heritage, with a realistic rendition of the high-performance N engine sound, incorporating backfire, bubbling, and gear bang even, while Evolution mimics a high-performance electric soundscape with fast cornering lateral effect, and 'Supersonic', delivers a jet, sonic-boom inspired gear shift noise. Each sound is adjustable and highly customisable - as well as volume controls the driver can turn engine noise off entirely for silent cruising. Dr Dong Chul Park Hyundai's Sound Research Lab in South Korea: 'At the Sound Research Lab, we immerse ourselves in the world of automotive sound design, utilising cutting-edge technologies like driving simulators and virtual reality to develop the latest innovations. 'We are deeply motivated to deliver a satisfying auditory experience for drivers worldwide.' Electric car fake gear shifts - one better than engine noises? Hyundai's done one better than just synthetic combustion engine sounds though. The Ioniq 5 N simulates gear shifts: the steering wheel paddles shift the power delivery in to mimic gear changes – the building and release is sensationalised even though there's just one gear. Designed for buyers who need to feel at home in an EV, N E-Shift and N Active Sound work together to trick your brain into thinking you're revving and need to upshift or downshift. The sound design business: Why manufacturers are trying to stimulate your senses The use of acoustic elements is becoming big business in the EV world: a 2024 industry report from projected that the global electric vehicle sound generator market reached over £87million ($115.5million) in 2024 and will expand at a CAGR of 18.6 per cent by 2034. Automakers have been investing in sound design to create electric car sound for two reasons: to adhere to safety regulations and to bring to life the driving experience audibly. Many drivers find that the absence of sound-induced emotions contributes to a reduced sense of feedback and engagement when driving an EV compared to a combustion car. Driving is an emotive activity, with performance and power conveyed through the sensory experience of engine mechanics - and the need to translate this to EV will shape the future of mobility. The importance of sound design becomes increasingly evident – not only influencing how drivers interact with their cars but also shaping the future of mobility. Electric car noise isn't just about emotive driving and persuading people to go electric, it's about keeping people safe: pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by an EV or hybrid car than a petrol or diesel one due to EV silence Electric car noise is an important safety aspect A 2024 poll found that 47 per cent of pedestrians are concerned about how quiet electric vehicles are. Venson Automotive Solutions' research also revealed that 27 per cent of pedestrians said they had recently been taken by surprise by the silent approach of an EV car. When polled, 26 per cent of road users indicated they would prefer EV cars to mimic the noises produced by traditional combustion engine cars. An academic study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which found that EV cars pose a greater risk to pedestrians than ICE cars. The published work stated that electric cars are thought to pose a higher risk to pedestrians as they do not hear them approaching in time to react and avoid a collision, leaving pedestrians twice as likely to be hit by an electric or hybrid car than a petrol or diesel one. EU regulations have required vehicles to use Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) since 2019. But without more robust regulations and a uniform approach to the artificial noises EVs make, Venson warns that vulnerable road users stand to be affected. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents felt that car buyers should be able to pick the noise their vehicle makes in transit from a list of regulated options, with only 13 per feeling manufacturers should use standard, regulated and 'branded' noises instead
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW unveils HypersonX soundscape for Neue Klasse electric models
BMW has developed a soundscape, named HypersonX, for its all-electric Neue Klasse models which are scheduled for launch this year. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, the HypersonX soundscape forms part of the wider BMW Panoramic iDrive concept aimed at delivering a redefined in-car experience. The HypersonX system includes 43 sound signals, with specially tailored drive sounds for both Personal Mode and Sport Mode. In a press statement, BMW said: 'The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.' A newly developed control unit and the integration of BMW Operating System X support an innovative audio architecture, allowing the soundscape to adapt in real time to various driving scenarios, the company said. BMW Group Sound Design Creative Director Renzo Vitale said: 'The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. 'Through our focus on precision, warmth and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle.' In designing the soundscape, BMW focused on essential sound elements inspired by natural tones and artistic structures. The audio control unit, specifically developed for the Neue Klasse, allows for an expanded dynamic range and spatial modulation of the drive sound. The BMW HypersonX sound spectrum emphasises the middle and lower frequency ranges, creating a "well-balanced" acoustic environment that, combined with intuitive operation, precise lighting effects, and 'homely' interior design. More than nine million individual sound instances were generated using a bespoke algorithm and refined into a distinct BMW acoustic signature to enhance the Neue Klasse's in-cabin experience. Last month, BMW signed an agreement with China's Alibaba group to integrate the latter's AI-powered digital cockpit platform into its forthcoming models to be sold in China. "BMW unveils HypersonX soundscape for Neue Klasse electric models" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
