Bang & Olufsen Provides New Custom-Made Audio System for Aston Martin DBS

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 15, 2008 - Bang & Olufsen, the global provider of exclusive, high-quality audio and video products, together with Aston Martin, the leading British luxury sports and performance car manufacturer, announce the North American arrival of the BeoSound DBS sound system in the Aston Martin DBS this December 2008. The BeoSound DBS is significant as it produces a natural, pure sound with its 13-channel Digital Signal Processing (DSP) platform, 13 speakers with 10 individual speaker locations, and over 1000 watts of power. It is included in the standard package offering for the Aston Martin DBS, a first for Bang & Olufsen's automotive division.

BeoSound DBS is one of the finest in-car audio systems on the market due to its profound attention to detail and superior sonic performance. With its unique tuning process, custom made sound stage, free-form aluminum processing, and smooth harmonic operation, the BeoSound DBS is engineered to exceed all expectations.

"We are proud to present the first unique audio system from our collaboration with Aston Martin. BeoSound DBS is a high-quality, high-performance system for a remarkable performance car," says Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen, Bang & Olufsen President and Chief Executive Officer.

The collaboration between Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen signifies two innovative companies with a longstanding, proud tradition in technology and design. Both companies were founded in the 20th century and through a commitment to unique manufacturing skills and design values, each has achieved world-class reputation and global icon status.

"Without technological innovation, neither Aston Martin nor Bang & Olufsen would have achieved the reputation they have today as leaders in both design and performance," said Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer. "The BeoSound DBS represents the ultimate fusion of technology and artistry. We are extremely proud to offer this system in the DBS."

Unrivalled audio and proprietary technology

Bang & Olufsen's sound system is seamlessly integrated into the DBS's custom-made interior, providing driver and passenger(s) with an unrivalled audio experience. Consisting of 13 individual speakers and Bang & Olufsen's advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system, BeoSound DBS transforms the vehicle into an acoustically sophisticated venue, capable of conveying subtle and striking musical dynamics from every source.

The BeoSound DBS system showcases Bang & Olufsen's patented ICEpower(R) technology, a fusion of high power and hi-fi sound quality with ultra-compact design and sleek, functional operation. The proprietary and automatically operated ALT (Acoustic Lens Technology) motorized tweeter units are mounted on either side of the dashboard and enable 180 degree horizontal dispersion of high frequencies, giving listeners an improved sense of space, staging and realism, regardless of their location in the car. In addition to the two tweeters incorporated into the ALT, the system consists of five mid-range speakers, three additional tweeters and three woofers, including a powerful 200 mm subwoofer mounted beneath the rear bench. In all, thirteen speakers are positioned in ten locations around the car.

The system is acoustically tuned by Bang & Olufsen's advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) unit, which stage-manages the musical performance to accommodate the in-car experience. Coupled with countless hours of research by Bang & Olufsen's acousticians, all 13 speakers are tuned to work together in harmony to deliver an outstanding listening experience. The DSP also provides dynamic modeling that automatically adapts to changing acoustic conditions, allowing the occupants to concentrate on an engaging driving and listening experience.

Seamless integration

The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS system has been developed exclusively for Aston Martin. The system is acoustically and physically matched to the DBS, with a design that follows the inherent quality and material honesty of the Aston Martin interior. The loudspeaker grills are finished with smoothly contoured aluminum, seamlessly following the fluid lines and curves of the cabin. When the system is turned on, the twin acoustic lens speakers emerge silently and swiftly, adding a touch of theater and technological panache that is the perfect complement to the Aston Martin DBS.

Bang & Olufsen's experts worked in close collaboration with Aston Martin's product development team, ensuring optimal speaker placement in consideration of the unique aluminum structure of the car. The result is a system that has become an integral part of the Aston Martin DBS. As a result, the sound is crisp and clear at all volumes, making the audio system the perfect match for the commanding performance of the Aston Martin.

The BeoSound DBS will be shown for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Motor Show this November. It will be available for customer orders at the same time.

Following the launch of the BeoSound DBS system for the Aston Martin DBS, another custom-made sound system will be developed for the Aston Martin DB9. It is scheduled to launch early 2009.