Exemplary performance and efficiency: Harman International Automotive Division presents groundbreaking sound technology in the “Greenster” from RUF at the 80th Geneva Motor Show
KARLSBAD, Germany--“I swear by the Infinity® loudspeaker system. Ever since the 1980’s, Infinity sound systems have been a permanent fixture in my home and offices,” explains Infinity® fan Alois Ruf, whose renowned car manufacturing business develops and produces the “Greenster”. Thus, the technical components from Harman International were the obvious choice of the specialist for his electric sports car project.
“I swear by the Infinity® loudspeaker system. Ever since the 1980’s, Infinity sound systems have been a permanent fixture in my home and offices”
In a project involving close cooperation between engineers and acoustic experts, Harman International has integrated brilliant Infinity® sound in the “Greenster” zero-emissions electric sports car while also achieving maximum energy efficiency. The powerful Infinity® GreenEdge® sound system uses eleven precisely positioned speakers and a powerful amplifier to produce the most intense listening experience possible. Thanks to the electronically generated sounds produced with HALOsonic™ technology, the electric sports car has also been given an acoustic identity of its own. The actively generated sounds are particularly important in increasing safety and also enhance the driving experience.
The “Greenster” sports car from RUF Automobile GmbH really is in a class of its own: instead of a six-cylinder engine, a 270 Kilowatt (367 HP) three-phase motor can be found in the back of the electric sports car, ensuring emissions-free driving. An initial small-scale series of the groundbreaking “Greenster” is planned for 2010.
Infinity® GreenEdge® sound system: brilliant sound and energy efficiency
Infinity® GreenEdge® elements are characterized by a high degree of energy efficiency. The excellent overall energy balance is achieved through the intelligent linking of reduced weight in all components with a high degree of efficiency in the amplifier and sound transducers.
In a move designed to give the sound platform in the “Greenster” a truly unique character, the Infinity® specialists decided on an arrangement of eleven speakers in all, which will be powered by an DSP amplifier. The amplifier achieves exemplary efficiency of over 90 percent compared with 35 to 50 percent in conventional models. This efficient use of energy means that almost no waste heat is given off, so that classic cooling can be effectively done away with. Instead, compact lightweight housings are used, which reduce the weight.
HALOsonic™- electronically generated engine sounds increase safety and enhance the driving experience
Pioneering HALOsonic™ technology meets many of the key requirements for the future generation of hybrid and electric cars. HALOsonic™ generates synthetic engine sounds, which serve to warn pedestrians and cyclists that the normally almost silent car is approaching. Studies carried out in the University of California have shown that the human ear only perceives hybrid and electric cars within a radius of three meters. Accordingly, critical situations include parking and driving off, as well as emerging from side streets and off-street parking, as people fail to realize that the cars are in motion because there is no engine noise. Older people, people with visual impairment, children and cyclists are the groups at particular risk. A minimum noise level is already being considered in the USA, Japan and Europe, so that the introduction of environmentally friendly, almost silent electric and hybrid cars does not become a new source of danger to other road users.
The engine noise is transmitted externally by means of two high-efficiency speakers behind the front and back bumpers. The positioning of the speakers required a lot of care and attention because these are continuously exposed to climatic variations, as well as water and dirt.
The sound transducers focus the sound generated by the HALOsonic™ technology in the direction of travel. This means that the noise level remains pleasantly low for other road users who are not located within the direction of travel.
The backward-facing sound transducer also warns passers-by behind the car, who are potentially at risk while “Greenster” is performing reversing or parking maneuvers. This is how the electric sports car signals to other road users that it is about to move off at any moment. For authenticity, the engine sound generated varies with the vehicle speed. This means that pedestrians, cyclists and children can intuitively estimate the direction from which the car is approaching, as well as its speed.
Electronic sound synthesis is also used inside the car, and here too the electronically generated engine sounds ensure safety, while at the same time enhancing the driving experience. The “Greenster’s” specific internal sound is generated by the Infinity® GreenEdge® audio system, offering perfect integration without adding weight or requiring more space.
Harman International Industries Incorporated (www.harman.com) develops, produces, markets and distributes a wide range of high-end audio and infotainment systems for the automotive, consumer and professional sector. The Harman International family includes internationally renowned brands such as AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, DOD®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, JBL Professional®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft®, and Studer®.
AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, DOD, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. GreenEdge is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries Inc.
HALOsonic is a trademark of Harman International Industries Inc.