Acoustic Innovation: e-sound by Audi

Audi's future e-tron models will cover long distances powered by practically silent electric motors. To ensure that pedestrians in urban settings will hear them, the brand has developed a synthetic solution: Audi e-sound.

Sound is an especially exciting aspect of a vehicle. Although it can be described in physical terms, there is no substitute for experiencing it firsthand. A car's sound is emotional, not intellectual. Although we consciously register a car's sounds only occasionally while on the road, they are always there -- playing a crucial role in the driving experience. Sounds send signals. Low-range frequencies suggest power and composure, while mid-range frequencies emit sportiness and agility.

In a series-production Audi, a combustion engine currently supplies the music. Conversely, the motor in an electric-powered e-tron is not an option, as it is too quiet and its high frequencies are not exactly melodious. Audi's e-tron models will therefore feature a synthetic sound signature. Rudolf Halbmeir teamed up with his colleagues Axel Brombach and Dr. Lars Hinrichsen to create it.

The e-sound by Audi may be artificial, but it is authentic. In fact, the e-tron itself generates its sound by the millisecond. Dr. Lars Hinrichsen, the expert for hardware and software, explains: "Data relating to the electric motor's rotational speed, vehicle speed, loads, and other parameters is continuously supplied by the vehicle to the control unit. It then uses this data to generate sound."

Follow the link to learn more about Audi's e-tron technology: http://audi.us/MP6uOA

• Category

  Autos & Vehicles

[TheEryk03]

It sounds like the vehicles from the movie "TRON Legacy". I love it!

[Todd Geraghty]

Wow, this is an incredible idea! Audi are now sound pioneers!

[superdeer27]

Sounds like a old videogame car :D

[zero cool]

soon theyll makem fly

[Rudy Kalkhove]

I prefer stealth-mode or a Jet-engine mode.

[jusaosjagc]

sjsjsojkpeididfjfg @%7%,2++497484748++#7%7%%%%%%&­3&4444463644474+%+%+%-%7&&! djh

[jusaosjagc]

awisjskdsjsjsj

[AusNAVI]

why would you keep muting the sound all I wanted was constant noise you ass

[elektronikbastler]

I want the sound of a Taurus for electric vehicles :D

[Gibson4ever13]

Thats not the way how we (germans) pronounce it. Instead of AUdi you say Odi.

[TonyR03]

I don't get it, Video Games have wonderful sounds, and they don't waste millions to create them.

[Hanibalas Lektorius]

Man, that sound's ugly... And 3 yrs to develop it? Ooh, I'd love to work at Adi...;););)