P IN-CABIN AUDIO erfect pitch, precise tone, and bass that fills the cabin whether traveling through the city or speeding down the autobahn – delivering flawless sound is a monumental task for engineers. It becomes even more complex with the introduction of different types of powertrain, and the wide range of audio sources entering the vehicle. After all, low-bit-rate digital music falls far short of CD quality. Creating the perfect vehicle acoustics experience is becoming increasingly important. As people bring more audio content – such as music and podcasts – on their journeys, delivering high-quality sound has become a crucial focus for engineering programs. Cupra is dedicating considerable time and effort to crafting the perfect aural experience for its vehicle occupants. This involves developing and testing systems both in-house and through collaborations with leading consumer electronics brands, including Sennheiser’s Mobility division. For example, the two companies partnered to create the high-fidelity sound system in the all-electric Cupra Tavascan SUV. Quiet revolution Electrification has refocused engineers’ efforts, shifting the acoustics dynamic According to Christopher Herold, director of engineering for acoustic systems at Harman (below), working on technologies for EVs has granted sound specialists more freedom to craft the in-cabin auditory experience. With the reduced noise levels in electric cars, there are more opportunities to create dynamic soundscapes. “This freedom to innovate goes beyond entertainment, as we create lighter, lower-power audio systems optimized for electric vehicles, which maintain performance standards, ensuring owners enjoy a premium in-cabin experience. By connecting these technologies to the cloud, we enhance their capabilities, making them updateable and upgradable throughout the vehicle’s lifetime, offering more freedom and flexibility. “In EVs, there are fewer low-frequency noise disturbances, which software attempts to compensate for. Consequently, the end product is closer to our initial development,” he continues. “By tuning the sound system while the vehicle is stationary, we achieve a more natural playback up to around 80km/h before the tire and wind noise starts to become noticeable. This results in a higher dynamic range between quiet and loud instruments, enhancing emotional impact and providing more transparency and naturalness for an improved listening experience during city driving.” Electric vehicles are unique because the bass speakers must be integrated into the door panels to make room for the high-voltage batteries under the front seats or in the trunk. However, modern door panels aren’t the stiffest parts of the car, so a bass speaker can cause unwanted vibrations and noise. “To address this, Harman places the speakers into the seat, which helps reduce vibrations, ensuring consistent, stable sound quality while overcoming the audio integration challenges in EVs,” explains Herold. Consumer electronics brand Sennheiser helped Cupra develop the Tavascan’s high-fidelity sound system “Sound quality is the result of a combination of many key factors” José Luis Álvarez, Cupra José Luis Álvarez, who is responsible for sound system projects at Cupra, explains the brand’s approach: “Sound quality is the result of a combination of many key factors, which we typically group into four main pillars: loudspeakers, mechanical integration, electronics platform and the necessary team expertise to make the right choices about it all, including the all-important system tuning.” At Cupra, audio system development begins in the early concept stages of the vehicle to ensure the best loudspeaker positioning and integration. This process involves close collaboration with the design department, drawing on over 20 years of expertise. “High-quality speakers are chosen and, with the aid of CAD tools, strategically adapted and positioned in the car cabin to ensure well-balanced sound distribution. Also at the early phases, virtual structural acoustics testing can be started using simulation models,” notes Álvarez. Álvarez and his team also select and customize the electronics platform based on the systems being designed, www.AutomotiveTestingTechnologyInternational.com 48 MARCH 2025
Automotive Testing Technology International March 2025: Page 48
