The collaboration between the two companies already started, as the latest MINI to hit the market, the Countryman, is already using it. The system comprises ten Harman Kardon speakers, two subwoofers (under the driver and front passenger seats) and four metal matrix tweeters.
"We are delighted that BMW Group has once again chosen Harman Kardon premium audio for the new MINI Countryman”, said Sachin Lawande, Harman Chief Technology Officer said.
“The precision tuning of this new system complements its state-of-the art components, and we look forward to delighting MINI drivers with its exceptional performance.”
The Kardon also features the 400 Watt DSP amplifier with Class-D technology, a system which generates more sound power and less waste heat. This eliminates the need for cooling and, as a consequence, reduces the weight of the system.
“The Sports Activity Vehicle is already the fourth model where MINI relies on the development expertise of HARMAN sound specialists. Working together in close cooperation, MINI vehicle developers and Harman Kardon experts have perfectly matched the vehicle architecture for the sound system with the interior of the four-door crossover," added Harman
The deal signed with BMW in July calls for Harman, together with Magneti Marelli, to deliver the new infotainment system for BMW vehicles. The technology features iSpeech, wireless connectivity, mobile office, navigation, and advanced telematics and will be built on the NVIDIA system-on-a-chip (SOC) platform.
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