2013 Chevrolet Malibu Noise Reduction Tweaks Detailed

The engineers at General Motors are hard at work trying to deliver the best possible experience with their upcoming 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan, scheduled to enter production in the United Sates in early 2012 with the ECO model. We’ve so far seen them using Oscar in the interior development process of the car, or working on delivering enhanced seat comfort.

Now, GM is back detailing aspects regarding the Malibu’s ability to deliver improved sound quality thanks to a number of advanced technologies used for noise reduction.

Several components such as noise-reducing outside rear view mirrors, laminated side glass and noise-absorption pads are strategically placed to make the cabin quiet and improve the overall quality inside.

“To tune the sound properties to appeal to the widest possible audience, we need to make sure everyone hears the same thing,” said Kara Gordon, Malibu’s lead acoustic engineer.

The engineers have equipped pre-production Malibus with a mannequin-like recording device called an Aachen HEAD, a digital recording tool that closely matches the way humans process sound with both their ears.The recordings are made as the test Malibus are driven on a variety of road surfaces at a range of speeds.

“The typical acoustic memory of the human ear to discern subtle yet important differences is about 10 seconds – or about the time it takes to go from one vehicle to another. The Aachen HEAD, our Jury Room and high-tech headphones make it possible for us to give our Malibu customers the quietest, most pleasing interior sound quality possible,” added Gordon.