However, this is not the first time we hear of BMW’s Active Sound Design. In a Mini prototype demonstrated in 2009, a four-cylinder engine was made to sound like a V8 engine or a straight-six engine.
"To create the desired acoustic patterns, we're refining the natural character of the engine with an electro-acoustic system so that acceleration becomes a special audio experience and provides even more pleasure," Albert Kaltenhauser, Manager for Airborne Sound, Acoustics and Vibrations, said in a release.
In order for a diesel vehicle to sound sporty, sound designers have to optimally adjust the sound of the vehicle and its engine performance. An active system
"Even small changes to vehicle sound can have a big impact, since human hearing subconsciously evaluates acoustic surroundings like a high-performance analyser and all changes are continuously registered in the brain," said Alfred Zeitler, Acoustic Psychologist.
BMW claims the test vehicle, a BMW 635d, is sound-optimised by means of sound design and has its own very dynamic audio character. The noise typical for diesel vehicles disappears and instead, the driver hears a “sporty, superior sound.”
"The in-vehicle acoustic causal loop is highly complex. However, once you understand it, numerous possibilities for optimisation reveal themselves — in terms of optimal and efficient vehicle design," added Tomasz Jedraszek, Manager of Airborne Sound Team.
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