Normal active noise cancelation systems work only at low engine speeds because otherwise they would kill the sport sound at the top end. But the engine in the Cadillac ELR isn't there to sound sporty, it's there as a generator, so you probably don't want to hear it.
That's why for the ELR, Cadillac has improved the technology and developed a system that masks engine noise across the whole range. It uses both engine mapping and microphones in the cabin to determine what to do.
Active noise cancellation also helps reduce the need for sound-deadening materials, reducing mass, which saves energy and helps deliver spirited performance.
“Acoustic refinement is an important attribute of every Cadillac interior, and ELR is no exception,” said Chris Thomason, ELR vehicle chief engineer. “Considering how quiet the car is during pure-electric driving we knew the generator sound had to be as pleasant as possible, and we were able to achieve it with active noise cancelling.”
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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