How Should a Volvo Sound Like?

This is the latest question to which the, let's face it, innovative Volvo engineers tried to get an answer to. With the help of the manufacturer's latest acoustic laboratory in Torslanda, Sweden, Volvo is trying to find out the best sound for the engines which will propel their vehicles.

The lab, part of Volvo's Noise, Vibration and Harshness Center (NHV) is comprised of a network of sound-absorbing protrusions embedded in the walls and ceiling, while no background noise manages to get in. The floor of the lab has been built to simulate the surfaces on which the car is traveling on.

Volvo is trying to find the best sound to suit each car by dividing their work into three parts: irritating noises (road rumble, wind roar), sounds that inform (engine noise, click of various controls) and sounds that impress. The lab itself and the research done there has only one goal: completely eliminate the sounds from the first category.

"Most of our work relates to creating the foundation for the best acoustic comfort from the customer's viewpoint. Customers who purchase a premium car expect that," Johan Stenson, NVH Center manager said. "There's no long tradition in the sphere of acoustic design, but it is gaining in importance. Our challenge is to create an experience that delivers the right ‘Volvo sound'."

"For impressive engine sound, we have so far achieved the most striking results with our high-end products. The first car we worked on was the V8-powered Volvo XC90. We aimed to create a sophisticated V8 sound with a typical European note,"

If you think this sounds good, wait for what's to come. Volvo's real challenge will be testing and deciding which is the best sound for hybrids and EVs.

"So just how should our plug-in hybrid sound? So far we have no bank of experience from which to obtain data. We'll have to start examining this issue fairly soon."