What does a more sustainable car sound like? This isn't a question about the silence of an electric or fuel cell vehicle, but rather about a lighter, more efficient audio system that still performs.
Burgos, Spain-based Grupo Antolin is teaming with Bongiovi Media & Technology of Port St. Lucie, Fla., to create what they term "category-defining solutions for audio systems using proprietary hardware, software, artificial intelligence and material innovations for in-vehicle, immersive audio experiences for entertainment, safety and communication."
While light on specifics in a Jan. 15 news release, Antolin and Bongiovi say the new systems will be lighter, reduce road noise levels, increase design flexibility and still offer the same audio quality. Antolin says that the partnership taps into "Bongiovi's unparalleled expertise in custom sound sculpting technologies combined with our integration and vehicle interiors expertise."
(Bongiovi was founded by Tony Bongiovi, a recording engineer whose cousin is the musician Jon Bon Jovi, in case you ever need a bit of trivia to connect celebrities to the plastics industry.)
While it's not mentioned in the release, Bongiovi has a long history of working with auto suppliers to integrate resonators in interior trim — essentially turning parts such as plastic door covers and headliners into speakers.
Bongiovi worked with Johnson Controls Inc. to introduce a prototype interior using resonators in 2011 at the North American International Auto Show. It also has installed its technology on private airliners with the "speakerless audio systems" installed on Gulfstream, Embrear and Cessna jets.