The acclaimed Bang & Olufsen Sound System has been tuned specifically for the thrill of open-top driving. Even with the top down, the specially tuned sound system continues to deliver clean, crisp, natural and precise playback.
The system was developed exclusively for Audi to be perfectly matched to the R8 Spyder, both acoustically and physically, and all R8 Spyder 5.2 cars will leave the factory equipped with the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
The unique sound tuning is based on the award winning tuning for the R8 coupe. With the powerful V10 engine the car has a top speed of more than 300 km/h and the Bang & Olufsen system was tested and tuned up to that.
Crystal clear sound at high speed
On top, the Spyder version presented its own unique set of challenges to be overcome. A cabriolet presents a sound tuning obstacle due to the increased level of road, engine and wind noise even with the roof closed. This required a specific tuning for this live wire of a sports car. When the roof is opened external noise sources are dramatically increased but the system automatically detects this change and a specific tuning is instantaneously loaded to compensate for this and constantly deliver the same crystal clear sound even under the open sky.
The Bang & Olufsen Sound System has 12 speakers driven by 10 discrete channels of amplification and digital signal processing, producing a total amplifier power of 465 watts. The technology is supported by a special visual experience, including machined and anodised aluminium, enhancing the attractive interior of the R8.
Bang & Olufsen engineers worked closely in conjunction with Audi engineers to produce the richest audio experience possible, while also supplementing the total driving and ownership experience. Under acceleration, for instance, the music compensates rather than eliminates the R8’s distinctive engine note, offering the driver to take maximum pleasure in both the sound of the car and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Daniel Garner, Acoustic Engineer at Bang & Olufsen Automotive, commented the work on the R8 Spyder: ”It is the dream job of almost every acoustic engineer in the automotive sector to work on such a supremely well balanced and executed sports car as the R8 Spyder in combination with the Bang & Olufsen Sound System. Although the combination of a powerful engine and a cabriolet with its increased interior noise presented unique challenges, the result is excellent.”
Continued positive development
For the financial year of 2008/09, Bang & Olufsen Automotive achieved a turnover of DKK 174 million against DKK 123 million for the same period last year. The launch of the Bang & Olufsen Sound System for the R8 Spyder will contribute to the continued positive development of the automotive business segment at Bang & Olufsen and has been included in the previously announced expectations to the group result for the fiscal year 2009/2010.
The Bang & Olufsen Sound System is an option on all Audi R8’s. Deliveries of the R8 Spyder, using the new sound system, are likely to begin Q1 2010.
Specifications
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1 x subwoofer – 130 mm in bass reflex cabinet
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2 x front door woofer – 200 mm
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1 x centre speaker – 35×70 mm
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2 x front midrange speaker – 80 mm
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2 x front tweeter – 25 mm
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2 x rear tweeter – 25 mm
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2 x rear midrange-woofer – 100 mm
– Vehicle Noise Compensation with microphone input to analyse engine and different frequency bands
– True Image™: Proprietary Bang & Olufsen 2-to-5.1 channel upmix algorithm
– Tailor made for the Audi R8 Spyder as regards both design and sound design
