We do not hear very often how the car manufacturers design the sound of their engine. BMW is among the leader in this technology and they coined theirs as Active Sound Design.
Mini gets an engine note to make its 4-cylinder diesel powerplant sound like a V8 muscle car. The engineers actually came up with four notes which are now being tested with a Mini and with a prototype BMW 635d.
The sound technology makes use of the vehicle’s own sound system to create a better driving experience. Drivers will perceive that the vehicle is performing better when compared to a same vehicle with the same specs but without the V8 sound technology. The sound technology feeds a generated sound through the cabin via the sound system of the car while also utilizing panels to lower the real sound of the car coming from its engine bay.
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I love Minis, I love them so much. I want one — and who knows, maybe once the Mini Coupe concept makes it to production, I will finally be able to get one.
You might see some similarities dating way back to 1997, with the original, first Mini Cooper Monte Carlo concept. However, only in that, as BMW did, this concept is going to take the famed British car into a brand new direction, one that is not just muscular, but almost like a street rod.
The Coupe matches the hatchback in width and length, but it is not as high. Inside, it is pretty much what you would expect, although the dashboard is much more attractive with lots of finish and a luxurious leather trim.
When you really think about the iPhone commercials, did you ever notice that they truly do have an app for everything? Well, MINI has taken that to the next level and they have actually created a roadside assistance app for the iPhone. While OnStar was the best of its class three years ago, now, cell phones are something that are so evolved and so advanced that they truly – truly are incredible pieces of technology.
The great thing about the Apple iPhone is the fact that you can actually install this particular app with your VIN number and actually pick a photo of your car! MINI USA worked with Allstate to come up with this incredible app and I think that it is pretty cool actually.
How it works is you can use the app to call for road service which will actually send that to Allstate who will ensure that you get a tow truck there as soon as possible!