Aston Martin Equips Rapide with Bang & Olufsen
It seems to be a recent trend for high-end audiophile home audio manufacturers to move their speakers into high-end and ultra-luxury automobiles. And why not? It seems like a perfect synergy. If I'm spending $100K or more on a luxury or super-sports automobile, why would I want sub-par audio? Names you might recognize like Infinity, BOSE, and Boston Acoustics, although pretty good brands, don't seem to carry the same clout required for a ultra-luxury or premium car.
Aston Martin recently announced a partnership with Danish speaker manufacturer, Bang & Olufsen, to design the audio system for the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide. B&O has been in the auto news recently, partnering with Audi in 2003to develop one of the most advanced OE audio systems available, and is now featured in all of Audi's lines (except the A3 and TT). High-end home audio speaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkens also jumped into the game, partnering with Jaguar for the new Jag XF's audio system.
Press release and pics of the Aston Martin concept Rapide interior after the jump.
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Together, Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen present a partnership of two innovative companies with a proud tradition in technology and design. Both Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen blend an unrelenting quest for technical excellence with an uncompromising commitment to quality and style. Both have the courage to go far beyond the conventional.
Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, describes the new association between the companies as a landmark collaboration between two market leaders. "Without technological innovation, neither Aston Martin nor Bang & Olufsen would have achieved the reputation they have today as leaders in both design and performance," he says. "Elegance and excellence go hand in hand, and designers, engineers and specialists in both companies will work close together to get the benchmark result.
Bang & Olufsen Chief Executive Officer, Torben Ballegard Sørensen also believes the two companies have much in common, and not just in terms of esteem and ambition. "There are deep similarities between our cultures and heritage. Bang & Olufsen’s values are rooted on passion and performance as well as design and craftsmanship. These are exactly the same values that you experience in an Aston Martin," he says.
Renowned for so much more than unparalleled performance on road and track, an Aston Martin combines refinement with exhilaration, a key component of which is the sound of the engine, as finely tuned as a musical instrument. This adds another level of sonic complexity, and presents a unique set of acoustic challenges. "We have to create the synthesis between all intriguing senses in a sports car," Ballegard emphasizes."
Both companies appreciate the value of individuality and at Bang & Olufsen, there is a very real human element to every stage of the design and manufacturing processes, from the integral role played by the classically trained tonmeisters to the hand finishing of the products. Aston Martin take the same approach: all their cars carry the name plate of the engineer who completes the final inspection.
Gallery
Picture Source: LeftLaneNews
Source: Bang & Olufsen
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