Lotus brings the noise
In the name of safety, Lotus gives a voice to its electric and hybrid carsSilent-running hybrid and electric cars have begun to prove an issue for pedestrians attuned to the sound of a conventional engine.
Clear evidence exists to show that pedestrians are in fact at risk from these stealthy new machines, with some governments even going so far as to suggest legislatation that will see such models made to emit some form of noise to warn pedestrians of their presence.
Now, Lotus Engineering, the design and technology department of Lotus Cars in conjunction with HARMAN have created a car that produces an audible warning on demand to avoid any nasty mishaps.
The pair say that because the noise is made as required, the car doesn't contribute unnecessarily to noise pollution. And, that because the system allows the driver to choose their own noise, it has an element of fun about it.
Using what Lotus and HARMAN refer to as an integrated HALOsonic sound synthesis system, Lotus cars fitted with the new technology are able to recognise pedestrians, thanks to inbuilt video cameras, and as the car approaches, send a noise in their direction at what it says is a "suitable volume".
The system has already been built into the Lotus Evora hybrid demonstration car and can even prompt the driver, via an audible and visual warning, if it feels the pedestrian may be in danger.
The new active system is optimised to operate in urban environments at speeds of up to 75 km/h. It can sense pedestrians in an area of up to 60 metres ahead of the vehicle.
"The integration of video technology into the HALOsonic system illustrates the flexibility of the technology to evolve new features and functionality; offering a system that is more intelligent and produces less unwanted noise while using less power," said Lotus engineer, Coiln Peachey.
"This is just one of the several enhanced functions we are currently developing for HALOsonic that is now the global benchmark pedestrian safety system of this type, and which is receiving a lot of attention from large vehicle manufactures keen to meet the upcoming legislation in the US and Japan."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
