Electric cars may come with no engine noise, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t make a sound that excites the senses.
Now BMW have launched a project which is taking the works of one of the world’s best loved movie soundtrack composers to give their upcoming performance oriented electric cars a voice.
Hans Zimmer’s work can be heard as the background music on a multitude of Hollywood blockbusters, with credits including Batman, Superman and X-Men, and now he’s collaborating with the German manufacturer to ensure that electric BMW’s have their own unique voice.
“As a kid, I used to recognise my mother coming home by the sound of her BMW,” said Zimmer.
“I am thrilled to get the chance to design the sound of future electric BMW’s and create emotion for the future electric driving experience.
“When the driver interacts with the accelerator pedal it is not only a mechanical touchpoint but also a performative element.
“Accelerating becomes an experience during which the driver moves through a series of gradually morphing sound textures.”
So while electric motors may be greener and more economical, there’s no reason for all of the excitement of driving a fast car to be taken away, that’s why Zimmer is working on replacing the roar of the combustion engine with something just as emotive.
“We want to get BMW IconicSounds Electric in position for customers who value emotional sound. With BMW IconicSounds Electric they will be able to experience the joy of driving with all their senses”, said Jens Thiemer, senior vice president BMW Brand.
“The sound of the BMW Vision M NEXT gives a glimpse into the future of BMW IconicSounds Electric.”