Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



An exhaust-system and heating-solution supplier has reportedly engineered an electronic way to modify the sound coming from a vehicle's tailpipe. The company, Eberspächer, claims the innovation can make diesel-powered vehicles sound sportier and add an audible sound track to near-silent electric vehicles.

While mechanical devices - including flaps, dampers, or acoustic materials - have become commonplace in modern exhaust systems, this unique technology utilizes a dedicated electronic control unit (ECU) to emit sound waves to counter much of the unwanted frequencies (similar to the process of noise-canceling headphones). Of course, the same speaker technology that generates the "white noise" may be used to create new exhaust notes.

The obvious benefits are more appealing exhaust tunes, but it doesn't just stop there. This sound-deadening technology allows automakers to reduced the size of the existing mufflers (saving both weight and cost), and it may add some needed noise to the electric vehicles navigating our roads and highways.

[Source: SAE International]

REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DesignElectronicsExhaust NoteExhaustNoteInnovative TechnologyInnovativeTechnologyMuffleMufflerNoise-CancelingSAESilencerSoundFri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi R8

The innovative R8 supercar from Audi is now available for the first time with full LED headlamps. In addition to the standard Audi-signature 24-LED running lamps it's always had, this extremely expensive option (£3,590 converts to $7,100 USD) adds LED high and low beam headlamps and LED turn signals to the front fascia of the mid-engine sports car.

The latest craze in automotive lighting, LED bulbs don't utilize a filament like halogen lamps or gas plasma like HID lamps. Instead, they create light from the movement of current across a semi-conductor chip. They are smaller, more vibration resistant, and much more efficient than traditional bulbs. According to Audi, the light from the LEDs has been designed to closely resemble daylight and provides a greater contrast to be easier on the human eye. LED illumination is also designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Audi is no stranger to LED lighting - it first introduced a strip-shaped fog lamp at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003.

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps

Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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