Munich. The new MINI family all-electric models get
sound worlds distinctive to the brand for an even more immersive
driving experience. The repertoire includes completely new driving
sounds in the interior, an unmistakable brand sound to distinguish it
as a MINI in the exterior, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes
as well as new sound icons for information and warning functions.
„The new sounds are an integral part of the digital experience and
individually tailored to the character of each of the new models. They
make an emotive appeal to the passengers in the interior while shaping
the acoustic perception to the outside world. They also make it sound
as well as look as unmistakably a MINI,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of
MINI Design. These can be experienced for the first time in the new
MINI Cooper Electric.
The new MINI Sound DNA is based on the essential brand values and
exudes a positive, charismatic aura. The MINI Experience Modes become
the stage for the completely newly created sound worlds. Analogue
instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence combine to
generate sounds that simultaneously define it as MINI, convey
information and arouse emotions.
Four driving sounds for an individual user experience.
The MINI “Core”, “Go Kart”, “Timeless” and “Balance” Experience
Modes feature individually curated driving sounds that acoustically
feed back to the driver during acceleration. These sounds are audible
in the interior of the future MINI models, emotionalising the driving
experience and also conveying an authentic yet informative impression
of the driving situation.
The default sound world for the new MINI model family will be the
“Core” driving sound. It is the only sound mode that is not only heard
inside the vehicle, but outside it as well, as acoustic pedestrian
protection. As a MINI brand sound, it sounds inviting, energetic and
inspiring. “The new sound design for MINI is inspired by Nicolaus
Copernicus, who depicts the heliocentric view of the world in which
the planets revolve around the sun,” says Renzo Vitale, Creative
Director Sound at the BMW Group. “We drew inspiration from the round
shape of the OLED central display for the ‘Core’ driving sound. It
reminds us of the sun radiating warmth. In an analogy to the planets,
which each reflect the sunlight in their own way, we designed
different sound components that vary depending on the driving situation.”
The MINI “Go Kart” driving sound was created for a particularly
sporty driving experience. This features strongly pronounced pitch and
load curves, forming a fitting sound backdrop for agile and dynamic driving.
Tradition and progress come together in the MINI “Timeless” driving
sound. The engine sounds of conventionally powered models from the
classic Mini to the MINI John Cooper Works GP were sampled and
combined with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving
sound to create an acoustic journey through time. The more intensively
the vehicle accelerates, the more the sound morphs from the internal
combustion engine past to the purely electric present.
A fourth soundscape opens up with the MINI “Balance” driving sound.
It was originally designed for the MINI Vision Urbanaut and is based
on the sounds experienced in a forest at different times of the day
and night: from the babbling of a stream to the chirping of crickets
and the rustling of the wind in the treetops. The resulting worlds of
sound give a sense of relaxation and well-being on board the future
MINI models.
Characteristic jingles and striking earcons.
The driving sounds for the future MINI family are assigned to
the equally new Experience Modes. Their activation is announced with a
characteristic jingle. This short sound sequence gets the occupants in
the mood for the change to a new vehicle setting.
Another component of the completely new sound worlds for the new MINI
family are known as earcons. Similar to optical icons, these serve as
distinctive audible symbols to alert to certain events or information.
Around 30 of these sound signals have been newly designed: from the
acoustic accompaniment of the turn indicator to the seat-belt warning
system and the Park Distance Control (PDC) tones. In future, they will
fulfil their function as clearly identifiable signals with a
distinctive and brand-typical sound, which will catch the attention of
the occupants or warn of any dangers with their different sound
characteristics and intensities.
