The BMW Group's iconic British brand MINI unlocks a new listening experience and brings a unique world of MINI sound. When you drive a new electric MINI Cooper, the moment you press the power pedal, the sound of the motor rings in your ears instead of the same motor sound, but the MINI's original, carefully choreographed and delicate sound effects that change according to different driving modes. The good-looking skins are the same, and the interesting souls are one in a thousand. The classic Mini's engine sound, tempering sound, electric drive sound, natural sound, and other original sound effects make the experience and fun of each driving mode and driving condition unique.
4 personalized driving sounds, 7 driving modes with their own exclusive ringtones, and a whole set of newly designed characteristic prompts create a wonderful MINI sound world. Both inside and outside the car, you can clearly perceive that this is a MINI through the new auditory signal, and feel the MINI brand spirit expressed by sound.
Through a combination of analog instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence, MINI Sound World conveys MINI's unique personality and attitude, creating an emotional connection with the driver with sound. "These new sound effects are an integral part of the digital experience, not only emotionally touching the occupants of the car, but also shaping the auditory impression outside the car, making the MINI look and sound unmistakably MINI," said Mr. Hemmer, Vice President of Brand Design for MINI at the BMW Group. ”
Safety first, use the art of hearing to protect the safety of pedestrians
"Safety first" has always been the primary principle that MINI strictly pursues. Therefore, in the world of MINI sound, the concept of safety is first sublimated into an auditory art that can be perceived. Studies have shown that the human ear is able to respond to external stimuli within 10 milliseconds. MINI is well aware of the impact of sound on human perception and emotion, and firmly believes that although electric vehicles do not produce sound per se, they need sound to drive to alert pedestrians outside the vehicle while driving, and to help drivers understand the status of the vehicle while driving. In "Initial Mode", the sound can be heard both inside and outside the car, providing acoustic protection for pedestrians outside the car and taking into account the driving experience inside the car.
4 personalized driving sound effects to convey the driving status realistically and effectively
Each MINI experience mode is like a separate stage. In the four modes of "Initial Mode", "Karting Mode", "Nostalgia Mode" and "Relax Mode", MINI provides the driver with personalized driving sound effects, which are highly matched with the real-time power state when accelerating, which not only enhances the driving pleasure, but also helps the driver to truly and effectively understand the driving state.
"Initial Mode" is the default driving mode of the new MINI family, and it is the only sound mode that can be heard both inside and outside the car, providing acoustic protection for pedestrians outside the car while also delighting the occupants. Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound at BMW Group, explains: "The sound design of the MINI 'Initial Mode' is inspired by Copernicus's geocentric theory, and the design team was inspired by the circular shape of the OLED central display, which is associated with the warmth of the sun, where each planet reflects the sunlight in its own way, and different driving modes can also convey different sound effects in their own way. ”
The hot-blooded "go-kart mode" debuts loudly, and the high-pitched power output is specially designed for the ultimate sporty driving experience. Its pitch changes are more pronounced and simulate the sound characteristics of engine load changes, like a BGM that matches the driving with a strong one. This design not only boosts the senses, but also helps to understand the state of the vehicle for more accurate dynamic control.
"Nostalgic Mode" simply travels through time and space, while sampling and recording the dynamic sound of the classic Mini Morris from the 60s of the last century, and combining it with the futuristic sound effects of MINI's "Initial Mode" to create a sonic journey through time and space. The more the driver accelerates, the more the sound shifts from the combustion drive of the past to the pure electric drive of the present. This is a reproduction of the classic sound, but also a tribute to the classic heritage of MINI.
"Relax mode" has a soft sound effect, simulating the ambient atmosphere of a large forest or lakeside, with a murmuring stream, crickets chirping, and the rustle of the breeze through the treetops.
Exclusive ringtones and special chimes instantly awaken the senses and welcome different driving atmospheres
The all-new electric MINI Cooper is equipped with seven driving modes, each of which is equipped with a short and concise ringtone to allow the driver to clearly perceive the switch between modes. These exclusive ringtones are highly recognizable and can quickly synchronize the emotions of passengers with the new mode of the vehicle, so that the passengers' senses are instantly awakened and ready to be immersed in the new experience.
Newly designed chimes also play an important role in the MINI sound world, such as the "accompaniment sound" of the steering indicator or the personalized warning sound of the seatbelt warning system and the Parking Distance Control (PDC). There are about 30 newly designed tones, which make these auditory signals more MINI, and play a stronger role as a reminder or warning, making the driving experience safer and more fun.
MINI creates a world of sound that is not monotonous, boring, or boring. It resonates with the driver's emotions, not only ensures safety, but also makes every trip full of fun and surprises, adding new meaning and charm to the MINI brand.