HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group, announces the world premiere of JBL sound in the new smart for two and smart for four cars. This is the first time HARMAN has provided in-vehicle audio for smart, a Daimler Group company, and extends the already strong partnership between HARMAN and Daimler in the field of in-car infotainment. The new smart cars featuring the customized JBL sound system will be making their world debut appearance on July 16 in Berlin, with the first JBL-equipped vehicles expected on the roads later this year.
The sound performance is as distinct and as individual as the smart itself, the JBL sound system brings an ultimate listening experience to this urban lifestyle vehicle. Designers and engineers at JBL and smart collaborated closely to create a customized audio system that would ensure optimal sound in the compact interior of the smart vehicle. For example, aware that space is at a premium in the smart, JBL and smart made the subwoofer removable to extend the trunk volume when drivers need to load extra baggage: a clever solution that is a perfect fit with the smart driving experience. Besides, the rich premium JBL sound supports the illusion of driving in a spacious car which is most relevant to smart.
True to the idea of “JBL FOR more bassboom”, speakers in both models are placed to ensure drivers and passengers are “smart-surrounded” with sound. The new smart fortwo has a six-channel DSP high-performance amplifier and eight speakers, including the removable subwoofer. The center loudspeaker is placed in the middle of the dashboard, and two tweeters to the left and right of the A-pillar ensure crystal-clear reproduction of upper frequencies. The low midrange speakers are placed to the bottom of the driver and passenger doors, and two surround speakers at head height complete the surround sound experience. The smart forfour has an eight-channel DSP amplifier, plus an additional two pairs of high-frequency and low mid-range speakers, with the surround speakers positioned in the C-pillars.
“We are delighted to bring JBL audio to the new smart, and to extend our collaboration with the Daimler Group,” says Michael Mauser, President of Lifestyle Division HARMAN. “Our brand JBL has an excellent record as a maker of professional sound equipment for concert halls and other public venues in the music industry. JBL takes this experience and distils it into audio systems for in-car entertainment. Drivers of the new smart can look forward to a thrilling sound experience when they take their new car onto the roads.”
The new smart for two and smart for four are being unveiled on July 16 at a special event in Berlin. JBL will also be at the show, with a special light-and-sound JBL Pulse Wall, a JBL Beat Creator as well as an exhibit that describes the speaker architecture inside the car to give visitors the opportunity to create their own JBL audio experience. HARMAN acoustic experts will be available on site to answer questions on the system and give demos of the in-vehicle sound.
The new smart fortwo and smart forfour cars with the JBL audio system are scheduled for general release on November 2014.
