HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets, is pleased to announce its partnership with Renault. The first vehicle featuring a Harman Kardon sound system is the new electric car, the Renault Mégane E-TECH Electric. The Mégane E-TECH Electric is scheduled to be launched in 2022 and is sure to impress motorists with its range, performance, and modernity. This is a first step in the partnership between HARMAN International’s brand Harman Kardon and world-renowned French automobile manufacturer Renault, promising a whole new world of exceptional in-car experiences for drivers and passengers alike.
Like the exterior, the interior of the upcoming Mégane E-TECH Electric is completely redesigned. Harman Kardon’s acoustics engineers worked hand-in-hand with the Renault design team to create a cutting-edge sound system that fits perfectly in this interior, while delivering the captivating sound Harman Kardon is known for. Harman Kardon and Renault are extremely well-suited for one another. Renault brings its French style, flair, and quality to the partnership, while Harman Kardon brings its passion for beautiful sound, leading-edge design, and premium audio quality. Both brands share the same customer-centric philosophy, which enabled them to build on one another’s strengths.
Pure, clean, and detailed sound – custom tuned for an electric vehicle
As a leader in automotive audio solutions for more than 60 years, HARMAN is unrivalled in sound expertise. The Harman Kardon premium sound system equipped by default on the top-line trim and as a premium option on the mid-level trim of the all-new Renault Mégane E-TECH Electric delivers wonderfully balanced, powerful sound that fills all the senses. Both music and the spoken word are as natural as if they were created right in the vehicle for an exhilarating and high-quality experience. The system’s spatial arrangement and custom sound tuning ensure that the listener can precisely localise all sound sources, and focus on the sound stage. This gives the sensation of a bigger space.
An algorithm that equalises phase responses in the car creates a stable, well-defined, and coherent sound image and distinct stereo sound for all car occupants. Virtual Centre technology processes each speaker’s audio signal to guarantee an unbiased stereo stage with a centre image right in front of each listener, also referred to as the ‘sweet spot’. This sweet spot produces a listening experience in the car similar to listening to a recording on a high-quality home HiFi system.
Vehicle Speed Compensation
Whether it’s the powerful push from the throttle or the whispering silence as the car reaches the next climb and then accelerates again on its way down – HARMAN’s Vehicle Speed Compensation provides an advanced algorithm to maintain the music reproduction level and tonal balance at any vehicle speed.
Iconic design complements the experience
In terms of design, too, the Harman Kardon system appeals to the vehicle passengers. The grills of the two tweeters in the dashboard are made of stainless steel, elegantly mirroring the iconic 60° pattern of the Harman Kardon brand logo’s slash. The matt black finish makes the embedded logo stand out yet ensures a seamless integration into the overall interior design.