American automotive brand Dodge plans to inaugurate innovative systems that will enable the new Charger electric muscle car to fake a V8 engine’s vibrations and noise, Mopar Insiders reports, citing parent company Stellantis’ patent filing with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Active Vibration Enhancement and Active Sound Enhancement
Stellantis reportedly filed a patent with the WIPO called “Active Vibration Enhancement.” It uses a force generator that generates vibrations to certain parts of the electric muscle car body, such as the steering wheel seats, etc.
The new Active Sound Enhancement will complement the AVE technology, simulating a traditional ICE car’s noises. Notably, both features activate once they receive signals from sensors monitoring key information like accelerator pedal position, e-motor speed, wheel speed, and torque. In effect, these technologies deliver Stellantis‘ promised “vibroacoustic experience.”
The patent also mentioned the Exhaust Sound Enhancement system, which seems to be similar to the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust the American brand previously teased. It utilizes a “tuned exhaust assembly” with external speakers to generate noises through a mixing chamber. It then delivers the sound waves via a “simulated ‘exhaust’ port” to make the noises more acoustic than digital.
Purpose
The progressive shift to electric vehicles from traditional internal combustion engine-powered vehicles has greatly disappointed old-school car enthusiasts, given the elimination of thrilling features like engine noises.
Therefore, Stellantis’ plans to introduce two new systems that will basically fake vibrations to simulate an ICE-powered car’s rumble can make it easier for classic car fans to embrace electric vehicles.
Benefits
As per the patent filing, the systems offer more benefits beyond faking engine noises and sounds.
It can apparently aid in notifying the “driver that the vehicle is on and ready to drive because it provides audible and tactile feedback, which does not occur with other current electric vehicles and can lead to unintended vehicle movement.” The ASE can also serve as a pedestrian alert.
It may be true that electric vehicles’ vibration-free characteristic enables a comfortable and smooth driving experience. However, gas-powered cars’ vibrations serve as key safety indicators that alert drivers of potential engine issues or even tire problems and loose parts by simply detecting sudden unusual vibrations. It would be interesting to see how Dodge’s “vibroacoustic system” performs in that regard
