Tenneco's Software Based Signature Sound System Technology Delivers Customized Vehicle Acoustics
System creates sounds designed to enhance vehicle image
Frankfurt, Germany, September 11, 2013 – Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) announced today a new dimension in delivering signature exhaust sounds for vehicles. The company unveiled its Tenneco Software Based Signature Sound System at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (Hall 5.1, Stand A16). This innovative acoustic technology can provide custom designed exhaust tones – ranging from comfort to sporty – by enhancing the sound generated by the engine to better support the vehicle’s brand image.
"As vehicle manufacturers develop engine strategies to meet stringent fuel economy and CO2 emissions targets, the ability to differentiate that vehicle’s sound can be compromised," said Tim Jackson, executive vice president, technology, strategy and business development, Tenneco. "Our soundsystem demonstrates how we can provide our customers with enabling technologies that meet their regulatory targets, and at the same time, use our technology to help to enhance their vehicle’s image and brand with a signature sound."
The signature sound system features a combined audio controller and amplifier module and a specially designed plug-in loudspeaker. The loudspeaker produces sound near the vehicle tailpipe where it mixes with the sound created by the engine, resulting in the desired signature sound characteristic. The loudspeaker does not require a direct connection to the exhaust system, which helps to maximize vibration decoupling and thermal isolation.
The vehicle’s signature sound is created through the use of a proprietary electronic signal processing system, which can be programmed to meet the requirements of a specific vehicle or brand. Based on the vehicle’s speed, gear in use, engine RPM, and other data, the audio controller generates an enhanced exhaust sound signal which is then produced through the tailpipe loudspeaker. The unique signal processing software optimizes the sound profile to achieve the desired signature sound characteristics both outside the vehicle and for passengers.
"Tenneco’s extensive experience in acoustics and predictive modeling has enabled us to develop software to create real sound, in real time, from CAE calculations based on powertrain system data" said Sebastian Stücker, Tenneco’s supervisor of acoustic development and sound design. "Additionally, based on our extensive design and validation process, we’re able to limit the number of prototypes, which results in cost savings and shorter time to production."
Tenneco’s Software Based Signature Sound System is applicable for diesel, gasoline, electric and hybrid vehicles and is currently being tested with several global OEMs. Engineering and validation is conducted at Tenneco’s Global Emissions Technical Centers in Edenkoben, Germany and Grass Lake, Michigan.
Visit Tenneco in Hall 5.1, Stand A16.
About Tenneco
Tenneco is a $7.4 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco’s principal brand names are Monroe®, Walker®, XNOx™ and Clevite®Elastomer.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate," "expects," "will", "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: (i) changes in automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products, including the company's resultant inability to realize the sales represented by its awarded book of business; (ii) any change in customer demand due to delays in the adoption or enforcement of worldwide emissions regulations or any other changes in consumer demand and prices, including decreases in demand for automobiles or commercial vehicles which include the company's products, and the potential negative impact on the company's revenues and margins from such products; (iii) the general political, economic and competitive conditions in markets where the company and its subsidiaries operate; (iv) workforce factors such as strikes or labor interruptions; (v) material substitutions and increases in the costs of raw materials; and (vi) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Additional information regarding risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
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