Mark Levinson and Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) are each now combining passions with their respective partners, Lexus and Jaguar to provide auto aficionados and music enthusiasts the ultimate top down, wind in the hair, music blasting driving experience.
In a trend that further intensifies the relationship between the consumer electronics and automotive industries, B&W has joined Levinson in the ranks of high-performance audio companies that are partnering with luxury auto manufacturers.
A New Twist on a Growing Phenomenon
The alliances between audio and auto companies are nothing new. In fact Bose, JBL, Infinity and Boston Acoustics have enjoyed prosperous alliances with the car industry for a long time.
Audi showcased its optional B & O audio system for the S8 at the Melbourne Motor Show.
The (rather unimaginatively titled) Advanced Sound System was developed by Bang & Olufsen features a powerful digital signal processor, discrete amplification (to the tune of 1000 watts RMS) for all of the 14 loudspeakers and acoustic lenses.
You'd want it to for 15 grand. Mind you, you do get hand-polished and engraved grilles, which are machined from solid aluminium and colour match the leather seats.
The Acoustic Lens Technology is claimed to provide a wide horizontal sound dispersion of high frequencies. The acoustic lenses automatically rise out of the dashboard when the sound system is engaged and are said to ensure an extremely detailed acoustic stage from any seat in the car.
