Harman Kardon Premium Sound System in the Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid

Harman International Industries says it is continuing its 2021 partnership with Renault Group around the French carmaker's new compact SUV, the Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid. This is equipped with a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.

Michael Holzinger 17 November 2022Last Updated: 4 July 2023

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Inspired by the Renault Mégane E-TECH, the new Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid is said to have been designed, and like it, it is equipped with a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.

Renault Group says the outstanding design of the new Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid is based on the concept first developed for the Renault Mégane E-TECH, and as with the Renault Mégane E-TECH, the new Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid also features a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.

Renault Group continues its partnership with Harman International Industries, which was established in 2021 around the launch of the said Renault Mégane E-TECH together with Harman Automotive and the Harman Kardon brand. The Harman Kardon Premium Sound System is said to combine high-performance speakers with the latest technology for optimal sound experiences inside the vehicle, according to Harman International Industries.

Harman Kardon Premium Sound System – Based on 65 years of experience

With more than 65 years of experience in acoustic design, Harman Kardon is committed to delivering sound that is captivating and engaging in the development of the Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid’s Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, it said. The design, optimised for the compact SUV, and the rich, nuanced sound, combined with Renault’s unmistakable French style and flair, are designed to create special moments while driving, according to the company’s rather flowery description.

“Starting with the partnership in 2021, Harman Kardon and Renault have worked in perfect harmony. Harman Kardon’s acoustic engineers worked closely with Renault engineers to develop a state-of-the-art sound system that seamlessly blends with the unique ambience of the vehicle.”
Greg Sikora, Senior Director, Global Acoustic Systems Engineering Harman International Industries

Pure, clear sound with all the details

The Harman Kardon Premium Sound System in the Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid is designed to deliver a particularly pure, clear sound and to reproduce all the details of the music. To achieve this, a large number of loudspeaker systems are optimally distributed throughout the interior of the vehicle.

Directly in the dashboard, for example, there is a special coaxial driver that combines midrange and tweeter and is supposed to contribute significantly to a stable sound image. In addition, there are twelve high-performance loudspeaker systems, whereby the woofers are equipped with double voice coils for particularly powerful imaging. A separate subwoofer ensures dynamic, powerful imaging down to the lowest frequencies. The speakers are driven by an amplifier with a total output of 485 watts.

Extensive DSP functions

Once again, Harman Automotive’s acoustic engineers rely on a wide range of DSP features, such as Harman Virtual Centre Technology for optimal stereo stage imaging, Harman Vehicle Speed Compensation for automatic adjustment of playback to speed and associated driving noise.

Another key technology is Harman’s patented QuantumLogic Surround Sound Technology, which is designed to create an individual sound stage for each passenger and thus optimal sound. At the touch of a button, occupants are said to be able to choose between five sound environments to suit their individual preferences for the interior listening experience. The presets Studio, Concert, Lounge, Immersion and Club are available, whereby the names alone provide clear information about the character that can be achieved.

Seamless integration into the vehicle interior

Every effort has been made to integrate the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System seamlessly into the vehicle’s interior by adopting its design line. The system features stainless steel speaker grilles with a matt black finish. Highlighted pattern elements as a design highlight in the front doors, a centre grille with the logo visibly embedded and the highlighted 3D surface on the dashboard complete the perfectly coordinated design, according to Harman Automotive.

Getting to the point

Continuing the collaboration with Renault Group that began last year with the Renault Mégane E-TECH, Harman International Industries says it is working with Harman Automotive and the Harman Kardon brand. The new Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid compact SUV now also features the Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, which has of course been adapted to the specific requirements of the new Renault Austral E-TECH Full Hybrid.