Lotus and KEF have announced a partnership to bring high-end audio into the next generation of Lotus sports cars and premium electric lifestyle vehicles, commencing with the new Lotus Emira.
KEF has drawn on its 60 years of audio mastery to create company’s first ever automotive partnership. Debuting in Lotus Emira is a 10-channel premium car audio sound system featuring KEF’s signature Uni-QTM speaker technology that acoustically blends the speaker drive units into the car interior to ensure a truly spatial sound experience.
Deployed for the first time in a production car, KEF’s Uni-QTM technology combines the tweeter and mid-range drivers into a single unit the covers the entire mid and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space. KEF claims this speaker technology delivers a more coherent, hyper-realistic sound experience.
Access to the car’s infotainment system is via a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with an additional 12.3-inch TFT driver’s display behind the steering wheel. All content is exclusive to Lotus has been designed and developed by an in-house team. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard.
The Emira is the all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.
Simon Clare, Executive Director, Marketing, Group Lotus, commented: “We’re delighted that KEF’s first foray into automotive is with Lotus. It’s the perfect partnership – two iconic British brands that have built global acclaim through game-changing innovations and an uncompromising belief that the customer experience is everything.”
Grace Lo, President, KEF, commented: “KEF is honoured that Lotus selected it to define its new audio experience. We have been truly delighted at the level of commitment Lotus has made to optimising its vehicles to maximise the sound experience. I think the combined experience will be an utter joy!”
The premium car audio market has become very competitive with McIntosh/Jeep, and Sonos/Audi offering brand new systems in 2021.
