Automotive brand Lotus and audio brand KEF are joining forces. Starting with the next generation of Lotus sports cars and premium electric lifestyle vehicles, KEF will provide the sound systems, beginning with the new Lotus Emira.
It’s the first time KEF has partnered with a car brand: ‘For this collaboration, KEF has used its 60 years of audio experience to create a scalable audio experience. The system works from the smallest cockpits to fully immersive 3D surround sound in larger vehicles.
‘Working with Lotus, the technical teams have created a new flair that acoustically blends the speaker drive units into the car interior to ensure a truly spatial sound experience,’ the audio manufacturer said.
For The Drivers
KEF continued: ‘The Emira is the all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. The car has all the features the motoring world has come to expect from a Lotus: a striking design, exhilarating and dynamic performance that offers best-in-class driving and handling performance, excellent aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience For The Drivers’.
10-Channel
To create a world-class audio system that complements the sensational driving experience of the Emira, KEF used its unique Uni-Q technology in a 10-channel sound system. Deployed for the first time in a production car, Uni-Q can reproduce the full mid- and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space, thus delivering a more cohesive, hyper-realistic sound experience.
Simon Clare, Executive Director, Marketing, Group Lotus, says of the collaboration, “We are delighted that KEF’s first introduction, within the automotive industry, is with Lotus. We think it’s the perfect collaboration: two iconic British brands with global acclaim built through pioneering innovations and an uncompromising belief that the customer experience is everything.”
Commitment
Grace Lo, President, KEF, adds: “KEF is honored that Lotus has chosen our brand to deliver a new audio experience. We love how dedicated Lotus is to optimizing their vehicles to further maximize the sound experience. We believe that by combining our areas of expertise Lotus drivers will get a whole new experience!”
About KEF
KEF was founded in 1961 by Raymond Cooke OBE (1925-1995). Its headquarters, in those early years, was a recess hut on the grounds of the Kent Engineering & Foundry in the UK, and after more than half a century at the forefront of audio, the company remains – it says – committed to excellent sound quality.
From the breakthrough Uni-Q technology to raising the bar yet again with the LS50 Wireless, KEF demonstrates itself to be a company with flair, sometimes controversial, but always with the perfect balance between obsession with harmonious design and the most advanced technology. KEF’s reputation for quality is based on not compromising on the authenticity and experience of sound.
About Lotus
Lotus Cars builds world-class high-performance cars born of legendary track successes, including 13 FIA Formula One world titles and many other championships. In July 2021, it unveiled the all-new Lotus Emira, the latest and best-of-breed gasoline-powered sports car. The first customer cars will be delivered in 2022. In July 2019, it launched the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hyper-car.