The Bugatti Tourbillon, an emblem of automotive innovation, introduces a groundbreaking audio system that eschews conventional loudspeakers. This engineering marvel integrates piezoelectric transducers directly into its carbon-fiber monocoque, transforming the vehicle's very structure into a high-fidelity sound radiating surface. This ingenious design not only shaves off considerable weight but also optimizes interior space and is touted to deliver a superior acoustic experience.
Among the myriad advancements showcased in the Bugatti Tourbillon, such as its unique steering wheel that pivots around a stationary hub, a sophisticated titanium gauge cluster, and 3D-printed suspension components, the audio setup stands out. Instead of the bulky and heavy electromagnetic speakers typically found in cars, the Tourbillon employs a series of compact piezoelectric elements. These elements, when stimulated by electrical signals, cause the carbon-fiber tub to vibrate, generating sound waves. This essentially means the entire chassis acts as a singular, expansive speaker, a concept that significantly differs from traditional setups.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, has enthusiastically highlighted this technology, emphasizing its benefits in terms of weight reduction and sound clarity. Traditional speakers rely on a voice coil, driven by a magnet, to move a diaphragm and produce sound. This method, while effective, introduces considerable mass. Piezoelectric technology, on the other hand, utilizes crystals like quartz that vibrate when an electric current is applied, directly transmitting these vibrations to a surface to create sound. In the Tourbillon's case, this surface is the carbon-fiber chassis itself, offering an integrated and lightweight solution.
For instance, the car's subwoofer is not a separate, large unit but a tiny metallic piezoelectric component strategically placed on the vehicle's roof, efficiently transferring bass frequencies through the car's structure. This approach contrasts sharply with previous attempts at structural sound, such as Mercedes-Benz's 'Front Bass' system in the 2013 SL, which, while using the car's firewall, still depended on conventional speakers for sound generation. The Tourbillon's system represents a leap forward, where the vehicle's inherent material properties are harnessed for audio reproduction, providing an acoustic environment that is said to be leagues beyond its predecessors like the Chiron.
This innovative audio solution in the Bugatti Tourbillon exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. By eliminating traditional speakers, Bugatti has not only addressed the perennial challenge of weight in high-performance vehicles but also potentially set a new benchmark for in-car audio quality, demonstrating that advanced technology can offer both efficiency and enhanced user experience.