New York – Sony is bringing audio technologies available only in its high-end home audio products to the 2016 Ford Explore Platinum edition as part of a new standard-equipment 500-watt maximum, 12-driver sound system tuned to the vehicle’s interior.
Sony sound systems are already options on most Ford vehicles except for the Fiesta and Mustang, but the Explorer system is the only one with Sony’s Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technologies.
Live Acoustics features a proprietary algorithm to duplicate the acoustic environment of well-known music halls in Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna.
Clear Phase technology optimizes the sound stage to make it wider than the vehicle itself. The technology precisely locates the sound of each instrument in a specific area of the sound stage and clarifies vocals so they aren’t lost behind the sound.
The system consists of 12 drivers in 10 locations, a Class D amplifier delivering a maximum of 500 watts, center and surround speakers, an enclosed 8-inch subwoofer, and door woofers and chrome tweeters with translucent grilles to complement the upscale Platinum interior.
Speaker coils ae square instead of round for greater efficiency and heat dispersion.
“There’s a market for more upscale SUVs as 90 percent of today’s Explorer Sport buyers purchase the most expensive package available. That’s a strong signal customers are ready for Platinum,” said Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager.
