Harman International Industries Inc.

10/09/2024 | Press release | Archived content

AYGO X JBL SPECIAL EDITION UNCOVERED WITH UNIQUE “THE SOUND OF NOISE” PLAYLIST

  • New Toyota Aygo X special edition developed together with JBL
  • Focuses on premium sound and dynamic listening experience
  • Launched with unique playlist: Three tracks from and about the Aygo X JBL to inspire a range of sensations, from relaxation to curiosity and the urge to explore
  • ASMR recordings from inside and outside the Aygo X
  • "The Sound of Noise" playlist available today on all streaming platforms

STAMFORD CT - "The Sound of Noise", an innovative playlist of original sounds, celebrates the creation of the Aygo X JBL, a new special edition of Toyota's compact urban crossover, with stimulation, relaxation and information to emphasize the vehicle's unique character and its premium JBL sound system.

Toyota commissioned three tracks which capture the Aygo X JBL special edition's distinctive character by combining emotions and technology in a contemporary package ideally suited to a busy European lifestyle. Mirroring the youthful Aygo X's fresh and fun outlook, the three-track playlist comprises a drive through Berlin, a playful collection of sounds generated via the vehicle itself and an informative discussion about audio technology.

Listeners are transported to the heart of Germany's capital to take an evocative audio journey at the wheel of the nimble Aygo X JBL, which has the agility and confidence-inspiring driving position to excel in an urban environment. A microphone inside the vehicle captured every sound of a trip through a varied city soundscape, conjuring a spirit of adventure whilst encouraging the listener to relax on a stress-free journey. Mechanical sounds combine with the ebb and flow of traffic through Berlin, where passing bicycles ring their bells and the hum of sidewalk conversation is punctuated by the rumble of nearby traffic.

For deeper relaxation, listeners can immerse themselves in the ASMR Textures track, inspired by the concept of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), the physical sensation created by sounds, often everyday noises, which promote relaxation. ASMR sounds are used to unwind, banishing the stresses of a busy life, and the concept has grown in popularity, with some tracks streamed by millions of users. A seven-minute track consists of curious, calming ASMR recordings from inside and outside the Aygo X, generated by different touch actions on the various materials, all captured by ultra-sensitive microphones during a dedicated studio recording session. The sounds were arranged and processed using effects such as reverb, delay and panning to create a holistic experience intended to stimulate emotions.

For intellectual stimulation, a six-minute podcast-style discussion from inside the Aygo X JBL concludes the playlist and provides fascinating insights into the development of its premium sound system, fitted as standard in the new special edition. Kyle Concessi, JBL's Automotive Sound Owner for the Americas and Europe, reveals the secrets to successful audio system design for a vehicle. Listeners discover the challenge of creating dynamic and clear sound within the confines and limitations of a vehicle interior, as well as the solutions used to achieve a wide sound stage inside the compact but spacious Aygo X.

In keeping with the connected and convenient Aygo X, "The Sound of Noise" playlist is available now on streaming platforms. Aygo X JBL drivers can stream the content directly to the vehicle via wired and wireless smartphone connectivity using Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay®, all controlled on the large 9-inch high-definition touchscreen display unit.

The bold Aygo X JBL special edition will be sold in selected European markets from October 11. A new look excites the visual senses with Jasmine Silver and starkly contrasting bi-tone black paint, accentuated by black decorative elements on the front, rear and side underruns. The bi-tone coloring extends to the rear and merges with the side rockers and front wheel arches to create a truly unique character, emphasized by distinctive 18-inch black and Dark Jasmine alloy wheels.

Highlighting the premium JBL sound system, the Aygo X JBL features unique branding and visual signatures inside and out. A JBL logo adorns the car's rear, while elements are reproduced on the rear window panel. Inside, premium color matched seat trim includes the JBL logo so customers can ride in style as well as comfort.

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Contact:

Dawn Geary

HARMAN

[email protected]

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