Automotive Giant Stellantis Partners with Genelec to Create
Immersive Audio Reference Lab
Newly established Stellantis' immersive audio lab creates internalises automotive acoustic R&D
capabilities and supports its 'Dare Forward' plan to achieve carbon net zero by 2038
Stellantis, one of the world's leading automakers, opened its own state-of-the-art Dolby
Atmos 9.1.6
qualified immersive audio lab in Bengaluru, powered by Genelec Smart Active Monitors. The new
lab,
unique in India among OEMs, focuses on audio reference, production and quality assurance and plays a
key role in Stellantis' initiative to define unique audio strategies. The newly established lab also
creates roadmaps for each of its brands, internalises automotive acoustic R&D capabilities, and
supports its 'Dare Forward' plan to achieve carbon net zero by 2038.
Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis, highlights the significance of the lab,
stating, "Audio plays a vital role in our customers' satisfaction and enjoyment of their vehicles,
as well as alerting them to key functions and driving situations. This brand-new lab demonstrates
our commitment to class-leading automotive acoustics - and highlights India's pivotal role in
Stellantis' global strategy."
Spearheaded by Akshay Khanna, Director and Space Leader in Acoustics Engineering, the lab
aims to
refine Stellantis' in-car audio systems. "The lab was created to help develop our in-house audio
signature for cars," Khanna explained. "It ultimately aids in fostering programs, affording Features
Over the Air and faster time to market."
Boasting an array of features, the lab includes remarkable control over reverberation time,
achieving an impressive 0.5 seconds in low frequencies and maintaining a linear 0.2 seconds from mid
to high frequencies. It also aligns seamlessly with stringent IEC and Dolby acoustical standards,
earning a 100% score in several criteria, complemented by a Noise Criteria value of less than 20.
The room's acoustics are crafted through advanced computational simulation modelling, including
Finite Element Analysis, Boundary Element Method and Raytracing for a conducive time-domain
response, which is paramount in realising the extraordinary, emotional potential of immersive
recordings. The lab also sets new standards in air and structure-borne insulation, achieving an
outstanding Sound Transmission Class score of 68. These methods enabled an accelerated 53-day
project turnaround and the optimal use of materials, resulting in an impressive space that showcases
the progress of automotive and mobility solutions.
Selecting the right audio technology for this meticulously engineered project was crucial, and
Genelec emerged as the monitor brand of choice. Local Genelec partner Sound Team was involved with
supplying the system, and provided both pre-sales and post-sales support, ensuring a smooth and
successful implementation of the project.
The system relies entirely on Genelec Smart Active Monitors, with 8361s in the L-C-R positions,
8351s taking care of the surround and height channels, and a 7382-subwoofer handling the low
frequencies. A 9301 AES/EBU interface provides multichannel digital audio connectivity, seamlessly
integrating the 7382 subwoofers into the immersive audio system. Finally, GLM software enabled
precise calibration of frequency response, playback level and distance delay, ensuring that the
Genelec solution seamlessly met Stellantis' technical and aesthetic demands. Khanna noted, "Genelec
is an industry benchmark, and ticked all the boxes for sonic quality, envelopment, timbre, and SPL."
Meeting Dolby's high standards for reverberation time, sound transmission class and noise reduction
coefficient proved to be quite challenging. However, the team's approach, combining detailed
evaluations, careful planning and sophisticated simulations, ensured its success. "It was a
demanding process, but our team's expertise and commitment were key to achieving these standards,"
Khanna explains.
"Genelec's technology is playing a vital role in meeting our requirements," Khanna adds. "It offers
us an unobtrusive footprint without compromising on bandwidth, tonality, or SPL. It's one of the few
monitors that provides AES digital inputs, reducing cabling needs and enabling digital up-sampling.
This alignment with our needs was essential for the project."
The collaboration with Genelec has proved highly successful and after meeting all Dolby Atmos 9.1.6
requirements, Khanna expressed his satisfaction, stating: "We share our joy and excitement with our
partner Genelec, who has helped tremendously in securing this great feat."
Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to continue developing the audio reference lab, leveraging it as a
core component of its audio innovation strategy and driving forward the company's vision of sound
quality, sustainability, and an enhanced driving experience.