Lotus Introduces Hybrid External Sound Technology for Improved Pedestrian Safety
Lotus today unveiled technology for electric and hybrid automobiles that mimics the sound of an internal combustion engine to alert pedestrians to the vehicles' presence.
Because Lotus hasn't yet unveiled a hybrid of its own, the British automaker demonstrates the technology using a Toyota Prius. Turn on your computer speakers and watch the video to hear it.
Lotus could have gone with any number of sounds -- heart-pounding gallop and screaming fighter jet are two of our faves -- but true to character Lotus went with high-revving race car.
So on your way to a Quickie Mart for a pint of Chunky Monkey you can achieve 48 miles per gallon and feel like you're at the wheel of the blue #20 Gulf-Porsche 917K Steve McQueen drove in Le Mans.
At least we think that's the case. In the four-page press release Lotus issued announcing the "Safe & Sound" technology, there was no mention of how or when the techology will be implemented.
We've left messages and sent emails to Lotus seeking answers to those questions and will update this piece when they are provided.
- Posted by
- Scott Doggett August 5, 2008, 8:41 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Emissions, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Lotus, Plug-ins and Electric, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Lotus, Prius, Safe and Sound, Sound, Toyota
"Because Lotus hasn't yet unveiled a hybrid of its own, the British automaker demonstrates the technology using a Toyota Prius"
That's just funny. They grabbed the competitions vehicle to demonstrate how they would play an audio recording.
"demonstrates the technology"
Technology? Um, yea.