The new 2016 Ford Explorer is getting several changes and one of the most notable for audiophiles is its premium Sony system with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics technologies. Oh, yea! The same tech seen in home audio systems is coming to an SUV near you.
When the new 2016 Explorer goes on sale at Gwinnett Place Ford this summer, it’ll offer divine sound quality, along with a retuned suspension, new four-cylinder EcoBoost, refreshed exterior styling and other changes, but we’ll have more info about these things for you at a later date.
Back on the topic of audio, Explorer is gaining a new top-level trim, the Platinum, and it’s the model that’s going to come standard with the industry-first high-end Sony system.
So how was it developed? To start, a group of Sony engineers traveled to great halls in Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin, spaces known for having some of the best-tuned concert sound in the world. The crew spent time measuring the acoustic qualities of each space to come up with a Live Acoustics algorithm that re-creates the concert hall experience for vehicle passengers.
More than 100 hours were accrued tuning the Sony audio system, so it could deliver what Ford says will be the finest audio experience you can have on the road. Clear Phase also plays a big role in achieving this optimal experience by managing the “sound stage” inside of the SUV’s dashboard. Clear Phase basically makes it sound like one is listening to music from a large stage and that each instrument’s sound is traveling from the appropriate place (like the placement on a stage), with vocals coming through crystal clear and undistorted.
Regarding the new system, Ford Explorer brand manager Matt Zuehlk states, “Explorer is about pushing boundaries and authentic high-end home theater sound isn’t just for the living room anymore. The new Platinum series gives customers everything - including a sound system that will knock your socks off.”