By Rob
This is the Aachen Head. Not a new children’s toy. He is an important guy on our team, though he doesn’t have much personality.
Aachen Heads are, of course, recording devices helpful for very precise and realistic sound measurements. He’s shaped like a real guy for a reason. The idea is not only to record and measure sound, but to do so in a way that replicates the acoustic qualities and spatial aspects of a real human being, rather than some sort of traditional audio device or machine. The name Aachen comes from the city in Germany where researchers first invented this device. I think you know the derivation of his last name.
Our colleagues who designed the body structure of the CTS and the manufacturing guys are delivering a car that has exceptional structure and sealing systems for a really quiet cabin – more like what one would associate with a larger, more expensive prestige luxury car.
But at the same time, we don’t want the car to be totally insulated from act of driving. We want the sound to be very quiet, but not absent. The sound that remains should be somewhat pleasing to the ear of a driving enthusiast.
That’s where the Aachen Head comes in handy. We all can sit inside a car and give subjective evaluations of the sound. But that’s not enough. It has to be precise. Mr. Aachen Head comes along with us on some of the development drives to help us.
But he has yet to pick up a check at lunch.
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Comments
Ack. Is there NOTHING you can tell us about the 2009 CTS-V?
Your last V teaser was in May, and we're dying out here.
Posted by: Jerry | August 18, 2007 6:32 PM
Yikes... I just checked out the dealer installed Bluetooth "pack" that this site indicated would be available. My interest in the CTS just dropped 90%. The aftermarket option drills a big hole in the overhead console and pops in a cheesy button and speaker that I am sure does not match the much promoted world class interior of the CTS. There doesnt appear to be any integration with the stereo or other electronics.
I was going to buy a G35 because I loved all the features available on it, but decided to wait when I saw the long list of features available on the CTS. Now that I see what the Bluetooth functionality "really" is, I'm gonna choose a G35 off the lot next week. Yes, Bluetooth is THAT important to me. Younger professionals spend alot of time on their mobile devices and, as such, I want a feature that enhances performance, safety, and convenience... and that doesnt look like an afterthought drilled into a $45K vehicle.
I'm really surprised this wasnt included on day one?!?
Posted by: Eric | August 19, 2007 4:39 PM
I have a lil Question what is this car ?? the interior doesn't look like a 2008 cts at all ??? :$
Posted by: 2005_cts | September 1, 2007 12:44 PM