One of the first things a driver does inside a vehicle is turn on the radio; that’s why a premium audio experience is more important than ever. Most of them are listening to the radio – 84 percent of Americans use AM/FM radio as their audio entertainment over new technology options, according to a published survey by the independent marketing research firm Ipsos. “The Lincoln Motor Company knows that sound is powerful,” says Michael Celentino, chief engineer for the Lincoln Continental. “And we want to provide the best music experience we can for our clients.”

Drivers tune in frequently – 62 percent say that they listen to the radio at least once a day in their cars and 67 percent say they turn on their AM/FM radio as soon as they put on audio. The survey also showed that in a car environment, 84 percent of Americans use AM/FM radio as their audio entertainment over new technology options.

That’s why the Lincoln Continental, the company’s highly anticipated, redesigned flagship vehicle, features the available Revel Ultima system audio developed to work in concert with the vehicle’s interior design and acoustics.

Revel audio systems are designed and tested through computer-aided designs, three-dimensional models, in presentation rooms and most importantly, in vehicles. Each Revel system is designed specifically for that model, with different speakers meticulously designed for different grilles based on their sound wavelength.

Plus, every Revel-equipped vehicle, including the Continental, is tuned to the trim of the vehicle, because when the interior materials are changed, the sound changes, as well.

The importance of premium

For true music lovers, or audiophiles, the Revel system melds art and science for the ultimate luxury experience.

“What we’re doing through our technology is recreating a rendition of what the artist intended, but in a space that’s much smaller,” says Kevin Voecks, product development manager, luxury audio, Revel.

“We want to deliver a realistic sound experience –whether it’s a single person singing into a mic, very dry, or a giant concert hall with lots of reverberation.”

Music producers are aware of the need for quality and authenticity, as well. They know consumer habits and preferences and often will listen to song tracks they’re working on in vehicles, just to hear how the sound plays out in that environment. Given the popularity of radio, how a track sounds in a car can make or break a song.

“I’ll definitely listen to something I’m working on in the studio while I’m driving,” says Photek, a Los Angeles-based music producer. “I need to know how music sounds in that space.”

Cutting-edge technology

Precise speaker placement and cutting-edge surround-sound technology known as QuantumLogic Surround® delivers a multi-dimensional experience to each vehicle occupant.

With QuantumLogic Surround, Continental owners can use the touchscreen in the vehicle to select from three distinct listening modes:

• Traditional stereo
• Audience, for an intimate concert experience where the boundaries of the vehicle seemingly disappear
• On Stage, a 360-degree experience that puts listeners seemingly in the middle of the soundstage, arranging individual instruments and musical elements throughout the cabin

In addition, the company’s proprietary technology, known as Clari-Fi, works in real-time to rebuild audio details often lost during the digital compression process. Clari-Fi intelligently and seamlessly reconstructs digitally compressed music for an enhanced listening experience regardless of the source.

“At Lincoln, we’re all about creating warm, human, personally crafted experiences,” says Celentino. “That includes bringing audio to life in the most authentic way.”

For more information visit www.lincoln.com