Infiniti’s high performance hybrid sedan has many good features such as a fine powertrain with a 306 PS (225 kW) 3.5-litre petrol V6 with a 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor, 30 mpg fuel consumption and 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. It is also the world’s first hybrid to get standard audible pedestrian warning system. Since the car is noise-free in electric mode, this system generates Approaching Vehicle Sound for pedestrians to remain off.
The new Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system – is computer controlled and links an in-car sound synthesiser with a speaker built in to the front bumper. It automatically works from start-up to 30 km/h, cutting back in at 25 km/h as the vehicle slows. Also instead of just one annoying noise, it generates a range of high-low sounds at different volume levels.
Infiniti says they’ve worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists studying areas from pedestrian behavioural patterns to noise pollution.
The noise sweeps from high to low frequency depending on vehicle speed and whether the M35h is accelerating or decelerating. It is loudest at start-up to give a clear indication the vehicle is beginning to move off, while an intermittent tone is used when reversing – both sounds calculated to ensure the M35h cannot surprise pedestrians and the visually impaired as it approaches.
