MUNICH: German film score composer and record producer Hans Zimmer has landed a choice gig with BMW.
He has been asked to stay on in a joint project with the car maker to develop the sounds of its range of electric cars, known collectively as "BMW IconicSounds Electric".
Zimmer was in the spotlight in June when he and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale presented their e-sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT.
Zimmer operates from his studio in Santa Monica, California, where he usually composes his famous scores for Hollywood movies. Some of his notable film scores included Dunkirk (2017), Interstellar (2014) and Lion King (1994).
For Zimmer, composing electric car sounds is the next step in an illustrious career.
“We have the unique opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a magnificent experience with outstanding sonority," he said.
LISTEN: BMW IconicSounds Electric sound
"I am really looking forward to the challenge of shaping the sound for future electric BMWs."
The silence of driving electrically is often cited as a major advantage of electric mobility.
However, as the range of electrified models increases, a gap in the emotionality of the driving experience arises for the driver.
Under the brand name "BMW IconicSounds Electric" a visionary sound offer will be created for future electrified vehicles from BMW.
As composer and curator of BMW IconicSounds Electric, Zimmer will contribute his expertise to various projects for sound creation for electrified BMW vehicles worldwide.
The variety of projects may include sounds for vision vehicles and concepts, series vehicles, composition of sound signs, but also sound creation for communicative occasions focusing on the acoustic-emotional character of electric mobility.
Vitale said he and Zimmer had recently worked on the sound signalling readiness for driving in purely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The sound will enter BMW series vehicles in 2020.
“Sound design gives us the opportunity to evoke positive emotions in our vehicles," said Vitale. "This new start-sound triggers joyful anticipation of the electric drive, when the customer enters his vehicle and presses the Start/Stop button.”
