- McLaren patent reveals a sound-based EV feedback system.
- Sounds shift left, right, front, and rear with power delivery.
- Drivers would hear torque vectoring as audible stereo feedback.
Electric cars make a lot of sense for most people. They’re smooth, quiet, and easy to live with, which is great for getting from A to B without any drama. But if you’re someone who actually enjoys driving, chances are most EVs feel a bit flat. They do the job, sure, but outside of the instant acceleration, there’s not much to get the pulse racing.
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Hyundai challenged that norm with the launch of the Ioniq 5 N a couple of years ago, proving that electric power doesn’t have to mean a lifeless drive. Now, other manufacturers are paying attention. Porsche and Lamborghini are among those working on dynamic EV soundtracks designed to inject some drama into the otherwise silent experience.
It turns out McLaren is exploring a similar path, but with its own spin. A recently filed patent hints at a more complex approach to EV acoustics.
EV Sound Gets Smarter
Submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the filling outlines a system that modulates artificial sound depending on traction and power distribution.
In practice, if the left-side wheels lose grip, the car could direct more torque to the right and, at the same time, shift more sound output to the speakers on that side. The goal seems to be enhancing driver perception by linking sound with how the car is behaving underneath you.
The patent, unearthed by CarBuzz, also describes a setup where sounds can move between the front and rear depending on where power is being delivered. It doesn’t specify what those sounds would actually be, but McLaren could take inspiration from Hyundai’s approach and recreate tones similar to its own combustion models.
Is This Just A Patent Placeholder?
Of course, as with any technology patent, there’s no guarantee McLaren will actually use such a system in any of its future vehicles.
McLaren’s overall EV plans also remain a little murky. For now, the brand has made it clear that combustion engines and hybrid setups are still a priority. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will be staying in the lineup for the foreseeable future.p CYVN Holdings, a major stakeholder in Nio.
Nick Collins, McLaren’s head of product, shared last year that any future EV would likely target a specific market, China being the most likely candidate. That car could incorporate tech from an existing Chinese EV brand.
It’s worth pointing out here that McLaren is now under the wing of CYVN Holdings, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm that also holds a significant stake in Nio
