McLaren Automotive and audio brand Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) have announced a long-term multi-year partnership in which the latter will become McLaren’s Official Audio Partner. B&W has been responsible for the development of the high-performance audio systems found in the marque’s supercars and hypercars since 2015.
The partnership is built on firm technical foundations, with B&W working closely with McLaren’s design and engineering teams to create and optimize the audio system found in the company’s supercars.
Since the brands started working together, notable audio integration achievements have included the use of B&W’s trademark yellow Aramid fiber cones, Rohacell subwoofers, diamond dome tweeters, dual opposed subwoofers and, recently, the proprietary Continuum cone.
The partnership has now expanded beyond traditional automotive applications for drive unit installation. New advances include subwoofers being integrated into McLaren’s innovative, in-house-designed and manufactured McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture carbon-fiber monocoque, providing a stiff – and therefore inert – mounting surface that enables better sound reproduction.
McLaren CMO Gareth Dunsmore noted, “McLaren and Bowers & Wilkins were both founded by similarly minded technical visionaries who always pushed the boundaries of what is possible, to create innovative products and experiences. We are, therefore, delighted to be announcing our partnership, which builds on the award-winning technical collaboration between our two companies. I’m looking forward to exploring what exciting innovations and products our shared values will create next.”
