LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The revolutionary ELS Studio Premium Audio sound system, created by Panasonic Automotive in collaboration with eight-time Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner, will debut in the 2017 Acura NSX, the supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S., during CES 2016.
Panasonic and Scheiner initially collaborated on the first ELS Surround System for Acura in 2003. After more than a decade of refinement, the most current system — ELS Studio Premium Audio — is engineered specifically for the Acura NSX and features nine-speakers and 580 watts of amplification.
"The ELS Studio Premium Audio sound system has been fully customized for the Acura NSX, further elevating the vehicle as the ultimate supercar," said Tom Dunn, director of the audio solutions business unit at Panasonic Automotive. "Premier craftsmanship and engineering have gone into this ground-breaking sound system. Our North American based acoustic engineering team continues to develop and deploy new technologies to advance and enhance the performance of the ELS Studio audio systems."
There were many challenges in creating an audio system to match the high performance requirements of the NSX. The ELS Studio system was developed with all-new lightweight components. With nine speakers, the system boasts twice the power to the front door speakers and is the first ELS Studio system with a rear center speaker, creating seamless surround imaging for all occupants in the vehicle. It is also the world's first production audio system with Panasonic's patented Acoustic Motion Control™ technology. As the first ELS Studio system to be used in a two-seat sports car, the system features the spacious imaging of a much larger vehicle or listening room.
"This system is a differentiator and an example of the painstaking efforts made by the Acura engineers, the Panasonic Automotive team and myself to achieve a high level of performance," said Elliot Scheiner, Grammy award-winning producer and engineer. "The ELS Studio system in the Acura NSX features remarkable clarity and definition combined with energetic bass response to create a listening experience which is vibrant and visceral." The ELS Studio Premium Audio system will premiere in the Acura NSX on January 6, 2016 at the Panasonic exhibit during CES. The Acura NSX will launch this spring.
Created to bring a new experience to the supercar segment, the next-generation Acura NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, much as the first generation did a quarter century ago. Combining cutting-edge and world-first technologies, the 2017 NSX breaks the mold through a first-of-its-kind Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit, a multi-material body structure, advanced aerodynamics and a cockpit that supports performance driving on every level without sacrificing comfort. The 2017 Acura NSX is the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. with production exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio1.
"The NSX challenges conventional notions of supercar performance with advanced Acura technologies that engage the driver at every level," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. "Creating a world-class sound environment in the passenger cabin was essential in complementing the NSX's world-class driving experience."
About Acura
Acura offers a full line of performance luxury vehicles sold through a network of approximately 270 U.S. Acura dealers. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX gateway luxury sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the 7-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV.
Acura's product lineup was recently recognized by Edmunds.com for the third consecutive year as leading all luxury brands in retained value after five years of ownership. More than 90 percent of the Acura vehicles sold in America are produced at the company's manufacturing facilities in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
About Elliot Scheiner
After nearly 40 years in the music industry, Elliot Scheiner continues to be a highly sought-after producer and engineer. His career includes work with such music legends as the Eagles, Steely Dan, REM, Foo Fighters, Beck, Queen, Sting, Van Morrison and Eric Clapton. Scheiner has 26 Grammy® nominations and has won eight Grammy Awards, including the 2015 Grammy for Best Surround Sound Album for Beyoncé the self-titled album by Beyoncé. Scheiner's recent works include, producer for Ben Folds So There, surround mix engineer for Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs (Super Deluxe Edition) by Derek and the Dominos, surround mix engineer for the documentary film on the Eagles' titled, The History of the Eagles, and as engineer on the Paul McCartney album, Kisses on the Bottom. His extensive industry accolades include two Emmy® awards for his work with the Eagles on their farewell tour broadcast, and the documentary film History of the Eagles. He has received four Emmy nominations. A TEC Hall of Fame inductee, Scheiner is the inaugural recipient of the Surround Pioneer Award, which honors individuals who have made significant groundbreaking contributions to the art of surround music production.
He holds an honorary doctorate in music from Berklee College of Music. Scheiner is the first American to be awarded the Master of Sound honor from the Japan Audio Society.
About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America
Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Panasonic Corporation of North America and a leading global supplier of automotive infotainment and connectivity system solutions. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America acts as the North American affiliate of Panasonic Corp.'s Automotive & Industrial Systems Company, which coordinates global automotive and industrial systems and components operations. Panasonic Automotive is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, and with sales, marketing and engineering operations in Farmington Hills, Mich. For more information on Panasonic Automotive, please visit: http://us.panasonic.com/automotive.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In Interbrand's 2014 annual "Best Global Green Brands" report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. It is the first newly constructed office tower in Newark to earn both LEED Platinum and Gold certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. Learn more about Panasonic at us.panasonic.com/news.
ELS Studio and Acoustic Motion Control are the trade and/or service marks of Panasonic Corporation, all rights reserved. Panasonic is the registered trademark of Panasonic Corporation. Any other trade and/or service marks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
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1Manufactured using domestic and globally sourced parts
SOURCE Panasonic