Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is taking a unique approach to enhance in-car audio by incorporating haptic feedback into its new Range Rover Sport SV Edition One. The luxury SUV features a Subpac-powered “Body and Soul Seat” (BASS) technology that delivers vibrations and haptic feedback through headrest-mounted membranes and transducers in response to lower frequencies in music. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, you can physically feel the thumping beats of a dance or rap track.
The BASS system works alongside the Range Rover Sport’s already impressive 29-speaker Meridian audio setup, which includes a subwoofer. Jaguar Land Rover, in collaboration with Subpac, claims that the vibrations generated by the seat can offer additional health benefits through six wellness programs. Supported by a study backed by JLR, it is suggested that the haptic feedback can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase heart rate variability. If these findings hold true in real-world scenarios, the Range Rover Sport SV Edition One could become the luxury SUV of choice for those seeking a soothing and calming experience during their daily commute.
Demand for the Range Rover Sport SV Edition One has been overwhelming, as the vehicle is already sold out for its first year of production. Interested customers can sign up for notifications regarding other SV trim levels, with indications that the BASS technology may become more widely available in future models.
While the integration of haptic feedback in car seats is a significant development, this is just the beginning for Subpac. The company has been actively promoting its haptic and bone conduction technology to various industries, including movie theaters, music producers, virtual reality (VR) simulation creators, and gamers. Subpac’s Flow platform enables vibration integration into seats and wearables, similar to products like Lofelt’s Basslet. The company also has aspirations to expand into aviation and the overall wellness space. It is likely that tactile audio experiences will become more prevalent in consumer devices, even if initially limited to premium offerings.
As technology continues to advance, the marriage of immersive audio and haptic feedback opens up new possibilities for enhancing entertainment, relaxation, and overall well-being. The integration of such innovative features in automotive settings demonstrates the ongoing pursuit of creating unique and immersive experiences for consumers.
