Product | 12-10-25
Today's Buick
Advanced Acoustics Noise expert explains the beauty of Buick’s QuietTuning® feature
Silence may be golden, but Buick’s QuietTuning with Active Noise Cancellation is divine. A subtle luxury feature standard on all Buick models, QuietTuning is a noise-reduction system designed to help create a peaceful cabin. It includes a windshield built with acoustic laminated glass to help reduce wind noise, an acoustic system engineered to prevent outside noise from entering the cabin, and a rigid body structure offering a balanced feel and overall refinement. Its Active Noise Cancellation technology helps minimize specific engine noise frequencies, contributing to a sense of serenity in the interior.
B Magazine recently spoke with Kara Gordon, Vehicle Performance Owner for Airborne Noise, about QuietTuning and the strategy for creating a quiet atmosphere in vehicles — one more way Buick blends comfort and advanced technology features.
How would you explain QuietTuning with Active Noise Cancellation?
QuietTuning is a comprehensive engineering strategy to ensure we provide outstanding powertrain refinement, and wind and road-noise management using premium acoustic content throughout the vehicle. Active Noise Cancellation adds extra refinement to bring a truly premium driving experience to our customers.
How was QuietTuning developed?
Our strategy starts with reducing noise and vibration at the source, such as powertrain, wind or body structure. To reduce vibration, the structure is designed to provide a solid foundation, and we shape the outside of the vehicle to reduce wind noise.
Then we block as much of the noise from entering the cabin as possible, using materials such as acoustic glass and a series of seals. Because we cannot block all noise from entering the vehicle, materials behind the carpet and trim are designed to absorb unwanted noise that does get in.
Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary.
How does QuietTuning elevate the driving experience?
QuietTuning creates an environment where conversation is easy to hear, music is more enjoyable, and voice recognition works, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and arrive at your destination feeling calm and refreshed.
When will owners appreciate this feature most?
We designed QuietTuning features to impact every area of driving for every customer, from rural roads to city driving. Long road trips are made easier when the ride is smooth and noise levels low.
What kind of testing is performed to perfect the feature? Has it changed since it was first introduced?
Some of our test methods have been used for years, such as using the wind tunnel to perfect the shape and ensure the mirrors and seals are optimized to minimize wind noise, especially at high speed. Acoustic materials are designed and tested to ensure we get premium components, and we use extensive lab and on-road testing by trained experts to characterize and refine the vehicle for nearly all the operating conditions our customers may experience.
While our test methods may not be new, over the years our analysis capability has improved, and we are increasingly using analysis to virtually evaluate and develop the vehicle before we ever have hardware. Using analysis of shape, structure, acoustic energy and engine noise, we can simulate driving the vehicle in the laboratory. We are constantly improving our virtual capability to design better vehicles, faster than ever before.
What else should owners know about the feature?
Active Noise Cancellation is based on the technology used in noise-cancelling headphones to quiet ambient noise and elevate the customer experience. We apply this technology to our vehicles by measuring engine noise through interior microphones and using the speakers to project an opposing sound that helps cancel out unwanted engine sounds, giving Buick the refined quiet our customers expect.
Your elevated experience awaits
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