Electric Lotus Evija looks to Type 49 racer for soundtrack

Lotus has announced that it is developing a soundtrack for the upcoming electric Evija hypercar inspired by the 1967 Type 49 F1 race car. 

The British brand’s first purpose built EV will make its debut later this year, sporting a 1,972bhp quad-motor electric powertrain.

The Evija uses a sample of the Type 49’s legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV V8, but sound engineers have given it a modern twist for use in the Evija. They’ve slowed the playback so that the pitch matches that of the Evija’s electric motors, so that it can be used as the car’s low-speed pedestrian warning sound.

Lotus has enlisted the help of music producer Patrick Patrikios (who has worked with artists such as Britney Spears and Little Mix) for the Evija’s sound design. Along with the electric motor soundtrack, he also created a range of unique chimes for everything on the hypercar, from its indicator sound to its seatbelt warning tone, all using the Type 49’s engine recording.

Patrikios said: “We all wanted something to spark an emotional connection between car and driver. Sound is hugely influential when it comes to creating and forming emotions, to enrich that bond that’s such a critical part of the Lotus experience.

“I love that the sound from one of the most iconic Lotus race cars of all time has been the inspiration for its newest. There’s a symmetry to it which is beautiful.”

Lotus has also confirmed that the Evija will not feature any form of synthesized engine note. At higher speeds, the pedestrian warning tone will be deactivated and the sound heard by the driver will be produced entirely by the car’s electric powertrain.

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