Press release - 26 May 2021 05:00

Yamaha Motor Launches αlive Concept for Automotive Products and Technologies - Sound device and more to be displayed at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 ONLINE -

IWATA, May 26, 2021 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) has launched its αlive concept for automotive products and technologies—including a newly developed sound device—will be exhibited at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 ONLINE organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. and running from May 26 to July 30.

αlive is Yamaha Motor’s concept for automotive products and technologies aimed at supplying automakers and other mobility companies. This brand encompasses existing products such as our electric motors, Performance Dampers and shock absorbers, but also a newly developed sound device, and seeks to provide uniquely Yamaha value through “Technology for Resonating Experiences.”

Shortly after the company’s founding, Yamaha Motor engaged in automobile technical R&D alongside motorcycles, and to date has created products for the automotive field featuring not only high performance and quality, but also refinement and comfort. Calling on our extensive know-how and experience in developing and producing automobile engines as well as applying the various accumulated resources at our disposal, the products and technologies under the new αlive brand name will not only meet the changing needs of the times, but also resonate with the senses and deliver new mobility experiences.

The newly developed αlive AD sound device creates an emotion-filled driving experience and vehicle cabin. The control unit uses a built-in dedicated LSI audio processor to tune the sound produced by the powertrain with a proprietary sound source and provides an exciting aural experience for the driver in the cabin via specialized speakers.

■ αlive https://global.yamaha-motor.com/np/alive

■ αlive movie https://youtu.be/uBr7VAXYdmU

Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 ONLINE

■ Event Overview

Name: Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 ONLINE
Hosted by: Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. (JSAE)
Event duration: May 26 (Wednesday) to July 30 (Friday)

Venue:

Online exhibition site (registration required):
https://aee.expo-info.jsae.or.jp/en/online/
Yamaha Motor virtual booth:
https://aee.online.jsae.or.jp/en/exhibition/detail.html?id=29
*New registrations will be taken to the registration page.

■ Exhibit Outline

αlive AD (Acoustic Design)

The sound the powertrain produces while on the move is a key element that dramatically influences the sensations felt by the driver. The αlive AD sound device creates an emotion-filled driving experience and vehicle cabin by tuning the sound produced by the powertrain with a proprietary sound source.
This Yamaha-proprietary dedicated sound source leverages our many years of engine development know-how and can accurately replicate the rumble of a gas-powered engine or the unique high-frequency whine of an EV. Yamaha Motor seeks to craft powertrain sounds that convey a natural build-up and stir the emotions of the driver across all kinds of driving scenes.

αlive EE (Electric Engine)

● 50 kW electric motor
this lightweight, high-output high-efficiency motor achieves the industry's top class in output density. Applying our casting technology and heat management expertise garnered in developing gas-powered engines gives it excellent cooling performance as well.

● 350 kW electric motor
This unit was designed envisioning use in high-power mobility applications. The gear and inverter are integrated into a single unit and the motor is operable at voltages up to 800V. Developed in anticipation of using four units or other multi-unit variations in cars, maximum total output in a quad-motor configuration reaches 1.47 MW (approx. 2,000 hp).

αlive PD (Performance Damper)

While driving, the Performance Damper effectively absorbs body deformations, unpleasant noises, vibration, etc., and creates a much higher quality and more comfortable ride. Instead of simply stiffening the chassis, adding a viscous damping mechanism to the body contributes to improved handling stability and greater comfort.

αlive ET (TRAS)

This mid-development shock absorber unit aims to provide drivers with confidence-inspiring handling stability and a comfortable ride without forceful steering inputs. Training our focus on the effects a pushing force from a high-pressure hydraulic cylinder has on the chassis, we took the opposite approach and are developing the unit to produce a pulling force instead.