It was 1991 when a technological partnership was beginning that was to last three decades until today. It was then that Mazda and Bose began working together. Building on the third-generation Mazda RX-7 thirty years ago, the two companies have continued to collaborate on innovative, high-quality audio solutions that help ensure a premium driving experience.
The combination of the power of sound and the joy of driving offers an exceptional and exciting customer experience, and allows passengers to enjoy every acoustic detail, giving them the feeling of being in a live concert hall in their car.
Mazda RX-7: Where it all began
Powerful bass and stunning sound - these were the requirements set by the sound engineers working on the Mazda RX 7 FD. In the search for exceptional sound performance that could match these top standards, Ryoji Oe's team introduced the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon system. The bass reproduction system, which includes a 3.6-meter-long tube with a high-powered woofer inside, provided exactly what Mazda was looking for, and the two companies began working on incorporating this speaker technology into the car.
And while at first the task seemed insurmountable, a clever system of folds and curves enabled Bose and Mazda engineers to fit the long tube in the back of the car without compromising space or sound quality. "The Acoustic Waveguide technology and the RX-7 made the music effortless," recalls Mike Rosen, Chief Engineer at Bose Automotive Systems, who was involved in the project. It was a success that kicked off the ongoing mission of creating top-quality sound reproduction systems in many more Mazda models.
Mazda MX-5: Reproduction of excellent sound quality.
A particularly challenging milestone along the way was Mazda's most iconic model to date, the Mazda MX-5. Reproducing exceptional sound quality for convertible models with the roof down was a challenge for manufacturers and audio designers around the world, but Mazda and Bose came up with an innovative solution. An EQ switch automatically adjusts the sound parameters when the car is open, and UltraNearfield speakers built into the seat headrests provide an immersive listening experience even when the top is up.
In addition, Bose's AudioPilot noise compensation technology constantly monitors ambient noise and automatically adjusts the sound reproduction to any changing conditions, such as road and wind noise. This way, the driver can focus on the music and the driving experience without having to make manual adjustments.
Mazda MX-30: Amplify the bass
The latest generation of Mazda cars incorporates another breakthrough of the 30-year partnership: In almost all models from the 2019 Mazda3 onward, the woofers were moved from the door panels to the side portion of the footwell above the floor. This new placement not only frees up space for larger door pockets, but also contributes to a better sound experience, as bass waves are simultaneously reflected off the floor, sidewall and lower dashboard. This angular reflection effect creates an extremely impressive, rich bass reproduction that is neither exaggerated nor buzz inducing.
In addition, the woofers in the front domes are complemented by an additional subwoofer at the rear to tie in with the low-frequency performance in the cabin. The new configuration - aptly named BassMatch - displays its full potential in the all-electric Mazda MX-30: Because sound from the engine is absent, the driver and passengers can experience even more crystal clear sound, and a sound reproduction experience as faithful as ever before.
From the first project to the present day, the collaboration between Mazda and Bose has been characterised not only by engineering ingenuity, but also by the excellent spirit of cooperation between the two companies: A passion to push the boundaries of what is possible and a shared belief that premium solutions require a bold, and unconventional approach. This is the element that will lead to joint partnerships in the years to come - passionate people striving for unique solutions towards a common goal: The perfect connection between car, driver and music.
