Megatrends Shaping the Future of Automotive Acoustics

In this episode of The Science of Sound, host Nils Westerlund welcomes Santiago Rayes, Product Manager at GRAS Sound & Vibration, to the studio for an insightful discussion on the major trends transforming automotive acoustics and test & measurement.As vehicles become quieter, more connected, and increasingly software-defined, the role of acoustics has never been more important. Santiago shares his perspective on the megatrends driving change across the automotive industry—from electrification and immersive in-cabin audio experiences to active noise control, speech communication, and the growing demand for standardized and repeatable acoustic measurements. Drawing on his extensive experience in acoustic test and measurement, Santiago explains how automotive engineers are adapting to new challenges in vehicle NVH, audio system tuning, and cabin acoustics, and how emerging measurement methodologies and technologies are helping the industry deliver better sound experiences for drivers and passengers alike. The conversation also explores the growing importance of realistic acoustic testing using advanced measurement solutions such as the GRAS AutoKEMAR™. As vehicle cabins evolve into living and working spaces, manufacturers need highly accurate simulations of the human hearing experience to evaluate speech intelligibility, audio quality, active noise control, and overall passenger comfort. Santiago shares how technologies like AutoKEMAR are helping engineers address these challenges and meet the demands of next-generation mobility.Join us as we explore how the future of mobility is reshaping the science of sound—and what these developments mean for automotive testing and acoustic innovation.