In the evolving era of electrification, Cadillac is ensuring its high-performance heritage remains intact with the 2026 LYRIQ-V, the first all-electric vehicle in its renowned V-Series lineup. The challenge? Crafting an exhilarating auditory experience in the absence of a roaring combustion engine. Enter Jay Kapadia, GM’s lead sound design engineer, who has masterfully composed a six-layered soundscape to redefine electric propulsion.
Kapadia, serving as GM’s creative sound director, took a meticulous approach in designing a sonic identity for the LYRIQ-V that not only complements its dynamic performance but also evokes the emotional thrill of speed and power. Collaborating with engineers, designers, and Cadillac’s premium audio supplier, AKG, Kapadia crafted a multi-dimensional sound experience tailored for enthusiasts of the V-Series.
“The sound design was very critical for the car’s performance-driven DNA,” Kapadia explained. “We wanted to evoke an emotional response, heightening the thrill of acceleration, speed, and power.”
A Symphony of Performance
With an inherently silent electric powertrain, the LYRIQ-V presented an auditory blank slate. To fill the void, Kapadia’s team developed a layered sound design utilizing the vehicle’s 23-speaker AKG Studio Audio System. The experience is composed of six distinct layers:
- Base Layer: Engaged under light acceleration.
- Acceleration Layer: Activated under heavy acceleration.
- Rev Layer: A simulated rev sound when blipping the accelerator pedal while stationary.
- Mid-Speed Layer: A low-frequency tone between 50 and 70 mph.
- High-Speed Layer: A higher-frequency tone above 80 mph.
- Regen Layer: A sound activated during regenerative braking.
Kapadia likened the intricate layering to the complexity of a fine perfume. “It’s like different notes in a fragrance – a low note, a mid-note, and a high note. These layers unfold at different times and intervals, creating an immersive experience for our customers.”
Electrified Thrill: The V-Mode Experience
For those craving an even more intense driving experience, Cadillac’s V-Mode enhances the LYRIQ-V’s sonic performance. When engaged, all six sound layers activate simultaneously, heightening the sensory excitement. V-Mode also unlocks Launch Control, allowing the LYRIQ-V to catapult from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max – making it the fastest Cadillac ever.
Kapadia and his team drew inspiration from Cadillac’s storied past, particularly the CT5-V Blackwing and V-Series.R race car. By analyzing and recreating elements of their distinctive engine sounds, they infused the LYRIQ-V with a familiar yet futuristic performance tone, ensuring it remains true to the V-Series legacy.
Cadillac enthusiasts will soon get to experience the revolutionary LYRIQ-V’s soundscape firsthand when it arrives in showrooms later this year, proving that the thrill of performance extends beyond the road – into the very soul of the vehicle.
