Detroit Symphony Chimes in on Lincoln Aviator

Ford Motor Co.’s all-new Lincoln Aviator SUV will feature warning chimes developed and recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO).

Musicians experimented with different iterations of each chime—based on the function and intent of the warning—and listened to how they sounded inside the vehicle. After recording more than 125 options, DSO selected a family of tones composed of a blend of violin, viola and percussion instruments.

The chimes will be used for 25 alerts in three categories: non-critical and soft- and hard-warning chimes. These include such things as a door ajar, fuel door left open and an unbuckled occupant.

Lincoln says the resulting chimes create a more pleasing, refined sound than traditional beeps and dings. The company plans to incorporate them throughout its lineup as new models are introduced.

The all-new Aviator will be publicly unveiled later this month, with sales to start next year. The SUV will share a rear-wheel-drive platform with the next-generation Explorer that’s also due next year.