New material for automotive electronics
On August 21, Porsche announced the use of gallium nitride, or GaN, in its upcoming Burmester audio system. The technology was developed in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart. It is scheduled to debut in production in a future Porsche model in 2027.
The GaN component will be responsible for voltage conversion for the 400-watt subwoofer amplifier. According to the manufacturer, the semiconductor allows for reduced switching losses, heat dissipation, and the size of the electronics.
Why it's not just more power
Amplifier efficiency is important for layout, cooling, and power consumption. At the same time, sound quality is determined by the entire system: speakers, cabin acoustics, and tuning. One material name does not provide a universal comparison of the sound of different trim levels.
How to check the audio option in a used Porsche
The Burmester designation in an older car does not mean that a new GaN solution is available. Check the factory specification, check each speaker and the absence of extraneous noise. After interior repairs or flooding, inspect the amplifier and wiring. Future technology in 2027 is not a promise of a software update for a previous generation audio system.
