SUPERCAR maker Lotus is preparing to build a car developed by a guide dog for the blind.

Its Halo Sonic technology has been created by in-car sound specialists Harman and incorporates simulated engine sounds which have been given the "ears' up" by a guide dog.

The dog was used to test the best reactions to sounds which would alert the blind or partially sighted handler to an approaching vehicle, particularly an electric car.

The system works in conjunction with an intelligent camera system which looks down the road, spots a hazard such as a crossing pedestrian and then sets off the simulated engine sound.

The sophisticated sound system can also be manipulated to make a four cylinder engine sound like a multi-cylinder unit at the driver's touch to grab attention.

Alastair Florance, Lotus Group spokesman, said: "We have been working on in-car sound suppression for two decades but realised there is a market to create a sound which would alert other road users to the silent electric vehicle.

"We think the system, which has been tested on a guide dog, offers great potential and want to tie up with a major car maker to offer it as part of the premium Harman sound system. It is very close to production and I think we will see it on a car in a couple of years."