The automotive driving experience has a lot of elements, and sound is just as important as visual or touch. This is why you might enjoy the deep growl of an American V8 and the higher pitch song of an Italian V10 or V12. However, the times are changing, and all cars cannot have giant V8 engines with free flowing exhaust systems.
Manufacturers are moving to smaller, more efficient, but still very powerful engines. Turbocharging is one of the best ways to get power and efficiency in the same package. Unfortunately, smaller turbocharged motors are inherently more quiet. The turbine impeller is using the exhaust flow to compress the incoming air, but it also smooths out the sound. Many high performance turbo motors sound more like jet engines, than combustion engines. You mainly hear the rushing of the air on the intake and the exhaust. Of course, the blow-off valve or the waste-gate sounds add to the experience.
Manufacturers have been working on augmenting and enhancing the engine note for years. It’s even more important when you have an iconic or performance machine like the 2015 Ford Mustang or the 2015 BMW i8. They both use turbo powerplants. The Mustang has a 2.3L turbo four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The BMW i8 is using a 1.5L turbo three-cylinder with 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Both of these cars employ the car’s speakers to enhance the engine sound inside the cabin. It may amplify some of the sound, make the sound deeper, and remove some of the unwanted frequencies. Many other manufactures do this as well, and some actually pipe the sound in to the cabin with physical tubes entering through the firewall. The result is a more enjoyable driver experience.
But questions remain. Is the augmented sound good enough? Can you tell it’s fake? Does it affect your opinion once you know the sound is enhanced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Also, take a look at the once in a lifetime Lamborghini Gallardo drive with test driver – Valentino Balboni.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
