Can someone explain the trend for synthesized/"fake" engine noise?

Kinja'd!!! "MegaSuper" (megasuper)
05/06/2015 at 12:31 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!2 Kinja'd!!! 13

How did this become a thing, and why is it mostly German/premium cars that have it? Why would anyone consider this more desirable/luxurious? I’ve read that it can get quite loud on the BMW i8, so I’m not sure if it’s an NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) kind of thing.

Do cars that have this tend to have more sound-deadening/they sound quieter than older models that don’t have this? If you pop the fuse that controls this on, say, a modern BMW M3 or VW Golf R, does the natural engine/exhaust noise not that audible?

It’s such a strange trend to me...


DISCUSSION (13)


Kinja'd!!! Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 12:34

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The Golf R has synthesized engine noise!? Dammit.


Kinja'd!!! Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 12:35

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It’s because NVH is so good cars are almost silent now. I can’t tell if my engine is running or not at idle then it doesn’t let you know it’s there at all until 3500 rpm. I wouldn’t mind some piped in intake noise so I know what’s going on. Not a fan of the ones that play noise through the speakers though.


Kinja'd!!! dogisbadob > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 12:35

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What I want to know is, can you turn it off if you don’t like it?

Also, Tesla should use this. Imagine if they gave you a choice of tracks. Maybe you want the classic V8 sound one day, or a high-string screamer the next day. Or how about a Volvo turbo-5 track? Make all of these tracks and many more available to download right to the car.

Does the fake engine sound use its own dedicated speaker, or do they have to share with the radio?


Kinja'd!!! MegaSuper > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
05/06/2015 at 12:42

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What I’ve read suggests that it does, and that it’s some sort of plastic noisemaker thing that is attached to the area near where the dashboard and windshield meet or something like that. Apparently some of them start to vibrate and then fall off, so some people just throw the thing out. I was surprised, thought this was more of a BMW thing


Kinja'd!!! MegaSuper > dogisbadob
05/06/2015 at 12:43

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I think you’ll adore this:


Kinja'd!!! jariten1781 > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 12:47

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I dun know, it totally makes sense to me; not that I agree it’s good mind you, but it’s pretty logical. People want sporty cars to sound sporty. People don’t like bugging neighbors/drawing attention from the cops. Modern cars a much more quiet than older ones so to get an exhaust/intake loud enough to fill the cabin with noise you’ll definitely be noticeable. With the synthesized engine sound you get the sporty feel...the car sounds right...without the negative attention a natural note would have.


Kinja'd!!! MegaSuper > jariten1781
05/06/2015 at 12:50

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Hmm, a fair point, but would a ticket for noise really stick if the car is completely stock? I mean, manufacturers have to have their cars fall within legally-mandated noise limits in order for them to be sold in the first place, right? (AFAIK for this reason the Corvette Z06 is not sold in South Korea, it’s too loud.)


Kinja'd!!! jariten1781 > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 13:04

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Probably not, but loud exhaust tickets are used for trawling. Pull you over and take a look through the windows, check your id/registration/insurance. Additionally, if you’re in a pack of cars that are all speeding he’s probably going to pick the loudest flashiest guy over the minivan and the old Corolla. Sure, if you’re doing nothing wrong you’ll just get let go, but it’s still a half hour out of your day. Also, in some places the noise violation is at the officers discretion then you have to go to a referee to prove your good so that’s even more time. There’s also the perception issue of bugging your neighbors by being too loud (which isn’t really too loud most of the time, busy-bodies will bitch if they hear a car in their house even if they’re in a flight path that’s significantly louder). Non-car people don’t care that their sporty car isn’t generating natural noise...they just want to feel it’s sporty while driving it.


Kinja'd!!! nermal > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
05/06/2015 at 13:09

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Same goes for the current and last gen GTI / R.

VW uses a “Soundaktor” though, which is a bit different. It’s kind of a tube / speaker / connection between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. So still fake, but less fake than the ones that only use the speakers.


Kinja'd!!! Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 13:59

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Oh, like this?

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Kinja'd!!! Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > nermal
05/06/2015 at 14:00

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Sound tube I’m ok with, but as soon as speakers get involved is where I draw the line, personally.


Kinja'd!!! briannutter1 > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 19:40

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It’s the only option left compared to installing a lighter smaller cheaper more fuel efficient naturally aspirated S.u.h.c v8 because their customer demographic and media wont let them.


Kinja'd!!! dogisbadob > MegaSuper
05/06/2015 at 20:34

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That’s awesome!