The super high-tech, incredibly fast and expensive ($375,000) Lexus LF-A actually has something in common with the $30,000 '10 Ford Mustang GT. Believe me, they don't share any common components and they are not even remotely related in any way. But they do share one common trait that is rather unique. They both have methods of directly transmitting the sound of the engine into the passenger compartment.
The new 560hp Lexus LF-A, with it's 9000rpm V-10 engine has sound tubes that transmit the engine sounds into two locations in the passenger compartment. As reported in the December '09 Road & Track, the sound comes in above and below the dashboard. The 2010 Mustang GT also has a "sound induction tube" as reported in Car & Driver, February 2009.
To be perfectly honest, it's an ugly addition to the engine compartment on the Mustang. Looking at the photo here, it unfortunately looks like an afterthought and creates clutter. This engine compartment looks better.
Is this a sign of performance cars being so refined that sound effects are needed to engage the driver? As if the car is so quiet that the enthusiast driver receives so little audio feedback the factory deems it necessary to "pipe it in". What happens when the owner installs a less restrictive "cold air intake"? That is a common upgrade that not only can increase horsepower, but also the audible sound level of the engine as well. Will these "CAI's" still allow for the "sound injection" as well?
Is it another foreshadowing of upcoming sound regulation? Electric cars are naturally very silent and so are hybrids when under full electric power. Is there anticipation of internal combustion engines having even stricter sound requirements? That doesn't bode well for diesels, does it?
A question I always ask is how much R&D and resulting cost did it take? And for these cars, was it really necessary? Is there an after-thought to discourage modifications to the cars?
If that much R&D goes into the sound tube design, shouldn't it be driver selectable? Many want the speed, but what about their music? Gotta have the tunes! Others may want to impress those outside of the car. with the sound. If there are passengers, they are already impressed, right? Hopefully by both you and your car.
Unless exterior sound regulations get so outrageous, I predict the sound tube fad may become an adjustable "feature" in high-end cars and simply fade away in the rest. Just like the digital dashboard. Which, by the way, the Lexus LF-A also has but luckily in the shape of a traditional speedometer and tachometer. The reason? Lexus states the engine revs too fast for an analog gauge to keep up.
So do you want two volume control dials plus the one under your right foot?
______________
Got a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!
Comments