Are the most efficient cars V8's?
Posted Nov 09
No, they just sound like V8's. What you're hearing is SoundRacer - a device designed to make any car, even the most efficient cars, sound like they're hiding a V8 under the hood. Now you can be both frugal and have the engine noise you always dreamed of.
SoundRacer will give any vehicle the sound of a V8. So the most efficient cars can sound like a rampaging 7 liter sports car. The device plugs into the 12V socket in your car. It analyses engine revs and transmits a signal which you tune into on your car stereo. The company says, 'the SoundRacer senses your car engine RPM's and matches it with just the right V8 sound effects. Whether you're accelerating, decelerating, shifting gear, cruising the highway or idling, you'll think you're driving a genuine V8'.
I'm not sure you'll think you're driving a genuine V8, especially when you hit the gas, but this product sounds like a bit of fun, although probably just for a few days. The SoundRacer is manufactured in Sweden. I don't know how popular it is there but elsewhere I think the best the company can hope for is a passing interest in the product. I think it'll only appeal to teenagers but if they start talking about it then it could see some good sales for about a year. Long term though, I think the SoundRacer is doomed to failure. At least we know we can make the most efficient cars sound like a V8 if we so desire.
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