I just re-read the C&D article on the M5, they say the sound system
performs "playback of the engine noise..." to enhance the experience.
This may imply that there are microphones being used or it may just be
playing a .wav file sync'd to the engine rpm. Several car (Nissan) and
motorcycle (Yamaha, Aprilla) manufacturers are using the high-tech
version of the old exhaust cut-out. A butterfly valve system upstream in
the exhaust is computer controlled to direct the flow through the main
muffler system in normal cruising but when you stick your foot into the
metal it allows the exhaust to flow through a less restrictive, and
louder, pathway. Since the EPA noise and mileage cycle do not require
WFO driving, the system is not activated and the vehicle meets the 80 dB
requirements. It is interesting that BMW chose to go with an audio
route, although it seems a little pricey to add something that a set of
Flowmasters would fix.
Reminds me of my Mattel V-rroom engine I clamped on my Schwinn Stingray
when I was a kid. At least I knew that one was fake....
Bugz
-----Original Message-----
From: CoolVT@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 11:07 AM
To: tigers@autox.team.net
Subject: [Tigers] Can this be true? Non Tiger
A Florida newspaper is quoting Automobile Magazine that the 2013 BMW M5
has a "recorded' exhaust sound. BMW claims buyers expect to buy a
quiet car when they spend $100K , but they also want to hear the sound
of the twin turbo V8. The solution....BMW has the car
"lip-synch"....that is, when you hit the throttle in this car you get
the recorded rumble of a hot V8 through the radio speakers. And I
thought BMW buyers were "car guys", "purist".
I guess the sound is great to impress the women in the car. Just make
sure she's inside. You can speculate that the Asian manufacturers will
steal this idea and you will see it appear in their hot cars. Can't you
see it now, stick in a 4 cylinder and get the roar of a V8......or a
V10 if you are willing to pay for that option. LOL Mark
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