Photography Credits: Courtesy Ford
Somewhat related, The Renault R-Sound system:
Electric cars aren’t really known for their exhaust notes–but what if they could be?
Borla Performance is working on a system called “Active Performance Sound,” which is sort of like the electric car version of a bolt-on exhaust:
The Real Power of Sound
The sound of a powertrain adds a cherished layer of sensory awareness to driving enthusiasts, informing them of engine load, throttle input and more. By combining a proprietary algorithm with state-of-the-art audio processing and amplification technology, Borla’s Active Performance Sound System mirrors speed, power, RPM, torque and load with zero latency. The system intensifies the sensation and excitement of EV driving, adding that “auditory connection” drivers covet.
Choose Your Simulation
Sound for Borla's EV system comes from professional recordings of actual Borla-equipped internal-combustion (ICE) vehicles. Multiple microphones capture all characteristics of ICE audio — including idle, ramps to redline, cruising, throttle lifts, “burbles & pops” and more. Using real-time data from the EV's internal computer, the Borla system generates a hyper-realistic ICE soundtrack that perfectly matches the EV motor status and other vehicle dynamics.
Via the system's mobile app, drivers can select from multiple ICE vehicle simulations and Borla sound technologies, including ATAK®, S-Type and Touring, all with full control over volume and other characteristics.
“Sure,” you say to yourself, “But what does it actually sound like?” Well, something like this:
Interested? Borla says it plans to start shipping units “by the Fall of 2022” for the Mustang Mach-E with “applications for Ford Lightning and many other EV models to follow.”
Visit borla.com for more information.
I had a stick horsey when I was a kid. We just made the noises ourselves. Didn't cost anywhere near as much, and did the same thing.
In reply to 03Panther :
Some of us still make those sounds while driving. (And if Jacky Ickx can do it, why can't the rest of us?)
Maybe this is a hot take, but I have zero issues with this or any other generated sound that adds to the driving experience. Honestly I just wish it was more open-source so users could define their own sound profiles. Who wouldn't want want a Camaro that didn't just sound like "Hot for Teacher" but actually PLAYED "Hot for Teacher."? Why not make your fart-can Honda actually make fart noises? Why can't we have motorcycles that go "Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" like Fonzie when we rev them?
The turn signal sound is fake. Why we hating on exhaust? Maybe fake tire squealing noise?
Sound like JC Whitney needs to step up.
Time for my Borla joke:
"Hey, that's an interesting sounding car you have, did you modify it?"
"Why yes, it's a Borla system, they say it's all about giving the car an attitude"
"Oh, is A-hole what you where shooting for?"
It doesn't sound bad but it doesn't quite sound like any Mustang V8 I've ever heard either. Way better than the suped-up vacuum cleaner noises made by the Dodge pneumatic system at least.
Isn't this kinda like vegans trying to make all their stuff taste like meat?
Live look in Borla board room:
I cannot bring myself to celebrate concepts that were previewed in bad Kevin James movies a decade ago.
I wouldn't spend the money on it, but I will say it sounds much better than this...
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