An Aveo that sounds like a Corvette? The Detroit News says it's possible using technology developed by Eberspacher GmbH and its North American subsidiary after exhaustive research [sorry– couldn't help myself]. The system, called "ActiveSilence," goes Lotus' "Safe & Sound" system one better. It works by inserting a heat-resistant speaker into the exhaust system in lieu of a muffler. Then, depending on driver preference, sound waves from the speaker can either cancel engine noise completely or tune it for a variety of sounds from limo quiet to a roaring big block. Those who want to turn their ride into a rolling ghetto blaster can even blow music out their tailpipe. The system is ready for production but an Eberspacher spokesman said it would be two or three years before you'll see hear it on the road. Once that happens there's bound to be a booming business in downloadable sounds to personalize your car with the automotive equivalent of ring tones. But the burning questions is: will it include a jack so you can plug in your iPod?
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OMG – imagine what the kids with the thumper bass units can do with this!!
This idea’s been kicking around since the 90’s, and it’s still just as stupid. If you want to tune an exhaust, get a 2-cycle motor and learn to weld your own expansion chambers.
Reminds me of the simulated BOV sound maker.
jaje
I was just coming to say that…
Right up there with Exhaust Whistlers and Train Horns.
If the guys that buy Hummer manage to pick up an exclusuve on this gem they have it made. Maybe they can get it to sound like an Uzzi (or whatever the Russian equivalant is).
Should be standard on every 22″ wheeled H2 they sell. Both of them.
Just imagine the lawsuits when the first person modifies his Vespa to sound like a Harley.
I’m sure Bubb Rubb already has one on order…
What a waste of time and effort…
Great. Those turds in their little cars with huge wings already sound like a marching band drum line with bad gas…
This will be wonderful.
I’m sorry…the image of a Chevy Aveo on spinner wheels (covers) and having a Corvette small block sound emanating from the exhaust pipe is just too funny.
TRL : Everybody knows that Russian is the home of the AK-47
I predict this to be the greatest selling car accessory since 3-foot-high spoilers, neon license plate frames and fart-can mufflers!
I said that sarcastically. Sadly, I think I’ve uttered the truest words spoken today.
SupaMan :
August 13th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I’m sorry…the image of a Chevy Aveo on spinner wheels (covers) and having a Corvette small block sound emanating from the exhaust pipe is just too funny.
My Ding-a-ling-a-ling by Chuck Berry would be more appropriate.
Coming soon to an APC catalog near you.
Or JC Whitney — right up their alley.
this sounds like the proverbial lipstick on a pig…
but hey, at least it will SOUND fast
Wow.
Think out of the box here.
The same noise canceling technology, for all the different models, off the shelf, with one unit, software configurable.
One muffler fits all and a huge reduction in back pressure making more gains in performance and economy.
Naawww. Let’s just beat that dead horse just one more time….
The whistles gone wooWOOO
monkeyboy –
Think out of the box here.
The same noise canceling technology, for all the different models, off the shelf, with one unit, software configurable.
I agree; this is a really good idea. I think the electrical drain will be considerable (anyone who’s heard an non-mufflered car engine knows that they are LOUD), but it’s got to be less than the power loss from a muffler.
I’ve often thought that the same real-time feedback loop used in headphones now could be used for tire & wind noise inside the car.
I want my car to play circus calliope music…
I’m thinking Wagner for mine, “Flight of the Valkeries” at high revs and something more rumbling like “Also Sprak Zarathustra” at lower revs.
I’m more like Pearl Jam or Weezer here. But then I never was too conventional. I like Night on Bald Mountain for classic thump.
A 48 y.o. with a 4 skateboard arsenal is not mainstream…
I like calliope (ha! get a comically small subcompact for even better laughs), I like Valkyries, I like Weezer…
…but the first person I come across with John Mayer coming out of their tailpipe is getting rear-ended at 65 MPH.