motor

HeilSvenska · 10-30-2008, 11:24 AM

DETROIT — Do electric cars feel like science fiction still? Maybe in one respect: sound — or lack of sound, since the expected internal-combustion engine noises are absent. General Motors is thinking this over, and you will be relieved to know that the Chevrolet Volt will have a unique sound that will not attempt to imitate, say, the Chevrolet Corvette.

Frank Weber, General Motors E-Flex vehicle line executive, called the Volt's sound "highly technical" and compared it to "when on Spaceship [sic] Enterprise you hear the doors close, or use the transporter." In an interview published on the Volt-specific Web site gm-volt.com, Weber said the Volt's sound will "have no relation at all to a combustion engine" and will be "highly pleasing, almost imperceptible."

Groups looking to protect the visually impaired from the danger of silent vehicles have introduced legislation to require electric vehicles to have a sound. In a nod to this concern, Weber said the Volt will have "a pedestrian-friendly alert" that is driver activated. "You would activate it much like you would your high-beam," he said.

He waxed psychological in thinking about the "power feedback" drivers expect from starting a car — and accused hybrids currently on the market of being "weak in that regard." Although he said the idea was still in progress and gave few details, Weber said the Volt will have "very clear and intuitive feedback from the car telling you what state it is in" on starting.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=134728

F250 · 10-30-2008, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by HeilSvenska

Groups looking to protect the visually impaired from the danger of silent vehicles have introduced legislation to require electric vehicles to have a sound. In a nod to this concern, Weber said the Volt will have "a pedestrian-friendly alert" that is driver activated. "You would activate it much like you would your high-beam," he said.

It's called a driver-activate fucking HORN.

HeilSvenska · 10-30-2008, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by F250

It's called a driver-activate fucking HORN.

QFT.

Although I wouldn't mind Volts making spaceship noises as they pass by.

philip · 10-30-2008, 06:40 PM

Ahh, the sound of young Anikin Skywalkers pod racer.

There are gas stations in Houston selling regular for $2.19 a gallon now. This obviously is a conspiracy by the oil companies to spoil all the plans being made for hybrid technology and sustainable fuels.

RC45 · 10-30-2008, 06:59 PM

^^ I just filled up @ $1.99 a gallon.

10000rpmlover · 10-31-2008, 04:53 AM

I want to hear a klingon battle cry when I go past 80mph

KA-plah!!! then lots of laughter

it's a good idea they need to make some kind of noise

ViperASR · 10-31-2008, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by RC45

^^ I just filled up @ $1.99 a gallon.

I really dont like you

We're still up at 2.50 a gallon here in most parts of Florida.

Mattk · 10-31-2008, 08:49 PM

I think it should motor along emanating the sound the Tardis makes when it lands. That would be fun.

HeilSvenska · 10-31-2008, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by Mattk

I think it should motor along emanating the sound the Tardis makes when it lands. That would be fun.

It'd be even cooler if GM licensed noises from Star Wars, Star Trek, and like you said, Doctor Who and you could just cycle through classic scifi sfx. Nothing says, "Good morning, coworkers" by driving into your office with your Chevy Volt blaring, "EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!".