Ford develops a fake car revving sound to pipe IN to quiet vehicles – Daily Mail

Fake reviving sounds are being pumped in to cars because modern engines are too quiet. 

Manufacturers have developed new technology to make drivers think their cars are louder than they really are.

Ford has gone to the US Patent and Trademark Office with their electronic method which they say helps drivers to change gears efficiently. 

Ford, Peugeot and Toyota already use a similar technology so when a driver hits the accelerator they are impressed with the apparent engine noise

But critics say the sound, which is played out through a car’s speakers, is one of the motoring industry’s ‘dirty little secrets’. 

Ford, Peugeot and Toyota already use a similar technology so when a driver hits the accelerator they are impressed with the apparent engine noise. 

But the Ford patent, if successful, should encourage more manufacturers to use the technique. 

Petrol heads are angry that the technology is set to feature in more cars in the future. 

Ken Pilcher, the host of 4 Wheel Online, a motoring channel on YouTube, told The Sunday Times: 

‘The aural experience we get from our cars is one of driving’s most defining features.’ 

‘To fabricate that is being plain deceptive and an affront to the whole driving experience.’

One driver on a Volkswagen Golf forum, which have noise generators called ‘soundaktors’ in certain models said: ‘The soundaktor is akin to wearing your knickers inside out and back to front.’

Peugeot said the artificial growl which can heard in its 308 GTi was an ‘acquired taste’ but maintain it sounds like an engine

One driver on a Volkswagen Golf forum, which have noise generators called ‘soundaktors’ in certain models said: ‘The soundaktor is akin to wearing your knickers inside out and back to front’

The first time fake noise was noticed in a Ford Mustang, known for their V8 engines, was when a car reviewer pulled out leads and both the radio and engine went quiet.  

Ford says their technology will mean the noise of a four-cylinder engine will be heard in a two-cylinder car.

The company hasn’t said whether it wants to increase the number of its models which feature the artificial noises. 

Drivers can already turn the technology off in sporty Focus ST and Fiesta ST models. 

Peugeot said the artificial growl which can heard in its 308 GTi was an ‘acquired taste’ but maintain it sounds like an engine. 

Sound files are used in Lexus RC F and GS F models which have Toyota engines.

A spokesman for Volkswagen said its system provides ‘acoustic emphasis’ in some of its models.