This is just ridiculous!

[Harry P.]

BMW has a reputation for loading up their cars with all the latest electronic gadgetry and technology, like their infamous "I Drive" system that was so complicated that nobody could figure out how it works, and BMW had to simplify the whole system. So this morning I'm reading a story in the paper on their new i8 hybrid ($136,000!!!), and I came across this little nugget.

Quoted from the story:

"But the best way to play is with the i8 in its Sport setting...Sport mode tightens up the steering and adaptive suspension, quickens the transmission shifts, makes the throttle more eager and lets the electric motor kick in earlier."

So far, so good. Then this...

"It also pipes the engine's divine whir into the cabin–in a way the company calls 'augmented.' BMW prerecorded the i8's best engine noises. When driven in Sport mode, the car plays this sonic mixture through its speaker system."

Prerecorded engine sounds? Sheesh...

[Rob Hall]

Well, it does have a 3cyl engine w/ an electric motor..probably not that impressive sounding natively. I wonder if they pipe in the engine sound from an M5..

[Harry P.]

What next? A Nissan Leaf with A HEMI engine's sound?

[Rob Hall]

What next? A Nissan Leaf with A HEMI engine's sound?

No, but a Leaf w/ a Renault F1 engine sound (since Renault owns a controlling stake in Nissan).

How about a Fiat 500 w/a HEMI sound?

[gtx6970]

What next? A Nissan Leaf with A HEMI engine's sound?

Thats was funny

[mikevillena]

[DonW]

Well, it does have a 3cyl engine w/ an electric motor..probably not that impressive sounding natively. I wonder if they pipe in the engine sound from an M5..

I often see the i8 being driven around at work (BMW GB) and the noise really doesn't match the looks. It sounds like a cross between a VW beetle and a lawnmower. Of course when the engine is not in use, there's almost no noise at all. I think they have to make it make some sort of noise for road safety reasons, or you'd never hear it coming. Which doesn't excuse them piping sampled engine noise into the cabin.

[gbdolfans]

Great story Harry!!!!

I really needed a good laugh today and I am rolling on the floor over this!!!!!!

:lol:

[LDO]

Wow. This was predicted on the show "Beyond 2000" about 20 years ago.

[Agent G]

My co-workers 2011 Mustang had what amounted to a "reverberator" connected from the engine compartment to the interior. It amplified the sound and focused it.

This though, is at another level.

G

[Jordan 191]

What's next, fake wood interior trim?

[62rebel]

gentlemen, start your MP3's!

[Lunajammer]

And it sound EXACTLY like this.

[Danno]

I can do the same thing with my '78 Malibu. I just roll the window down a little bit. Both windows for that 'dual exhaust experience.'

[Ace-Garageguy]

Being an anti-progress old fart, I fondly remember when BMW made honest, simple sports coupes for people who lived in reality and enjoyed the driving experience. Cars like the 2002. They weren't about impressing the lower-level yuppie middle-managers...they were DRIVER'S cars. Alas, no more. Just another bloated, overpriced and over-teched status mobile.

With PRETEND engine sounds.

[cobraman]

Cars that brake themselves. Cars that park themselves. Phony sounds. They are sucking out all the fun of driving.

[southpier]

so I could run cheap gas and it would still sound like it was in tune?

[Ace-Garageguy]

To get a feel for what BMW used to be about, I strongly recommend you drive a 2002tii, or a 2800 / 3.0cs. Nothing phony about those cars...nothing phony at all. They're light, nimble, fast for their displacement and get good fuel economy...and TONS of fun to drive rapidly.

[slusher]

Don't forget to put on your racing gloves before driving...

[Austin T]

Kinda reminds me of a program the they used on "Pimp my ride" ages ago. You could pick what you wanted your car to sound like and it then played that sound out into the cabin. Have a Honda oddessy but really want a lambo?No problem just chose the car you want to own and have fun!

[1930fordpickup]

Cars that brake themselves. Cars that park themselves. Phony sounds. They are sucking out all the fun of driving.

I think this is the point. We will all become Zombies . LOL

[Cato]

I bought a new 2002 in '69 and loved most of it. But it was 'tippy' with a high Cg. Thicker Autopower anti roll bars f & r and lowed Empi springs fixed that. Tons of fun then. The Contis were junk but that just made it more challenging and fun.

[Harry P.]

To get a feel for what BMW used to be about, I strongly recommend you drive a 2002tii, or a 2800 / 3.0cs. Nothing phony about those cars...nothing phony at all. They're light, nimble, fast for their displacement and get good fuel economy...and TONS of fun to drive rapidly.

Now that is one good looking BMW.

[jaymcminn]

Sad, but not really news. BMW's been doing this for a few years across most of their range from the lowly 135i to the mighty M5. A lot of it has to do with the new turbo engines not sounding nearly as nice as the former naturally aspirated engines. Putting that system in a hybrid does crank the lameness up to 11, however.

[Harry P.]

Sad, but not really news. BMW's been doing this for a few years across most of their range...

They have?

I've never heard of it until seeing the story this morning.