exhaust systems
There’s Exhaust And Then There’s Great Exhaust
Too often we’ve picked up a fancy new Porsche or BMW only to drive it for a week thinking “great car, but the drivetrain sound is kind of dull”.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Sounds Pretty Serious
Earlier this week at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally in Wisconsin, a few members of the media got a chance to hear what the new supercharged, top-spec Challenger model will sound like. In their press release, Dodge alluded to the Hellcat breathing through an active exhaust system, one in which valves can open or close based upon throttle position and user settings, allowing exhaust to essentially change volume and tone based upon the driving situation.
Video: Hear Honda’s New Formula 1 Engine
Back in May, we learned that McLaren will again be using Honda power for the 2015 Formula 1 season. Now we can hear the sound of that engine in this video from Honda Racing.
Winding Road Video: 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 — POV Test Drive
Oddly, the Challenger’s suspension felt softer and less poised than the Chrysler 300 SRT8 we tested back in May. Regardless of which of the three suspension modes we set the Dodge in, there was more vertical movement and roll than in the 300’s equivalent mode. The sedan offered up a flatter, grippier handling experience that instilled more confidence as we pushed down the road.
Video: Audi R8 V10 Dyno Run Makes Our Ears Tingle
The problem with car videos on YouTube is that there’s always a silly voiceover or dubstep track ruining the awesome sounds of the engine. That’s why we produce our own series of videos, which feature the cars, their own unique noise, and nothing else.
Update: 2013 Porsche Boxster
In our initial review of the Porsche Boxster, the press car we tested had the base 2.7-liter engine, and yet was loaded with both performance and comfort options. Porsche offers one of the richest arrays of options among all manufacturers, so Porsche PR had plenty to choose from in decking out our $49,500 base Boxster with $28,625 in options. Fans of this system, among which you can count your humble servants, point out that Porsche allows you to get your car configured pretty much exactly the way you want. And if you’ve ever said something like, “Gee, I wish you could get the Mark Levinson sound system and heated rear seats with the diesel engine,” you’ll understand the benefits of the Porsche system. It is impressively flexible. It isn’t perfect, in part because it can be costly, and also because it can be confusing.
FAB Design Takes On McLaren 12C Spyder
It’s a risk taking a supercar to one of the many aftermarket tuners out there. Take this McLaren 12C Spyder, tweaked by Swiss tuner FAB Design.
Winding Road Video: Name This Car #1
In this new video series, we test your knowledge on some of the best sounding cars on sale today.
Flip This Car: 1992 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible—Part Four
So, at this point I’m supposed to regale all the faithful Flip This Car readers with an unlikely and slightly wacky auto adventure. For part four of the last series I entered my Buick Roadmaster in an SCCA Rallycross event, and to keep the fish-out-of-water spirit alive I turned to the Michigan Ice Racing Association (MIRA) for some winter time fun with the Mustang. With everyone telling me how dead I’d be trying to drive this car through the ice and snow, what better way to give everyone the raspberries than to race the 5.0 on a frozen lake? The stakes would be much higher this time, however, for while the rallycross was a solo event racing against the clock, I’d be racing side-by-side with other cars at the MIRA event. And none of us would have the benefit of studded tires.
First Look: 2013 Brabus Bullit Coupe 800
If the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe isn’t quite quick enough, expensive enough, or radical enough for you, than perhaps you should check out Brabus. The lunatic modifiers of all manner of Silver Arrows have just unveiled the Bullit Coupe 800 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. And you thought Brabus only tuned Smart ForTwos.
Flip This Car: 1992 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible—Part Three
Straight up, this car is a hooligan. It’s a rebel. It’s the friend that sets the bad example. Listening to NPR in this car is like going to church wearing leather chaps and a sleeveless shirt that says Sex instructor: beginners welcome. Even with the poor gearing and crummy seats, this car is a party animal that wants to get loud and sideways at every opportunity. It’s constantly taunting me, reminding me there’s a pair of wheels behind my head being driven by a gutsy V-8 up front, with a short wheelbase in between. The ride is harsh and the steering heavy, but those attributes bring a welcome amount of feedback on what the car is doing, and more importantly, what I must do to ensure the survival of both vehicle and passengers. How sideways can we get? How long do we want to hold it?
Rumors: Industry Report—From Exhaust Gases To Drinking Water
A joint effort between Borla and Oak Ridge National Laboratory is in the process of creating a unique exhaust system that could create potable water from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. This new technology condenses the water vapor given off by exhaust gases traveling through an exhaust system, stores it, and makes it available for consumption.
Winding Road Video: 2012 Mini Cooper JCW Coupe – Quick Drive
This week at Winding Road, we open up the taps on a 2012 Mini Cooper JCW Coupe.
Flip This Car: 1992 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible—Part Two
In just over a month I’ve already tallied close to 2000 miles behind the wheel of the 5.0. Does that mean I enjoy driving this car? In a word, yes, but it’s a touch more complicated than a one-word answer. The complete road test will be forthcoming in part three so I’ll refrain from sharing the unorthodox similes and astute observations until then. For now, you’ll be happy (or disappointed, depending your expectations for this series) to know that I’ve not yet smacked, slapped, thumped, tweaked, slammed, sideswiped, bounced or otherwise biffed the Mustang into anything moving or stationary, despite the current date which has us well into winter here in the northern latitudes.
First Look: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Hyundai took the wraps off the hotly anticipated Veloster Turbo at today’s North American International Auto Show. The Veloster Turbo is destined to go toe-to-toe with the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si, and Mini Cooper S.
Winding Road Video: Volkswagen GTI Stock vs. Magnaflow Exhaust
Turn up your speakers, plug in your headphones, Winding Road has made an in-depth exhaust note comparison video.
Winding Road Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 – Quick Drive
Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of wafting around in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. Turn up your speakers or slip on your headphones, the GLK350’s throaty 3.5-liter V-6 sounds fantastic!
Friday Video: Nissan 370Z With Akrapovič Exhaust
Akrapovič Exhaust Systems Technology has some darned tasty videos that help to show off the sound of their products. We like them for the aural experience, of course, but also for the beautiful scenery, photography, and choice of automobiles being caned for the camera. This video features a Nissan 370Z with Akrapovič exhaust.
Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series M Sports Four Pipes
The BMW 1-Series prototype we’ve been seeing over and over, which we’ve been calling the 1M or 1-Series M (M1 has already been taken), has shown up again, this time finally sporting quadruple tailpipes, in true M fashion.
First Look: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T
Today in New York, Hyundai revealed the Sonata 2.0T, powered by a 274-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If that doesn’t pique your interest, Hyundai also announced that it will get 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
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