Boxster exhaust button

[SlipStream77]

I've just been reading about the Boxster RS60, and apparently it has a button on the dashboard that moves baffles in the exhaust system to make it sound better.

Initially, I thought this sounded like a bit of a gimmick, and I would probably have it permanently switched on 'loud' mode or whatever it's called!

Then I thought, maybe for relaxed motorway driving, this is actually an ideal solution.

I would be interested to see what others think.

(I didn't put this in the Porsche section as I was hoping for views from owners of other cars as well!)

[Silent1]

The new Corvette has it too, muted engine noise or the sound of hell escaping, are the two options

Edited by Silent1 on Saturday 5th July 01:18

[Ordinary Bloke]

I think it's a great idea.

My Audi A6 2.0tdi has a button, which switches the engine noise between dull-sounding and lacklustre... or maybe that's the trip counter?

[Silent1]

Ordinary Bloke said:

I think it's a great idea.

My Audi A6 2.0tdi has a button, which switches the engine noise between dull-sounding and lacklustre... or maybe that's the trip counter?

No that's the Air Conditioning button

[Ordinary Bloke]

Silent1 said:

Ordinary Bloke said:

I think it's a great idea.

My Audi A6 2.0tdi has a button, which switches the engine noise between dull-sounding and lacklustre... or maybe that's the trip counter?

No that's the Air Conditioning button

I get the aircon and the handbrake buttons mixed up, because if you hit either of them the car noticeably slows down...

[otolith]

Aren't these systems usually there just to get round drive by noise limits?

[RobM77]

It's a great idea for loud exhausts, but personally I don't think the Porsche needs it. As standard, modern Porsches are very quiet and refined anyway. With a sports exhaust, a modern Porsche just sounds like a normal car from ten or fifteen years ago. As such, even though I hate loud cars on the motorway, I'd want mine switched "on" all the time, and it would infuriate me having to keep pressing the button every time I got in it.

[otolith]

I suppose it comes down to just how loud the RS60's sports exhaust is. I fitted an aftermarket exhaust to my car, and chose one that isn't much louder than standard (but makes a nicer noise). I rejected another option which actually made a noise I preferred at high revs (almost superbike-esque) because it was simply too bloody antisocial the rest of the time and likely to annoy me on the motorway. If I could have the best of both with a switchable system, I could see the point of that.

[RobM77]

otolith said:

I suppose it comes down to just how loud the RS60's sports exhaust is. I fitted an aftermarket exhaust to my car, and chose one that isn't much louder than standard (but makes a nicer noise). I rejected another option which actually made a noise I preferred at high revs (almost superbike-esque) because it was simply too bloody antisocial the rest of the time and likely to annoy me on the motorway. If I could have the best of both with a switchable system, I could see the point of that.

Good point. I was assuming it was like the sports exhaust on the Cayman S I drove recently. It just sounded like any other sports car out there, and not at all intrusive or loud at any speed.

[Luckyluciano]

You can get it on the Aston Martin range too.

[northandy]

otolith said:

Aren't these systems usually there just to get round drive by noise limits?

I thought the same, my mk4 gold R32 had an automated system that made the exhaust quieter under 40 mph, although you could bypass it

[RobM77]

northandy said:

otolith said:

Aren't these systems usually there just to get round drive by noise limits?

I thought the same, my mk4 gold R32 had an automated system that made the exhaust quieter under 40 mph, although you could bypass it

If they are to get round drive by noise limits, you'd think that the manufacturers would sneakily make it easy to re-wire the car so it's "on" all the time. Much like the TC in my BMW, there doesn't appear to be a way to retain the switchability, but have the default setting as "off", which I would like.

[DSM2]

SlipStream77 said:

I've just been reading about the Boxster RS60, and apparently it has a button on the dashboard that moves baffles in the exhaust system to make it sound better.

Initially, I thought this sounded like a bit of a gimmick, and I would probably have it permanently switched on 'loud' mode or whatever it's called!

Then I thought, maybe for relaxed motorway driving, this is actually an ideal solution.

I would be interested to see what others think.

(I didn't put this in the Porsche section as I was hoping for views from owners of other cars as well!)

If you had put it in the Porsche section you would have found that this (Porsche Sports Exhaust) is and has been for years a common option on 911s, Boxsters and Caymans.

[Le Man]

I'm not sure it's all that common, but I do have a 997 in stock with the switchable exhaust.
It switches from pleasantly Porsche to Gawd Almighty, which is nice!

[Trickie Dickie]

My 18 year old TVR 400SE has this on it as standard

It is a peddle under my right foot

When I press it a little and keep under 2000rpm it is loud
but when I press it and get over 2000rpm it sets off car alarms

Seriously tho', and truthfully with my new S/S exhaust system
under 2-2500 rpm the car is actually quite quiet (yes really)
but on accelerating above that it is reputed to sound like a Spitfire taking off

I LOVE IT - and a lot cheaper than any of these modern gimmicky cars

IMHO

Richard

[RobM77]

Trickie Dickie said:

My 18 year old TVR 400SE has this on it as standard

It is a peddle under my right foot

When I press it a little and keep under 2000rpm it is loud
but when I press it and get over 2000rpm it sets off car alarms

Seriously tho', and truthfully with my new S/S exhaust system
under 2-2500 rpm the car is actually quite quiet (yes really)
but on accelerating above that it is reputed to sound like a Spitfire taking off

I LOVE IT - and a lot cheaper than any of these modern gimmicky cars

IMHO

Richard

My Elise 111S has a valve in it so that beyond a certain throttle opening or 4k revs it opens both exhausts and makes a nice sound. Below that throttle opening or 4k revs it's quieter and more efficient. Maybe an easier and neater solution than a button? I believe that some Ferraris do this too.

[OJ]

RobM77 said:

If they are to get round drive by noise limits, you'd think that the manufacturers would sneakily make it easy to re-wire the car so it's "on" all the time. Much like the TC in my BMW, there doesn't appear to be a way to retain the switchability, but have the default setting as "off", which I would like.

I heard that Aston's new car delivery 'experienced' included a fuse for the exhaust system that 'sir may wish to remove if he so desires'

[northandy]

RobM77 said:

northandy said:

otolith said:

Aren't these systems usually there just to get round drive by noise limits?

I thought the same, my mk4 gold R32 had an automated system that made the exhaust quieter under 40 mph, although you could bypass it

If they are to get round drive by noise limits, you'd think that the manufacturers would sneakily make it easy to re-wire the car so it's "on" all the time. Much like the TC in my BMW, there doesn't appear to be a way to retain the switchability, but have the default setting as "off", which I would like.

The golf fix was to remove the vacuum pipe, tie a knot in it and put it back...

[KellyJean]

As far as noise is concerned, this sounds perfect to me:


http://www.zannel.com/viewupdate.htm?id=8K0WS6VW0M

[oilspill]

There are a lot of noise complaints over traffic noise and its a proven detriment to health, the thing is its the manufactures who get hit with making cars ever quieter and the chavs not really giving a st about anyone else. Then an ever noisier society will produce the people who complain about race tracks and airports.
So whos up for a compromise? Personally I prefer the sound of the motor over the sound of wasted energy coming out the back.