Pretty much what I have said for quite some time.

 

That Reno ClitRS has that - select from an Alpine, Nissan GT-R, etc.

That is so lame, I'd be ashamed to be seen in the same town as a Reno franchise, let alone buy a Clit and so should everyone else be.

I'll put a paper bag over my head next time I drive down that part of the Ware Road.

 

Totally agree. Although that means there are plenty of bargains to be had from cars that don't tick the badge box.

 

I've a friend who's looking for a car for his mum. They're keen on the VW Up and won't even consider the Seat or Skoda version.

But strangely the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka are also a consideration in spite of the Ford badge.

 

I haven't read EVO in years. I'm not a journalist (clearly) and maybe soul is the wrong word. Especially as I don't believe in a soul. But to paraphrase Nick, some cars trigger in you a Pavlovian style sympathetic nervous respons. Others don't.

And yes, cars are becoming more anodyne generally. In return for the sheer power, flexibility and comfort of my M135i, there is a detachment that wouldn't have been there even 10 years ago. And it has what's called a "Symposer" which is fake engine noise. It seems to be a direct result of modern soundproofing techniques and I bet it'll be everywhere in 10 years if not sooner. That's not to say it's a good thing, but my one doesn't sound fake. Or maybe I'm used to it.

But if I didn't want that, I'd have bought something else.

The fact of the matter is we're all a dying breed and real excitement doesn't sell, anodyne boxes with a marketing sheen so other people can see we have faux taste does.

 

Maybe the puffers also disguise the induction noise; 6 pot upwards BMWs used to sound great.

At least my Leg End has the good grace to have noise-cancelling software instead of soundproofing.

There is latent VTEC grrrrrr and lots of suspension noise to remind one it's a Honda. Even if some call it an Acura.

The GT86 has piped induction noise, which at least is slightly less silly than removing an air box cover.

 

Yeah, turbo mute is not good. The car does sound better through a tunnel with the window down though. I hadn't realised there was an audible dump valve until I had the window down a couple of weeks ago going past a big brick wall and lifted off. Which is why I think it's a soundproofing thing. But the noise even outside the car is nothing compared to my old M3. That is the best BMW straight six noise ever. CSL version being the best of the best...

 

Soul is the wrong word but oft used
Character or stirs emotion is better
But then I'm biased

 

The LFA does that too, although that has perhaps the best sounding production engine ever.

 

They don't still have that "Power, passion; Union City blues" or whatever it was come up when you switch on, do they?