Fisker to project "jet turbine" sound through external speakers
Okay, this is a pretty stupid move that will certainly be rediculed by those of the internet community:
"But the electric motor also has an unexpected side effect: It is completely silent, Fisker says, which might worry pedestrians with bad eyesight and disappoint sports car freaks keen to hear the roar of their machines.
Fisker says the solution is speakers the company has added inside and outside the vehicle. One option will allow drivers to make their car sound ''like something between a Formula One car and a jet plane,'' and certainly loud enough to be heard by pedestrians.
A gimmick? Fisker says most car makers already tinker with the sound of the engine.
''It's been enhanced and manipulated to make sure it sounds good,'' he says. ''Part of any experience is the acoustic experience.'' "
http://www.forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2008/march/ap031208-geneva-auto-show-superhybrids.html
Tire noise is still going to exist so I don't see why they have to deliberately do this. This is similar to the vroombox designed to make minivans sound like exotic cars. This is an expensive car, and this kind of imitation of sound is going to be laughed at.
You have people laughing here already:
Fisker Karma to project a jet turbine sound using speakers - Autoblog
Then you have people using this as a chance to bash EVs:
"That is one of the lamest ideas I have ever heard. If you want your car to sound cool, don't buy a damn electric car.
I have an idea: I'm going to buy a lamborghini and put a sticker on it that says ''electric vehicle''. That way, I can have the sound, looks, performance, and prestige that comes with owning a Lamborghini, and the pretentiousness of thinking that I am saving the world that comes with owning an electric car."
I don't agree, I think EVs have their own distinct sound that is pleasing to hear, and can certainly qualify as "cool". The sound is similar to a jet turbine or a supercharger and quite frankly is one of the most futuristic sounds you can hear. It doesn't need some speaker to mimic other sounds.