Are Loud Exhausts Becoming Cringeworthy?

Changing Attitudes Towards Noisy Vehicles

As I recently came across some video clips of noisy vehicles, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment instead of excitement. It made me question whether it’s me who has changed or if the car world has taken a turn for the worse.

The Apollo Intensa Emozione Hypercar

One of the clips featured an Apollo Intensa Emozione hypercar downshifting as it approached an urban junction. While the engine sounded impressive, I couldn’t help but think about the inconvenience it would cause to those trying to concentrate or with a sleeping child in the vicinity.

Aftermarket Ferrari Exhausts

The second clip compared two aftermarket Ferrari exhausts, asking viewers to decide which one sounded better. While the younger enthusiast in me would have eagerly participated, the current me wondered why they couldn’t have just left the exhausts as they were.

Appreciating Engine Sounds

Let me clarify that I do appreciate the sounds of engines. In fact, they are some of my favorite sounds that machines produce. I have even sat in Lamborghinis and Ferraris, lowering the windows or opening the roofs to fully immerse myself in the engine’s symphony.

For instance, the sound of a Porsche flat six approaching 9000rpm gives me an exhilarating sensation. I would even choose a six-cylinder Honda Goldwing engine over a four-cylinder BMW engine for my Hillman Imp. So, what has changed?

A Cry for Attention

In simple terms, I believe that the loudest exhausts, especially when attached to flamboyant cars, are merely a cry for attention. It’s like walking down the street and shouting, “Look at me! I have lots of money and an annoying hobby, and you should pay attention to me!”

However, instead of attracting positive attention, it often leads to annoyance and frustration from others. When some people already dislike what you do, why go out of your way to further annoy them?

Consideration for Others

A few weeks ago, while waiting in a park for a meeting in London, I could hear a sports bike with an aftermarket exhaust needlessly revving its engine from 500 meters away. As someone who enjoys cars and driving, I found it annoying. So, what would those who are ambivalent or actively dislike them think? We do ourselves no favors by disregarding the impact of our actions on others.

Preparation is Key

During my recent road trips, covering 2000 miles in a Skoda Kamiq and 1250 miles on my old Honda Africa Twin, I realized the importance of thorough preparation.

Car Preparations

Before embarking on the journey in my car, I made sure to have all the necessary paperwork, roadside assistance details, and safety equipment such as hi-vis vests and warning triangles. This level of preparation ensured a smooth and faultless experience.

Motorbike Preparations

However, when it came to my old Honda Africa Twin, which had already covered 80,000 miles, I noticed a clonking noise at low speeds during my trip to Scotland. This noise worried me as it could potentially lead to inconvenience and expensive repairs.

Despite my attempts, I couldn’t locate the source of the noise. To ease my concerns, I downloaded The AA’s smartphone app and ensured that my registration details were in order. Surprisingly, this simple act made the noise less noticeable, if not completely gone. Just like carrying an umbrella to prevent rain, having a backup plan can help alleviate concerns about mechanical issues.

In conclusion, it’s essential to consider the impact of our actions on others, especially when it comes to loud exhausts. Additionally, thorough preparation can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.