Car engine sounds are the result of controlled explosions within the engine, with each explosion corresponding to a revolution of the engine.
Different types of cars produce distinct engine sounds, with everyday cars prioritizing quietness and NASCAR cars possessing loud roaring engines due to their high RPMs and lack of mufflers.
Deep dives
The Fascination with Car Engine Sounds
Many people are captivated by the sounds produced by car engines, finding them powerful, alive, and visceral. Car enthusiasts, like sound designers, perceive the engine sound as the voice of the car, conveying information about its performance and characteristics.
The Basic Mechanism Behind Car Engine Sounds
Car engine sounds are ultimately the result of controlled explosions within the engine. The internal combustion engine combines vaporized gasoline with air and ignites the mixture through spark plugs, creating controlled explosions. Each explosion corresponds to a revolution of the engine, known as RPM. The number of pistons in the engine determines the number of explosions per revolution.
The Variety of Car Engine Sounds
Different types of cars produce distinct engine sounds. Everyday cars prioritize quietness, utilizing mufflers to minimize noise and not disturb neighbors. NASCAR cars, on the other hand, possess loud roaring engines due to their high RPMs and lack of mufflers. Cars designed for drag racing and Formula One races also generate unique sounds, with the former using high-powered explosions and the latter incorporating a combination of electric motors, turbochargers, and V6 engines.
When was the last time you turned off your radio and just listened to your car? What’s really going on under the hood? We chat with our own Nick Spradlin about the simple force at the heart of every gasoline engine and talk with legendary recordist Watson Wu about how the sound of wild and powerful sports cars are captured.