But that doesn't deal with the intangibles--people have been conditioned into what a supercar should sound like, and breaking them of that is tough. There's a reason Harley spends so much time and effort to make their bikes just the right version of loudness for their market.

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Good news: If there's two things I'm worried about when buying a Lambo, they're fuel economy and adequate power.

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When did you last hear an F40 driver moan about noise, vibration and harshness?

Maybe having a little is a god thing. So the car feels alive. Like you're part of the machine.

So a diesel Lambo, with a fucking great kick in the back as the torque builds from low revs, and a bi9t of harshness creeping through to remind you that there's something meaty under the bonnet. I can live with that...

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[I] "Strict new Euro V emissions regulations, which come into effect next year, are forcing manufacturers to compromise on how silky-smooth their oil-burners can be. And it's all for the sake of low CO2 output. One car that has been affected is the new Vauxhall Insignia (above).

A spokesman said: "The 2.0-litre CDTi engines need to take full advantage of sophisticated combustion strategies, multi-fuel injections and high exhaust gas recirculation rates to reduce nitrogen oxides and comply with Euro V emissions, while at the same time maintaining excellent mpg and performance. So, noise may increase slightly due to delayed combustion and a higher in-cylinder pressure gradient."

And greater sound levels aren't the only side effect, because vibration or diesel 'clatter' is set to rise, too - as Ford's product program chief Joe Bakaj explained: "The thin gearbox oils we must use to get the economy figures demanded by Euro V means more vibrations make their way into the cabin." [/I]

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