We’ve been talking about speaker engine sounds a little bit lately, thanks to the news that the Nissan 370Z will get that system for the 2016 model year. Everybody has opinions on the right way to do this, but I think Nissan’s corporate cousin Renault is already doing it right.
For the past few years, the Renault Clio hatchback’s R-Link infotainment system has an option called R-Sound Effect, which lets you choose from six different engine sounds that come in through the speakers if you get tired of its normal small engine.
The choices include a Sport Clio Cup, the Nissan GT-R, the Sport Clio II V6 (remember that from Gran Turismo?) the Renault Reinastella flying spaceship concept, the Renault 8 Gordini, and a classic Alpine 110S. Great choices all around that pay tribute to the company’s interesting history.
Now this isn’t news, but since most Americans are extremely unlikely to encounter a newer-model Renault Clio, it isn’t very well-known on our side of the ocean. I thought I’d share it with you as an example of the creative things that can be done with engine sounds.
I like this because it’s honest. It’s Renault saying, “Look, we know this car doesn’t sound great, so pick your own engine sounds. At least you’ll have fun and be in on the joke.”
Here are some videos that show it in action:
If you’re gonna fake the engine noises, fake them right. Plus, this makes me wonder what other crazy possibilities are down the road. A Tesla Model S P85D that sounds like a Ferrari F355? Go ahead and lie to me, car.