Feb
20

Intelligent exhaust adds to Audi’s acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation fitted to the Audi RS 4 Avant, due to arrive in the UK in September, will be assisted by an innovative intelligent exhaust system. The exhaust is part of the Audi drive select driving dynamics system, which comes as standard on the RS 4 Avant. It is capable of altering the sound produced [...]

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Feb
7

Tyre noise to feature on labels from November

Tyre noise is likely to put vehicle noise reduction in general firmly on motorists’ radars from November 2012, with the introduction of new mandatory labels for tyres sold in the EU. The EU Tyre Label will include a variety of information – including external rolling noise, wet grip and fuel efficiency. Continental Tyres says safety [...]

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Jan
30

Mercedes-Benz goes on the ‘hybrid offensive’

Mercedes-Benz has announced it is embarking on a “hybrid offensive”, with two E-class models aimed at the eco-conscious market. However, caring for the environment does not mean sacrificing ride quality, with several measures taken to ensure the driver and passengers alike can travel in comfort. Among these measures is the near-silent operation of the vehicle [...]

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Jan
24

VW Jetta Hybrid ‘quietest in its class’

A 20kW zero-emission electric motor is not the only reason why the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is the quietest vehicle in its class that the manufacturer has ever produced. Various automotive insulations – including an acoustic windscreen and thicker side windows at the front – help to cut out unwanted noise from the surroundings. The electric [...]

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Jan
17

Kia Optima promises ‘extensive noise reduction’

“Extensive noise reduction” awaits owners of the new Kia Optima, due to go on sale in the UK on February 1st. The manufacturer has outlined the specifications of the new model, including the ways in which it aims to deliver a noise-free driving experience for owners. “Extensive noise-reduction measures ensure minimal transmission of engine and [...]

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Jan
10

Mercedes seek saloon-style sound in a soft-top

Sounds insulation in a soft-top? It’s not as crazy as it may sound, as Mercedes-Benz are demonstrating in the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster. The vario-roof option gives a top-down driving experience even with the top up, as the roof of the vehicle can tint to provide shade, or switch to near-transparency to let the light in. [...]

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Jan
5

Thermal insulation optional on Volkswagen CC

Thermal insulation is one of a range of climate-controlling optional extras on the new Volkswagen CC, which has just been priced for the UK market. Starting from £24,200, the Volkswagen CC includes 2Zone climate control as standard, but the GT specification, starting at £27,570, adds further thermal characteristics to the vehicle’s profile. The leather-upholstered front [...]

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Dec
22

Range Rover Evoque named Car of the Year

The Range Rover Evoque, engineered to offer quieter engine performance, has been named Top Gear’s Car of the Year. Charlie Turner, editor in chief of Top Gear magazine, says the decision was, unusually, unanimous among the voting parties, including show’s three presenters. “Universal approval from the most opinionated minds in the industry is almost unheard [...]

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Dec
18

BMW-Toyota partnership could deliver near-silent cars

A partnership to investigate environmentally friendly technologies between Toyota and BMW could lead the two carmakers to develop vehicles which operate with very little engine noise. The two companies are to look into sustainable methods of powering vehicles, including solar cells and wind turbines. Far from having a windmill on the roof of your car, [...]

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Dec
13

Volvo automatic gearbox matches manuals for fuel consumption

A new automatic gearbox option on four Volvo models promises to deliver the same fuel economy as the manual equivalent, through a range of improvements that may also help to reduce the noise generated by the gearbox. Peter Mertens, senior vice-president for research and development at Volvo, says this is the first time an automatic [...]

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