REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Aiolos · July 4th, 2009, 11:49 PM

Interesting. We've heard about the two accidents in the US.

I lol'ed at the cowbells. images/smilies/lol.gif

Source: Autoblog

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Quote:

Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine whether it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion engine switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel – consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials – "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/hs250hfd_01.jpg

hansvonaxion · July 5th, 2009, 12:19 AM

Well they will have to be loud to compete with regular traffic.

http://www.paul-richardson.com/tokyobytes/MobilePics/Bikes/Scooters/scootercust2.jpg

http://www.paul-richardson.com/tokyobytes/MobilePics/Bikes/Scooters/scooter1253pipes2.jpg

http://www.paul-richardson.com/tokyobytes/MobilePics/Bikes/Scooters/bigscootersissy.jpg

Japanese people are all hard of hearing. I think it's genetic. They also cannot recognise distortion.

JScullin · July 5th, 2009, 1:09 AM

Can they sound like the BTTF Delorean?

Cobol74 · July 5th, 2009, 1:24 AM

Next steps will be a choking petrol like smell and some blue fumes. ...

BlaRo · July 5th, 2009, 1:24 AM

I hope they make them sound like Star Trek spaceships going into warp speed. That would make me interested in hybrids.

Spectre · July 5th, 2009, 1:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaRo

I hope they make them sound like Star Trek spaceships going into warp speed. That would make me interested in hybrids.

I had a Dodge Dart that made that noise with its automatic transmission - complete with the "blam" noise when it shifted.

hansvonaxion · July 5th, 2009, 3:24 AM

Any Aussies here remember Beyond 2000 (AKA Towards 2000 before the year 2000)?

I remember a gizmo they featured that played the sound of a whole range of different engine types through your stereo, but it was hooked up to your tacho etc so it sounded correct. That thing was sweet.

Now that would (almost) be perfect for Hybrids. Only problem is, with no engine running, there's no reference point for the gizmo. It would have to process actual speed, accelerator position etc.

Lupin_IV · July 5th, 2009, 3:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Any Aussies here remember Beyond 2000 (AKA Towards 2000 before the year 2000)?

I remember a gizmo they featured that played the sound of a whole range of different engine types through your stereo, but it was hooked up to your tacho etc so it sounded correct. That thing was sweet.

Now that would (almost) be perfect for Hybrids. Only problem is, with no engine running, there's no reference point for the gizmo. It would have to process actual speed, accelerator position etc.

Just run it straight off the speedo instead.

Spectre · July 5th, 2009, 3:37 AM

I have a better idea, let's bring back some of the old laws and require all hybrids to be preceded by a man carrying a lantern who is verbally warning others about the hybrid following him.

The hybrid would, of course, be required to go no faster than the man can walk. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

prizrak · July 5th, 2009, 3:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spectre

I have a better idea, let's bring back some of the old laws and require all hybrids to be preceded by a man carrying a lantern who is verbally warning others about the hybrid following him.

The hybrid would, of course, be required to go no faster than the man can walk. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

How is that any different from their normal speed? images/smilies/tongue.gif

Spectre · July 5th, 2009, 3:42 AM

Well, obviously they must normally go a little faster or there would be no concern about one running over people. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Lupin_IV · July 5th, 2009, 3:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prizrak

How is that any different from their normal speed? images/smilies/tongue.gif

It's quite the opposite; usually Prius drivers will do 15-20 over while using the slow lane to pass because they think they're better than everyone else.

Dofty · July 5th, 2009, 3:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Any Aussies here remember Beyond 2000 (AKA Towards 2000 before the year 2000)?

I remember a gizmo they featured that played the sound of a whole range of different engine types through your stereo, but it was hooked up to your tacho etc so it sounded correct. That thing was sweet.

Now that would (almost) be perfect for Hybrids. Only problem is, with no engine running, there's no reference point for the gizmo. It would have to process actual speed, accelerator position etc.

That, i would like to see! And if you're tired of the engine sound, you could download the Ferrari FXX engine sound for instance. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Donington · July 5th, 2009, 4:20 AM

The only sensible solution would be to swap the hybrid synergy drive for a Small Block.

nsx_23 · July 5th, 2009, 4:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donington

The only sensible solution would be to swap the hybrid synergy drive for a Small Block.

Or a V12.

Redliner · July 5th, 2009, 4:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23

Or a V12.

If you want noise, a rotary is almost mandatory. images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

Aiolos · July 5th, 2009, 4:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donington

The only sensible solution would be to swap the hybrid synergy drive for a Small Block.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23

Or a V12.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redliner

If you want noise, a rotary is almost mandatory. images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

Excellent suggestions with which I whole-heartedly agree. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Spectre · July 5th, 2009, 5:04 AM

No, they should be required to mount a J79 turbine!

hansvonaxion · July 5th, 2009, 5:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lupin_IV

Just run it straight off the speedo instead.

Wouldn't work, it ran through the whole range of engine sounds, as you accelerate in every gear it would match, under deceleration you'd get the appropriate note, even pop and crackle if appropriate.

I realise Hybrids aren't cars, and don't have a proper gearbox, but I think people would still prefer gearchanges - I know I do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dofty

That, i would like to see! And if you're tired of the engine sound, you could download the Ferrari FXX engine sound for instance. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I remember they had a number of different different cars programmed in, one of them being a Ferrari, so the guy was driving around in a little hatchback and switching from Ferrari to Group B rally (maybe not) to big block V8 and so on. Maybe it was too expensive in the long run, but I would have loved one.

Spectre · July 5th, 2009, 5:16 AM

They're still making and selling those, you know.

http://www.vroombox.com/vroombox/

July 5th, 2009, 12:19 AM	#2
hansvonaxion Joined: Apr 8th, 2005 Last Online: 3:31 AM Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,773 Car: CB400SF Hyper VTEC Rep Power: 59	Well they will have to be loud to compete with regular traffic. Japanese people are all hard of hearing. I think it's genetic. They also cannot recognise distortion. __________________

July 5th, 2009, 1:09 AM	#3
JScullin Joined: Jun 5th, 2004 Last Online: 3:04 AM Location: Badassachusetts Posts: 325 Car: 2000 Mercury Cougar V6, MTX Rep Power: 32	Can they sound like the BTTF Delorean? __________________ Skolenimation: My designs/art \| Modifications @ Cougardb.com

July 5th, 2009, 1:24 AM	#4
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 3:20 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,597 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	Next steps will be a choking petrol like smell and some blue fumes. ... __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

July 5th, 2009, 1:24 AM	#5
BlaRo Lady GaGa's #1 Fan Joined: Aug 18th, 2005 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Assachusetts Age: 21 Posts: 11,259 Car: 1997 Yamaha Seca II, 1976 Honda CB550F Rep Power: 372	I hope they make them sound like Star Trek spaceships going into warp speed. That would make me interested in hybrids. __________________ "It is impossible to describe this kind of performance to the uninitiated. Telling a traffic officer or a safety crusader like Ralph Nader that 100 mph can be safe is like reading the Constitution to a Maoist; it is a strange and hostile concept." -Brock Yates. The body was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. Because of Parkinson's.

July 5th, 2009, 3:24 AM	#7
hansvonaxion Joined: Apr 8th, 2005 Last Online: 3:31 AM Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,773 Car: CB400SF Hyper VTEC Rep Power: 59	Any Aussies here remember Beyond 2000 (AKA Towards 2000 before the year 2000)? I remember a gizmo they featured that played the sound of a whole range of different engine types through your stereo, but it was hooked up to your tacho etc so it sounded correct. That thing was sweet. Now that would (almost) be perfect for Hybrids. Only problem is, with no engine running, there's no reference point for the gizmo. It would have to process actual speed, accelerator position etc. __________________

July 5th, 2009, 3:37 AM	#9
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 3:58 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 32 Posts: 8,351 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 191	I have a better idea, let's bring back some of the old laws and require all hybrids to be preceded by a man carrying a lantern who is verbally warning others about the hybrid following him. The hybrid would, of course, be required to go no faster than the man can walk. __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike)

July 5th, 2009, 3:42 AM	#11
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 3:58 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 32 Posts: 8,351 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 191	Well, obviously they must normally go a little faster or there would be no concern about one running over people. __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike)

July 5th, 2009, 4:20 AM	#14
Donington Joined: Jan 26th, 2007 Last Online: 4:08 AM Location: Now in Plymouth, Englandshire Age: 20 Posts: 4,263 Rep Power: 176	The only sensible solution would be to swap the hybrid synergy drive for a Small Block. __________________ I live in Botswana, saving lives. DO YOU!?

July 5th, 2009, 5:04 AM	#18
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 3:58 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 32 Posts: 8,351 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 191	No, they should be required to mount a J79 turbine! __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike)

July 5th, 2009, 5:16 AM	#20
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 3:58 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 32 Posts: 8,351 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 191	They're still making and selling those, you know. http://www.vroombox.com/vroombox/ __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike) Last edited by Spectre; July 5th, 2009 at 5:18 AM.

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