Ethanol and HyBred redux

[Stuart F.]

Took the dog to our groomer in a shopping center this morning and learned first hand the concern for the "no noise" Hybreds. I about got run down TWICE, once by a red Prius and again a second time by a black one while crossing the parking lot.

I know in previous threads we talked about this due to GM's expressed concern for this same problem with possible use of a engine sound simulator. We even went so far as to joke about using a high reving Formula 1 sound paddling through the gears, etc.

Well, I thought of a simple solution; make the manufactures equip the HyBreds with oversize off road Knobby tires. They make a lot of noise proportional to the vehicle's speed. Of course their gas mileage might suffer, but what the heck, life's all about compromises.

If they do go the engine sound route, I vote for an L-88 Vette with side pipes and an automatic throttle blip at low speeds every 20 feet or so. Or better yet, how about a recording; "Excuse Me! Excuse Me!"

Stu Fox

[Robert M.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

40 plus years ago when I was a young boy in school, we were taught that when about to cross a street, to "stop, look (both ways) and listen."
The lesson was to take responsibility for your own safety, and not depend on others, or our government, to protect you from your own carelessness.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

Bob;

Well said and I couldn't agree more. Just trying to pull some of the old guy's chains. Like me, they too had good hearing and neck mobility 40 years ago. But, don't you think the L-88 w/ side pipes sound has some merit?

Stu Fox

[Chuck S.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

Is that your wife's dog, Stu? You need to trade that dog for a "watch dog"; he's not smart enough to save himself, let alone you. HaHaHa...

Personally, I think the popping, backfiring IC engine sound is passe'...the General should go with a speed proportional "turbine" sound on the Volt. (They'll have to be careful not to make it sound like a fancy golf cart. )

A simulated turbine sound would add to the "high technology" mystique...With the attention global warming is getting, "green" people that are buying "green" electric cars aren't going to want them sounding like dark ages, CO2 spewing, sipepipe Corvettes. HaHaHa...

[Stuart F.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

Chuck;

I guess you're right. A more high tech sound would be better, but then there is the hi-compression aspect you can feel vibrating in your chest. That's one you can feel besides hear.

Actually, the dog was already at the groomers and I was just trying to kill time so as to not make a second trip home and back while waiting (save gas and all). You know, to Dunkin and around window shopping, etc.

Me thinks Bob doesn't have any shopping center parking lots with aisle ways where he comes from where the walkers have to share the same space with the cars. And, being old and feeble, we tend to drift around a lot instead of walk in a straight line parallel with traffic. I'm, by prescription, supposed to be using a walker right now, but I don't. My trouble is with my right leg (brake and throttle), but as long as my clutch leg is holding out, I'm good to go in my Vette.

Stu Fox

[Robert M.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

Oh, we do have a few shopping centers around here, it's not all ice, snow and tundra. About 15 miles away is the Mall of America. In the 16 or so years the MOA has been open, I have never set foot there, as there isn't a bait shop on the location, so I have no reason to be there.

[Mark J.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

For a sound enhancer I prefer wire spoke wheels and a playing card held on by clothespin.

[Steven S.]

Re: Ethanol and HyBred redux

For a sound enhancer I prefer wire spoke wheels and a playing card held on by clothespin.

You SO beat me to that one!!