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The “Enhanced” Exhaust Of The 2016 Audi TT: Feature Spotlight

The new 2016 Audi TT is improved in many ways that you can see and one way you can hear. While you may be thinking the cabin must be quieter or the engine is improved, it is actually neither. Audi engineers have added engine noise to the cabin. That’s right, the 2016 Audi TT sounds better. Albeit in a controversial way that makes purists scorn.

This additional noise follows a recent trend towards adding artificial sounds in the cabin to offset weak engine noises. 2016 Audi TT engineers call it “soundaktor” or sound actuator. The idea is to add sound when the engine sound should be louder.  For example, when mashing the gas or shifting, the car’s computer will pipe in additional noise.

How did they come up with the sound actuator idea? The story, according to Motor Authority, goes Audi first started looking into the problem way back in 2008. Back then, they figured out they could use the last generation TTS’ windshield to help them create a sounding chamber. This idea was similar to the way submarine’s outer shell is a sounding chamber that reduces exterior noises.

“We thought with the TTS—the last generation—in 2008, that we could put it in front, next to the windscreen, to see if it would work, and it did,” said Markus Siewert, head of technical development for the 2016 Audi TT. “So you can produce a sound for the passenger and the driver, and you won’t hear a lot outside of the car.”

This actually works, according to Motor Authority, with the 2016 Audi TT sounding a bit different with the windows rolled down than up.

Audi engineers say close to 80-percent is actual engine sound and they are merely adding that little bit more to create a better driving experience without going overboard.

Also, helping enhance the sound are special exhaust flaps in the 2016 Audi TTS. These open at certain conditions to produce a better sound.

Tim is a married father of three living in Western Nebraska. He spends a lot of time reading, writing and talking cars/trucks with fans, insiders and manufacture reps. When he isn't talking about cars, he is usually out playing golf - a never ending obsession to see how far the little white ball will fly.

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