What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?

[FroGTI]

Having read through the Pistonheads' testdrive report on the GTI again, I can't help wondering exactly what I will be getting with my MkVI GTI:

"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving."

It sounds a lot like the Fisher Price toys my 2 year-old plays with!

Can those who have been lucky enough to actually drive the GTI confirm what this box of tricks actually sounds like? I thought the great exhaust note that I have read about in the various tests was real (i.e. exhaust gasses actually flowing through the pipes). Now it would appear that it's nothing more than an MP3-generation electronic simulation..?!

[neilgcal]

If you are outside you can hear it all ok.

I think the problem is that they have built the new one so well and insultated it so well to stop road noise coming into the cabin that you can't hear it very well hence they basically pump the sounds from outside to inside when you really put your foot down. If you are just driving around slowly or not accelerating much you can't hear the engine and it does not pump any sound in.

[Chins]

From my test drive this new device doesnt do a lot. I would like more engine and exhaust noise. Maybe someone will have a mod before long to the sound generator

[FroGTI]

Thanks for your replies. What I would really like to know is whether it sounds 'real', i.e. like a sports exhaust, or whether it just sounds like the fake, electronic engine noises you get with Gran Turismo on the PlayStation, for example.

[jdjd]

Nahh it doesn't sound fake. its not some little box with a speaker attached to it putting out noise. Its a device that electronically amplifies the noise, Prolly by openeing and shutting different valves in the exhaust.
 I think u guys are thinking of people with those fake dump valves which were popular a few years back lol. And no its nothing like that

[carl1]

ive just taken mine for a blast with window down and it doesn't sound too bad at all (for a 4 pot). Im no expert but it sounds a bit like a supercharger after 3000rpm.
Its nothing to worry about anyway imo ive never heard a modern day 4pot go past me or revved and ive said "that sounds nice" even with aftermarket exhausts. R32 is king for sound per pound in a nearly new car

[TeddyKGB]

I believe they have strapped these to the rear of the bulkhead:

[simonpolly]

wondered what that was for

[Rolfe]

This sounds absolutely insane to me.  OK, all you victims of terminal testosterone poisoning might like to sound as if you're driving Formula 1, but me, the quieter the better.

Can you turn this silly toy OFF?

Rolfe.

[gossa]

Rolfe, it doesn't do a lot so don't worry, I've just booted mine with the windows down and really, this car doesn't sound as sporty as it looks or goes.  It's a proper 'grown up' GTI this, I wouldn't even use the term Hot Hatch, it's just a quality compact family car. God that description sounds sh1t though doesn't it? But that's what it is, just what I wanted.......