GTD Exhaust and Sound actuator

[Sootchucker]

Just been onto VW's ERWIN website and downloaded a rather interesting 5mb self study manual on the GTI and GTD. One thing that caught my eye straight away was the "active" exhaust of the GTD.

According to the document it's part of the sound and sight package, and is immediately noticeable via the fact that it doesn't have a rear silencer. Is really the package we get in the UK ?

Here's the extract (hope VW don't mind)

The active exhaust system for the Golf GTD 2013
The Golf GTD features a newly developed active exhaust system. This helps change the rather restrained sound of a diesel engine into a more sporty acoustic sound. The active exhaust system is a feature of the Sport & Sound package, available as an optional extra.

In comparison to the passive exhaust system, the active exhaust system differs in that the rear silencer has been omitted, the front silencer is larger and an actuator has been installed.

Actuator 1 for engine sound generator R257 is connected directly to the active exhaust system. It is installed on the side of the connecting pipe. The engine sound generator control unit J943 is installed on the left C-pillar.


GTD Sound actuator by Sootchucker, on Flickr

Actuator 1 for engine sound generation R257, which is integrated into the exhaust system, is connected to the engine sound generator control unit J943.
The engine sound generated by the actuator is guided directly into the exhaust system, right up to the tailpipes. Depending on the driving mode selected, the vehicle has a powerful-full bodied sound in “Sport” mode and a more comfort-oriented sound in
“Normal” or “Eco” mode.

Volume reduction
To prevent reducing the comfort during the journey, the sound becomes quieter as the speed increases.
Whether the volume is reduced quickly or slowly depends on the driving mode selected.

[Ricepop]

Very interesting, I drove a GTD a couple of weeks ago and was convinced that it sounded different when you select Sport. Shame VW wont let us know either way.

[Gryzor]

Yeah, it is interesting, and I guess a sign of things to potentially come.  Reminds me of an app you can get on your phone called XLR8 which pumps audio through your car speakers and mimics the engine noise of say, a Ferrari 458 as you drive (how well I do not know!).  Nice option to have in an electric car maybe, but I'd rather have things au naturel.

Haha, just found this, check out the Prius Muscle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfFCPTeUJiU

[George k]

We are not getting that exhaust package in UK, only getting sound actuator which sits behind dash and reverberates across screen so only hear sound inside car

[monkeyhanger]

We are not getting that exhaust package in UK, only getting sound actuator which sits behind dash and reverberates across screen so only hear sound inside car

Sounds most likely for us - the UK GTD definitely has some actuator action going on in Sport, but didn't sound as loud as the one on my Scirocco when I had my test drive.

[AlanH]

So here's a question - why does a diesel engine, with (I'm guessing) a higher compression ratio, sound quieter than a petrol engine?

[JJH]

So here's a question - why does a diesel engine, with (I'm guessing) a higher compression ratio, sound quieter than a petrol engine?

Huge amounts of sound insulation compared with petrol models?

[AlanH]

Possibly, although I was thinking more in terms of the exhaust note - GTi compared to GTD

[monkeyhanger]

Possibly, although I was thinking more in terms of the exhaust note - GTi compared to GTD

Lower revs at any given speed due to higher gearing. VW do more to silence the GTD's exhaust than the GTIs?

[Rhymesaka]

Hi All,

I am looking to place an order on a GTD this week and I'm under the impression that the above is the 'Sport and Sound Pack'? I've quizzed the salesman but they don't know much do they?

I've seen these videos on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciI4H6Lq8xk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6bl-oRfY8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhPe4OGOxA

I like the idea of it, however I've test drove a GTD (that apparently didn't have the S&S pack) which sounded very raspy???

 The description given by VW suggests this is nothing to do with the exhaust note or is it just me? 'This sound generator enhances the aural sensation for the driver and other passengers. In 'Sport' mode (using the Driver Profile Selector) there is an additional acoustic emphasis to the sound of the engine inside the car, with no additional noise externally.'

Can any GTD owners shed any light as to whether this package is what I can hear in the youtube videos or is just some gimmick noise inside the car? Does the engine sound like the above videos as standard?