Car shoppers these days are looking for all the safety, reliability, fuel economy, performance and general efficiency that they can get out of their vehicles. With changing technology, a lot of manufacturers have been focusing on eliminating engine sounds for a smoother, quieter ride. Sure, this makes us feel more comfortable behind the wheel – but could it be a safety issue?

Electric cars are storming the automotive industry at the moment as part of the effort to find alternative fuel sources, reduce emissions, and lower the total cost of ownership for vehicle owners. One of the problems (few though they are) facing manufacturers when it comes to electric cars is providing for the safety of pedestrians; the rev of an engine has become a staple of the roads, and quiet cars make it more difficult for pedestrians to hear oncoming dangers.

Nissan is leading the way in finding a solution, and Chicago Nissan dealers were titillated to find out that the upcoming Nissan Leaf low carbon electric car comes with a bit of extra pizzazz. Sound engineers have been called in at Nissan to figure out a way to make these unique vehicles a bit more obvious to cyclists and pedestrians, a move which might include the addition of a futuristic engine noise. The noise is expected to be aurally pleasing but obvious so the Leaf can keep a higher profile.

Regarding the new Leaf, Nissan noise and vibration expert Toshiyuki Tabata said “We wanted something a bit different, something closer to the world of art.”  Read more...