Artificial Sound, Real Pleasure

The Sonic Future of Electric Vehicles

Manufacturers know it well: the sound of a vehicle is an essential part of driving pleasure. While electric vehicles (EVs) offer impressive torque and blistering acceleration, the auditory pleasure is often absent. The characteristic "gurgle" of a V8 at low revs, for example, is an irreplaceable sensation for many of us.

This is where sound synthesis comes into play, and some manufacturers are making remarkable progress. Take the new BMW M5: unlike the XM, which shares the same engine, the M5 manages to synthesize the V8 sound in an incredibly realistic way. In everyday driving, at low load, it's almost impossible to distinguish whether the vehicle is running in electric or combustion mode, so faithful is the reproduction. This feature is a real asset, as the abrupt transition from electric silence to a roaring V8 can be unsettling, a problem that most other manufacturers haven't yet solved.

This ability to reproduce realistic sounds via the vehicle's loudspeakers is a key strategy for manufacturers to gain acceptance for hybridization, even on iconic models equipped with V8s. But what about 100% electric vehicles? This is a real challenge that many high-end manufacturers, and not just them, are tackling. While the sound experience can be recreated inside the cabin, as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N does very well with its "pops and bangs" and simulated gear changes, the exterior sound remains the major challenge.

Porsche and Ferrari at the Forefront

It is precisely on this point that brands like Porsche and Ferrari are focusing their efforts. Their objective is to offer electric vehicles that retain the sensory characteristics of a combustion engine, so as not to "lose" valuable customers who might perceive electric as an unacceptable compromise.

Porsche, for example, is about to take a bold step with the revelation of the fourth generation of its most popular model, the Cayenne, in an all-electric version. The new production model will be unveiled later this year and go on sale during 2026.

Aware of market reluctance towards all-electric vehicles, Porsche will continue to sell and develop its combustion-engine Cayenne until at least 2035, or even beyond. A camouflaged prototype of the new electric Cayenne was recently spotted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Gabriela Jilkova, Porsche development driver, who has already demonstrated its performance by breaking SUV lap records.

Although full technical details have not yet been revealed, the new electric Cayenne will be larger than the gasoline version, with a longer wheelbase and a generous "frunk" (front trunk). All versions, likely offered in three levels (Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne Turbo), will feature two motors and all-wheel drive, using Porsche-developed motors. Power is expected to be around 395 hp for the entry-level model, 590 hp for the S, and over 986 hp (1000 PS) for the Turbo version, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market. The target range is approximately 370 miles (about 595 km).

In terms of performance, the electric Cayenne Turbo is expected to be at least as fast as high-end combustion models, with a 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds and a 0 to 200 km/h in about 10 seconds. The top speed will be limited to 250 km/h, as with all Porsche SUVs. All models will use active dampers, and high-end versions should benefit from rear-wheel steering to improve low-speed agility and high-speed stability.

Interior Sound Experience: A Virtual V8 for the Electric Cayenne

Porsche is also working on the interior of these new electric vehicles. Just like the Taycan and other luxury EVs, the Cayenne driver will be able to activate a synthesized engine sound, including a faithful reproduction of recordings from a real Porsche V8 engine. This is an approach similar to BMW's and Hyundai's, aiming to fill the auditory void inherent in electric vehicles.

Sascha Niesen, Head of Verification and Validation for the electric Cayenne, emphasized that the basic layout is similar to that of the Macan EV, but the torque distribution system has been improved to manage the additional power, size, and weight. The focus is on naturally sound road behavior even before electronic intervention.

During a test at Goodwood, the prototype version of the electric Cayenne demonstrated astonishing performance. Despite its imposing size and weight, acceleration is described as an "explosion," with an almost complete absence of wheelspin thanks to sophisticated electronics. The vehicle remained incredibly stable in corners, behaving more like a sports car despite its height. The experience is enhanced by the "synthesized V8 purr" which, even if artificial, seems "perfectly appropriate" in this context of extreme performance.

Ultimately, the challenge for manufacturers is significant: how to retain the essence of driving pleasure in an increasingly electrified world? Sound synthesis is a promising solution, but the development of credible exterior acoustic sensations for electric vehicles remains the next big step. At WOT, we are eager to see how these innovations will shape the future of engine remapping and driving enjoyment.