The Sound of Controversy: Ford Mach-E V8 Simulator Splits the Crowd
Borla, the renowned aftermarket exhaust manufacturer, has turned heads and ears with its latest invention – an 'active performance sound system' designed specifically for Ford's electric Mach-E. This system, which boasts a hidden exterior speaker beneath the rear bumper wired to an in-cabin controller, promises to deliver the thunderous roar of V8 engines, including Ford's Coyote and Predator, Chevrolet's 6.2-liter small-block, and Dodge's legendary 392 Hemi. However, while it promised the auditory euphoria of a classic muscle car, the reception has been anything but unanimous.
The sound system, showcased in a preview video, has now hit the streets, and Mach-E owners are chiming in with reactions. A Reddit user praises the customization, expressing relief at being able to silently slip into their neighborhood, in stark contrast to the days of waking the block with a rumbling Saleen Mustang exhaust. Meanwhile, another Mach-E aficionado on MachEForum.com echoes the sentiment, valuing the ability to switch up the soundtrack of their ride – yet the videos shared suggest the synthetic V8 tones aren't quite convincing, sounding tinny when juxtaposed with the real deal.
Not everyone is enamoured with this orchestration of artificial exhilaration. Some Mach-E owners have faced criticism from EV purists and friends alike; some appreciate the pedestrian alert benefits of the low-speed sound, while others decry it as an unnecessary and obtrusive addition to the urban soundscape. A particularly emphatic response on Reddit likens the fake exhaust to 'rolling coal' — the contentious practice of intentionally emitting dense clouds of black soot from diesel trucks — suggesting a less than favorable impression among some circles.
Opinions on Borla's bold move range from energetic enthusiasm to outright rejection. For some, it's a joyous embrace of noise in an increasingly quiet automotive world; for others, it's senseless noise pollution. Across the landscape of modern motoring, there's a growing tendency to blend synthetic noises with the drive experience. Performance models from various brands have dabbled in the art of acoustic deceit, whether it's piping in fabricated engine notes or creating an illusory exhaust rhapsody—practices not dissimilar to this current Mach-E discussion.
Yet, what stands out about Borla's system is its intent. While an EV driver might crave the nostalgic rumble of a V8 for personal pleasure, projecting that noise outwardly is seen by many as a plea for attention that could tarnish the enthusiast community's reputation. Amplifying faux engine notes doesn't just divide opinions; it raises the question — in an age of electric vehicles, what's the appropriate chorus for the silent revolution on our roads?