"Pssshhtttt": The New Sound Of Performance

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge was one of the more underwhelming concepts at NAIAS. Apparently we’ll find out what’s under the hood at the Geneva Auto Show. The video above shows off the concept’s engine sounds, and it has a distinct exhaust note that certainly doesn’t sound like a V8 engine. What’s most striking are the very audible wastegate sounds, confirming that it is a turbocharged engine. In the Baby Boomer era, the V8 rumble was the audible manifestation of speed and horsepower. For the new generation, it’s the wooosh and psshhhtt of turbochargers and blow-off valves.


Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Chris_55_55 Chris_55_55 on Feb 19, 2014

    I respectfully disagree. As someone in my 20's, I very much love forced induction (and have a boosted car). HOWEVER - I realize the way the world is going, and so bought an Audi V8. Because it has a small displacement DOHC V8 that sounds just right going up to 7000rpm, and rumbles smoothly at idle. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but some time in my lifetime, driving is going to be so regulated and expensive it won't be worth it or attainable to anyone but the uber rich. So I'm getting my fun in now!

  • Brandloyalty Brandloyalty on Feb 19, 2014

    How could the hum and whine of hybrids and ev's be overlooked? Efficiency is going to displace "performance". Smooth efficient driving is going to replace frenetic jolting on the roads.

  • Illan Illan on Feb 19, 2014

    Sounds like a VR38 (GT-R engine) without the GT-R Tranny.

  • Tjh8402 Tjh8402 on Feb 20, 2014

    I know I'm in the younger age demographic (I still love the sound of a V8), but I think that sounds pretty good. Always been a sucker for a sweet sounding six. Too bad Infiniti has dropped manuals from their sedans and are getting in bed with the worlds worst steering system. All the six cylinder music in the world can't make up for those two glaring flaws.

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