Undoubtedly, electric cars lose a bit of soul and connection when it comes to their sound and wide-open-throttle sensations. Go figure that the industry has been innovating different methods to offset this. You’ve probably heard of the Dodge “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” in the all-electric Charger SRT Daytona Banshee concept, and the GMC Hummer EV has its own special sounds pumped through the speakers when WTF Mode is activated. But the aftermarket has been busy as well. After years of development, Borla and Audio Control will be offering an active performance sound system that will be attachable to multiple makes and models starting with the Mustang Mach-E, then Ford Lightning, and others to follow.
The active performance sound system from Borla and Audio Control uses a proprietary algorithm that considers speed, RPM, power, torque and load to produce an appropriate and pleasing sound. The algorithm ensures that what you hear will perfectly sync up with the EV motor status from idle to acceleration and beyond. They also developed the sound using a variety of professional recordings of actual Borla equipped muscle cars.
In addition, the system pairs up with a unique mobile app that gives drivers the ability to monitor and change volume as well as choose a sound profile from ATAK, S-Type, and Touring. Pricing and availability are expected to be revealed later this fall and will also be on display at SEMA later this year, in the same hall as the SEMA Electrified exhibit.
We’ve seen the attempt to implement audio in the absence of an engine from many already so why is this one any different? Well, as evident by the video, it sounds pretty good. Keep in mind that the stock Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV doesn’t really have a sound when it’s propelling itself around town (from the outside, anyway). It ill be interesting to see how many takers are out there who would look to deliberately re-introduce noise into a vehicle that’s silent on purpose. If anything, it will certainly give the fun police more fodder to rant about on social media.