With the mainstream electric vehicle market stabilizing, automakers have started to explore options for the enthusiast demographic. While creating a speedy EV is relatively straightforward, speed doesn’t necessarily equate to enjoyment.
In fairness to EV engineers, they face a unique challenge. Aerodynamics play a crucial role in both performance and efficiency; however, the requirements for each differ significantly in terms of engineering. Performance-oriented vehicles necessitate aerodynamic features that generate downforce for enhanced grip, ultimately resulting in increased drag—which counters efficiency.
Moreover, there’s the issue of weight. The Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack featured in this video tips the scales at 5,800 pounds—300 pounds heavier than the already burly Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Although both vehicles generally utilize similar approaches to satisfy enthusiasts, their methods vary considerably.
Few seem enamored with artificial engine sounds, but there’s likely a subset of individuals who appreciate them. Most feedback we’ve gathered ranges from indifference to an unexpectedly strong disdain. The Drive’s Editor-in-Chief, Kyle Cheromcha, along with our resident racer, Nik Romano, chose to assess these sounds in a more analytical manner.
Hyundai has opted for a digital approach, bestowing the 5 N with a lively sound resembling a small, high-revving race engine. In contrast, Dodge employs a tangible resonator system that utilizes speakers and motors to produce sound and vibration for a more robust auditory experience.
Regardless of the method, artificial powertrain noise in an EV genuinely adds an element to the experience, particularly when pushing the car’s limits.
“Sound serves as feedback; sound conveys information,” states Romano.
Engine noise and fake shift “blips” offer reference points for drivers, functioning as mental shortcuts instead of relying solely on guesswork. The lack of auditory feedback may complicate the driver’s understanding of the vehicle’s actions at any moment. Although synthetic noise is artificial, its synchronization with the car’s performance systems still mirrors the electronic and mechanical behaviors of the car itself.
“As humans, we excel at recognizing patterns,” Romano remarks. “So if I’m approaching a corner at high speed, and I ease off the throttle for a downshift, listening to the engine sound gives me a solid indication of the speed at which I’m entering that turn.”
This proves advantageous for the Hyundai, which also features a simulated “transmission” with similarly simulated “gears” that can be selected via traditional wheel-mounted paddles. While it may seem gimmicky, Romano rates it highly for seamlessly integrating with the rest of the car’s performance features.
Cheromcha shared Romano’s positive assessment of the Hyundai after a drive through winding roads.
“It feels like any standard sports car, in its prime, achieving what it’s meant to do,” he commented. “The 5 N seems crafted specifically for the driver’s enjoyment.”
Without the feedback they provide, establishing a rhythm becomes notably harder. This concern arises again later when Romano takes the Charger to the track. Unlike the Hyundai, there are no stepped “gears,” and the awkward throttle mapping is both tricky and inconsistently synced with the car’s artificial feedback, undermining its intended utility.
It’s subtle, but it significantly disrupts Romano’s flow, underscoring the critical role effective sound feedback plays in the overall experience. But don’t just take our word for it. You can test this theory yourself at home.
“If any of you watching are simulator gamers, or into something like Forza or Gran Turismo, mute the engine sounds and attempt to achieve your best lap time,” Romano suggests.
Some of the Charger’s less performance-oriented attributes help to redeem it to a degree. Romano describes its donut mode as “objectively entertaining,” despite it reducing the car’s power output by half. But consider it this way: with just one motor functioning, you can extend tire longevity significantly.
Ironically, one of Romano’s main grievances with the Ioniq 5 N has nothing to do with the driving experience itself. Instead, it’s merely the fact that modifying the performance features necessitates excessive tapping on the touchscreen—and keep in mind, this is Hyundai, which prides itself on physical buttons.
“What’s not enjoyable is navigating through menus.”
Amen to that.
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**The Argument for Electric Vehicle Features: Perspectives from a Professional Driver on the Fun of Artificial Elements**
In recent times, the automotive world has seen a pronounced shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), fueled by ecological concerns, technological progress, and evolving consumer tastes. As manufacturers endeavor to set their offerings apart in a crowded market, many have rolled out diverse features that, while not necessarily enhancing performance, seek to make for a more enjoyable driving experience. Insights from professional drivers suggest that these elements can inject a level of pleasure and excitement into the EV journey, even if they seem impractical.
**Defining Features in Electric Vehicles**
Features in electric vehicles describe attributes that might lack functional merit yet are intended to capture attention, enhance the driving encounter, or forge a distinctive brand identity. Some examples include synthetic engine noises, customizable mood lighting, and sophisticated infotainment systems that provide numerous entertainment avenues. Critics may contend that such features divert focus from driving’s primary purpose; however, many professional drivers often find merit in the enjoyment they afford.
**The Value of Enjoyment in Driving**
For professional drivers, driving is about far more than simple transportation. It encompasses the exhilaration of acceleration, the bond with the vehicle, and the overall thrill of being in control. Features can enrich this journey by infusing an element of fun and individuality. For example, the option to select various sound profiles in an electric vehicle can recreate the auditory nuance offered by conventional combustion engines, fostering greater engagement with the car.
**Synthetic Engine Sounds: A Nostalgic Element**
One of the most widely debated features in electric vehicles is the addition of synthetic engine noises. While EVs are celebrated for their quietness, numerous manufacturers choose to include artificially generated sounds that imitate the growl of traditional engines. Professional drivers value this implementation for evoking nostalgia and fostering a sensory bond with the driving experience. The sound can amplify the sensation of speed and power, enriching the drive, particularly for individuals transitioning from gas-powered vehicles.
**Customization and Individual Expression**
Another attractive feature of gimmicks in electric vehicles is the level of customization they allow. Professional drivers greatly appreciate the ability to adapt their driving experience through adjustable ambient lighting, customizable dashboards, or distinctive driving modes. This customization empowers drivers to mold their vehicles to their liking, fostering a stronger connection with their car. Features like these can turn a regular commute into an enjoyable voyage, transforming the vehicle into an extension of the driver’s identity.
**Infotainment and Connection**
Modern electric vehicles come packed with advanced infotainment systems offering an extensive array of entertainment options, from streaming media to controlling smart home devices. Professional drivers acknowledge these features’ significance in enhancing the overall driving experience. Although some might argue that they can be distracting, when utilized responsibly, they can enrich long drives and heighten engagement. The ability to connect with others, access directions, and indulge in media can elevate an ordinary trip into an adventure.
**Finding a Balance Between Features and Functionality**
While the enjoyment derived from features is unmistakable, professional drivers stress the necessity for a balance between these attributes and fundamental functionality. Features should not overshadow critical performance elements like range, charging efficiency, and safety aspects. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, manufacturers must ensure that adding features does not undermine the essential qualities that make electric vehicles appealing.
**In Summary**
The case for electric vehicle features gains traction from insights provided by professional drivers who recognize the additional enjoyment these elements can offer in the driving experience. While some interpret them as unnecessary diversions, others see them as avenues for personalization and engagement. As the automotive landscape evolves, the task will be to maintain a balance between innovative features and the core characteristics of performance and functionality that define electric vehicles. Ultimately, the thrill of driving, enhanced by these elements, can significantly influence the broader acceptance of electric vehicles.