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Click above for gallery of Lotus' Safe and Sound Hybrid

Hybrid vehicles have the potential to save a few bucks at the pump, but advocates for the blind have continued to warn about their potential to harm to the seeing impaired. Lotus' automotive consultancy arm is trying to avert the risk of hybrids quietly running in electric mode with its "Safe and Sound" demo car.

This specially equipped Toyota Prius has been fitted a waterproof speaker mounted above the radiator that can emit a sound similar to a flat-six or V8, based off the vehicle's speed and throttle position. Once the internal combustion engine kicks in, the system is muted, allowing the 1.5-liter inline four to sing its siren song.

Hit the jump to read the press release and see a video of the "Safe and Sound" demo car in action. Also keep in mind that we've yet to run across a report of a blind person being hit by a hybrid car, though there was that one kid who got knocked off his bike.

Gallery: Lotus Safe and Sound Hybrid

Continue reading Lotus gives hybrids a V8 soundtrack

Lotus gives hybrids a V8 soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engine noiseEngineNoisehybridlotuslotus safe and soundLotusSafeAndSoundsafe and soundSafeAndSoundspeakertoyota priusToyotaPriusTue, 05 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1275961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/08/05/lotus-gives-hybrids-a-v8-soundtrack/1275961/article-detail.xml 1275961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/safe_sound1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/safe_sound1_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Zen and the auditory art of automaking]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/zen-and-the-auditory-art-of-automaking/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/zen-and-the-auditory-art-of-automaking/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/zen-and-the-auditory-art-of-automaking/#commentsFiled under: ,

Beyond sensual sheetmetal and generous performance envelopes, traditionally one of the best things about exotic supercars has been their melliflous engine rumblings and sonorous exhaust notes. For many a gearhead, the piercing shriek of a fine Italian V-12 is auditory mechanized sex.

But the importance of the sounds that a vehicle makes - be it an engine's song, tire thrum, or wind noise has become increasingly critical as manufacturers look to further distinguish their vehicles from competitors.

MSNBC's Roland Jones examines the growing importance of 'sound engineering' in the modern automobile, and how automakers are going to great lengths to create compelling sonic experiences.

What do you think... how important is the way a vehicle sounds in determining how you feel about it?  Make a bit of noise yourself by leaving a note in the 'Comments.'

[Sources: MSNBC; Autodrome-Cannes.com]

Zen and the auditory art of automaking originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 May 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobile noiseautomobile soundsAutomobileNoiseAutomobileSoundscar soundsCarSoundsengine noiseEngineNoiseexhaustexhaust systemExhaustSystemroad noiseRoadNoisetire noiseTireNoisezenFri, 05 May 2006 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/615139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/05/05/zen-and-the-auditory-art-of-automaking/615139/article-detail.xml 615139 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/zonda_c12s_blue_exhaust-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/zonda_c12s_blue_exhaust-resized.jpg -1 2