Lexus recreates F1 resonance

The Lexus V10 LFA supercar.

Lexus has fine-tuned the exhaust in the V10-powered LFA supercar to create a sound every bit as exhilaratingly as the note from a Formula One flyer.

The soundtrack rises from a rumbling note at idle to a nape-tingling red-line wail - and you can tune into it online at www.lexus-lfa.com (go to gallery/sounds).

The acoustic team studied the noise made by a Formula One car at maximum revs, then applied design features to create an exhaust note for the LFA that Lexus claims is unlike any other car on the road, enhancing the sensation of speed and acceleration.

The main silencer channels the exhaust flow according to engine speed.

Up to 3000rpm, the exhaust valve stays closed, routing the flow through multiple chambers, creating an unobtrusive note.

Above 3000rpm the valve opens, allowing the exhaust to bypass these chambers and flow into a single resonance chamber, before exiting through the stacked trio of tailpipes.

The V10's induction system was also modified to complement the engine's acoustic qualities.

The horizontally split resin surge tank - a unique design - mimics the acoustic chamber of wind and string instruments: up to 4000rpm it emits the engine's primary firing frequency of 300Hz; this changes to 400 to 500Hz as the engine revs climb to 6000rpm; and a peak is reached at 600Hz as the engine wails towards its 9000rpm red line. The air intake is made from a porous duct material to generate bass to mid-range tones. The LFA development team called this acoustic effect Resonated Complex Harmony.

The engine's induction and exhaust soundtrack are channelled into the LFA's cabin, so occupants can also enjoy the experience. The main sound channel that pipes in the engine's induction notes runs from the surge tank into the cabin below the main dashboard panel.

Together with two further sound channels these put the driver at the centre of what the LFA team calls the "3D surround sound concept".