Honda is known for producing hybrid cars since 1999, prioritizing practicality over audio pleasure. However, in America, the preference is different; Americans want their hybrid cars to sound good. The next-generation hybrid system being developed by Honda is expected to hit the roads with a specific exhaust tone that suits American taste.
An engineer at Honda revealed to Car Buzz that the upcoming powertrain will have a louder sound in the United States. They mentioned, “Americans like loud cars, so we have to make this one better for them.” While not a traditional hybrid, the Cadillac V-Series.R has impressed with its blend of electric motor whirr and naturally aspirated V-8 engine noise. The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is following suit, almost matching that level of excitement. Still, it is doubtful that the new Honda hybrid car will be as extreme.
At least, the new exhaust sound will be an improvement compared to the Prelude, as reported by Carbuzz, who had a chance to listen to the new Honda hybrid’s sound directly. The sound is said to bring a “significant upgrade” to the coupe car. The prototype reportedly uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup as the Accord Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, with engineers working on a specific exhaust tone for the American market.
Honda plans to feature the new 2.0-liter hybrid setup in its most popular models – Accord, Civic, and CR-V – while potentially limiting the availability of sportier exhaust for specific trims. They are also working on a new V-6 engine for their larger hybrid models, hopefully tuning the exhaust sound as well. The current 3.5-liter V-6 engine powering Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline produces 285 horsepower. A deep rumble from a V-6 exhaust on a rugged Pilot or Ridgeline might sound extraordinary.
As Honda, like others, transitions to hybrids amid the struggle of electric vehicles in the United States, they aim to keep it exciting, especially for performance-oriented models. Sound is an integral part of the experience, and Americans appreciate it, prompting Honda to give special consideration to buyers in the United States – and it feels great.
