[MikeyCVolt]

All my life I've been a gear head. Turning wrenches under the hood, doing cold air intakes, rocker arms, tuning, etc. I've even written software that allows you to take data logs from the street and turn them into dyno curves. Until about 6 weeks ago I had a 2015 Challenger SRT and loved it. Loved the smell of burning rubber and methanol at the track. Whenever I was driving and someone with loud exhaust zipped by, I'd smile. Not fart cans. Stuff like C7 Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, etc. That loud sound used to be music to my ears.

The Volt has changed me. Now when I hear that, I equate it with "noise" and laugh at these people like they are neanderthals driving the equivalent of the Flinstones car. I equate gasoline engines with inefficient overheating outdated junk.

I used to "like" the sound of my Challenger and the fact that it had so much power and the transmission shifted so fast that it would rock you in your seat at every gear change. But now after experiencing the instant torque and silky smooth "no jolt" acceleration of EV mode, I can't go back.

This isn't really an endorsement for the Volt as it actually bothers me a bit. Like... what have I become? Do all EV owners become "electric snobs"? I still want to appreciate good old American muscle but it actually concerns me that I like my Volt more than my Challenger: something I never in a million years could have predicted as I got the Volt used because my life situation changed and I needed to save money. Thought I'd be sacrificing big time. But as it turns out, I make more excuses to drive the Volt than I ever did the Challenger.

Thoughts?

Mike

 

[Mister Dave]

You'll get over it. Car guys are inclusive, eventually. I can relate though.

 

[freshcut]

I completely relate. I loved working on engines and always had a toy or two to drive around in. Loved sports cars for the performance, handling, and the sound. However my tastes too changed once I got the Volt. I always knew I wanted one when I first attempted a straight across trade for a new one in '12. Fortunately, the dealer didn't want to play since it was a car they wouldn't be able to sell on their lot (Lotus Esprit) and I managed to enjoy it for another 5 years until I finally sold it this past spring.

One thing I have noticed is that driving around with the windows down, especially in traffic is how much exhaust seems to be present. I can only guess it's because I don't ever have it blowing around near my car from my own engine my sense of smell has become much more sensitive to the smell of other vehicles. At stop lights I find myself rolling my windows up just to avoid the odor. Add to that the impressive take off power and incredibly inexpensive operating costs and it just doesn't make sense to drive something that relies exclusively on gasoline.

 

[Cord]

I have a Challenger MP3 sound file in my Volt that I crank up every now and them

 

[DaveG]

You're not alone. Once you get used to driving electric, everything else seems primitive by comparison.

 

[Mister Dave]

......the dealer didn't want to play since it was a car they wouldn't be able to sell on their lot (Lotus Esprit)

Hmmm, I didn't think about that when I was looking at getting an Exige. Just as well I didn't get one. I think the wife likes her Volt and the garage is full now.

 

[canehdian]

Once you go electric drive, you rarely want to go back.
It's a much nicer experience.

I would say it's the other way around, actually. That those who flock to the loud exhaust turn their nose up at the silent electric drive that can perform better without any noise at all. We've just been "enlightened" to see that you don't need the noise to get the oomph. They still think it's a necessity.

 

[volt spain]

Mike get the new TESLA $200.000, with just $50.000 deposit, and you will look like a real snob...LOL

 

[BAZINGA]

I traded a 2011 CTS-V for my 2013 Volt, than I traded in a 2014 Stingray for my 2017 Volt. What can I say......

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Mike get the new TESLA $200.000, with just $50.000 deposit, and you will look like a real snob...LOL

If only. I'd LOVE to have that car. But I don't think I'd ever splurge that much on a car. I plan to keep my Volt for a few years and then likely go with one of the latest full EV's. I'm betting they'll be even better (and cheaper) by then.

Mike

 

[freshcut]

Hmmm, I didn't think about that when I was looking at getting an Exige. Just as well I didn't get one. I think the wife likes her Volt and the garage is full now.

I honestly didn't consider something like that either when I bought the Esprit in '08. I just knew I wanted it and the price was very attractive at the time. I feel fortunately to have owned such a unique vehicle and honestly pleasantly surprised how reliable it was (never broke down in 8+ years!). Selling however was a bit of a challenge as it really had to be a private market sale and financing an older car with such a value would be difficult to secure for those who weren't financially able to do so on their own.

 

[Steverino]

ICE car exhaust noise = 75% of the gas dollar wasted as heat and sound. Yes, neanderthal efficiency.

 

[Dutch]

Well I guess you could get a "vroomBOX" LOL http://www.vroombox.com

 

[freshcut]

Well I guess you could get a "vroomBOX" LOL http://www.vroombox.com

Sounds great except it requires a tach and vacuum signal to trigger the sound generator. Not sure I could enjoy hearing a Vespa revving at relatively low speeds when in CS on the Volt or worse yet with MM engaged at a stop.

 

[Steverino]

Not sure I could enjoy hearing a Vespa revving at relatively low speeds when in CS on the Volt or worse yet with MM engaged at a stop.

 

[marcusm]

My last car was a Pontiac G8 so I can relate to this thread. The one thing I miss is it’s handling — although the Volt does well — the G8 has a beautiful responsive suspension — but I do not miss the vibration, engine noise and 16 MPGs. The jury is out for me on a pure BEV but I’ll never own another non electrified car again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SharkVolt]

I advise all of you to test drive a Bolt EV.
It is a Volt on steroids.

 

[O'Dell]

I've had hybrids and plug-in's since 2004, but haven't become an 'electric snob'. From 2004 until 2013, I owned a series of five Corvettes, two Z06's. In 2013 I bought a MB AMG V8 and a year later a BMW Z4 M-Sport. Three months ago I traded the BMW for a Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and a month later sold the MB because I didn't need it anymore. The Jag replaced both German cars.

 

[freshcut]

I advise all of you to test drive a Bolt EV.
It is a Volt on steroids.

I would love a Bolt but a car payment just isn't in the budget which is why I stick with the Volt. Not to mention that aside from out of town trips, the Volt is pretty much EV only as it is for my driving pattern.

 

[caronjeff]

Out here in southern Michigan farm country the "cool" kids have 4X4 pickups with diesel exhaust opened up. Talk about obnoxiously loud. Neanderthal thinking to an extreme. They don't really sound nice at all. Nice is a fine tuned high compression small block Chevy with just a subtle roar. Loud diesel is more in the area of Hippo farts.