These are three sports cars whose sound has been ruined by the particulate filter

The automotive world is in the middle of a transition, a transition that involves the arrival of electric powertrains. To date, we have witnessed the clear rise of this sector and, although many fear it will be the one to wipe out combustion engines, the truth is it shouldn’t be so. Manufacturers, aware of this fear, have begun to bet on other alternatives to pure, hard electricity to reduce the number of emissions from their vehicles, and one of them is the particulate filter.

This system has been applied to petrol cars for some time and its function is exactly the same: to eliminate the particles emitted by the engine through the exhaust system. To comply with the Euro VI regulations, manufacturers have had to fit it to their creations, which has meant that certain sporty models have lost their characteristic musicality.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 underwent a facelift that not only improved its styling, mechanics and handling, but also included a particulate filter. Because of it, the illustrious German supercar has to some extent lost its distinctive, heavenly sound, coming from a rara avis in today’s times, a naturally aspirated V10.

Another aspect that weighs on the musical experience at the wheel of the revised R8 is the rev limiter it now features. With it, you will be unable to exceed 3,000 rpm when stationary, although this is quickly resolved once on the move, which is when the ten cylinders really come to the fore.

https://youtu.be/LiBD0h0XyG8

https://youtu.be/Wg2ivxa0sj0

Audi RS3

One of the most atomic vehicles of recent times is, without a doubt, the Audi RS3. This pocket-sized RS6 has won over many not only with its performance, but also with its superb soundtrack produced by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder capable of producing 400 CV.

After undergoing a facelift, the supercharged compact from the four rings has also been hit by the dreaded—but necessary—particulate filter. Once fitted, the Audi RS3 has lost both the crackles and the tone, but that doesn’t stop it from remaining one of the most charismatic models in its segment.

https://youtu.be/IEPxn-avEeA

https://youtu.be/aYL1vSwvnUU

BMW M8 Competition

One of the latest launches from BMW has been the M8 Competition, a vehicle that revives an emblematic name and arrives ready to be one of the GTs of the moment. Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, the Bavarian sports car delivers plenty of force, but with a sound that, while still spectacular, falls short of the earlier M6, which featured a version of that engine.

And it would be unfair to put the V12 of the previous 850i up against the typical flourishes of today’s engines. Nevertheless, and despite the filter, BMW has managed to make the philharmonic of its new M8 catchy and even addictive.

https://youtu.be/ykgAIX66zTw

https://youtu.be/HPbRY1bRvl8?t=155