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Revving Up the Debate: Do We Miss the Roar of Our Cars?
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of cars and the soul (or lack thereof) that seems to be missing in the modern electric vehicle scene! So, here’s the scoop: electric sports cars are flopping in the market, and it’s not just about the price tag – it’s about the experience. Our buddy Frank Marcus from MotorTrend hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that folks want to feel that engine roar and the steering wheel vibrate with every turn. It’s like those manufacturers are trying to create a symphony of silence, but we’re all craving that good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll connection with our cars. We’ll explore how automakers are pouring millions into simulating sounds and feelings that they’ve engineered away, making us wonder if we’ve perfected the recipe but lost the taste. Buckle up, because this ride’s about to get interesting!
Takeaways:
- The podcast dives deep into the relationship between technology and our emotional connection to machines.
- The discussion highlights why electric sports cars struggle to resonate with enthusiasts and how they feel 'sterile'.
- Manufacturers are investing in technology to recreate the visceral experience of driving gas-powered cars.
- There's an exploration of how the tactile feedback from driving is being lost in modern vehicles.
- The episode emphasizes the importance of sensory experience in driving, which many electric cars lack.
- James A. Brown wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their thoughts on the topics discussed.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Dodge
- BMW
- Motortrend
Transcript
The Soul and the machine.
Speaker A:This is commentary from James A.
Speaker A:Brown.
Speaker A:I heard a quote recently that's been hard to get off my mind.
Speaker A:Electric sports cars are flopping in the market.
Speaker A:They're antiseptic.
Speaker A:People want an engine.
Speaker A:They want to feel the steering wheel vibrate.
Speaker A:That's Frank Marcus of Motortrend magazine, and he thinks manufacturers know it.
Speaker A:Dodge is making systems to make electric muscle cars vibrate.
Speaker A:BMW, too.
Speaker A:They're using fake engine sounds through speakers.
Speaker A:These companies are spending millions to simulate something that they engineered away.
Speaker A:The steering wheel used to be a telegraph line between you and the machine.
Speaker A:Every pothole, every gear change, every surge of power traveled up through your hands.
Speaker A:The car talked to you in a language of vibration and feedback.
Speaker A:Now we get silence and smoothness, perfect efficiency delivered through screens and software.
Speaker A:The lack of sound and feeling, signifying connection strips away something essential.
Speaker A:It's like we perfected the recipe but lost the taste.
Speaker A:So what do you think?
Speaker A:What am I missing here?
Speaker A:Let me know in the comments and check out more@jamesabrown.net on that note, I'm James A.
Speaker A:Brown and as always, be well.
