A more quiet ride!

[fredthepostman]

I don't own a Prius (YET). How much room for improvement is there ? I have seen no talk about the extra sound insulation that the new Prius has added. Does anybody expect a vast improvement???

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by fredthepostman

I don't own a Prius (YET). How much room for improvement is there ? I have seen no talk about the extra sound insulation that the new Prius has added. Does anybody expect a vast improvement???

There have been several threads about this very subject. Do a search you will find them. As far as adding sound deadening, yes I could use a little more, but its not enough to get all worked up over!!! However to each his/her own!!

[bwilson4web]

The larger, 1.8L engine won't have to spin up as fast as the current 1.5L. It also has EGR at high power settings to keep the exhaust gas from burning out the catalytic converter and that should reduce the sound. Also, you'll notice the photos show a nearly completely sealed underbody that blocks noise reflection from the road and further isolates the exhaust pipe. Aerodynamic improvements should reduce noise generating turbulence. Finally, the tires are a little larger and though I don't have any studies to support it, their reduced drag and improved foot-print should reduce tire noise.

Today's Prius is in the 10% of quietest cars as measured in Europe but the new one should be significantly quieter.

Bob Wilson

[fredthepostman]

Originally Posted by KK6PD

There have been several threads about this very subject. Do a search you will find them. As far as adding sound deadening, yes I could use a little more, but its not enough to get all worked up over!!! However to each his/her own!!

I'm sorry but I didn't make myself clear enough. I was just wondering how quiet today's Prius is, and if anybody thinks they will make the new Prius even quieter. I had read where Toyota added more sound insulation to the 2010.

[HTMLSpinnr]

To reiterate, we can't tell you how much quieter the 2010 is until 3/25. Even then, I'm not sure many of us brought SPL meters along ;-)

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

The larger, 1.8L engine won't have to spin up as fast as the current 1.5L. It also has EGR at high power settings to keep the exhaust gas from burning out the catalytic converter and that should reduce the sound. Also, you'll notice the photos show a nearly completely sealed underbody that blocks noise reflection from the road and further isolates the exhaust pipe. Aerodynamic improvements should reduce noise generating turbulence. Finally, the tires are a little larger and though I don't have any studies to support it, their reduced drag and improved foot-print should reduce tire noise.

Today's Prius is in the 10% of quietest cars as measured in Europe but the new one should be significantly quieter.

Bob Wilson

Cars must be noisy in Europe then (maybe it's the diesels?). Well, unless 10% is a lotta cars and the Prius is not in the top 10.

All the Lexus vehicles are quieter, even the Camry is quieter (and more comfortable).

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by fredthepostman

I'm sorry but I didn't make myself clear enough. I was just wondering how quiet today's Prius is, and if anybody thinks they will make the new Prius even quieter. I had read where Toyota added more sound insulation to the 2010.

H'mmmm

Originally Posted by HTMLSpinnr

To reiterate, we can't tell you how much quieter the 2010 is until 3/25. Even then, I'm not sure many of us brought SPL meters along ;-)

Thank You Well said!!

You may pose that question again on the 26th!

I was speaking of my own 08 Barcelona Red Baby!! She can be a wee bit noisy on a rough road. On Blacktop its fine! I am debating on whether to up the anty with extra floor board insulation, it would be a bit of work! May start by just doing the tire well and rear end and see how it goes from there.

[tochatihu]

I think that bringing a decibel meter to the first Prius drive test is an excellent idea. Radio Shack sells a couple of cheapos, in case nobody has one handy.

[SW03ES]

I don't find our Prius particularly quiet at all. Its not loud...but its not quiet.

[donee]

Hi Fred,

The Prius is so quiet, as is (except for full throttle accellleration, or up steep hills), that the sound deadening is really just for isolating the noise of other vehicles, and the occaisional pot hole. On smooth pavement, with no other cars around, cruising, its very quiet.

The people who have added sound deading have done it primarily to avoid secondary excitation of the car doors and floors in response to high powered audio systems.