SOUND OFF: Which V10 Sounds The Best? The Lexus LF-A, Acura's NSX Or Even Audi's R8?

SOUND OFF: Which V10 Sounds The Best? The Lexus LF-A, Acura's NSX Or Even Audi's R8?
Forget about the cost of gas or even Global Warming for the time being.

The V10 engine wars are soon to be upon us. We all know that the Lexus LF-A, Acura NSX, and even Audi's latest R8 will feature full fledged racing inspired V10 powerplants.

We can all do hypothetical arm chair racing and never get to a clear cut winner, it is all speculation for now.

However there is something we can do to start our collective juices flowing right now!

Part of the ambiance of owning a V10 is the unmistakable sound that emanates from the exhaust pipes. There truly is nothing quite like it out there. Unmistakable yet wildly hypnotic, all three of these sports cars have a distinctive yet alluring tone.

But which sounds the best?

So why don't you close the office door and crank up the volume, and give your best listen! Give us the pros and cons of all three and let us know which sound the best.

Lexus LF-A



Acura NSX



Audi R8 V10 Twin Turbo





farabira1farabira1 - 7/7/2008 4:49:02 PM
+18 Boost
To me the sound of the LFA sounds best closely followed by that of the NSX. The sound in the Audi seems more dreary and almost monotonous.


Agent009Agent009 - 7/7/2008 4:56:38 PM
-11 Boost
possibly the twin turbos muffling the tone?


henbmwhenbmw - 7/7/2008 5:19:00 PM
+18 Boost
Love the Lexus too. Just hearing that, I have no doubt that will be a heck of an engine.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 7/7/2008 6:25:36 PM
-5 Boost
Sound can fool you. Sound can be manipulated with the exhaust system. I only care about the number of degrees between cylinder banks. 36 degrees is optimal for a V10, followed closely by 72 degrees. All other configurations are inherently out of balance.


silver1silver1 - 7/7/2008 6:53:15 PM
+10 Boost
wow....Lexus win by along shot!!! Lexus sounds like they are breaking MACH Speed or sumthin!!!

Acura sounds pretty good to...

Audi, What Happen? Audi you even looked like you couldn't hang seems like you had too much body roll, tail flabbing..etc....



Agent63Agent63 - 7/7/2008 9:11:31 PM
+6 Boost
I think they all sound good. Perhaps Audi was restricted from making it sound too much like it's Lamborghini cousin. However it's Toyota and Honda's first go at it with V10's in their production so they may as well make it sound like as exotic as possible and by god they have done the job! The long awaited NSX and LF-A has to make a statement and nothings better than a V10 howling monster. As much as my R8 is awesome and fun to drive I may be selling it for the V10 model.


_43LE_43LE - 7/7/2008 4:51:03 PM
-5 Boost
1. Acura/Audi tie - both have a gutteral growl. They actually sound very similar to me. Makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

2. Lexus - close behind but it sounds too refined. Doesn't get the blood boiling as fast.


F1_DriverF1_Driver - 7/7/2008 5:08:45 PM
+12 Boost
I'd have to say the LF-A sounds the closest to an F1 car so the LF-A has my vote as I am a F1 fan.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/7/2008 10:58:16 PM
+2 Boost
I agree. but the Audi and acura were at nurburgring and the LFA was at a closed track, so the sound echos and reverbs. Still, I like the sound of the LF-A best. the Audi doesn't seem to rev as high and the NSX, and the LFA sounds to rev the highest and indeed sounds like and F1 car, so on sound, LF-A wins to me.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/7/2008 10:58:53 PM
-3 Boost
The NSX sounds just like and M5/M6 BMW


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/7/2008 11:02:22 PM
+2 Boost
same here. i love the lf-a exhaust sound. i also think it sounds like a f1 car. the acura sounds to ricey and the r8 has a typical ueropean note. lf-a gets my vote.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 3:47:45 AM
+2 Boost
We'll have to wait until the final production car is out to truly hear how the car sounds like and not only on a straightaway and twisties on the 'ring. Their all champions in my opinion. Good job to Audi, Honda and Toyota for creating beautiful engines with beautiful exhaust notes.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/8/2008 6:51:53 PM
+2 Boost
F1 I think you get the record for most +boosts


BremboBrembo - 7/7/2008 5:11:03 PM
-4 Boost
1. Acura

2. Audi/Lexus tie.


kut17kut17 - 7/7/2008 5:16:28 PM
+11 Boost
1. LF-A
2. NSX
3. R8


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 7/7/2008 5:18:06 PM
-2 Boost
the Lexus sounds the best in those clips, but it's hard to really judge since the distances and the conditions aren't the same. The Lexus clip you can hear the car the best since you're much closer to it, and it's at WOT the whole time (plus the sound is helped out by being able to bounce off the walls at the track). The Acura sounds good, too, but you don't hear as much and the car isn't running as hard (plus no walls), and same with the Audi, where you can hardly hear anything.


MercedesBenz00ZMercedesBenz00Z - 7/7/2008 5:32:58 PM
-14 Boost
Only the cheap ricerboys drive NSX or LF-A.

For the real car people, it is Audi R8.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 3:51:21 AM
+4 Boost
Come on, I have an R8 but you have to respect the LF-A and NSX for what they are. Doesn't mean you have to adore it but respect for each companies is the least you can do.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 1:02:29 PM
+3 Boost
I have an LS, S-Class and an R8. I do have my story straight. I don't want to sound arrogant but your words are the words of envy. I don't expect you or anybody to believe me but I've got very fortunate over the past few years with investments and real estate so at least I know where I stand.

I'm not cocky about what I have and I have never looked down on anybody on this website so your judgements I find are unfair.

Next time stay on topic.


farabira1farabira1 - 7/8/2008 4:21:21 PM
+2 Boost
Agent 63 is a true gentleman.


wedouglaswedouglas - 7/8/2008 6:17:08 PM
+2 Boost
I have an R8 too. I know lots of people with them.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/9/2008 8:57:52 PM
+2 Boost
LOL.

I don't brag but I base my views on my experience with them. At least it's not baseless information. There has been many 7series vs. LS vs. S vs. A8 comparisons over the past months as well as the R8 vs GT-R vs Porsche vs whatever you want. I'm sure as hell not arrogant. This is a car website so I state my opinions and as do you.

I say envy because people always hate what they don't have. Not that I really care if someone doesn't have what I have because cars are just cars, items that aren't the most important in life. But like I said this is a car site so we talk cars. We're all equal here and I respect everyone, just not trolls who base their arguments or comments on video reviews, magazine reviews.


EL34EL34 - 7/7/2008 5:54:12 PM
+4 Boost
This is not a good test.

Put all the cars on a track and test using the same setup of microphones and recording equipment.

I used to be a sound/recording engineer ;->


BremboBrembo - 7/7/2008 8:07:55 PM
+4 Boost
Dude... that makes perfect sense.


EL34EL34 - 7/8/2008 1:04:33 AM
+1 Boost
Thank you.

Peace & Love


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 3:52:58 AM
+3 Boost
Agreed !


100octane100octane - 7/7/2008 6:01:10 PM
-1 Boost
the LF-A was the best sounding one, but none of them can take the carrera gts crown for the best sounding v10 ever produced


adalladall - 7/7/2008 6:03:47 PM
+11 Boost
Wow! yes it has to be the LF-A as it's the closest road car I've heard that sounds close to a F1 V10 car. Still not revving at the 19K range but a great sound. We have to remember that the R8 is a TDI also the Lambo Gallardo Superleggra should be added to this poll.

So in order:
1. LF-A
2. NSX
3. R8



Matthew1Matthew1 - 7/7/2008 6:46:18 PM
+4 Boost
Uh, the Audi R8 V10 is NOT a diesel....


rodders1rodders1 - 7/8/2008 4:03:29 AM
0 Boost
I agree LF-A sounds awsome but R8 is not a diesel


golfer38golfer38 - 7/7/2008 6:16:24 PM
+2 Boost
Its very difficult to say because as many people have said already, they are not on the same track at the same time. Although none disappoint, it would have to be:
1. LFA, barely.
2. NSX (I love the popping when your out of throttle)
3. Audi


iaabiaab - 7/7/2008 6:54:37 PM
-3 Boost
This is racing version of LF-A,you cant compare those with NSX and R8 both street version cars, p.s. best sound produce carerra GT period


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/7/2008 11:01:26 PM
-2 Boost
Exactly my thoughts, and I agree, I love the popping from the NSX, but the LF-A is in an enclosed track. I'd have to hear the LF-A at the "ring" like the NSX and R8 to be absolutley sure


kablaamkablaam - 7/7/2008 6:58:16 PM
+7 Boost
All of them sound great, but I would go.
LFA
NSX
AUDI

Though.........if the Carrera GT were in this comparison, well there will be no comparison.

Watch the Top-Gear Carrera GT episode, that exhaust note is iconic.


xj13xj13 - 7/7/2008 7:14:47 PM
-6 Boost
1. R8
2. NSX
30. Lf-a



SteedPubSteedPub - 7/7/2008 7:50:23 PM
-8 Boost
That is tough call.

To me all V-10 engines sound like they belong in a garbage truck as opposed to a sports car.


AudiphileAudiphile - 7/7/2008 8:08:23 PM
-1 Boost
If I were in the market for a supercar, the sound would not be my top priority. However, sound might be a "tie breaker" between two equally desirable contenders.

I think all three manufacturers have aimed for a low-pitched, gutteral kind of "growl". Given that objective, I think the Acura and Audi are tied for first place.

The Lexus is a bit higher-pitched than the other two cars. If Lexus had dared to make the sound even higher and louder, more like the "hornet's nest" or "dentist drill gone mad" sound that a LeMans racer would make, I think they would have won the sound contest.




LACMANLACMAN - 7/7/2008 9:35:27 PM
+2 Boost
I think they ALL sound sweet! I would have to go with the NSX for the best sound if I really had to choose though. (Followed by the LF-A)


2JayZee2JayZee - 7/7/2008 9:49:01 PM
+3 Boost
LF-A. It is the first thing that caught my attention about the car and the thing that keeps it while they take forever to get the production version out


uhn2000uhn2000 - 7/7/2008 10:46:58 PM
0 Boost
All I have to say is I can't believe how ahead of the curve BMW is. These guys are still testing their dang engines and BMW is already developing the next generation of V10. BMW V10 with the right exhaust setup trumps all these.

M6
M5
The rest....


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/7/2008 11:04:00 PM
+1 Boost
Yeah the M5/M6 with an exhaust does sound mean. what makes it insane is that that sound is coming from a sedan, rather than a supercar.


cdokecdoke - 7/7/2008 11:42:09 PM
+2 Boost
"...the next generation of V10."

I hate to point this out, because it will undoubetly upset you, but just today Automotive News reported that the next M5 will not have a V10; it will have a twin-turbocharged V-8.

Granted, the next M5 which is due in 2011 is still a ways away and things have a way of changing in such a period of time.

Autoblog and Leftlanenews reported this- Autospies hasn't for some reason. I haven't seen it anyway.


uhn2000uhn2000 - 7/7/2008 11:45:13 PM
+1 Boost
You may be right but for now I am enjoying the V10 sound they generate.


Agent009Agent009 - 7/8/2008 8:21:24 AM
+1 Boost
We actually reported the move of the M-Division from V-10's to turbo charged V-8 quite sometime ago.

While those articles were newsworthy in some respects, it was basically a rehash of old news made to look like new news.

It is a slow time of year and some of our competition is rehashing old information into new to keep up the amount of headline.

I guess what is "old" is "new" again.


cdokecdoke - 7/8/2008 11:32:18 AM
+1 Boost
I wondered if something like that weren't the case, as I thought I had read it a while ago somewhere. It must have been here.

I did actually go back and search for it on here, but I didn't really search that hard.


SixxFiveSixxFive - 7/7/2008 11:42:43 PM
+2 Boost
I agree w/ Kablaam's comment: if the Porsche Carrera GT were in this comparison, there would be no comparison. It's exhaust note is....orgasmic.


uhn2000uhn2000 - 7/7/2008 11:44:17 PM
+3 Boost
Yes ... it sounds like 5 motorcycle twin engines combined ... just unreal.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 3:56:18 AM
+1 Boost
The Carrera GT is one of my favorite sounding cars of all time.


mini22mini22 - 7/8/2008 12:10:24 AM
+1 Boost
1st-NSX
2nd-Audi
3rd-Lexus
I like the NSX the best since it seems to havethe most fruity sound of the bunch. The Audi is similar but more muffled. The LFA is not bad but not as good as the other 2.



cl0wncl0wn - 7/8/2008 12:41:04 AM
+5 Boost
1. LFA (similar to the monster carrera gt)
2. NSX (more like an M5)
3. AUDI (deeper and more civil)


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 7/8/2008 12:42:13 AM
+5 Boost
How do you pick a 'best' out of this group? They're all amazing-music to the ears.


xlr8xlr8 - 7/8/2008 12:50:05 AM
+5 Boost
1.LFA sounds like a f1 car
2.NSX sounds like a gt car
3.cant view cus it says it no longer exists on youtube....sadness.


LexusLexus - 7/8/2008 12:58:56 AM
+4 Boost
They are sounded great,

1st, Lexus LF-A
2rd, NSX
3rd, R8

Love the Lexus LF-A engine, just an awesome sound


truckmentruckmen - 7/8/2008 5:24:04 AM
+2 Boost
They all sounded great. I think the lexus sounded best because the Acura had a lot of valve floating and the Audi a close third. Its really hard to say, I could be swayed either way?


kpaxxkpaxx - 7/8/2008 9:09:54 AM
-1 Boost


This is a poser question who cars how they sound it is about how they perform!


farabira1farabira1 - 7/8/2008 4:34:42 PM
+2 Boost
are you for serious, the exhaust note is like 50 percent of the whole feel of the car. Really i don't know what planet you are from, but for any enthusiast, the sound of the car is the drop of honey that makes the tea sweet. Yeah performance figures are massive important, but there are three things that makes the soul of a car: the design and looks of the metal that makes you obsessed with a car( If a design strikes cord with your mind, it will be ingrained in your mental image like the first kiss of a girl), the feeling of almost being able to feel the road with your own two hands when you drive a truly great car, and finally the sound of thunder from the exhaust pipe that infuses in your heart a very strange feeling: a feeling of joy, a feeling of completeness. How do i know, well, those are the reasons why i love cars.


golfer38golfer38 - 7/8/2008 10:55:39 AM
+4 Boost
I know were talking V10's but I think the greatest exhaust sound, better than the Carrera GT, is the Zonda F. Its a Merc. V12, but oh what a sound!


farabira1farabira1 - 7/8/2008 4:24:37 PM
+3 Boost
agreed, i have heard the zonda F and it is just out of this world.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/8/2008 6:41:36 PM
+2 Boost
I think the CGT and Zonda F are two entirely different sounds. Stock vs Stock their both awesome. Carrera GT is most smooth sounding whereas the Zonda is a true screamer. I've seen one when I was in California and it had some aftermarket F1 Type exhaust and it sounded just as loud as a Zonda. Both great cars but the Zonda would be my choice. It's more exclusive and I can just imagine the sense of occasion when driving one. The CGT is up there as well though.


M35MTM35MT - 7/8/2008 12:50:17 PM
+5 Boost
The LFA sounds like its revving over 10k rpm.

Would be best if all 3 we on the same straightaway as the LF-A, but, based on these videos the scream of the LF-A sounds best.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/8/2008 1:01:36 PM
+3 Boost
lol. they all sound amazing.


egogegog - 7/8/2008 1:32:49 PM
+1 Boost
I like the NSX the most, it kinda has a little boom and cracle in its exhaust.


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/8/2008 8:24:15 PM
+1 Boost
JUST LIKE RICE!


PintoRacerPintoRacer - 7/9/2008 6:31:24 PM
+2 Boost
Rice Crispies


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 7/8/2008 7:44:43 PM
-2 Boost
The new 600 hp Dodge Viper


schinboneschinbone - 7/8/2008 10:55:09 PM
+1 Boost
To me they all sound fantastic. Here is my thoughts on how they sound.

1) LFA= Nearly that of a current F1 car.
2) NSX= Early to mid 90's F1 car.
3) R8= Like wants to kick your a$$ and take your lunch money.

I truly hope these are not the end of an era.


joeycjoeyc - 7/9/2008 3:24:09 PM
+1 Boost
FYI the Audi V10 is from the Lamborghini Gallardo...


xlr8xlr8 - 7/9/2008 5:41:23 PM
+2 Boost
haha joeyc pwnt you amazingflamer hahaha. I like it when you make ignorant comments cus it entertains me.


MunichRobMunichRob - 7/9/2008 4:41:15 PM
+2 Boost
Well if you ask the me the NSX sounds the best, it shows the most range.

The LF-A sounds good (Better than the Audi) but you also have to consider the fact that the drive-by in the LF-A is faster than that of the other cars (Not saying it is the fastest) with the video shot a lot closer.


SpeedoholicSpeedoholic - 7/10/2008 12:55:54 AM
+1 Boost
The NSX sound like an F1 car
but I'd rather hear an M3 ...


JudasLeaseJudasLease - 7/10/2008 12:59:15 AM
+1 Boost
I HOPE they don't sound like the BMW V-10s, which sound pretty damn crappy. Hell just watch the Top Gear review. Now a VIper V-10, thats a big wow.

The LF-A sounds great as the NSX...


c36amgc36amg - 7/10/2008 12:35:54 PM
0 Boost
hmm... coldplay viva la vida


pavconpavcon - 7/11/2008 8:46:18 PM
+2 Boost
I like the LF-A over an M3 anyday. The acura isn't bad either.


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