27.02.2009
We get weird and wonderful cars through the DR office quite often. But today something surprising has sparked child-like glee amongst the DR staff. And now we’d like you to identify the mystery car by listening to the sound file below. There are no prizes for guessing that it’s a V8, but we’ll send a small envelope full of DR stickers if you can guess what car it’s emanating from.
Post your suggestions below and the best (or correct) answer will win the accolade of ‘DR’s Nerd of the Week’.
Click the link below and listen to how it sounds.
DR’s mystery press car
About Steve Davies
Steve is a media, venture, and technology advisor and a former Partner at KPMG Consulting, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Managing Partner at EIM - his clients range from global web and media companies to small start-ups. He formed Drivers Republic (DR) in 2007, the UK's first digital automotive magazine, with a team of EVO and Autocar writers before creating SkiddMark, and also writes as a guest contributor on Unruly Media’s Meme Machine blog and for Econsultancy’s digital marketing blog.
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158 Comments
Sergio
February 27, 2009I’m going for the 2009 Corvette ZR1, that definitely sounds like a supercharged V8!
Sergio
February 27, 2009I’m going for the 2009 Corvette ZR1, that definitely sounds like a supercharged V8!
Bryan
February 27, 2009I’m going down a similar road – Cadilac CTS-V?? Gave me that friday feeling whatever it is!
Bryan
February 27, 2009I’m going down a similar road – Cadilac CTS-V?? Gave me that friday feeling whatever it is!
Alex
February 27, 2009XFR. Pretty sure of it… Even the exhaust pipe looks similar.
Alex
February 27, 2009XFR. Pretty sure of it… Even the exhaust pipe looks similar.
Pete Wadsworth
February 27, 2009Nope, nope and nope I’m afraid.
Keep the guesses coming though!
Pete Wadsworth
February 27, 2009Nope, nope and nope I’m afraid.
Keep the guesses coming though!
LeIrA
February 27, 2009I’m guessing Aston V8 Vantage..
LeIrA
February 27, 2009I’m guessing Aston V8 Vantage..
Rixington
February 27, 2009I’m going to go for a Bowler, either the Wildcat or the Nemesis. Engine sounds a bit broken in that delightful TVR way.
Rixington
February 27, 2009I’m going to go for a Bowler, either the Wildcat or the Nemesis. Engine sounds a bit broken in that delightful TVR way.
Bryan
February 27, 2009Ok, one from the leftfield – the Brabus Tesla and its new fangled “space sound generator”?
Bryan
February 27, 2009Ok, one from the leftfield – the Brabus Tesla and its new fangled “space sound generator”?
kae
February 27, 2009Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S
kae
February 27, 2009Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S
Vinny
February 27, 2009Give me another minute….
Vinny
February 27, 2009Give me another minute….
Vinny
February 27, 2009Hows about the ML63??
Vinny
February 27, 2009Hows about the ML63??
LeIrA
February 27, 2009Alfa 8C?
LeIrA
February 27, 2009Alfa 8C?
chris harris
February 27, 2009Sounds like that new VXR Holden thingy. If you lot booked it in without me knowing, someone’s going to get thumped!!
chris harris
February 27, 2009Sounds like that new VXR Holden thingy. If you lot booked it in without me knowing, someone’s going to get thumped!!
Ryan
February 27, 2009Some weird and wonderful new press car? Porsche Panamera.
Ryan
February 27, 2009Some weird and wonderful new press car? Porsche Panamera.
Miltos
February 27, 2009I think it’s the latest version of the Vauxhall VXR8, the Bathurst S.
Miltos
February 27, 2009I think it’s the latest version of the Vauxhall VXR8, the Bathurst S.
Mikel Lizarralde
February 27, 2009Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo S
Mikel Lizarralde
February 27, 2009Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo S
Ivan
February 27, 2009Mercedes SL 63 AMG
but it also could be and american v8 but dunno the model.
Ivan
February 27, 2009Mercedes SL 63 AMG
but it also could be and american v8 but dunno the model.
JethroBovingdon
February 27, 2009Nobody is correct so far. We’ll announce the car on Monday morning… or if somebody gets it right.
JethroBovingdon
February 27, 2009Nobody is correct so far. We’ll announce the car on Monday morning… or if somebody gets it right.
msvukusic
February 27, 2009I know it’s not a V8, but maybe the new AM DBS Volante?
msvukusic
February 27, 2009I know it’s not a V8, but maybe the new AM DBS Volante?
Steve
February 27, 2009We’ll keep looking at your answers over the weekend and I will post a picture of the car in question as soon as someone gets it right.
Failing that we’ll vote on our favourite answer and award the prize based on whoever posted the most interesting answer.
A couple of clues to help you along;
(1) It’s ‘not’ made by a North Amercan manufacturer
(2) You could walk into a dealership in most major countries and buy one
(3) The manufacturer in question has a racing pedigree on both tarmac and loose surfaces.
See if that makes it any easier, or confuses you further…;)
Steve
February 27, 2009We’ll keep looking at your answers over the weekend and I will post a picture of the car in question as soon as someone gets it right.
Failing that we’ll vote on our favourite answer and award the prize based on whoever posted the most interesting answer.
A couple of clues to help you along;
(1) It’s ‘not’ made by a North Amercan manufacturer
(2) You could walk into a dealership in most major countries and buy one
(3) The manufacturer in question has a racing pedigree on both tarmac and loose surfaces.
See if that makes it any easier, or confuses you further…;)
David
February 27, 2009A Bentley Brooklands.
David
February 27, 2009A Bentley Brooklands.
Vinny
February 27, 2009Alright! This is a total stab in the dark but what about a Toyota Landcruiser???
Vinny
February 27, 2009Alright! This is a total stab in the dark but what about a Toyota Landcruiser???
daytonafan
February 27, 2009Child like glee not something silly like a Toyota Aygo with the V8 from the Lexus IS-F dropped in it Clio V6 style?
daytonafan
February 27, 2009Child like glee not something silly like a Toyota Aygo with the V8 from the Lexus IS-F dropped in it Clio V6 style?
daytonafan
February 27, 2009Or perhaps a Corolla? with the same Mods
daytonafan
February 27, 2009Or perhaps a Corolla? with the same Mods
Steve
February 27, 2009Nope.
This might well start a feature about ultimate Q-cars.
Alright folks you’re going to have to dig deep (really deep) to win this competition, because nobody has come close yet.
If you’ve got a complete petrol-head buddy that’s known for their encyclopedic knowledge of cars then get them to listen to this sound clip – you’re going to need all the help you can get.
A further clue;
(4) It’s a ‘standard’ production car. Not a modified special or home-built mutant.
Steve
February 27, 2009Nope.
This might well start a feature about ultimate Q-cars.
Alright folks you’re going to have to dig deep (really deep) to win this competition, because nobody has come close yet.
If you’ve got a complete petrol-head buddy that’s known for their encyclopedic knowledge of cars then get them to listen to this sound clip – you’re going to need all the help you can get.
A further clue;
(4) It’s a ‘standard’ production car. Not a modified special or home-built mutant.
David
February 27, 2009C63 to replace the M3.
David
February 27, 2009C63 to replace the M3.
Vinny
February 27, 2009I saw Chris eubank on the Brighton-Victoria train yesterday.
Vinny
February 27, 2009I saw Chris eubank on the Brighton-Victoria train yesterday.
Steve
February 27, 2009@Vinny – Now you’re clutching at straws…
Steve
February 27, 2009@Vinny – Now you’re clutching at straws…
Miltos
February 27, 2009The new Audi S4 with the V6 T engine!
Miltos
February 27, 2009The new Audi S4 with the V6 T engine!
msvukusic
February 27, 2009audi rs4?
CyberBilly
February 27, 2009XJR?
CyberBilly
February 27, 2009XJR?
Alex
February 27, 2009Is it a new car?
msvukusic
February 27, 2009audi rs4?
Alex
February 27, 2009Is it a new car?
CyberBilly
February 27, 2009RS4 or the previous gen RS6?
CyberBilly
February 27, 2009RS4 or the previous gen RS6?
Vinny
February 27, 2009The new 750i??
Vinny
February 27, 2009The new 750i??
Paul L
February 27, 2009Holden Maloo
Paul L
February 27, 2009Holden Maloo
Miltos
February 27, 2009sorry, Steve’s clue about a marque with racing pedigree on both tarmac and loose surfaces confused me, that’s why I thought it could be the new Audi S4… But then again it’s a V6 not V8… I also thought it could be Merc C63 AMG, but it seems it isn’t that either. Anyway, final effort: Lexus IS-F …
Miltos
February 27, 2009sorry, Steve’s clue about a marque with racing pedigree on both tarmac and loose surfaces confused me, that’s why I thought it could be the new Audi S4… But then again it’s a V6 not V8… I also thought it could be Merc C63 AMG, but it seems it isn’t that either. Anyway, final effort: Lexus IS-F …
Karim Dandashy
February 27, 2009Audi or Porsche, thats wat im feeling. Panamera sounds like a potential, but the engine sounds kind rough and the note is def. not very refined. I’m thinking, probably an Audi. Subaru??? Renault?? BMW!!!! yes, im thinking BMW, new bmw z? haha im throwing stuff out there.
Karim Dandashy
February 27, 2009Audi or Porsche, thats wat im feeling. Panamera sounds like a potential, but the engine sounds kind rough and the note is def. not very refined. I’m thinking, probably an Audi. Subaru??? Renault?? BMW!!!! yes, im thinking BMW, new bmw z? haha im throwing stuff out there.
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009It has a metallic sound, like a Porsche, but is a V8…
My guess goes to the X6 5.0i X-Drive
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009It has a metallic sound, like a Porsche, but is a V8…
My guess goes to the X6 5.0i X-Drive
Mike
February 27, 2009Audi S5.
Mike
February 27, 2009Audi S5.
Steve
February 27, 2009@Alex – Yes, it is indeed a brand new car.
Steve
February 27, 2009@Alex – Yes, it is indeed a brand new car.
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009Audi R8 V10…
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009Audi R8 V10…
Stig
February 27, 2009Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
http://www.maserati.com/mediaObject/COM/models/quattroporte-sport-gt-s/MASERATI_Details-Grill_2/resolutions/res-o694x384/data.jpg
…has a 4,691cc V8 engine with 440bhp and a 7,200rpm red-line…
[img]http://www.maserati.com/mediaObject/COM/models/GranTurismo-S/GranTurismo_10/resolutions/res-694×384/data.jpg[/img]
…with 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and a 178mph top speed…
As for racing pedigree…
1) Formula 1: Maserati won the F1 drivers championship in 1957 with the great Juan Manuel Fangio
2) Rallying: Maserati engines were used in the Citroen SM that won the 1971 Morrocco Rally and others including the Citroën DS Special Rally and the Ligier JS2
3) FIA GT: Maserati’s MC12 won the FIA GT1 team championship in 2005, 2006, 2007…
Stig
February 27, 2009Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
http://www.maserati.com/mediaObject/COM/models/quattroporte-sport-gt-s/MASERATI_Details-Grill_2/resolutions/res-o694x384/data.jpg
…has a 4,691cc V8 engine with 440bhp and a 7,200rpm red-line…
[img]http://www.maserati.com/mediaObject/COM/models/GranTurismo-S/GranTurismo_10/resolutions/res-694×384/data.jpg[/img]
…with 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and a 178mph top speed…
As for racing pedigree…
1) Formula 1: Maserati won the F1 drivers championship in 1957 with the great Juan Manuel Fangio
2) Rallying: Maserati engines were used in the Citroen SM that won the 1971 Morrocco Rally and others including the Citroën DS Special Rally and the Ligier JS2
3) FIA GT: Maserati’s MC12 won the FIA GT1 team championship in 2005, 2006, 2007…
Steve
February 27, 2009Keep the guesses coming everyone, the answer will probably surprise you and will make excellent fodder for a good pub quiz.
You can download the sound file from our Audio section and use it to test your friends (once you know the answer yourself).
I can tell you that so far nobody has even come close to the manufacturer who makes this car..
Steve
February 27, 2009Keep the guesses coming everyone, the answer will probably surprise you and will make excellent fodder for a good pub quiz.
You can download the sound file from our Audio section and use it to test your friends (once you know the answer yourself).
I can tell you that so far nobody has even come close to the manufacturer who makes this car..
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009The new Hyunday coupe, or an Infiniti G35??
Filipe Reis
February 27, 2009The new Hyunday coupe, or an Infiniti G35??
Mike
February 28, 2009Do they sell it in the US?
Mike
February 28, 2009Do they sell it in the US?
Steve
February 28, 2009@Mike – Yes, they do.
Steve
February 28, 2009@Mike – Yes, they do.
Toki
February 28, 2009The most unlikely V8 I can think of … the Volvo S80?
Toki
February 28, 2009The most unlikely V8 I can think of … the Volvo S80?
Steve
February 28, 2009And the answer is (drum roll please)….
Now download the clip and wind up your friends.
[Toki, please email me with an address where we can send the stickers]. Well done.
Steve
February 28, 2009And the answer is (drum roll please)….
Now download the clip and wind up your friends.
[Toki, please email me with an address where we can send the stickers]. Well done.
LeIrA
February 28, 2009Sweet..
LeIrA
February 28, 2009Sweet..
Mike
February 28, 2009What kind of Volvos do you get over there? None of them over here spark “child-like glee” on my side of the Atlantic. I need to move.
Mike
February 28, 2009What kind of Volvos do you get over there? None of them over here spark “child-like glee” on my side of the Atlantic. I need to move.
Steve
February 28, 2009Where are you based Mike? This S80 AWD is on sale in the US for $51k.
The rest of the car is the usual conservative Volvo, but it has an engine designed by Yamaha..
Sergio
February 28, 2009I was thinking about the new Morgan Aeromax, with that meaty BMW V8.
Sergio
February 28, 2009I was thinking about the new Morgan Aeromax, with that meaty BMW V8.
Steve
February 28, 2009Where are you based Mike? This S80 AWD is on sale in the US for $51k.
The rest of the car is the usual conservative Volvo, but it has an engine designed by Yamaha..
Sergio
February 28, 2009Oops, a bit late!
Sergio
February 28, 2009Oops, a bit late!
Ryan
February 28, 2009Damnit! I was down to either Volvo or Hyundai Genesis. Nice work, Toki!
Ryan
February 28, 2009Damnit! I was down to either Volvo or Hyundai Genesis. Nice work, Toki!
Mike
February 28, 2009I’ve seen the occasional S80 over here in the US. The S80, even the V8, over here has a reputation of being anti-”child-like glee”. They’re usually driven by elderly people. Until now, (maybe this is a US-spec thing) I didn’t know Volvos made any kind of noise.
Mike
February 28, 2009I’ve seen the occasional S80 over here in the US. The S80, even the V8, over here has a reputation of being anti-”child-like glee”. They’re usually driven by elderly people. Until now, (maybe this is a US-spec thing) I didn’t know Volvos made any kind of noise.
Jason T
February 28, 2009i’m going for the vxr8 bathhurst s! that looks and sounds like a “supercar exhaust” care of tom walkinshaw’s team of aussie nutters! tell tale whine at idle aswell. and out of eveything it will defo make you giggle and act childish lol!!!
Jason T
February 28, 2009i’m going for the vxr8 bathhurst s! that looks and sounds like a “supercar exhaust” care of tom walkinshaw’s team of aussie nutters! tell tale whine at idle aswell. and out of eveything it will defo make you giggle and act childish lol!!!
Mike
February 28, 2009Finally found a video of a US-spec S80 V8 (too late even over here to take a trip to the dealer), and it does sound nice. Add in the large depreciation, and it could make an interesting second-hand buy (even though I am nowhere near the target age group). Actually, that scares me a little.
Mike
February 28, 2009Finally found a video of a US-spec S80 V8 (too late even over here to take a trip to the dealer), and it does sound nice. Add in the large depreciation, and it could make an interesting second-hand buy (even though I am nowhere near the target age group). Actually, that scares me a little.
Bryan
February 28, 2009My next guess would have been the Noble M600 which is to be volvo v8 powered. What an exciting sounding volvo! – never thought i’d say that!
Bryan
February 28, 2009My next guess would have been the Noble M600 which is to be volvo v8 powered. What an exciting sounding volvo! – never thought i’d say that!
Ivan
February 28, 2009V8 alimented with 85% of bioethanol right? Interesting! Now I understand why the sharp sound of this ticky challenge!
Ivan
February 28, 2009V8 alimented with 85% of bioethanol right? Interesting! Now I understand why the sharp sound of this ticky challenge!
JethroBovingdon
February 28, 2009OK, maybe we got a bit too excited by a sober, sombre black Volvo that sounds like that… but the office literally emptied when I started it up. It is a lovely engine, made all the more exciting by its stealthy (almost anonymous) surroundings.
JethroBovingdon
February 28, 2009OK, maybe we got a bit too excited by a sober, sombre black Volvo that sounds like that… but the office literally emptied when I started it up. It is a lovely engine, made all the more exciting by its stealthy (almost anonymous) surroundings.
Steve
February 28, 2009I think one of the best accolades came from an employee in a neighbouring office who asked me “is it meant to sound that way?”.
This S80 has got to be one of the most unassuming Q-cars on sale today. Can anyone suggest anything more worthy than this? (as a brand new car available to the average punter)
Steve
February 28, 2009I think one of the best accolades came from an employee in a neighbouring office who asked me “is it meant to sound that way?”.
This S80 has got to be one of the most unassuming Q-cars on sale today. Can anyone suggest anything more worthy than this? (as a brand new car available to the average punter)
James Cameron
February 28, 2009Audi RS4??? with standard exhaust?
James Cameron
February 28, 2009Audi RS4??? with standard exhaust?
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009Here is another one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuioFDbFG-0
Sounds great indeed!!! I wasn’t expecting that answer for sure!
What can we expect from that one? Feature+video?
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009Here is another one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuioFDbFG-0
Sounds great indeed!!! I wasn’t expecting that answer for sure!
What can we expect from that one? Feature+video?
Mike R.
February 28, 2009Oldsmobile Aurora from the late 90s.
Mike R.
February 28, 2009Oldsmobile Aurora from the late 90s.
Gary
February 28, 2009I should come on here more often, I could have answered that question just by looking at the tail pipe! Though I’m not sure if that’s a good thing…
Gary
February 28, 2009I should come on here more often, I could have answered that question just by looking at the tail pipe! Though I’m not sure if that’s a good thing…
Steve
February 28, 2009@Gary – Very brave of you to admit that…
I was just saying the other day that I used to be able to identify any car at night by its headlights. That was in the days when halogen lights were considered hi-tech and long-before xenons. Nowadays it’s much more difficult, or perhaps I’m just losing my touch..
Tailpipes are ‘one’ of the more identifiable aspect of cars, but not as clearly as wheels. We knew that if we’d shown you a picture of the S80s wheels then the competition would have been very short-lived.
Steve
February 28, 2009@Gary – Very brave of you to admit that…
I was just saying the other day that I used to be able to identify any car at night by its headlights. That was in the days when halogen lights were considered hi-tech and long-before xenons. Nowadays it’s much more difficult, or perhaps I’m just losing my touch..
Tailpipes are ‘one’ of the more identifiable aspect of cars, but not as clearly as wheels. We knew that if we’d shown you a picture of the S80s wheels then the competition would have been very short-lived.
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009Get a life!!!
Just kidding
knowledge is never enough!!
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009Get a life!!!
Just kidding
knowledge is never enough!!
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009@Steve -
I used to guess the model from headlights either, but with recent models things are a bit difficult. Thing is: halogen headlights used to light all the glass surface you see during the day. As this component design evolved, the interior got a lot more complex and the light ‘shape’ you see facing a car at night, is a lot different from the actual exterior shape of the headlight.
We need to store two times more visual memory nowadays!!
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
February 28, 2009@Steve -
I used to guess the model from headlights either, but with recent models things are a bit difficult. Thing is: halogen headlights used to light all the glass surface you see during the day. As this component design evolved, the interior got a lot more complex and the light ‘shape’ you see facing a car at night, is a lot different from the actual exterior shape of the headlight.
We need to store two times more visual memory nowadays!!
Mike
February 28, 2009@Steve -
I believe Volvo’s claim is 0-60 in 6.5 sec. Wouldn’t a Mercedes E550 (E500 over there?) blow the Volvo’s doors off.
Mike
February 28, 2009@Steve -
I believe Volvo’s claim is 0-60 in 6.5 sec. Wouldn’t a Mercedes E550 (E500 over there?) blow the Volvo’s doors off.
Rob Hastings
February 28, 2009Porsche Cayenne s (new style).
Rob Hastings
February 28, 2009Porsche Cayenne s (new style).
Morrison
March 1, 2009Jaguar XFR
Morrison
March 1, 2009Jaguar XFR
Ian F
March 1, 2009Why are people still guessing!? Read Toki and Steve’s posts…
Ian F
March 1, 2009Why are people still guessing!? Read Toki and Steve’s posts…
Steve
March 1, 2009@Ian F – Ian I am assuming that these are answers to the question I posed, namely is there any more inconspicous Q-car than the S80 V8 currently on sale?
I can’t think of anything, but I would be keen to hear of any suggestions. We might even form a feature around the theme of “Ultimate Q-cars”..
Steve
March 1, 2009@Ian F – Ian I am assuming that these are answers to the question I posed, namely is there any more inconspicous Q-car than the S80 V8 currently on sale?
I can’t think of anything, but I would be keen to hear of any suggestions. We might even form a feature around the theme of “Ultimate Q-cars”..
Mike
March 1, 2009Toyota Camry V6. I believe Car and Driver tested a 0-60 time in under 6 sec, and it’s essentially the same engine that will be in the Lotus Evora.
Mike
March 1, 2009Toyota Camry V6. I believe Car and Driver tested a 0-60 time in under 6 sec, and it’s essentially the same engine that will be in the Lotus Evora.
Tom
March 1, 2009Its an Audi RS4!!!
Tom
March 1, 2009Its an Audi RS4!!!
Brendon
March 2, 2009I think it may be a Jag XFR?
Brendon
March 2, 2009I think it may be a Jag XFR?
will_968
March 2, 2009Whose is the 106 Rallye in the pic? Good choice.
will_968
March 2, 2009Whose is the 106 Rallye in the pic? Good choice.
Steve
March 2, 2009@will_968 – It’s Dickie’s 106 Rallye that he bought to run as a long-termer. You can read a little more about it on this thread..
http://blog.drivers-republic.com/2009/01/27/drs-mystery-new-long-termer/
Steve
March 2, 2009@will_968 – It’s Dickie’s 106 Rallye that he bought to run as a long-termer. You can read a little more about it on this thread..
http://blog.drivers-republic.com/2009/01/27/drs-mystery-new-long-termer/
Motaz
May 21, 2009its a sl63 amg……if not then im sure that it is one of the AMG cars produced currently
Motaz
May 21, 2009its a sl63 amg……if not then im sure that it is one of the AMG cars produced currently
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
May 21, 2009Motaz… you gravedigger
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
May 21, 2009Motaz… you gravedigger
