24h Le Mans
Motor racing, like most sports, grips its fans and puts all our senses through their paces. We use our sight to assess speed, overtaking manoeuvres and all the action that builds the excitement. And when you are lucky enough to watch the race trackside, sound plays a big part in the spectator experience.
Before we go into some of the most emblematic sounds of this year 100th anniversary race, first, a health and safety warning. We cannot repeat it enough. Please remember to protect your - and your childrens’ - ears, especially in the pit straight where the grandstands create an echo. Wearing ear plugs won’t hamper your enjoyment, but it will prevent you from harming your hearing and ensure you are able to appreciate the sound of racing - and anything else - for years to come.
That said, let’s start with the sound you are most likely to hear at the track, the Gibson GK428 4.2-litre V8 600bhp engine fitted on all LMP2 cars.
It has a noticeable popping sound when changing down, but acceleration is a smooth crescendo, with no screeching high notes, the max rpm being low for a race car. Changing up produces a clapping noise that can be very loud.
The Peugeot 9X8 hybrid has a 680 hp twin-turbo 2.6L V6 engine coupled with a 272 hp electric motor.
The lion is soft on the ears when changing down but roars when accelerating. Volume remains reasonably low, thanks to the twin-turbo. Surprising at first, the sound of the French car is quite pleasant. We appreciate the growl on acceleration. Have a listen and “see” what you think!
Passons maintenant de l’autre côté de l’Atlantique. Les trois Cadillac V-Series.R sont équipées d’un V8 de 5,5 l., lui aussi couplé au système hybride du Championnat FIA WEC.
Là, on change de répertoire. Le volume devient conséquent, le moteur américain exprime bruyamment sa puissance. Sur la piste d’écoute, c’est à la 10e seconde qu’elle surgit. Le V8 s’exprime dans les graves, se laissant entendre loin après votre position sur le circuit. La sauvagerie du V8 contraste avec la souplesse des passages de rapport, à l’accélération comme au freinage.
Let’s go stateside now. The three Cadillac V-Series.Rs boast a 5.5-litre V8 mated to the FIA WEC spec hybrid system.
This is a different repertoire altogether! The big American engine likes to show off its power and the volume is LOUD. Ear plugs at the ready 10 seconds in! The V8 has a deep voice that will stay with you long after you’ve left the track. But the savagery stops there. Gear changes are incredibly subtle in comparison.
We don’t have space to describe the other distinctive car sounds around the track and everyone has their own favourite. Do check out the mechanical notes of the Porsche 911 RSR-19 flat 6 engine though. It’s an absoltue banger!
Let’s finish up with a full lap. A symphony of mean machines. Appreciate the nuances, feel the vibes and see if you can tell which car is which. If you’re a real fan, you’ll have this as your alarm. Wake up to the sound of the 24 Hours of Le Mans every morning!
