Here's What the Newly-Muffled WEC GT3 Cars Sound Like. Spoiler Alert: It's Not an Improvement.

      Last year, the FIA announced that GT3 cars in the World Endurance Championship would face exhaust system restrictions starting in the 2025 season, limiting their noise level to just 100 decibels. While this change isn’t drastic, it has somewhat diminished their intensity. The FIA released a video showcasing the exhaust sounds of each GT3 car, which still sound good, but there is a noticeable difference that has left many fans dissatisfied.

      As reported by SportsCar365, the Corvette Z06 GT3s are now only about 12-14 decibels quieter than before. It’s akin to transitioning from the ambience of a nightclub to the sound of a motorcycle's exhaust, or from a gunshot to a jackhammer, or a rock concert to the internal turmoil of one’s self-doubt. However, it's not just the decreased decibel level that is significant. With the requirement for restrictive mufflers, the cars are not only quieter but also produce a different sound—one that is slightly less aggressive.

      Understandably, fans are upset. They took to Reddit to express their frustration with the new regulations, with some suggesting that this move is an attempt to shift attention towards the Hypercars and LMP2 vehicles, which contend for overall victories. Conversely, some fans do appreciate the reduced noise level as it makes the experience of watching the cars in person less overwhelming. Yet, isn't the essence of attending a race to truly see and hear the cars up close? Otherwise, one might as well watch from home.

      The vehicles that appear to be most impacted by the new noise regulations include the McLaren GT3 Evo, Mustang GT3, Corvette Z06 GT3, and Porsche 911 GT3 R. The latter was already relatively quiet this year, so this doesn’t feel like a significant blow. However, it is disheartening to hear the Corvette V8 lose much of its distinctive roar. The McLaren also sounds notably subdued, producing little more than a muffled burble.

      The contrast in sound between the GT3 cars and the Hypercars highlights the extent of the 12-14 decibel reduction. While GT3 cars are limited to 100 decibels, the Hypercar class has a limit of 110 decibels. This 10-decibel difference is clearly substantial. Not only are the Hypercars louder, but they also sound sharper, crisper, and more assertive. The muffling in the GT3 class affects more than just the loudness. It remains unclear why the FIA opted to further restrict exhaust noise for 2025, but after experiencing the new cars, it’s difficult to overlook what has been lost.

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