Since engine sound has been in the news lately, we thought we’d provide a proper reference baseline: the Ferrari Columbo V12. Turn up the volume. 

Formula One has a new, high-tech engine package for 2014. And while the technical ins and outs of the new racing formula can be debated at length, there’s one area where everyone seems to agree: the exhaust note. It’s neither loud nor stimulating. Fans say the engine sound is uninspiring, not in keeping with the pinnacle of motorsport.

The word in the paddock is that the powers that be in F1 are listening, and a fix is in the works to provide the cars with more sensory presence. In the meantime, here’s a video to remind us how proper racing engines used to sound. The 2013 clip features Max Werner in the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo—aka the Breadvan—on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. Reason enough for watching, but especially worthy of notice here is the glorious song of the classic Ferrari V12. Listen.

http://youtu.be/oWZqb_PX12A