Five Of The Best Sounding Racecars Of All Time

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to racecar stuff. I spend far too much time watching old clips back of random little bespoke racing series, and I get chills everytime I visit the track and hear the soundtrack of something belting down the main straight. I'm a sucker for circuit stuff, and as much as my PG compatriot and straight-line enthusiast Adrian Hodgson likes to tell me that circuits are just weird return roads to get back to the drag strip (main straight), I don't think my love for track stuff will ever go away.

These last few years working around the automotive traps I've had the privilege of being trackside when some wild machinery is on full noise. From some of the incredible time-attack monsters at WTAC, to modern day GT3 cars, open wheelers, Top Fuelers, Doorslammers, Supercars and more, they're all incredible in their own right — but this list below is basically a bucket list for cars I just dream about seeing in person.

Redbull RB7

Now, as much as I blabber on about my love for circuit stuff — I'm also known for having a bit of a thing for Seb Vettel. His (and Mark Webber's) 2011 RB7 would have to be at the top of the list for me, with that screaming Renault V8 and the iconic blown diffuser. By directing exhaust gases over the diffuser, the RB7 created additional downforce and made an absolute ridiculous noise when down-shifting. I've watched this clip at Monza just a few times over.

Porsche 911 RSR 

The modern-day Porsche 911 RSR GTE has to be one of, if not the best flat-six sounding car getting around. It's got a distinctive Porsche rasp, and sounds bloody angry pushing for lap times. Raw, powerful, and unmistakably Porsche.

Mazda 787B

The distinct sound of a quad-rotor engine, the iconic images of driver Johnny Herbert being lifted out of the cockpit after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mazda 787B is one of the most iconic cars to come out of Japan. Anyone who's heard the 787B scream down the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans will attest to its iconic status. It produces an otherworldly noise, a sound distinct from any other racecar. 

Lotus Renault R31

Another F1 car. Who would have thought. 2011's Lotus Renault R31 is renowned for its innovative 'forward exhaust' design. This innovation did not just affect aerodynamics but also the sound. Emitting an aggressive and throaty roar distinct from its contemporaries, the R31 was a monster. It was also driven mid-season by Bruno Senna, which to me is pretty sweet seeing that yellow helmet in a black and gold Lotus. On that note, I'd also love to see and hear Ayrton's Lotus 98t.

Audi Quattro S1

Rallying and the Audi Quattro S1 - two names that are inseparable (and how could I leave this off the list). The Quattro S1 with its turbocharged five-cylinder engine didn't just change the game in the World Rally Championship with its all-wheel-drive system but also left a mark with its distinctive sound. The pops, bangs, and unmistakable turbo whistle became emblematic of an era. It is raw, raucous, and everything a rally enthusiast's heart desires.

So, I'm sure we've all got opinions and I reckon I'll end up doing another part to this. I'd love to hear your thoughts, and maybe we can do a reader’s review and we'll post up some of your favourites in another article. Leave your comments below and let us know!