I hate to bring this up since there’s so many threads, but there’s so much conflicting information on these forums.

I drove a 2017 base coupe with passive exhaust, and while it sounded amazing when I was outside the car, I was pretty disappointed with the sound while inside the car (windows down or up).

Some threads suggest passive has the same sound as switchable active exhaust set open (and/or with the fuse removed to keep it always open) But some threads say passive is significantly quieter and the pops are more clicky instead of like gunfire.

So which is it? I’d be getting a 2016 by the way, but I believe the exhaust is the same.

 

V6 or V8 (or 4-pot )? Coupe or convertible?

 

On coupe models many feel the sounds inside the cabin are too muted. I found that to be the case even on the V-8 models with active exhaust on loud mode. Very loud outside the car, but barely audible inside. I think its Jag's gentlemen's style engineering as the factory exhaust has lots of sound deadening and extra weight that isolates the sounds from the cabin. . Solution is the VAP valvetronic exhaust which allows just the right amount of sound inside the cabin. Unhinged has fit one to his v-6 model, but its likely much easier if you start with a car that already has active exhaust.

 

V6 base coupe.

 

Velocity AP offers 3 different sound levels for the V6 non-active exhaust. You could also add the Valvetronic (Touring/Race levels) with their remotely switched valves. I already had the active exhaust, so that part of the Valvetronic installation was easy, but I upgraded from the dual exhaust to a quad exhaust designed for the V8 which required swapping out the rear valence as well.

 

Okay, but here's a video with the V6S, and the sound inside the cabin sounds *nothing* like what I experienced in the 2017 V6 Base. The base I drove sounded quite weak (like a very normal sedan four cylinder).. and the pops sounded like a bad tuner car, *not* good. But in this video, the car sounds amazing!


I hate that I can't easily go try both, but there aren't any nearby to compare.

**edit**

Found a video that sounds more like what I felt in the base.. even though this second video is an S. I realize the mic and EQ'ing would change between videos but regardless, listen at 20:55 or so. In the first video, the car engine tone is way deeper and has overtones to it. In this second video, it has no low end to it.. which is what my experience was.


Hoping people can chime in on their take between these two videos!