Mercedes Tests 'Megaphone' Exhaust In A Bid To Make F1 Louder

Hoping to increase the noise of the new F1 power-units, Mercedes has been testing a rather odd looking solution

18 May 2015

Image source: RachelBrookesTV

Mercedes has today tested this flared exhaust that F1's governing body, the FIA, hopes will increase the noise of the new-for-2014 1.6 litre V6 Turbo power-units.

The new sound has been met with mixed reviews from fans, race promoters and senior figures within the sport, with some preferring the quieter and more textured engine note and others yearning for a return to the screaming V8s.

Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas

The FIA confirmed last month that it was working with teams to find solutions that could help to increase the noise level. Mercedes trialled the megaphone-like exhaust this morning in Spain during the second in-season test of the season.

Early reports from the F1 paddock suggest the exhaust has not made much of a difference to the volume of the engine, which was put to shame slightly last weekend when compared to feeder series GP2.