New Porsche Product Makes Getting Attention Easy

Porsche recently unveiled an optional exhaust system that, upon the push of a button, actually makes the guttural roar of the sleek 911's tail pipe that much more impressive (uh, in other words, louder).

None of that solar-powered, hydrogen-based, electric-driven alternative fuel source stuff for Porsche. Instead, here's a scenario it feels prospective owners of luxury cars will identify with: you're driving a loaded, bright red Porsche 911 along the packed downtown core of your local city on a cool but comfortable summer Saturday night. Just about everyone is taking in the flashing lights and pleasurable weather, including plenty good-looking members of the opposite sex.

But, what if, despite the fact that you're driving such a hot, expensive car, not quite everyone within a three-block radius notices you?

Although it's hard to imagine that Porsche drivers could desire -- no, need -- even more attention, for about $2,500 the German automaker is offering a brand new feature that emphasizes the exhaust note of its popular 911 model. The system operates in a fairly simple manner: upon the push of an in-cabin button, the car adjusts its exhaust flap within each of its main silencers. The resulting tone of the engine will depend on a number of factors, include the speed at which the driver is traveling, the engine load, and perhaps even their environment (a tunnel will obviously sound different than an open country highway). (Source: rankingsandreviews.com)

The stainless steel kit featuring dual tipped outlets will also be available in retrofitted versions for older Porsches, meaning that owners of recent models needn't get all jealous of those purchasing a 2009 or 2010 model of the 911. (Source: auto123.com)

Obviously, other auto and part-makers will be watching to see if this kind of customization proves popular amongst the limited Porsche population. Heck, there's nothing to prevent Ford from releasing a similar product for its Mustang, F-150, or, um, Festiva?

Given the desperation of the auto industry, these kinds of ideas -- however quirky they may be -- might just help revitalize a sagging sector.

Porsche's new exhaust feature will be available next month.