One unexpected problem with hybrids is that they are quiet -- they make no noise. This proves to be a problem for people who are blind and who depend, naturally, on their hearing to determine when a car is traversing the road. They don’t end up being a dead pedestrian. (Who would?)
But if they can’t hear the passing car, then what?
Lotus Engineering (yes, that Lotus) has released a product called “Safe and Sound Hybrid” which produces the sound of a V8 engine. Costing about the same as a conventional car stereo, the front-mounted speakers blast noise forward and cannot be heard once the car has passed. Moreover, the engine noise cannot be heard by people inside the vehicle.
The system can be configured to make constant noise regardless of whether the hybrid is using the electric motor, the gas engine, or to shut off when the gas engine is being used.