The sound of F1’s future is not as loud, but nonetheless "sweet".
That is the claim of Mercedes’ formula one engine boss Andy Cowell, as he welcomed reporters to the German marque’s Brixworth (UK) factory for a first glimpse of the 2014-spec V6.
After becoming accustomed to screaming normally aspirated engines, F1 fans will have to adjust to the soother tones of turbocharged 1.6 litre power next season.
But Cowell said fears grand prix racing will sound tame in 2014 are unfounded, insisting the V6s are "loud but sweeter sounding".
"I had the privilege of standing in a test cell the first time it was run and I had a big smile on my face," he said.
"The sound is going to be pleasant, with the volume a little lower, but it’s not a problem with the direction we are going."
He also warned that less cylinders and revs does not mean less excitement.
"The (2014) engines will deliver much more torque," said Cowell, "especially on the exit of the corners.
"Cars with more power than grip coming out of the corners — that is something that we all enjoy," he is quoted by the Daily Mail.