The best tunnels for drivers to enjoy the sound of their cars have been assessed and ranked by Alfa Romeo.
Featuring both objective and subjective measurements, the ‘Sound Tunnel Index’ comprises a top 10 list of subterranean roads to enjoy.
Alfa believes the chosen 10 tunnels are the best possible environment to appreciate a car’s engine and exhaust sound.
Exhaustive evaluations
To narrow down the list of tunnel options, the company asked Alfa enthusiasts to make their recommendations. This created a shortlist of tunnels.
An Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV was then driven through each one. Dynamic mode was engaged, ensuring maximum noise from the 510hp 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
Detailed sound recordings were taken from each tunnel, with the passenger window down to ensure the engine and exhaust note were captured fully.
The records were then handed to acoustic experts, Sandy Brown. Measurements of engine and exhaust sound, along with tyre, road and wind noise, were all used to produce an objective score. A subjective score was also generated, with the two combined for the overall Sound Tunnel Index.
Top tunnel of love
Topping the 2022 Sound Tunnel Index is the Penmaenbach Tunnel in North Wales. With one-way traffic, a smooth road surface and an optimal U-shaped design, it ensured maximum aural pleasure.
The Saltash Tunnel in Cornwall and Beaminster Tunnel in Dorset claimed second and third places in the ranking respectively.
Richard King, associate at Sandy Brown, said: “The shape and size of tunnels, their length, the speed of the road, background sounds such as other cars, airflow and tyre noise, all have an impact on the sound you hear while driving.
“This is heightened in a performance SUV like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, where the combination of the V6 turbo engine and exhaust sound add to the excitement. This index will help petrolheads and car lovers across the UK make the most of their drives.”
Alfa Romeo Sound Tunnel Index
| Tunnel | Objective Rank | Subjective Rank | Overall Rank |
| Penmaenbach Tunnel, North Wales | 2nd | 1st | 1st |
| Saltash Tunnel, Cornwall | 1st | 4th | 2nd |
| Beaminster Tunnel, Dorset | 3rd | 6th | 3rd |
| Hindhead Tunnel, Surrey | 7th | 3rd | 4th |
| Holmesdale Tunnel, Enfield | 4th | 7th | =5th |
| Queensway Tunnel, Cheshire | 9th | 2nd | =5th |
| Dartford Tunnel, Kent | 5th | 8th | =7th |
| Hatfield Tunnel, Hertfordshire | 8th | 5th | =7th |
| Limehouse Tunnel, Poplar | 6th | 9th | 9th |
| Tyne Tunnel, Tyneside | 10th | 10th | 10th |
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