Anyone know if GM actually did something to enhance the sound of the engine/exhaust as it's heard from the interior when accelerating up over 2K and especially good growl when stepping on it to redline, etc. It sounds alot beefier than a normal 4 cyl. I've only owned it since January, but noticed right away (bought new) and was pleasantly suprised that it wasn't the typical buzzy noise you get from a stock basic 4. (in fact , I traded a 2006 ION base model for the balt and I never heard the effect from it. Same engine according to specs.) We're talking a base LS Coupe here.

What you might be hearing is noise from the engine. An easy way to tell is to remove the engine cover and see if the noise gets louder. I can definatly hear my engine more with the cover removed.

It might also have something to do with the plastic body panels...

yeah i've got an '06ls along with my ss and ls def has a nice growl to it

it does sound good head it with the pipes free :) http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=34525596