An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine; the exhaust system comprises: at least one an exhaust duct, which originates from the internal combustion engine; at least one exhaust gas treatment device, which is arranged along the exhaust duct; and a silencing device, which is arranged along the exhaust duct downstream of the exhaust gas treatment device. The silencing device comprises a silencing valve, which intercepts the exhaust duct and is movable between a completely open position and a completely closed position. In the completely closed position, the silencing valve has a first free section for the passage of the exhaust gases having a first area other than zero, so that the exhaust gases can flow through the silencing valve even when the silencing valve is in the completely closed position.

The preferred invention is directed to a controller for a vehicle exhaust valve. The controller comprises a vehicle interface for determining a live value for an operating parameter of a vehicle, a recording module being configured to, upon activation, instantaneously record the live value of the operating parameter, and a programming module for determining a value range based on the recorded live value and allowing a desired position of the valve to be set such that during operation, the control system automatically moves the valve to the desired position when the operating parameter is within the value range.

Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust tuning valve in its exhaust system are described. In one example, a position of the exhaust tuning valve may be adjusted to reduce a possibility of the exhaust tuning valve becoming stuck due to freezing water. In particular, the exhaust tuning valve may be cycled as ambient temperature approaches a temperature at which water freezes.

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a passenger is described. In one example, the method adjusts vehicle suspension and exhaust system sound in response to characteristics of the passenger that are monitored via a camera and a microphone. The method may operate the vehicle suspension and exhaust system in a way that soothes the passenger.

An exhaust flap for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle, which has an internal combustion engine and an electronic processing device for a closed-loop control of the internal combustion engine, has a valve element, an actuator for moving the valve element, and a dedicated electronic processing device. The dedicated electronic processing device is configured to receive a first signal which is provided by the electronic processing device of the motor vehicle and which characterizes a first position of the valve element, generate a second signal which characterizes a second position of the valve element as a function of the received first signal, and transmit the second signal to the actuator. The actuator moves the valve element into the second position based on the received second signal.

Methods and systems are provided for diagnostics of an exhaust tuning valve during vehicle-off conditions. In one example, the engine may be reverse rotated, unfueled while the position of the exhaust is varied and an intake air flow is estimated at each position of the exhaust tuning valve. The exhaust tuning valve may be diagnosed based on a change in air flow with the variation in the position of the exhaust tuning valve.

Methods and systems are provided for an exhaust tuning valve. In one example, a method may include adjusting the exhaust tuning valve in response to a steering wheel angle input. Additionally or alternatively, the position of the exhaust tuning valve may be adjusted differently in response to a same steering wheel angle input during different driving behaviors.

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a passenger is described. In one example, the method adjusts vehicle suspension and exhaust system sound in response to characteristics of the passenger that are monitored via a camera and a microphone. The method may operate the vehicle suspension and exhaust system in a way that sooths the passenger.

Exhaust systems for a vehicle are provided. In one example, an exhaust system includes a muffler, a first exhaust outlet pipe fluidly coupled to a first outlet of the muffler, a second exhaust outlet pipe fluidly coupled to a second outlet of the muffler, a bypass duct fluidly coupled to a third outlet of the muffler, and a combined X-Y shaped intersection at which the first exhaust outlet pipe, the second exhaust outlet pipe, and the bypass duct are fluidly coupled to each other.

A vehicle system includes an engine, a transmission, an exhaust system, an adjustable valve, a sensor, and a controller. The engine is configured to propel a vehicle. The transmission is configured to transfer power from the engine to at least one drive wheel. The exhaust system is configured to route exhaust away from the engine. The exhaust system has a catalyst and an outlet. The adjustable valve is disposed within the exhaust system proximate to the outlet. The sensor is configured to observe human gestures. The controller is programmed to receive signals from the sensor indicative of the human gestures while the transmission is in a parked gear. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the sensor observing a first human gesture, increase an operating speed of the engine or adjust the valve to increase a noise output from the outlet of the exhaust system.