This SAE Standard establishes the test procedure, environment, and instrumentation for determining the exterior sound level for passenger cars, multipurpose vehicles, and light trucks having a gross vehicle mass rating of 4540 kg or less. The test procedure is characterized by having fixed initial conditions, i.e., an as-specified initial vehicle speed and gear selection at a fixed start point on the test site. Full-throttle acceleration and closed-throttle deceleration of the vehicle are included in this procedure.

Sound levels determined in accordance with this document are dependent on the performance capability of the test vehicle, as influenced by power-to-mass ratio and overall powertrain gear ratio.