Originally Posted by wdkwang

I've seen other 1st gear threads but I have an additional question about it.

First, I have an '10 and my friend has a '12 model. Whenever I let off the gas in 1st, there is a high pitch whine similar to how a Honda's reverse gear sounds. It is very audible, so much so that I wonder if bystanders on the street can hear it. Anyone know if they can?
My friend's '12 whine is barely even noticeable. The only explanation I can think of is that it the '11+ models have more insulation/noise dampener added to them.

Second, whenever I downshift into 1st, the high pitch noise is on a whole new level. I've tried it at 20 and 30mph, and it sounds as if you can hear the syncro or gear moving extremely fast. It sounds violent and feels unsettling. Once the car slows down to <10mph, it goes back to the typical whine sound that we're familiar with. Fyi, it doesn't sound like this when I'm starting in first and just let the revs climb until I shift into 2nd. Anyone else experience this or have an explanation for it?