I'm actually hoping for a nice V8 burble when doing anything more than cruising, to be honest.

I currently have an Audi S4 with 4.2 V8 petrol and that is just so sweet, low revs is growls like only a V8 can and then plant your foot and it absolutely roars.

Moving from a fast car to more refined enviorns means a change, but it would still be nice to hear the V8 power at certain times. I've read some reviews that state this is inded the case - I hope so!

When some are saying they love their engine noise, they've said it all when you own a diesel powered car it is noise, it will never match the nice sound (not noise) of a V8 petrol!

AH now Vogue you are talking about the re-invention of stuff.
My pal has a 1930 Riley mph and a Riley Brooklands.
The mph has the best gearbox in it - preselector.
You change the gear and it is only when you drop the clutch does it actually complete the change, so you can drop down before the roundabout, corner etc, then do the clutch at the right time, exiting with decent progression.
Awesome, I wonder when that will become the latest thing!