Engine sound generation apparatus and method

Velocity of an actual vehicle detected by a velocity detection section is converted into a virtual velocity in accordance with a velocity range of a pre-assumed model vehicle. Velocity-vs.-number-of-rotation correspondence relationship storage section stores therein correspondence relationship between traveling velocities and numbers of engine rotations of the model vehicle, and information indicative of the number of engine rotations of the model vehicle is generated by referencing the correspondence relationship storage section in accordance with the virtual velocity. Engine sound data are synthesized which correspond to the generated information indicative of the number of engine rotations of the model vehicle. The number of engine rotations of the model vehicle may be imparted with fluctuation on the basis of random numbers. Gear position of the model vehicle may be simulated on the basis of the virtual velocity, and engine sound data of a characteristic of the gear position may be generated. Engine sound data may be generated taking into account detected acceleration or accelerator opening degree of the actual vehicle.