Akrapovič has joined forces with one of the most famous automotive marques to produce a new titanium sports exhaust for the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history.

The new exhaust is constructed from lightweight high-grade titanium and has been designed to heighten the layers of sounds produced by the iconic W12 engine – the world’s most advanced twelve-cylinder engine – which is fitted to the new Continental GT Speed and GT Speed Convertible. The exhaust is a result of a collective and intense development programme between Akrapovič and Bentley, which included evaluating the system on the Pikes Peak Continental GT, a car that holds the production car record at the renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the American state of Colorado, when it beat the previous record by 8.4 seconds on the demanding 12.42-mile course in 2019.

The design and sound tuning of the exhaust are perfectly suited for the many facets of the car, whether it is used for grand touring or an exhilarating drive on a dynamic route. The soundtrack to accompany the engine can be varied using a valve mounted on each muffler; these two valves are controlled by an ECU. When switched to the Sport mode, the rich high-frequency tone from the exhaust is also accompanied by distinctive burbles on overrun.

Through the use of titanium in the manufacturing process, Akrapovič has created an exhaust to manage the engine’s 485 kW (659 hp) – a 4% increase over the current W12 model – and 900 Nm of torque. With emphasis on maximum strength, optimum flow, extreme heat resistance, and minimum weight – which shows a savings of 7 kg over the stock system – this is a system that is truly a work of art from both a working and visual point of view. With complex parts produced in Akrapovič’s in-house foundry, this new exhaust – which owners can select to have fitted as an option for their car via the Bentley Motors dealer network – allows the car’s engine to breathe more freely and improves throttle response by reducing the back pressure and improving the turbocharger’s performance.

Akrapovič and Bentley worked together on a limited-edition Continental GT3-R in 2014, creating a pioneering exhaust system for what was then Bentley’s most driver-focused car. Now, seven years later, Akrapovič has produced another innovative system, which is also visually striking and very different from the stock version. The quad oval tailpipes with a matte titanium finish feature subtle Akrapovič and Bentley logos, and the exterior of the system has been sandblasted to create a surface with increased durability and enhanced scratch resistance, ensuring that this exhaust looks as good as it performs and sounds.