Bentley Just Made its V8s Much Angrier, Thanks To Akrapovič

Bentley V8s Get A Growl

When Bentley dropped the W12 engine, it robbed the world of one of the most incredible sounds in the automotive sphere. Emissions regulations have made such oversized engines all but impossible, but Bentley has a solution, of sorts. Thanks to a collaboration with Akrapovič, all V8 High Peformance Hybrid and Ultra Performance Hybrid models – Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur – now have the option of a titanium exhaust system that adds aural drama and subtracts weight. The newly launched Bentayga Speed already has an option like this, which Bentley says saves up to 22 pounds of weight compared to the standard system (depending on which model it is fitted to).

Rorty New Exhaust Can Still Show Restraint

As you’d expect in a six-figure luxury vehicle, this system is valved on each rear silencer so that buyers have a choice between a subtle, restrained exhaust note and a raucous one. The adaptive system is connected to the car’s ECU so that Sport mode uncorks the exhaust automatically, which Bentley says produces “a thrilling, full-throated rasp under hard acceleration and distinctive burbles on overrun.”

The new exhaust is also said to improve the sound on start-up and exhibits arrange of tones throughout the rev range, “from a commanding V8 roar to a smooth, high-frequency sound.” Naturally, the engineers also focused on heat resistance, so this system is a mix of titanium and “special super alloys.” Pure titanium, as good as it looks and sounds, doesn’t deal with sustained high temperatures very well.

Akra Exhaust Looks The Part

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The exhaust system is finished with a quartet of tips, the innermost of which bear the Bentley name, while the outers call attention to Akrapovič. The black script appears atop a sandblasted and coated scratch-resistant brass-colored matte surface, which looks very similar to the finish of the exhaust created for the Continental Speed W12 back in 2021, and we have to admit that the Slovenian company’s trademark hue adds a touch of class (not that any Bentley is lacking in that regard).

Pricing has not been announced, but this is the company that created an all-new type of exhaust for the Koenigsegg Regera, so it won’t be cheap. For those with the means, the new Akrapovič exhaust can be ordered when commissioning a new Bentley or retrofitted after delivery has been taken. For those of us with shallower pockets, Akrapovič also provides systems for the Golf GTI Edition 50 and other special-edition VWs, as well as BMW M cars, AMGs, and more.