Sports exhaust options are not new to the Bentley Continental GT, customers were first able to specify a sports exhaust at the introduction of the second generation Continental GT V8 S in 2012, but this new collaboration with exhaust maestros Akrapovič delivers a beautifully-made and sonorous offering with increased character and more emotional engagement.
The new lightweight exhaust system is the result of an extensive development process that included testing on the record-breaking Pikes Peak Continental GT, which holds the Production Car record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The car beat the previous record by 8.4 seconds over the gruelling 12.42-mile course in Colorado in 2019.
The new Continental GT Speed is the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history and the ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer. The new sports exhaust has been designed to intensify the deep and irresistible character of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine, which is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, perfectly suited for grand touring or spirited dynamic driving. When in SPORT mode this is also accompanied with a rich, high frequency soundtrack and distinctive burbles on overrun. To vary the sound and regulate the exhaust gas flow, a value is mounted on each rear muffler - managed by a dedicated electronic control unit.
The design of the exhaust focuses on maximum strength, minimum weight, optimum flow and maximum heat resistance, all contributing to the highest performance possible. The exhaust has been made completely from titanium with the complex parts manufactured at Akrapovič’s own in-house titanium foundry. The use of titanium together with super-alloys achieves a seven kilogram weight saving over the standard exhaust system.
An advantage of the system, which breathes more freely, is an improvement in throttle response thanks to a lower system back pressure which improves turbocharger performance.