Bentley And Akrapovic Develop New Lightweight Exhaust For Continental GT Speed

Bentley’s engineers have collaborated with the experts at Akrapovic to create an exhaust system for the Continental GT Speed that saves weight, sounds better, and improves performance.

The pipes are designed to be as strong, light, and as resistant to heat as possible. Along with those goals, the teams focused on creating optimal flow through the system for the exhaust gasses. That, Bentley says, allows the engine to breathe better and improves throttle response thanks to the lower system back pressures, which improves turbocharger performance.

The exhaust system is manufacured at Akrapovic’s production facility out of titanium that it makes itself at its in-house foundry. Thanks to its use of the lightweight metal, the whole system weighs about 15 lbs (7 kg) less than the Continental GT‘s standard exhaust system.

Bentley has also ensured that the car sounds right. Thanks to a dedicated electronic control unit for the exhaust system, it can regulate exhaust gas flow to each rear muffler to create a rich soundtrack with burbles on overrun.

The Akrapovic pipes distinguish themselves from the standard ones thanks to their appearance. All four exhaust tips are ovals with a matte titanium finish and both companies’ brand names on top.

Extensively developed, the teams worked together to test the exhaust system at Pikes Peak, where the Continental GT earned itself a record as the fastest production run up the fearsome Hill Climb.

The Continental GT Speed is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine that delivers 650 hp (659 PS/484 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. That enables it to get to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and run all the way up to 208 mph (335 km/h).

The Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust is available for both the Continental GT Speed and the Continental GT Speed Convertible.