Akrapovič Exhaust System for the Ferrari 296 GTB

In recent years, changing mobility has reduced the importance of internal combustion engines in some areas. On the racetracks, however, it will still be all about giving it your all for a while – in terms of performance, but also in terms of sound, because the roar of the engines is part of the game. Customised exhaust systems as an aftermarket product for sports and racing cars, such as the Akrapovič Exhaust System for the Ferrari 296 GTB, aim to increase performance and reduce weight while at the same time providing a unique sound character and striking design. “Developing an aftermarket exhaust system for a car like the Ferrari 296 GTB is a complex and demanding process that is subject to many constraints. Above all, the exhaust system must fit into the available installation space in the engine compartment and in the body of the vehicle,” explains Urban Potočnik, Akrapovič R&D Director. The aim is to create a product that harmonises with the exterior of the vehicle within these limits. What emerges under these conditions is fascinating: Designed exclusively for use on the racetrack, the combination of Slip-On Race Line (Titanium) and Link Pipe Set (SS) creates a complete exhaust system. The tailpipes have an outer sleeve made of hand-laid carbon fibre over a 3D-printed titanium construction. Designed for visual effect, its eye-catching appearance sets them apart from the standard version. By using lightweight titanium for the muffler section, high-grade stainless steel for the link pipes with flexible tubes in the front section and a pair of 200 cpsi sport catalytic converters, the system weighs 18 per cent less than the standard version and offers lower back pressure and a more direct exhaust flow for improved performance (subject to mandatory ECU remapping). The sound of the system has been optimised to produce a powerful growl that develops into a high-pitched racing sound at higher revs. The jurors were impressed by this “striking combination of innovative engineering and sophisticated design.” “A system like this is the ultimate for a vehicle. It is like using a precise surgical instrument to raise quality to the highest level,” they concluded.