I'm out for my morning walk when in the distance I hear a faint rumble heading in my direction. It's getting louder as it approaches and changing slightly in pitch and tone. Like a dog hearing the initial pop of the dog food can, my ears perk up and home in on the sound. Without even seeing it, I know exactly what the sound is: that Aston Martin V8 Vantage that's been trolling my neighborhood. Snapping out of my Pavlovian state, I reflect again on how amazing it is that a single sound can invoke such wide array of emotions.
Aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to reduce backpressure and increase exhaust gas flow by increasing pipe diameter while eliminating the restrictive bends and kinks found in the factory system. But in fact they do so much more. When done right, an exhaust system can completely change a vehicle. For example, driving a vehicle with a less-than-stellar exhaust note, or an utter lack of one, is mundane and uneventful, reminding you that the errand that you're on is just that-a monotonous chore. But throw the right exhaust on the vehicle you can completely transform the driving experience into an adventure accompanied by a soundtrack of the sweetest melodies.
Meisterschaft
When choosing an exhaust system there are many factors to consider: the pipe diameter, material, sound, and weight. Most consumers don't consider weight when making a purchase decision, but they should recognize the performance benefits that can be gained by reducing a vehicle's un-sprung weight. The Meisterschaft E92 M3 100 percent titanium exhaust system is 75 percent lighter than the stock system and has been designed to optimize flow while keeping the perfect tone.
$3,998
Other Applications: Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche, VW
Meisterschaft
866.278.1896
gthaus.com
Borla
Borla's cat-back exhaust system for the BMW 335i is manufactured using lightweight austenitic stainless steel, offering weight saving of 21 pounds when compared to the stock system. While reduced weight is a plus, it's exhaust flow that is important. This is why Borla incorporated a merge X-pipe and double crossover muffler technology into the system's design. Like all Borla exhaust systems, the 335i cat-back is backed by a million-mile written warranty.
$1,302
Other Applications: Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lotus, Mini, Porsche, VW
Borla
877.GO.BORLA
borla.com
APR
The most common reason for installing an exhaust system is to add sound to your driving experience. The problem is that sometimes the sounds you get are not what you wanted. To eliminate these unwanted drones, APR designed their 3-inch turboback for the MKV GTI 2.0T system using reflective sound cancellation (RSC) technology. RSC technology incorporated into the muffler assembly bounces the unwanted sound waves into each other causing them to cancel each other out.
$1,499
Other Applications: Audi, Porsche, VW
APR
334.502.5181
goapr.com
AWE Tuning
It doesn't matter if you own a MKV GTI or Porsche Carrera GT-AWE Tuning has an exhaust system for you. AWE systems feature fully mandrel bent T304 stainless tubing, stainless steel center mufflers with OEM-grade stainless steel wool and German composite packing material. The AWE Carrera GT muffler, like all of AWE exhaust products, is hand built using internally hand finished stainless steel, TIG welds, stainless steel tubing, and port matched flange openings.
$8,995
Other Applications: Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen
AWE Tuning
888.565.2257
awe-tuning.com
Magnaflow
Magnaflow offers a 2.5-inch mandrel bent full stainless steel cat-back exhaust system for Audi RS4 4.2L V-8. This dual muffler system incorporates a Tru-X pipe transition designed to create a balance between the cylinder banks, reduce noise, and increase performance. The system features a quad-tip design with 3-inch double wall polished tips.
$1,228
Other Applications: Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lotus, Mini, Porsche, VW
Magnaflow
800.817.3930
magnaflow.com
Kreis-sieg
Kreis-sieg has developed a truly versatile cat-back exhaust system for the Lamborghini Gallardo that allows the driver to quickly switch between Silent and F1 mode. The F-1 VT system features a pair of vacuum actuated valves that open in F1 mode allowing exhaust to bypass mufflers increasing performance and giving the vehicle a truly unique sound.
$8,547
Other Applications: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Porsche
Kreis-sieg
866.278.1896
gthaus.com
Flashpoint
Flashpoint designs their exhaust system in the USA and then has them manufactured at an OEM-certified factory to their exact specifications. Every system features fully flanged and gasketed joints for a precise leak free seal and removable and adjustable tips for a precise fit. The Flashpoint system for Audi B6/B7 S4 V8 features 2.25-inch piping, a hand-machined finish, and is available in either a manifold-back or cat-back version.
From $949
Other Applications: Audi, BMW, MINI, VW
Stratmosphere
866.533.1777
stratmosphere.com
Milltek
Milltek Sport stainless steel cat-back exhaust systems are all about versatility-giving consumers a choice of sound levels and tip design. For the Audi S5 Milltek offers resonated and non-resonated forms which offer two different sound levels without affecting performance. The system incorporates H-pipe design which allows excess pressure from one side to bleed over to the other side of the exhaust, thus maximizing flow throughout the entire power band.
$1,799
Other Applications: Audi, BMW, Mini, Porsche, VW
Milltek
866.533.1777
stratmosphere.com