When it comes to performance exhaust systems, few brands can match Akrapovič's pedigree. Official partner to BMW Motorsports and a host of other - equally prestigious - international race teams, the Slovenian brand has a reputation for producing some of the industry's most innovative and technologically-advanced exhaust systems.
Akrapovič are also one of the only performance exhaust manufacturers to own and run their own (32,000 sq ft.) titanium foundry and metallurgical laboratory. But that's not why we recommend Akrapovič systems to our customers.
We generally recommend Akrapovič exhausts because they're phenomenally well-built and optimised systems, with the potential to significantly enhance the performance of most modern cars.
Built to be lightweight and durable, they combine the latest advances in titanium Are also built in tightly-controlled conditions - with special attention paid to the gas content of titanium castings, and a stringent programme of post-production testing designed to weed out product with microstructural tears and other defects that may affect the lifespan of your new exhaust system.
In other words, they're incredibly reliable systems that are designed to offer years of consistent performance. The acoustic profiles are always noteworthy too. Like many performance exhaust manufacturers, Akrapovič spend a significant amount of time and money tuning their products; finessing the design of every tube, muffler and tailpipe to ensure that they have a unique sound signature that's guaranteed to turn heads.
But Akrapovič take things a step further too - employing a dedicated NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) team who're tasked with using state-of-the-art equipment to measure, tweak and refine the acoustic characteristics of their exhaust systems until 'sound perfection' is achieved.
Tuning specialists with over a decade of hands-on experience, we're ideally placed to help you upgrade your car's exhaust system. More to the point, we have a good working relationship with Akrapovič and regularly install their systems on road and performance vehicles of all descriptions. We're used to working with their products, can source them quickly and know how to fit them properly.
We also possess the technical knowledge and expertise needed to remap your car's ECU after the initial installation work has been carried out - allowing you to take full advantage of your new exhaust's performance-enhancing potential. If you're happy to drive to our main tuning HQ in South Gloucester, book an in-person appointment here.
Alternatively, you can book in with one of our network of 300+ authorised tuning agents. As part of the wider Avon Tuning network, all of our agents can access our best-in-class remap files - and several have the expertise required to properly fit and test an Akrapovič exhaust system.
The case for Akrapovič exhaust systems is clear-cut: If the brand's industry-leading exhausts are good enough for MotoGP racing teams, they're more than good enough for the overwhelming majority of enthusiasts. In fact, they're undoubtedly some of the best and most durable aftermarket exhaust systems that money can buy.
It's relatively easy to dive in and select a system too - unlike some aftermarket parts manufacturers, Akrapovič generally only offer one exhaust system per model variant. The idea being that they spend the time and energy they could spend manufacturing three different systems on making sure their chosen solution offers unparalleled performance.
It's this care and attention to detail that explains why some of the brands exhausts are made out of ultra-lightweight titanium alloys, while others are made out of austenitic stainless steel. The brand's engineers are constantly looking for the right compromise between weight and performance - and they do this on a car-by-car basis, which is why you won't be browsing a huge range of competing options for your vehicle.
But there are still some important decisions to be made: Most Akrapovič exhaust systems are designed to replace everything from the catalytic converter back to your tailpipe, but the brand does offer some shorter, axle-back kits for certain models of car.
The length of your new exhaust system is important because performance is often directly correlated to the amount of exhaust pipe you replace. Simply put, stock systems are often restrictive - preventing exhaust gases from moving away from your combustion chamber in a timely fashion and, in doing so, reducing the overall efficiency of your engine.
Aftermarket kits are better optimised, and allow exhaust gases to move away from your engine more rapidly. As a general rule of thumb, the more pipe you replace, the less restriction there is on your engine and the better your vehicle will run. But the other benefits of opting for an aftermarket exhaust - like the improved sound profile and aesthetics - are often unchanged by the length of your new exhaust systems.
If you're primarily interested in improving your exhaust note, axle-back systems generally offer more bang for your buck. If you're more interested in increasing your engine's effective horsepower, you'll probably want to hone in on a cat-back exhaust and -if you plan to track your car - you may also want to consider opting for an Akrapovič sports cat at the same time.
Browsing Akrapovič's range of industry-leading exhaust systems, you'll also note that many of their products can also be upgraded with optional link and down pipes, sound kits, performance sports cats and de-catted downpipes for track-only vehicles.
The perfect configuration will depend on your overarching goal, but piecing together the right combination of optional extras does require a certain amount of technical knowledge so if you'd like to upgrade your stock exhaust system with Akrapovič parts and you're not entirely sure which sections you'll need to replace, we'd encourage you to get in touch.
Our tuning specialists will be able to talk through your requirements, and offer advice that's tailored to the specifics of your vehicle - pointing out must-have upgrades, and helping you to avoid any unnecessary extras.