Remember the Pikes Peak Bentley Bentayga? Hard to forget, really, what with that lurid paint scheme and staggering performance - it set a new SUV record almost two minutes faster than that recorded by a Range Rover Sport. We mention it because the record Bentayga was fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust; even when Bentley created a Pikes Peak edition in tribute to its hill climbing endeavours, that merely received a sports system. Now, however, an Akrapovic exhaust is available on the new Bentley Bentayga accessories list. How unbecoming. And how devilishly tempting...
A collaborative effort between Bentley and Akrapovic, the titanium exhaust is identifiable by engraved oval exhaust tips and, presumably, a more pronounced V8 racket. Or rather, "a more characterful voice", as Bentley puts it. The character is achieved through removing the Bentley's central silencer and fitting straight pipes instead - which, for a Crewe product, is like news of Prince Philip going commando - which then channel the gases into a rear muffler. Exhaust valves remain present, there for "added control over the sounds of the exhaust for discerning users." But who's ever been discerning when it comes to the noise from an Akrapovic exhaust?
The new system is available now for the Bentayga, but its availability in Europe hasn't yet been confirmed, presumably because of WLTP frowning on straight-piped V8 Bentleys. It's said that a version of the Akrapovic for those left slumming it with an original W12 Bentayga is on sale globally, though.
The Akrapovic joins a refreshed range of Bentayga accessories launched by Bentley, and which will be offered in the UK. All options come under either Exterior, Interior, Touring or Protection collections for customers "to enhance the specification and capability of their extraordinary luxury SUV even further". Specific accessories include a Relaxation Pack with scatter cushions and additional footrests, a Bentley Cycle Carrier and a new range of car covers. Bentley will even fit your Bentayga with mud flaps, should they be desired. But it's the exhaust that's surely most interesting, especially knowing the sort of sound that can be unleashed from the 4.0-litre V8. Let's hope a way can be found to get the Akrapovic to European customers.
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