Separate scales

The developers had a complex set of priorities and goals to achieve. On the one hand, they wanted to make the volume of the 338-kW (460 PS; Cayenne GTS Coupé: Fuel consumption combined: 11.4–11.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 260–256 g/km (as of 10/2020)) four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine at low frequencies a particularly special acoustic experience. On the other hand, the performance of Zuffenhausen’s powerhouse at high revs had to be equally tantalizing. In other words, an enormous range of different engine notes needed to be heard: from auspicious bubbling to a high-frequency cry of joy. At the same time, the strict and internationally varying regulations regarding noise emissions needed to be met, and there was also a desire to distinguish the special exhaust system visually by using appealing central tailpipes.

In order to meet the wide range of requirements, the exhaust tracts from the two cylinder banks were separated completely. This is because couplings inevitably dampen sound. To allow the V8 sound to develop pleasingly according to engine speed, the high-volume rear muffler was fitted with a sophisticated actuation system.

At high engine speeds (shown in red), the exhaust gas exits the system directly with only minimal muffling. This results in high, aggressive exhaust notes reminiscent of race cars. During more relaxed driving at low revs (shown in white), the exhaust flow uses a bypass and does an additional loop through the acoustically sophisticated chambers of the rear muffler. There, specially perforated inner floors generate a rich bass tone before the volume flow escapes.

Whether the exhaust flows take the direct path through the center or go via the bypass loop is not an “either-or” question. Clever flap control upstream of the rear muffler (marked K) creates a finely differentiated acoustic impression in all driving situations; continuously variable switching of the system is automatically controlled by speed and load maps.

Following its debut in the Cayenne GTS Coupé, the new Sport Exhaust System will also be optionally available in the Cayenne Turbo Coupé and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé—in each case, it will be offered in conjunction with the optional Lightweight Sport Package.