Titanium manufacturing; rose gold perforated tailpipes; enhanced performance figures: do these attributes make a £3,600 upgrade worth it? As car enthusiasts ourselves, we know that hearing is believing. So to test the advantages of the Akrapovic exhaust system, we put two of the beloved MK8 Volkswagen Golf R hatchbacks side-by-side for a sound comparison.
Both cars are completely stock specification, but only one has an ace up its sleeve!
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Volkswagen Golf R MK8 Deep Pearl Black (Stock Exhaust System)
As many will know, the idea of a fast Volkswagen Golf began as an underground skunkswork project back in 1975. After flourishing into the original hot hatch, the flagship performance Golf model still defines its genre nearly 50 years later.
This captivating brand new Volkswagen Golf R is the stock test dummy and is pre-registered with delivery mileage only. Additionally, it left the factory floor with almost £2,000 of factory optional extras; amplifying the already well-weighted specification of the Golf R. Keyless entry, the winter package, and a now discontinued colourway (Deep Black Pearlescent) are among these add ons.
Let’s get into the exhaust. This particular Golf R fashions a stock exhaust system as apposed to its Akrapovic counterpart. but this isn’t something to shy away from. Upon starting the engine, the valves are closed and don’t offer that roaring “look at me!” response. However, once R mode has been activated, the valves open up; that’s when it comes to life! Now unrestrained, it becomes raspier and, when warm, yields the iconic Golf R “pops” and “bangs”.
Volkswagen Golf R MK8 Lapiz Blue R Performance Pack (Akrapovic Titanium Exhaust System)
Now onto the crème de la crème of Volkswagen’s Hot Hatch offerings! Coated in a shield of Lapiz Blue Metallic paint, this elevated example of the Golf R has been complemented with £9,200 of factory-fitted extras, including the lightweight Akrapovic Titanium Sports Exhaust System. Some other players in its factory-optional roster include a panoramic glass sunroof and the now discontinued R Performance Package.
It’s now time to delve into the crux, the Akrapovic R-Performance Titanium Sports Exhaust. To many people, this manufacturer is the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) and is one of the leading manufacturers in the premium exhaust industry, offering some of the best quality and sounding systems in the trade.
The Akrapovic exhaust featured on this Golf R is a genuine Volkswagen factory optional extra worth over £3,600! Much like the stock exhaust, when the valves are initially closed on start-up, it doesn’t produce the desired dynamic tone. However, if you activate R Mode (and are patient enough to let it warm up!) you’ll open the gates (valves) and a thunderous note will be released. Nine out of ten times you hit the throttle, you’ll hear “pops” and “crackles” accompanied by a fuller, more sonorous sound, outside and in the cockpit. Sounds excessive? Make no mistake. It offers the perfect blend of raspiness and “pops”, forging a happy medium.
Putting a pin in its phenomenal soundtrack, it also carries the light weight advantage. As a result of it’s titanium construction, it’s 7 KG lighter than the stock exhaust system! Parallel to the stock specification, it too features a valve controlled system and satin rose gold perforated tailpipes – further highlighting its signifying feature at the rear.
Is the Akrapovic Exhaust System Worth the Price Tag?
Here at Automotive Addiction, we think it is for a few reasons: from the outside it adds a fierce, full-throated exhaust tone with increased clarity; the sound is more evident in the cockpit, fostering a stimulating driving experience; and Akrapovic are leading experts in crafting alluring exhaust systems. But what do you think?
