As many people take the time to reflect, evaluate and move forward at the start of the New Year, we’re doing so as well as we lay out the road map for our 2024 research and development. While we set our sights on new platforms in 2023, such as the 718 GT4 RS and C8 Corvette Z06, this year we’ll be revisiting established models to round out our offerings based on customer feedback and demand.
Our primary focus, as would be expected, is toward Porsche and the labyrinth of exhaust components that comprise the various models and generations of 911, whether through modular upgrades or full systems. Our catalog already covers nearly every generation of the famed sports car so tapping into some untouched product lines is the top priority moving into the new year.
992 Carrera / Turbo Rear Exhaust (Valved & Non-Valved)
SOUL’s initial launch of 2024 will be a selection of cat-back x-pipes for the turbocharged 992, providing a more budget-friendly sound change that will pair with factory or aftermarket catted components. A non-valved version will accompany our existing Valved Exhaust System for the 992 Carreras, while both valved and non-valved variations will be new additions to the 992 Turbo family.
997 GT3/Cup Headers (Competition & Sport), 991 GT3/991.2 Cup Sport Headers
Even though the turbocharged 911s respond dramatically well to exhaust upgrades, the invigorating driving experience of a naturally-aspirated car—specifically in GT guise—is unparalleled. We’ve worked incredibly hard to maintain and elevate this sensory experience with cars like the 911 GT3, Boxster/Cayman 4.0-liter, GT4 RS, and even your standard Carreras prior to 2018. In this realm, the 997 GT3 is among the purest and most engaging thanks to its standard 6-speed gearbox, motorsports pedigree, and famous Mezger engine.
For the 997 GT3 and related Cup cars, maximizing the potential of that engine for sound and power starts at the headers, something we’ve established through our offerings for succeeding generations of the GT3. Replacing the restrictive OEM headers with highly-optimized Street or Competition headers that will mate to the factory exhaust or our own replacement options will be the first—or next—step in delivering the unforgettable driving experience that the 997 generation is lauded for. In addition, we’ll be supplementing our 991 GT3/991.2 GT3 Cup lineup with a catted Sport header option as well.
991.2 Carrera (with PSE) Rear Exhaust (Valved & Non-Valved)
As the 911’s standard range transitioned to turbocharging, Porsche’s distinct exhaust characteristics were reimagined to the dismay of many of the brand’s purists. Even with factory PSE, the 991.2 Carrera range lacked the visceral temperament and seduction of Porsche’s famous flat-sixes, even if its present disposition was unique all its own. Our suite of exhaust upgrades was engineered to embrace this new sound, amplifying and extracting everything available from a sound and performance objective. For cars without PSE, this is achieved with our Valved Exhaust Package, and now we’re developing the ultimate upgrade for PSE cars as well.
Replacing the factory PSE system with a SOUL Valved Exhaust System will reinvigorate that Porsche flat-six sound with valves open or closed courtesy of an x-pipe. The stock system is remarkably effective at limiting sound presence with the valves closed, while the straight-through flow path upon opening unleashes an aggressive persona befitting of the 911’s modern performance capabilities. Our upcoming valved system will enrich either condition by blending that exhaust for a richer high-pitched sound that delivers the greatest hits of a turbocharged flat-six. This will be a modular upgrade that can be installed individually or work in concert with upgraded catted components or headers for a transformational experience, and an additional non-valved system will be available for that ultimate sound potential all the time.
991 / 997 / 996 Turbo manifolds
The updated range of turbocharged 911s is still not to be confused with the flagship 911 Turbo lineup, which will be our next focus in new product development. For the 996 through 991 generations of the 911 Turbo we have offered upgraded catted components and x-pipe, and upgraded manifolds will complete the equation for a full system and a pathway for a more transformational sound experience—especially for high-powered custom builds.
Additional projects
Developing additional exhaust solutions for popular models already on the road will continue to be an ongoing priority, giving decades of Porsche sports cars reliable and exciting exhaust upgrades that will revive the spirit of some of the brand’s most commercially successful road cars. Among these, we expect to release valved side mufflers fitted for the standard 996 Carrera, while also exploring the feasibility of a cat-back solution for the 986 platform.
But we’re not limiting ourselves to these established precedents, even if they’re what has made us successful. We invite feedback and suggestions on new products and development and how we can continue to improve the automotive experience for our customers. What else do you want to see from us this year or in the future? If you have ideas or want to get involved in upcoming projects, we want to hear from you! Our next steps always follow our customers’ direction.
