Milltek Sport, the premium performance exhaust specialist, is applying its expertise to enhance the sound, aesthetics and driving dynamics of a whole new generation of petrol/electric hybrid vehicles.
With UK car buyers having a recognised appetite for hybrid vehicles and manufacturers also increasingly turning to the technology as a cost-effective way to lower emissions, Milltek Sport has increased its focus on developing performance systems for PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) applications.
Notably, the renowned business has already designed and released a system for the Ford Puma – currently the best-selling new car in the UK – that is fitted to its own ST 1.0-litre EcoBoost demonstrator. The Cupra Formentor 1.4 TSi e-hybrid 245PS is another hybrid to benefit from Milltek Sport’s extensive after treatment knowledge, with the availability of a particulate filter-back system that has full ECE approval, while a system for the Range Rover Sport P460e Hybrid is also currently under development.
In addition to the usual considerations of fit, form and sound quality that Milltek Sport evaluates when designing a stainless steel system for a traditional ICE application, its engineers have had to assess how to manage the heat from any adjacent batteries and focus on the sound during the switch from electric operation to the engine taking over.
“We don’t want the crossover between electric and ICE power to be any more prominent than it is, so we increase the focus on designing our exhausts to sound better under higher load situations and be more subtle lower in the rev range,” said Steve Pound, Managing Director of Milltek Sport. “While a performance exhaust is traditionally louder than a factory system, it’s not just about adding noise but ensuring a more distinctive, sportier sound. With our hybrid applications, customers continue to experience the benefits of localised, electrified driving while enjoying a more engaging experience on the open road.”
Pound continued: “The size of the existing vehicle parc and continued demand for our 1000s of performance exhaust products, which span cars from the ‘80s to the current day, mean ICE applications will always be at the heart of our operation. However, as a business that has been at the forefront of the performance aftermarket for over 40 years, we will always evolve and grow our offering to provide car enthusiasts with the best possible choice.”
As with all Milltek Sport systems, its hybrid exhausts are produced from highly-durable aircraft-grade stainless steel and are designed to seamlessly mount to the original fittings, while also following the route of the factory systems. A choice of tip finishes allows customers to further individualise their vehicle.
Should an owner wish to pursue other tuning methods, the freer-flowing systems provide the foundation for further power gains.
