Novitec is the definitive name in exhaust systems, supercar tuning, and luxury refinements. While Ferraris roll off the production line and into the hands of their new owners, Novitec meticulously enhances them, pushing the limits of performance and refinement. Their goal isn’t to alter perfection but to extract that final 10-15% of potential—something 812 Competizione owners appreciate all too well.
Let’s take the time to explore their exhausts, the sounds they create, and what makes them so euphonious.
Exhaust Systems and Their Sounds
Ok, we’re happy to put our hands up and admit that, ‘what’ the best exhaust sound is, is subjective. Some people want more rumble, whereas others are partial to high-rev screams. Generally speaking, though, the best exhausts possess three key attributes: loud, sharp/refined and aggressive.
To achieve a certain sound, lots of car owners seek out exhaust modifications. The changes often improve appearance and give a power boost, too. A loud exhaust is a sign of power, which is why it’s sought after. There are multiple parts of an exhaust system that you can upgrade to improve the sound, including the rear silencers, tailpipes, manifolds or the whole system.
What Makes an Exhaust Sound ‘Good’?
Since there are many elements within an exhaust system, it takes a certain know-how to improve the sound. Appearance, torque and power being just some of the factors. Designers have to also consider the flow of gases, including the volume, speed and pressure.
Novitec knows a thing or two about this process. Their deep understanding of elite marques, especially Ferrari, makes them stand out in the world of exhaust mods. Their exhausts are coveted by drivers who demand an unparalleled auditory experience.
How? Let’s get a little more specific.
The Materials
One simple but often overlooked part of exhausts is how the material changes the sound. The appearance is a major factor, but the material also changes how the sound resonates. For example, titanium is light and rigid, causing a sharp and more high-pitched sound. On the other hand, aluminium absorbs more of the frequencies, creating a more mellow sound.
Novitec often uses high grade stainless steel, as you can see in these black stainless steel tailpipes. They give your Ferrari Purosangue a sleek look while delivering superior sound. Due to its rigidity and density, stainless steel creates a crisp, refined and less muffled sound from your exhaust. Another choice is Inconel, a nickel-based superalloy, as seen in Formula 1 cars. Inconel provides even more weight saving and better heat dissipation, and so is therefore favoured by track goers.
Have a listen to what a full Novitec Inconel exhaust sounds like on a Ferrari 812 GTS…
Innovative Engineering
Getting the material right is step one, but to achieve an elite exhaust sound, design plays a crucial role. That’s where Novitec’s innovative engineering comes in. The team creates systems that allow the engine to breathe, which means they can adjust the frequencies and tones of a supercar exhaust to enhance the sound. As added benefits, you get improved torque and power.
It’s a fine balance, so precision is required. Novitec’s systems increase the airflow by adjusting the capacity of air drawn in over each cycle. At the same time, they reduce back pressure to the right amount by decreasing restrictions in the pipes. A great example is the power-optimised exhaust for the Ferrari 599 GTB, which comes with or without flap regulation.
Advanced Technologies
The materials and engineering are complemented by advanced technologies. It begins with complex testing to optimise flow and insulation. The addition of integrated butterfly valves is another step; it offers the choice of variants with and without active sound management, putting you in control.
Tuning parts require smooth integration, which is also where technology comes to the fore. The Novitec Tectronic module works alongside exhaust modifications to prevent error indications in the system. It integrates with your supercar’s electronics system to optimise parameters. Specifically, the replacement of new high flow or catless downpipes means the Tectronic module is need as it works by clearing catalytic converter and OPF (Otto Particulate Filter) specific faults/codes, thanks to this module no permanent remap of the car is required. Meaning all Novitec systems are plug and play.
Supercar Modifications
One of the first modifications that supercar owners choose is the exhaust. The first reason that this is a top priority is that it directly impacts and improves the driving experience and emotion felt while behind the wheel. Second, the modifications don’t just deliver the best exhaust sound. They can also improve performance and appearance, and so are a modification which can completely transform the driving experience like no other.
There are several ways to enhance a supercar’s exhaust, and our recommendations depend on the specific model and its stock setup. For example, the Ferrari 458 already has an impressive sound, so upgrading the rear muffler to a high-flow sport version is enough to achieve a richer exhaust note and increased volume (video of a yellow Ferrari 458 with Novitec rear silencer shown below). In contrast, newer or turbocharged models like the Ferrari 488 require a full exhaust system, including new catalysts, to produce a truly transformative sound—since a cat-back or axle-back setup alone won’t deliver a significant change.
At Scuderia Car Parts we will advise you from experience what set-up is worth doing whilst taking into account your personal needs, be it axle back, catback or full exhaust system.
Driving: An Auditory Experience
Driving is a multisensory experience. We see our progress on the road in front of us, as well as the sleek body of our car in the wing mirror. The feel of the seat, the steering wheel under our hands and how the car handles also play a role. The smell of the leather interior is also a part of it.
When it comes to sound, we’re the conductor, and the engine and exhaust system make up our orchestra. Even though loud, deep and aggressive can be desirable, you’ll still want a smooth and refined sound to get the best experience. That’s where tuning comes in and ultimately where Novitec is still killing it.
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