The first generation of Panamera Turbo is a fantastic car but lacks a little character in the exhaust / sound department. I did NOT have the sports exhaust (PSE) on my 2011 but have driven one with and could hardly notice the difference when it was switched on, so I decided to opt for Tubi-style mufflers instead of the PSE kit. They worked out ok, but the character did not change all that much and I think this system is probably really designed for vehicles with the PSE system. With my stock center muffler, there is a lot of drone in the car at low revs, if the valves are left open which I experimented with. On a stock vehicle, the valves are only open upon engine startup then they remain closed, so this should not be an issue for most.However, a couple of weeks ago, one of the valve controllers on the Tubi broke and is now permanently open. Tubi tells me that this is a first for them, but they do not sell parts for this and I must buy a whole new system (they however offered me a used one at a slight discount). However, I’m reluctant to go for the same product again and I’m now considering installing the PSE kit as it seems like a good deal overall and I know that I shouldn't have reliability problems.Have any of you had good long-term experiences with after-market cat-back exhausts (I do not want to touch the cats)? I like the Akrapovic product (seems like it’s very high quality), but it’s very expensive (7-8K) and I’m wondering if it’s worth the money.

 

mwvh, sound and driving characteristics is why i chose GTS instead of turbo. if you look at last page of FLO's thread (right below yours) there are clips of mine with fabspeed xpipe and he installed flowmaster x pipe this weekend with almost identical results for a fraction of the cost.both have the PSE but now are very aggressive. not sure if that's what you are looking for but it may give you some direction.

Also, i have Akrapovic full titanium exhaust system on my X5M and imo nothing compares to their quality

 

I have had YEARS of experience with exhaust systems and can comment on Akrapovic as I do own a PTT with it. (Evolution - newest design) I absolutely LOVE it and the lack of weight is superb. It sounds incredible and even more aggressive with the flaps open.
If you are looking for a change I do have a TechArt Sport cat-back for sale ready to go boxed up. It is a great system that is not too loud at all especially with stock cats/downpipes.

 

 

https://www.fvd.net/us-en/FVD97010020/panamera-turbo-level-2-power-kit-610hp-590lbf-ft.html

 

 

 

So a 970.2 system would fit on OP's one but the tips will sit further in?

 

I have a 2012 Turbo S with sports exhaust. Similarly, I am not impressed by the sound. However, I could not bring myself to buying a normal aspirated car because of that. When give a choice between HP and sound..I will go for the HP.

After talking to FVD I am leaning toward replacing the downpipes and H pipe, since that should create a freer flowing unit after removal of the stock cats and resonator. I do not mind leaving my stock mufflers in place. Anybody got this set-up ?

 

I do not have that setup but have heard it - it sounds great. In addition to turbo spool and power, cat removal really wakes these cars up sound wise.

 

 

 

Tread carefully. There will be increased levels of drone in the cabin.

 

that's my biggest concern, as much as I love a nice sound, this is my long haul car and I really don't want to increase the cabin noise unnecessarily .
I suspect I'll be sticking with my PSE for the time being