Flachbau Porsche 997: A Bespoke Exhaust for a Modern Rothmans Tribute

Some cars are modified to stand out. Others are built to make people stop and look.

This 2005 Porsche 911/997 was very much in the second category.

Created as a modern tribute to Porsche's legendary Flachbau and Rothmans-era endurance racing cars, the 997 received an extensive visual transformation, including a distinctive slantnose body conversion, period-inspired livery, Rotiform wheels and a seriously purposeful stance.

EMP Performance was brought in to create something equally special underneath the car: a bespoke custom exhaust system designed to complement the build both visually and acoustically.

A modern take on a Porsche classic

The Flachbau, or "flatnose", is one of the most recognisable designs from Porsche's history.

The original Flachbau treatment appeared on the 930-generation 911 Turbo, replacing the traditional front-end shape with a much more dramatic sloping profile. Decades later, this 997 project took inspiration from that distinctive shape and combined it with modern aftermarket styling to create something completely different.

The result was a Porsche that looked like it had been transported from a classic endurance racing paddock and reimagined for the modern modified-car scene.

The Rothmans-inspired blue, white and red colour scheme, enormous rear wing and wide bodywork give the car an unmistakable motorsport character.

And then you get to the rear...

An exhaust that had to be part of the design

On a project this visually dramatic, an ordinary exhaust simply wouldn't have worked.

The custom system produced by EMP Performance in St Albans was designed not only to sound right but to form part of the car's overall aesthetic.

Rather than hiding all of the fabrication away underneath the Porsche, the exhaust was engineered so that the pipework and silencers could be seen from behind.

It's a small but important detail that makes the exhaust feel like part of the build rather than simply a component fitted to it.

The polished pipework contrasts against the dark rear of the Porsche, with the twin exhaust outlets completing the aggressive appearance.

Custom fabrication and attention to detail

This is exactly where custom exhaust fabrication can make a difference.

A mass-produced exhaust system is designed to fit a particular model. A bespoke system can instead be designed around the individual vehicle, its modifications and the owner's desired look and sound.

For the Flachbau 997, the exhaust needed to work with the car's unusual rear-end styling while complementing the overall theme of the project.

The result was a system with exposed pipework and silencers that became part of the visual spectacle.

Fast Car Magazine later highlighted the EMP Performance exhaust in the car's technical specification, describing it as a custom EMP Performance exhaust system with exposed silencers and pipework. (Fast Car)

Original image from Fast Car Magazine

More than just a show car

While the appearance of this Porsche is what immediately grabs your attention, the project wasn't simply about creating something impressive to look at.

The 3.6-litre Carrera engine was paired with the custom exhaust and an engine remap, giving the car the performance to match its appearance.

The exhaust also transformed the character of the car acoustically, allowing the flat-six engine to make its presence known.

It's an important part of what makes a project like this work. A modified car should ideally look, sound and feel like a cohesive build rather than a collection of unrelated parts.

A Porsche built around the details

The Flachbau 997 was ultimately a showcase of just how far a modern Porsche can be taken when there's a willingness to think differently.

From the Old&New Flachbau body conversion and Rothmans-inspired paintwork to the huge Rotiform split-rim wheels, air suspension and motorsport-inspired interior, almost every part of the car was given consideration. (borderreivers.co)

EMP's contribution was the custom exhaust — but it was an important one.

The system wasn't simply there to replace the original exhaust. It was designed to complement the character of the car, provide an appropriate soundtrack and, importantly, look the part when viewed from behind.

A project we're proud to look back on

The Flachbau Porsche 997 remains a great example of the type of enthusiast project that EMP Performance has been involved with over the years.

It's also a good demonstration of why custom fabrication can be so valuable on heavily modified or unusual vehicles. When the car itself has been built to an individual specification, an off-the-shelf exhaust isn't always going to deliver the right fit, appearance or sound.

A bespoke system can be designed around the car.

And on this Porsche, the exhaust became part of the artwork.

Looking for a custom exhaust for your own project? EMP Performance offers custom exhaust fabrication and modification from our workshop in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Whether you're building a show car, modifying a performance car or simply want to improve the sound and appearance of your vehicle, get in touch with EMP to discuss your requirements.