It was my understanding that the exhaust extensions were an attempt to get the hot gases up and away from the engine compartment. Several of the early Tigers self combusted. Engine compartments were crammed full, even on this quite large tank, and heat was your enemy.

The idea of Flammvernichter exhaust was not so much concern for the local troops but the flash from backfires was visible from quite a distance at night. Since half the job was stealth, last thing you want is a high intensity strobe light going off and announcing your dastardly intentions to the intended victims. Tended to irritate Brand X no end when they became aware of a herd of Tigers or Panthers delicately fluttering over to their general AO.