FYI: Bentley’s iconic W-12 engine bids farewell with the Batur convertible’s final stages of development, marking a pivotal shift to a more powerful V-8 hybrid system.
Bentley Approaches Final Approval for Limited Edition Batur Convertible
In a significant milestone, Bentley has announced that the limited edition Batur convertible is nearing completion, with customer deliveries expected to begin soon. Initially introduced as a coupe in 2022, the Batur was created to honor the legendary W-12 engine, marking the end of its production in July. The convertible variant was unveiled in May, with only 16 units being crafted—two fewer than its coupe counterpart.
In-Depth Development Process
Despite the Batur convertible’s exclusivity, its development has been as rigorous as any of Bentley’s regular production models. The extensive program encompassed 120 individual tests this year alone, ranging from lengthy road trips across Germany and Spain to high-speed endurance testing at Spain’s Idiada proving ground.
A pair of prototypes spearheaded this intensive development, with meticulous attention to detail, from the dashboard’s gold-accented controls to the unique calibration of the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine software. Generating an impressive 740 horsepower, the Batur has become the most potent W-12-powered model in Bentley’s history, enabling the coupe to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed soaring to 329 mph—a performance likely mirrored by its convertible sibling.
Comprehensive Testing Continues
The prototype’s recent journey covered the scenic expanse from Germany to Idiada, where it now undergoes a rigorous seven-week durability analysis on diverse handling tracks and challenging terrains. A significant focus lies on the performance of the convertible roof, which can be deployed or retracted within a swift 19 seconds, even while cruising at speeds up to 30 mph.
The Next Chapter for Bentley
As one of the final models to house the revered W-12 engine, the Batur and its convertible form represent the end of an era for Bentley. The British automaker is shifting towards a greener future, with the introduction of a V-8 plug-in hybrid system that debuted with the Continental GT Speed and Flying Spur Speed earlier in June. This new powertrain, delivering a robust 771 horsepower, signals Bentley’s evolving approach to sustainable luxury, with lower-rated versions expected to filter into other models.
Electrification at Bentley
Looking forward, Bentley has outlined a gradual transition to electric vehicles, planning to roll out their inaugural EV by the end of 2026. This marks a cautious yet deliberate step into the electric era, promising to blend their timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Conclusion
The Bentley Batur convertible not only signifies a celebratory send-off for the unparalleled W-12 engine but also embodies the dawn of an eco-conscious legacy with an eye on performance and sustainability. Stay tuned for more updates from automotive.fyi as Bentley’s journey unfolds.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
