Bentley Makes Transition to Robust Hybrid V8, Saying Goodbye to the W12 Engine

The time has come for Bentley to bid farewell to its renowned W12 engine this upcoming summer, marking a significant shift with the Batur Convertible serving as its final homage. Introducing a cutting-edge “Ultra Performance Hybrid” system with a formidable V8 engine taking the lead. This fresh hybrid setup is poised to outstrip the Batur’s 740 horsepower, leveraging its electric motor to heighten power levels and set a new benchmark across Bentley’s range, which includes the Flying Spur Speed and Continental GT Speed variants.

While specific details about torque are reserved for later, expectations hint at an impressive 1,000 Newton meters figure (around 738 pound-feet), promising broader rpm coverage for enhanced performance dynamics. The much-anticipated ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ holds the promise of being Bentley’s most thrilling and responsive configuration yet, blending peak performance with unmatched efficiency. Bentley also teases a substantial electric-only driving range of 50 miles per the WLTP cycle, made possible by an advanced, undisclosed battery system.

This isn’t Bentley’s first foray into electrification; the brand had earlier introduced a 2.9-liter V6 hybrid powertrain in the Flying Spur, delivering a combined output of 536 hp and 553 lb-ft. However, the new V8 hybrid aims to anchor a novel lineup of “daily supercars,” moving away from the traditional W12 that has seen over 105,000 units produced in two decades, boasting power gains of close to 40% while reducing fuel consumption by 25%.

Amid evolving trends in the automotive sector, Bentley has revised its electric vehicle launch plan, now setting sights on 2033 for a comprehensive electric lineup, with the first all-electric model anticipated to debut towards the end of 2026. This strategic realignment mirrors broader shifts within the Volkswagen Group, evident in Audi’s termination of the R8 and V10, and Lamborghini’s upcoming plug-in hybrid V8 replacing the Huracan. Additionally, sister companies like Bugatti are crafting a new V16 hybrid powertrain for future hypercars, signifying a unified move towards sustainable yet potent performance technologies.