Bentley’s Iconic W-12 Engine Era Comes to an End
The era of Bentley’s iconic W-12 engine has officially come to an end, marking the last 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine built by technicians at the factory in Crewe. The Bentley teams recently gathered for a special lunch to commemorate 21 years with this legendary powerplant.
A Legacy of Innovation and Performance
Developed by Volkswagen, the 6.0-liter W-12 engine first entered production with the 2001 Audi A8 before making its way to Bentley in 2003 with the Continental GT model. Over the next two decades, the engine was further developed to deliver more power, starting with 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and culminating in the current 740 hp and 737 lb-ft in the Batur.
The End of an Era, But Not the End of the W-12
While W-12 production may be officially over, Bentley has no plans for the engine to disappear overnight. With over 100,000 units built since 2003, the W-12 is hailed as one of the most successful 12-cylinders of the modern era. Its unique staggered cylinder layout made it significantly shorter than a traditional V-12, enabling the engine to power Bentley’s lineup over the years.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Replacing the W-12 engine as Bentley’s flagship powerplant is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter hybrid V8. Featuring an electric motor between the engine and transmission, the hybrid V8 produces a total output of 779 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The new engine will debut with the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed later this year, ushering in a new era of power and performance for the luxury automaker.
In Conclusion
As Bentley bids farewell to its iconic W-12 engine, the automaker looks forward to a new chapter with the introduction of a cutting-edge hybrid V8 powerplant. The legacy of the W-12 engine will be remembered as a symbol of innovation and performance that has propelled Bentley forward over the years. With the upcoming launch of the hybrid V8 engine, Bentley continues to push the boundaries of luxury motoring while honoring the heritage of its legendary powerplants.
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