Bentley BEV Herald Boasts its Most Powerful ICE Ever
While Bentley’s new Mulliner Batur has been heralded as the face of its BEV future, the car comes to market boasting the most powerful ICE powertrain seen in one of the brand’s products.
Volkswagen Group’s renowned 6.0-liter W12 gasoline motor boasts the most power Bentley has ever offered and now claims to be the most advanced twelve-cylinder engine in the world. For the Batur, a new intake system, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers and extensive recalibration more than 730bhp and 737ft-lbs of torque.
The motor is paired with Bentley’s eight-speed double-clutch transmission and a sports exhaust. The entire exhaust system is in titanium, while the finishers are 3D-printed in titanium in a first for the automaker. Bentley said that as it “moves towards the era of electrification, the W12 is entering its twilight years. Before its retirement, this engineering masterpiece is worthy of commendation, and the Batur is the perfect home for the ultimate development of W12 performance”.
Chassis highlights include adaptive three-chamber air springs each have three switchable chambers, changing the volume of the air spring and effective stiffness. The driver can select the balance between ride comfort and body control using the four-mode Drive Dynamics Control in the center console, choosing between Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom.
The Drive Dynamics Control also changes the behavior of the 48V electric active anti-roll control system, which can provide up to 958ft-lbs of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds or completely decouple the wheels at either end of each axle. The anti-roll control system can also be used to adjust the roll stiffness front-to-rear, giving the Batur sharper turn-in and greater ability to balance the car on the throttle when in Sport mode.
Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, Adrian Hallmark, said: “The Batur is a significant car for Bentley. Far more than the heir to the highly successful Bacalar, the Batur showcases the design direction that we’re taking in the future as we develop our range of BEVs. Beneath the beautiful exterior lies the most powerful engine we’ve ever developed. Our W12 engine is easily the most successful twelve-cylinder automotive engine in history, and as it approaches its retirement to make way for future hybrids and BEVs, we want to mark its accomplishments.” Limited to just 18 series examples, all reserved by Mulliner clients and each priced at £1.65M ($1.95M) excluding taxes and options.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
