Luxury automaker Bentley concludes production of its iconic W12 engine, with the V8 Hybrid model set to power the Flying Spur Speed.
Bentley Motors has announced a series of 'Speed Edition 12' models to celebrate the W12 engine, which is set to be phased out this year. The iconic engine has been a cornerstone of Bentley's history for over two decades.
The lineup includes the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 and V8 S models, as well as the Flying Spur W12 S, the flagship of the Flying Spur lineup. The Flying Spur W12 S also marks the fastest four-door Bentley ever produced.
However, the Flying Spur Speed, another W12-engined model, does not feature any power upgrades. Instead, it seems to be a cosmetic change rather than a performance upgrade.
In a surprising turn of events, the V8-electric powertrain, previously confirmed for the Bentley Flying Spur, will not be used in the new Bentley Flying Spur Speed. Instead, the new Flying Spur Speed will be equipped with a new V8 Hybrid engine, manufactured at Bentley's Crewe factory.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for R&D at Bentley Motors, praised the W12 engine as one of the most important innovations in Bentley's history. Over the years, the W12 engine has seen a 34% increase in power and a 54% increase in torque, with a 25% reduction in emissions.
The original W12, which produced 552bhp and 479lb/ft of torque, has evolved significantly. The latest version in the Batur delivers an impressive 740bhp and 738lb/ft of torque.
Despite its impressive performance, the W12 engine is being replaced due to the shift towards electrification. Bentley has built its last W12 engine, but the Centre of Excellence for VW W12 engines will now be based in Crewe.
The new Bentley Flying Spur Speed is expected to arrive later this year, marking the potential last outing for the W12 engine. Meanwhile, Bentley has confirmed that the V8-electric powertrain will also be used in the new Flying Spur Speed when it arrives later this year.
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed, on the other hand, continues to feature the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) with a V8 mated to an electric motor, producing a combined 771bhp.
As Bentley bids farewell to the W12 engine, it looks forward to a future of electrification and innovation. The 'Speed Edition 12' models serve as a fitting tribute to an engine that has defined Bentley's performance and luxury for over two decades.
