The W12’s 20-year-old Journey: Bentley’s most important engine Bentley’s iconic 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine traces its roots back to 2001 when Volkswagen Group sought to revive Bentley’s grandeur. The unit involved connecting two Volkswagen VR6 banks at a 15-degree angle. This design meant Bentley could create a unique and bespoke 12-cylinder unit without taking up excessive space, unlike traditional V12s. The engine debuted with the Iconic Continental GT in 2003 but has since found usage across Bentley’s line-up both the Flying Spur and the Bentayga. It also was used in the Audi A8, the Volkswagen Phaeton, and a concept W12 Golf GTI. Though I’m sure we can all agree that the W12 to Bentley is like the V8 to a Mustang. Over the years Bentley has fettled the W12 with more effective turbocharging, smoother torque deliveries, and even lower emissions. However, with rules becoming tighter and more stringent, the once-advanced W12 felt like a dinosaur in a world of laptops. That’s why for the fourth generation Continental, Bentley has replaced the W12 with what they call the “Ultra Performance Hybrid.” This 771 horsepower plug-in hybrid V8 is more powerful than any W12 produced and more efficient as well. There are even talks of Bentley’s first fully-fledged EV coming in 2026. But of course, Bentley couldn’t just let their old faithful engine go out in complete silence. Hence the coach-built Batur coupe and convertible exist as a swansong to this incredible unit. A perfect finale to Bentley’s greatest engine. Bentley Batur Convertible: The Bespoke Finale Launched in 2022 as a limited-edition grand tourer, the Bentley Batur Coupe immediately made waves with its sleek, muscular stance and exquisite craftsmanship. And to further this craftsmanship they released 16 convertible Baturs a year later. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, each of the 16 Convertibles is fully customizable. Mulliner offers an extensive range of colors, finishes, and materials. This allows Bentley’s most loyal and affluent customers to tailor their Batur to their own personal style making each completed Batur truly unique. For example, the Batur Convertible Car Zero, (a development prototype) features a bespoke Vermillion Gloss and Satin Duo-tone finish. The high-gloss carbon-fiber accents, from the front splitter to the rear diffuser, further enhance the car’s sleek and aggressive look. But as always with Bentley it’s the interior that truly creates awe, with luxurious leather upholstery and bespoke trim options. Each customer can choose from an endless array of materials, including wood veneers, carbon fiber, and precious metals. But this car isn’t all looks and no trousers. As a final huzzah, Bentley has tweaked the W12 to produce an impressive 750 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. 0-62mph takes 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 209mph. Not exactly Ferrari fast but then again, would want to drive your one of only 16 Batur convertibles flat out. I suspect not, especially considering this car costs $2.2 million. The Final Test: A Truly Rigorous Journey The Batur Convertible’s development is nearing completion as it embarks on an intense real-world testing phase. Starting in Germany and traveling through Italy, France, and Spain, this car will complete 3000k, over a diverse range of driving conditions. These include mountain roads, motorways, and urban streets. Over 58 weeks, the Batur will undergo 120 individual tests. The test involve durability on rough handling trials to high speed testing and the Idiada proving grounds in Spain. All are to ensure that every element of the Batur meets the highest standards of quality and performance. In particular, the roof, which can be deployed or lowered in 19 seconds of up to 30 mph. This meticulous testing process aims to ensure the Batur Convertible is as reliable as it is powerful. One of the most crucial factors for all W12-powered Bentleys. A Swansong to the W12 The Batur Convertible represents the firm's peak of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship. All while celebrating the engine that has become a staple of the firm for the last 20 years. As these sixteen Batur Cabriolets undergo their final test, it’s clearly a sad moment. Because with the W12s end, and the current move towards electrification, we will never see such a capable or well-engineered motor in a car, let alone Bentley ever again. Source: Bentley Motors
