In the list of the most unique and appreciated engines in the automotive industry, you cannot miss the Bentley’s 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12. It is a mechanic that was created in 2002 and has a unique configuration. A solution to the excessive size of the V12 was sought, so this W-shaped arrangement of cylinders was chosen to make a block 24% shorter. Since then it has been evolving generously until reaching its point and end. InApril 2024 will cease production of this engine.
It will mean a change of era in Bentley, which has been on the market for more than handmade more than 100,000 cars with the legendary W12 engine. In these two decades of commercialization, it has been in continuous improvement, adapting to regulations and increasing its benefits. It is curious to see how its power has become 37% higher and its torque has increased by 54%, while the emissions were reduced by 25%. For example, in the Bentley Bentayga it came with a complete redesign and with technologies such as cylinder deactivation, direct and port injection or twin-entry turbos.
A curious fact is that in Crewe take 6.5 hours to build by hand each W12 engine, which has to undergo a diagnostic test of more than an hour with three different machines. Despite these improvements that have been introduced and that make it one of the most advanced mechanics, it does not fit into the brand’s Beyond100 strategy. Bentley wants to be a completely electrified early next decade and it is clear that this type of engine has no place in its future.
There are already electrified options like the Bentayga Hybrid and Flying Spur Hybrid, but both They have a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine. which is more efficient (and less exciting) than the W12, which wouldn’t support such electrification. It’s a sad sendoff, but quite an epic one to get hold of the exclusive Bentley Batur. The copy limited to 18 units has the W12 with its maximum power level, which are 750 hp and 1000 Nm of torque. It will also remain available until the indicated date on some models such as the Speed versions of the Continental GT, Bentayga and Flying Spur, as well as the Continental GT Mulliner and Flying Spur Mulliner.
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