Bentley. The very name brings forth images of a luxurious car with looks that can kill. The automaker recently decided to implement the Beyond100 strategy – to become fully carbon-neutral from factory to car by 2030. And like all great things, this decision comes with a bit of collateral damage. As the Bentley EV gets ready to hit the road, the company’s flagship 12-cylinder engine must make way for its modern successors.
The 12-cylinder engine, unique to Bentleys, imbued its cars with power. Much larger than the standard three or four cylinders, and even the V8 engine, the 12-cylinder was iconic as the heart of the beast.
But as the carmaker faces tightening emission regulations and shifts gears to accommodate hybrid and electric cars, the gas-guzzling 12-cylinder petrol engine will be silenced. The British automaker announced that it will end production of the 12-cylinder engine next April.
Bentley EVs Drive Away 12-Cylinder Engines
Every end is a new beginning. And for the Bentley EV fleet to rise up, it is necessary to phase out the iconic 12-cylinder that has been the behind-the-scenes kingmaker for the British automaker.
The phasing out would be celebrated with the most powerful version of the W12 engine ever created that comes packed with 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.
The upcoming demise of the W12 engine is the sign that automakers around the world are embracing an EV future.
Since its launch in 2003, over 100,000 engines have rolled off the production line. Each 12-cylinder was hand built and required around six and a half hours of craftsmanship. The team of 30 who were responsible for making the W12 in Crewe, England, will be retrained and spread out across the business.
In a release, “Bentley Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark admitted, “The time has come to retire this now-iconic powertrain as we take strides toward electrification.”
Bentley has plans to become fully electric by the end of the decade. Its “Five-in-Five” plan involves releasing one fully-electric car every year starting from 2025. Bentley’s ambitious sustainability plans extend to its supply chain and production network, with an eye on becoming carbon-neutral end-to-end by 2030.
As the W12 prepares for a farewell, Bentley’s hybrid V6 has slowly been climbing the popularity charts. It uses a lithium battery that offers a smooth ride.
A Bentley Future
Although Bentley is working on reducing carbon emissions, the Volkswagen-owned brand will continue to sell cars with V8 and V6 engines. It also has plans to offer hybrid options for its entire lineup from next year.
Bentley’s current hybrid lineup includes The Flying Spur, Flying Spur Azure and Flying Spur Mulliner, and the Flying Spur S. The hybrid powertrains will soon be joined by the Bentayga EWB, Continental GT, and GTC, as per the company website. The company also introduces sustainably designed new features in limited-run hybrid cars from time to time.
The ultra-luxury carmaker wants to stop selling internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles by 2030. On the other hand, its German cousin Audi has plans to go all-electric by 2026.
Last year, Toyota’s President had expressed concerns about the aggressive switch towards EVs and remained unconvinced about its future viability. But a few weeks back, Toyota announced a change in leadership and cemented plans to drive along the sustainability road.
Mercedes-Benz too has chalked out a roadmap to go fully electric by the end of the decade. As governments offer subsidies and attractive discounts, carmakers have started investing heavily in building EVs and associated infrastructure.
As the competition heats up, it is especially beneficial to the consumer, as they will be spoilt for choice in both the budget-friendly and luxury segment of EVs and hybrids.
