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End of an Era as Final Bentley W12 Engine Hand-Built in Crewe
Bentley Motors is celebrating a significant milestone as the last hand-built, high-performance W12 engine rolls off the production line at the company’s UK headquarters in Crewe. This marks the end of an era for Bentley's W12 engine, which has powered iconic models such as the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur. The conclusion of the W12 production aligns with Bentley’s groundbreaking Beyond100 strategy, aiming to establish the company as a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its introduction in the original Continental GT in 2003, over 100,000 W12 engines have been produced. The W12 engine has been a cornerstone of Bentley’s performance and luxury ethos, transforming the brand’s market presence and appeal. To commemorate this pivotal moment, Bentley hosted a special lunch for the W12 assembly and R&D teams at Bentley’s Heritage Garage in Crewe. The event featured a W12 portrait photograph and the presentation of commemorative W12 engine pistons to the assembly team.
A Celebratory Farewell
Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, reflected on the W12’s significance, stating, “The W12 has played such an important role in the history of Bentley that it was only right for us to celebrate the engine’s retirement with those linked to this powerplant. The engine’s introduction helped change the face of the company almost overnight and so will go down in history as a true game changer.”
Transition to a New Era
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, regarded as the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era, will be succeeded by an all-new Ultra High Performance Hybrid powertrain. This new powertrain will combine a powerful V8 combustion engine with advanced battery technology, continuing Bentley’s tradition of high performance while embracing sustainable innovation. The hybrid system promises even greater power output than the W12 while achieving significantly lower emissions, marking a new chapter in Bentley’s pursuit of luxury and environmental responsibility.
Engineering Marvel
The W12 engine has been a marvel of engineering, renowned for its compact design and exceptional performance. Measuring 24% shorter than a conventional V12, the W12 was perfectly suited for the Continental GT's sleek lines. Each W12 engine was hand-built in Crewe, requiring around seven hours of meticulous assembly and testing. This rigorous process ensured the engine's renowned smoothness and reliability, capable of propelling a Continental GT Speed from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and achieving a top speed of 208 mph.
Records and Achievements
Throughout its 20-year history, the Bentley W12 engine has set numerous records and benchmarks. Notably, it powered Juha Kankkunen’s World Ice Speed Record in 2007 and 2011, Idris Elba’s UK Land Speed Record in 2015, and Rhys Millen’s Pikes Peak Production SUV record in 2018 and Production Car record in 2019. These achievements underscore the W12’s unmatched performance and reliability, cementing its place in automotive history.
The Final Chapter
To honor the W12’s legacy, Bentley announced a limited run of 120 ‘Speed Edition 12’ models across its Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur ranges. These special editions feature unique badging, treadplates, seat embroidery, fascia inlays, and a commemorative engine plaque. Additionally, owners will receive a scale model of the W12 engine block.
The W12 engine also played a crucial role in Bentley’s bespoke creations, such as the Bacalar and Batur, which represent the pinnacle of the brand’s luxury and performance. With over 100,000 W12 engines in service worldwide, this powerplant has been instrumental in Bentley’s evolution as a premier luxury car manufacturer.
Looking Forward
As Bentley transitions to its electric era, the W12 engine’s legacy will endure. The advancements and achievements of this iconic powerplant have laid a strong foundation for Bentley’s future innovations in sustainable luxury mobility. The end of W12 production marks the beginning of a new journey, with Bentley continuing to lead the way in combining performance, luxury, and sustainability.
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