IN 2003, Bentley’s W12 engine heralded a brand new period for the corporate because it launched its first all-new mannequin, the Continental GT, underneath Volkswagen Group possession. Now, as stricter emissions guidelines meet up with the ageing big, the petrol-fuelled W12 is to be farewelled – going out with a degree of favor befitting its monumental presence.
This week, Bentley has introduced numerous Pace Version 12 fashions because the final to characteristic its twin-turbocharged W-formation 6.0-litre engine. Fittingly, it says the exterior options of the particular editions are “refined, but fastidiously curated” to make the fashions “immediately recognisable to these within the know”.
Bentley’s W12 unit was designed to be 24 per cent shorter than an equal vee-configuration 12-cylinder, lending apparent packaging advantages in all functions with no compromise in energy, torque, effectivity, or refinement. Over the previous 20 years the unit’s output has elevated by 37 per cent by way of energy and 54 per cent in torque, together with a big 25 per cent in emissions output.
Within the Pace Version 12 fashions, the unit produces 511kW between 5000 and 6000rpm and 900Nm from 1500 to 5000rpm.
Among the many distinctive exterior options of the commemorative fashions are silver-painted brake calipers – which aren’t accessible on another Bentley. Continental GT and Convertible fashions characteristic Pace Version 12 badging on the entrance guards, whereas Bentayga and Flying Spur fashions carry Version 12 badging on the rear three-quarter panel alongside the present Pace moniker. Every automobile additionally contains a numbered plaque on the engine cowl.
Different options embody Blackline specification exterior brightware and 22-inch black painted Pace alloy wheels with self-levelling badges, whereas a brand new paint end, dubbed Opalite – a light-weight grey-green with refined copper impact – is accessible as an possibility.
Inside, the Pace Version 12 fashions characteristic welcome lamps and illuminated treadplates, with color splits together with Beluga Black as the first (and accessible as a monotone) with Brunel Blue, Cricketball Crimson, Linen, or Orange contrasts. The veneer is every case is excessive gloss Grand Black.
Additional distinctive options of the Bentley Pace Version 12 fashions embody Mulliner Silver piping on the seat upholstery and embroidered Version 12 namestyle, quilted seat uppers with contrasting three-colour ‘fade’ from Anthracite by Porpoise and Stratos. The door playing cards are additionally quilted with contrasting stitchwork.
The famed organ-stop air vents are additionally distinctive to the Pace Version 12, that includes the numeral ‘12’ machined from stable on the face of the management, whereas the veneer fascia fronting the passenger seat is etched with the W12’s firing order, alongside an inlaid Pace Version 12 badge.
As a remaining contact, prospects will obtain a 15 per cent scale mannequin of the W12 engine block as a commemorative artefact. The mannequin is comprised of the identical aluminium because the engine itself and can “function a everlasting momento of considered one of Bentley’s most important and highly effective engines”, an engine that’s set to get replaced by hybridised energy within the very close to future…
Simply 120 of every of the 4 fashions shall be produced, guaranteeing what the British marque says is “a uncommon and wanted tribute to an engine that has powered the corporate’s automobiles – and its fortunes – for twenty years”.
Native availability and pricing for the Bentley Pace Version 12 vary has but to be confirmed.
