Bentley is currently orchestrating the end of production of its W12, undoubtedly one of the most important engines in its history. Unveiled in 2002, its twin-turbocharged configuration powered the following year the Continental GT, an imposing coupe which symbolized a rebirth of the English brand under the control of the Volkswagen group. We now look forward with the hybrid.
The luxury automaker presented the broad outlines of its exit plan last week, saying it will now use a performance-focused plug-in hybrid V8.
The estimated power of the group is around 740 hp, while the electric range is promised at 80 km. It is nothing more and nothing less than the most powerful Bentley engine ever produced.
No technical details have been put forward at the moment, but this mechanism should logically be similar to the plug-in hybrid engine of the Lamborghini Urus – a cousin of the Volkswagen group – recently presented. It is a 4L twin-turbo V8.
This is part of a postponed electrification plan for Bentley which should launch its first electric model in 2026 rather than 2025. Full electrification must be achieved by 2033, three years later than this. which was previously planned.