Bentley Farewells Its W12 Engine
Following the announcement of its decision to cease production of its flagship W12 engine next year, Bentley has released a limited-edition collection of models to farewell the powertrain.
First produced in 2003, the British marque’s signature 12-cylinder engine has powered its performance flagships for two decades. Its unique W-shaped formation of the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 allowed it to be 24 percent shorter than equivalent V12 engines without compromising on power or efficiency. Since its release, Bentley has continued to iterate on the W12, with subsequent released increasing power and torque while reducing emissions.
The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 powering the latest Bentley Speed Edition 12 series produces 485 kW with a maximum torque of 900 Nm.
Comprising all Bentley Speed models—the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continential GT, and Continential GTC—the Speed Edition 12 series is accompanied by a host of unique design enhancements. Approaching the Bentley design language through a sportier lens, the Speed Edition 12 makes use of distinctive silver brake callipers, which are not available for any other Bentley model.
The Continental GT and Convertible models bear Speed Edition 12 badging on the front fender, while the Bentayga and Flying Spur models feature Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter alongside the existing Speed badge. Under the hood, you’ll find a numbered Edition 12 plaque atop the engine cover.
Other Bentley Speed Edition 12 exterior elements include Blackline specification exterior trims, 22-inch black Speed alloy wheels, and self-levelling wheel badges. The series introduces a new paint shade in the form of Opalite, a light grey-green hue with a subtle copper effect that glimmers in the sunlight.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by Edition 12 welcome lamps and illuminated treadplates. All Speed Edition 12 models come standard with a main hue of Beluga black on the upholstery, with the choice to complement it with Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen, or Orange. Unique to the Speed Edition 12 models is Mulliner Silver piping on the seats, which also feature Edition 12 embroidery on the backrests. Upper seat areas are quilted with three-colour contrast stitching which also features on the door panels.
Rounding off the distinctive details is a Grand Black veneer facia adorned with the firing sequence of the W12 engine etched alongside an inlaid Speed Edition 12 Badge. Each model in the Bentley Speed Edition 12 series is limited to 100 examples, with owners receiving a precise to-scale model of the Bentley W12 block as a commemorative memento.
An apt send off for one of the British marque’s most powerful engines.
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