Bentley, on the cusp of sunsetting its iconic W-12 engine, is promising more power from its replacement powertrain which will take the form of a V-8 hybrid.
The British ultraluxury brand said the new powertrain has around 739 hp and a 50-mile electric-only range.
Bentley said the engine has at least 89 hp more than the W-12 offered in the Speed performance variants of the Flying Spur sedan and the Continental GT coupe and convertible.
The brand said the powertrain, which it named Ultra Performance Hybrid, is the most advanced and most powerful powertrain in the company’s history.
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Bentley did not specify which model will get the hybrid V-8 first but said the powertrain will befit “a new generation of daily supercars.” Bentley has previously said each model in its range will be available as a hybrid. Bentley eventually plans to shift to electric only.
Bentley currently offers plug-in hybrid variants of the Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV. Both use a V-6 engine.
The W-12, arranged in a W formation rather than a V shape, has powered Bentley vehicles since the brand’s reinvention by owner Volkswagen Group in 2003.
Production of the W-12 is set to end this summer. The recently unveiled Batur convertible will be one of the last Bentleys with a W-12.
Source: autonews.com