The Legacy of Bentley’s Hand-Built W12 Engine Celebrated in Crewe
Crewe, 23 July 2024 – Bentley Motors marked the end of an era as the final hand-built W12 engine rolled off the production line at its headquarters in Crewe. This milestone concluded a significant chapter in Bentley’s history, celebrated by the company’s employees and management at a commemorative event.
Celebrating Two Decades of Engineering Excellence
Introduced in the original Continental GT in 2003, the W12 engine quickly became synonymous with Bentley’s blend of luxury and performance. Over the past two decades, more than 100,000 units of this iconic 12-cylinder engine were meticulously assembled at Bentley’s Dream Factory, making it the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era.
A Farewell to the W12
In line with Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which aims to lead the industry in sustainable luxury mobility, the company decided to end W12 production. This shift marks Bentley’s commitment to a future driven by new Ultra High Performance Hybrid powertrains. To honor this significant transition, Bentley held a commemorative lunch for the W12 assembly and R&D teams at Bentley’s Heritage Garage. The event featured a group photo at the Pyms Lane Plaza and the presentation of a commemorative W12 engine piston to assembly colleagues.
The W12’s Remarkable Journey
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine has left an indelible mark on automotive history. Its introduction was a game changer for Bentley, with models like the Continental GT, Bentayga, and Flying Spur showcasing its power and refinement. Each W12 engine, consisting of 2,600 components, was hand-built in Crewe, taking around seven hours to assemble. The engine’s compact design and exceptional performance made it ideal for Bentley’s luxurious yet powerful vehicles.
Second Generation W12 and Record-Breaking Achievements
In 2015, Bentley introduced a redesigned W12 for the Bentayga, featuring advanced technologies like twin-scroll turbochargers and cylinder deactivation for improved performance and efficiency. The W12 engine also set several records, including the World Ice Speed Record and the Pikes Peak Production Car record, underscoring its prowess on and off the track.
A New Era of Performance
Bentley’s future will be defined by its new Ultra High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which combines a powerful V8 combustion engine with advanced battery technology. This new system promises greater power and efficiency, setting the stage for the next generation of Bentley supercars. The transition to this hybrid powertrain marks the end of W12 production, but the legacy of the W12 will live on through the countless Bentley models it powered.
Exclusive Farewell Editions
To celebrate the W12’s illustrious history, Bentley announced a limited run of 120 ‘Speed Edition 12’ models for the Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur. These special editions feature unique badging, commemorative plaques, and exclusive design elements, allowing enthusiasts to own a piece of Bentley’s storied past.
Reflecting on the W12’s Impact
The W12 engine has been a cornerstone of Bentley’s success, driving the brand’s evolution into the epitome of luxury automotive excellence. Its continuous development over 20 years resulted in significant improvements in power, torque, and emissions. As Bentley embraces its electric future, the W12’s legacy will remain a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and performance.
Bentley Motors’ celebration of the W12 engine’s remarkable journey reflects the company’s commitment to honoring its past while looking forward to a sustainable and electrified future. The end of W12 production is not just the close of a chapter but the beginning of an exciting new era for Bentley.
