Bentley’s iconic W12 engine will be succeeded by an all-new, performance-focused V8 hybrid powertrain. Producing the highest power output ever offered in a Bentley, the new powertrain is also said to be the most dynamic, responsive and efficient system in Bentley’s history.

A look back into Bentley’s history shows supercharging being added in the 1920s to boost performance. Turbocharging has been a Bentley mainstay since the 1980s.

Now, Bentley is introducing ‘electrocharging’ to further increase performance. The new system builds on Bentley’s existing hybrid powertrains, but goes even further in the level of performance and efficiency, with more than 750hp and a 80km electric-only range.

This means an increase of at least 91hp over the W12 powerplant offered in the Flying Spur and GT W12 Speed models.

As Bentley’s iconic six-litre twin turbo W12 engine heads towards retirement this summer, with 105,000 engines built over the last two decades, the new Ultra Performance Hybrid will take on the mantle as Bentley’s leading powertrain.

While developing more power than the W12 and at least 1,000Nm of torque over a wider plateau, the Ultra Performance Hybrid is also said to deliver a WLTP drive cycle CO2 figure of under 50 g/km.

More details on Bentley’s new electrified powertrain, which will drive the next phase of its Bentley’s Beyond 100 journey and deliver the promise of every car in the range being available as a hybrid, will be released over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, customers can continue to enjoy the final few remaining examples of Bentley’s W12 and non-hybrid V8 engines, available through Bentley’s global retailer network.

Here’s a sample of what the ultra performance V8 hybrid will sound like:

Photo Credits: Bentley

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On the 21st of June 2023, history was made at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau. The 1,000,000th GS motorcycle equipped with a boxer engine gracefully rolled off the production line, and it was the BMW R 1250 GS.

Berlin has been the birthplace of BMW motorcycles since 1969, and the GS models with boxer engines have been a cornerstone of the brand since 1980. These motorcycles possess an elemental authenticity and unrivalled all-round capabilities that have captivated countless enthusiasts over the past decades.

Dr. Markus Schramm, the Head of BMW Motorrad, reflects on the legacy of the GS models with boxer engines: “With the R 80 G/S, BMW Motorrad created a new motorcycle genre, the touring enduro, in 1980. Its unique combination of on-road and off-road capabilities, everyday practicality, and long-distance touring prowess established the BMW GS as an icon and propelled it to global success.”

“Today, in our ‘100 Years of BMW Motorrad’ anniversary year, we mark a significant milestone in the BMW Group’s history with the production of the one millionth BMW GS motorcycle with a boxer engine. Furthermore, I am delighted that the illustrious history of BMW Motorrad models with boxer engines will soon be enriched by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations in the form of the new R 1300 GS.”

The one millionth BMW GS with a boxer engine, a striking R 1250 GS in the Triple Black Style, was proudly celebrated during a works meeting at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.

And that’s not all for BMW Motorrad’s centennial celebrations. After the grand festivities at the BMW Motorrad Days, the official opening of the BMW Motorrad Welt is set to take place on the 28th of September.

In the heart of the brand, adjacent to the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau, the highly anticipated new BMW R 1300 GS will be unveiled during an exclusive opening event. Fans will have the opportunity to witness the ceremony via live stream on the BMW Group and BMW Motorrad social media channels.

Starting from the 30th of September 2023, the BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin will open its doors to all visitors.

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The limited edition model is available for four models – Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible – and features several unique design enhancements.

Silver brake callipers are featured on each car, which are not available for any other Bentley model. Continental GT and Convertible models feature Speed Edition 12 badges on the front fender, while Bentayga and Flying Spur models carry Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter together with the existing Speed badge.

On the inside, all models are available with Bentley’s Speed colour splits. The main colour, Beluga black, can either be chosen as the sole upholstery colour or complemented by Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen, or Orange. 

Unique features of this limited edition include seats with Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 stitching. The upper seat areas and door sills are quilted, and contrast stitched in a graduated three-color ‘fade’ from Anthracite through Porpoise to Stratos. The organ stop air vents are also unique, featuring the numeral ‘12’ machined from solid on the face of the control.

Other trinkets include a numbered engine plaque and a fascia in Grand Black veneer with the engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge.

The W12 engine has been the powertrain for Bentley’s cars for over two decades, and over time it has seen a 37% increase in power and a 54% increase in torque, along with a 25% reduction in emissions.

In the Speed Edition 12 models, the W12 engine develops up to 650 bhp @ 5000-6000 rpm, and a peak of 900Nm of torque is reached at just 1500 rpm, continuing unabated through to 5000 rpm.

As a final touch, customers will receive a precise 15% scale model of the Bentley W12 block as a commemorative artefact for display. The scale model W12 engines are cast using aluminium from a full-size W12 engine block and will serve as a permanent memento of one of Bentley’s most significant and powerful engines.

Only 120 of each of the four Bentley Speed Edition 12 models will be produced, so expect these to be a rare sight.

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