EVs will replace Bentley's ultra-performance 12-cylinder engines

A 12-cylinder engine is going to be phased out of production at Bentley Motors by the end of the year as the famous luxury carmaker prepares for the transition to electric powertrains.

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In celebration of the milestone, the British automaker of ultra-luxury performance cars is going to present its most powerful ever version of the W12 engine, which is expected to produce 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.

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According to Bentley, the upgraded engine will only be used in 18 Bentley Baturs - a handcrafted two-seat performance car that starts at around $2 million and is one of the world's most expensive sports cars. Several of the vehicles have already been sold, according to the prestigious automaker.

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“As we move toward electrification, it is time to retire this now-iconic powertrain,” Bentley Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark said.  

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This is the latest example of automakers pivoting to all-electric vehicles after the W12 came to an end. In order to become a fully electric luxury brand by 2030, Bentley has announced plans to invest 2.5 billion pounds (about $3 billion) over the next decade.

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A limited number of W12 engines with 649 horsepower are available for the Continental GT, Bentayga, and Flying Spur, according to Bentley.

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There will be a reduction in the production of W12 engines and a shift to the assembly of V8 and V6 hybrid engines instead, according to the company. Since the W12 engine assembly began in 2003, Bentley says it has produced more than 100,000 engines of this type.

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During the course of this year, the company plans to transition the 30 employees who manufacture the engine at its famed Crewe, England, plant to other departments in the company.

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Bentley's all-electric vision is similar to that of other automakers, but it differs in many ways from that of Ferrari, its famous rival. The Italian manufacturer of sports cars, which currently produces V6, V8, and V12 engines, has said it will continue to do so as long as there is sufficient demand for them in the future.

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