Bentley Batur Convertible, limited to just 16 units, breaks cover
What's the story
The iconic W12 engine from Bentley is approaching its retirement, with one of its final appearances in the Batur Convertible. This vehicle, named after a picturesque crater lake in Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia, is a unique variant of the 2022-introduced Batur coupe. The convertible model is among the last Bentley vehicles to feature the powerful twin-turbo, 6.0-liter engine, and will be produced in a limited run of just 16 units.
Engine
What about its performance?
The Batur Convertible employs the most potent version of the W12 engine, delivering a remarkable 740hp and 1,000Nm of torque. This matches the power output of its coupe sibling. Over two decades, the W12 engine has seen a nearly 40% increase in power and a 25% decrease in fuel consumption. The power from this esteemed TSI mill is transferred to the road, via an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Design
Unique features and customization options
Bentley engineers have designed a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust system made entirely from titanium for the Batur Convertible, complete with large 3D-printed exhaust finishers. The convertible also features a soft top that can be adjusted in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 48km/h. Unlike the Continental GT Convertible, the Batur Convertible strictly follows a two-seat layout, and includes a tonneau cover that hides the fabric roof when it's folded.
Prototype
Car #0: A glimpse into ultra-luxury
The prototype of the Batur Convertible, Car #0, is as opulent as the production models. It features a vibrant Vermillion Gloss satin paint finish, with glossy carbon fiber accents and rose gold inserts in the interior. The cabin design, with its conventional buttons, three old-school dials, and an analog clock, harks back to the Continental GT Convertible. While Bentley has not disclosed the price of the Batur Convertible, it's anticipated to start at $2.1 million.
Future
Volkswagen's plans post W12 engine retirement
Despite the impending retirement of the W12 engine and the upcoming phase-out of the V10 mill of the Huracan/R8, Volkswagen still has large-displacement engines in its lineup. The Revuelto with its V-2 engine has a promising future. Additionally, Bugatti is gearing up to launch a new V16 hypercar to succeed the Chiron, indicating that large-displacement engines will continue to play a significant role in Volkswagen's future plans.