Bentley has officially revealed the successor to its long-running W12 engine, a new hybrid powertrain dubbed the “Ultra Performance Hybrid.” The announcement follows the February confirmation that production of the W12 would cease this summer after two decades and 105,000 units.
The Ultra Performance Hybrid builds upon Bentley’s existing hybrid technology but with major upgrades to the core components. The platform centers on a familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, though details regarding the improvements haven’t yet been revealed.
The combined output of the new system is expected to surpass 740 horsepower, a substantial 90 horsepower increase over the W12 engine of the Continental GT Speed. Bentley also hinted at “four-figure torque,” which translates to at least 737 lb-ft when measured using Newton meters.
While the focus remains on performance, Bentley hasn’t neglected efficiency. The company claims the Ultra Performance Hybrid will emit less than 50 g/km of CO2 and offer a pure electric driving range of 80 km, based on Europe’s WLTP test cycle.
For those curious about the aural experience, Bentley has released a sound clip of the new powertrain. While it may not deliver the same distinctive roar of the W12, the audio suggests a powerful and refined engine note.
The specific Bentley model that will be the first to receive the new powertrain is under wraps. But the automaker has promised to share more details about the new powertrain in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, for customers who still want Bentley’s W12-powered non-hybrid V8 engine cars, they are available in limited numbers through their global retailer network.
