What’s Happening: Bentley has announced that it will stop production of its iconic 12-cylinder petrol engine in April 2024, by which time more than 100,000 examples of the W12 will have been handcrafted in the company’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England. This decision is part of Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which aims to fully electrify the company’s entire model line by the beginning of the next decade, reducing average fleet emissions to 0 g/km CO2.
Why It Matters: Bentley’s decision to cease production of the iconic W12 petrol engine is a significant step towards a sustainable future. The company’s Beyond100 strategy is a key driver behind this change, as the company seeks to reduce its fleet average emissions to zero by the start of the next decade. This transition to electrification is a critical step in achieving the company’s goal of sustainable luxury mobility.
Key Points:
- Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy will see the company’s entire model line fully electrified by the start of the next decade.
- The company has already introduced hybrid models, such as the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid, for which demand is exceeding expectations.
- The final version of the W12 engine has been created for the limited edition Bentley Batur, producing a record-breaking 750 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque.
- Bentley aims to retrain and redeploy all 30 skilled craftspeople who hand-assemble and test every single W12 engine at the company’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe.
- The W12 engine production facility will make way for an expanded line for the completion of other Bentley engines used for plug-in hybrid models.
Bottom Line: Bentley’s decision to retire its iconic 12-cylinder petrol engine and transition towards electrification is a significant step towards achieving sustainable luxury mobility. The company’s Beyond100 strategy aims to fully electrify the entire model line by the beginning of the next decade. Bentley’s latest move clearly indicates that the company is committed to achieving this goal.
