Bentley swaps W12 for V8 Ultra Performance Hybrid

The Bentley W12 engine is being superseded by an ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ that is based on a V8 petrol-electric powertrain.

Producing 740hp or 552kW, and over 1000Nm of torque, it will deliver the most output ever offered in a Bentley. Moreover, it is evidently the firm’s most dynamic, responsive and efficient system yet. It will power a new generation of user-friendly supercars.

Bentley first used supercharging to boost combustion engines in the 1920s and later turbocharging from the 1980s to the present day. From midyear, Bentley is bringing ‘electrocharging’ to the table. It uses a hybrid petrol-electric system to create the most potent powertrain in Bentley’s 105-year history.

The new system builds on Bentley’s existing hybrid powertrains but takes performance and efficiency to another level. The new powertrain will also enable its vehicles to travel for 80km on electric power only. Power output is up almost 90hp on the W12 engine previously offered in the Flying Spur and GT W12 Speed variants.

Bentley has produced over 105,000 examples of the 6.0L W12 engine in the past two decades. While developing more power than the W12 and over 1000Nm of torque over a wider rev range, the Ultra Performance Hybrid will also deliver a WLTP drive cycle CO2 figure of under 50g/km.

Bentley has released an engine sound clip that reveals a combination of cross-plane bass with a free-revving bark. This represents one end of the audio spectrum. It is the opposite to the silence the system offers in its electric mode.

As part of Bentley’s Beyond 100 goals, every car in the range will be available as a hybrid soon. The final few examples of Bentley’s W12 and non-hybrid V8 engines are now filtering through Bentley’s retailer network.

To hear what it sounds like, check out the short video clip below.