- Bentley close to signing off on Batur Convertible development
- Limited-edition convertible and coupe sibling are among final Bentley to feature venerable W-12
- W-12's replacement is a more powerful V-8 plug-in hybrid system
Bentley on Tuesday announced that development work on the limited-edition Batur Convertible has reached the final stage, meaning production of customer cars should get underway shortly.
The Batur was originally launched as a coupe in 2022 as a sendoff for Bentley's venerable W-12 engine, production of which ceased in July. Bentley followed up with the Batur Convertible in May. The convertible will be built in a run of 16 examples, or two less than the coupe's run.
Despite the small production run, the development program for the Batur Convertible is almost as extensive as the program for one of Bentley's regular production models. The program includes 120 individual tests lasting a year, including a long-distance drive from Germany to Spain, and high-speed runs at the Idiada proving grounds near Barcelona, Spain.
Two prototypes were built for the development program, with every detail being looked at, from the quality of the gold-accented controls in the dash to the unique engine control software for the familiar 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12. The Batur, which is named after Bali's Lake Batur, generates 740 hp, which is the highest rating for the W-12. That output in the coupe is capable of delivering 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 209 mph, and the convertible shouldn't be too far off the pace.
Bentley Batur Convertible
The prototypes recently completed the drive from Germany to Spain and are currently at the Idiada proving grounds. There, the prototypes will undergo seven weeks of durability testing on various handling tracks, mixed road surfaces, high-speed runs, and challenging terrain. Many of the tests will focus on the convertible roof's performance. The roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph.
The Batur and Batur Convertible are among the last Bentley's to feature the W-12 engine. Bentley hasn't said what the final car will be. The automaker has already launched a replacement for the W-12, though. The replacement is a V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that made its debut in June in an updated Continental GT Speed and has since appeared in an updated Flying Spur Speed. It's rated at 771 hp in those models, though lower-rated versions will likely eventually feature in other models in the Bentley lineup.
Bentley is also planning a move into electric vehicles, though at a slower pace than originally planned. Bentley's first EV will arrive in late 2026.
