Ende einer Ära: Bentley verabschiedet sich vom legendären W12-Motor

The final W12 has rolled off the line: Bentley ceases production

The iconic engine retires after surpassing 100,000 units…

The W-engine concept is steadily bidding farewell to the motor world. For two decades, Bentley has produced the renowned W12 in Crewe. With 100,000 units completed, production has come to an end. The last one was crafted by hand. As a result, the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 holds the title of the most successful twelve-cylinder engine of modern times. Farewell to the "big double-u"!

Earlier this year, Bugatti revealed plans to swap out its W16 engine for a V16, a change that was indeed implemented in the new tourbillon hypercar, which boasts 1,800 hybrid horsepower.

Photo Gallery: The final Bentley W12 engine is manually assembled in Crewe

The W12 engine recently provided power to models such as the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur. This engine was 24 percent more compact than the conventional V12 engine. The intake, exhaust, turbocharging, and intercooling systems were all designed in-house by Bentley's engineers. In the initial version within the Continental GT, the unit delivered 552 horsepower. Comprising 2,600 individual components, it took seven hours to complete the assembly.

The final W12 engine from Bentley is being handcrafted in Crewe.

The W12 engine holds such a significant place in Bentley's legacy that it only seemed appropriate to commemorate its retirement by celebrating with those who have been associated with this power unit. The introduction of the engine played a pivotal role in transforming the company's image virtually overnight and will be remembered as a major milestone in its history. We should take great pride in having designed, developed, and manufactured such a legendary engine in the UK for an extensive period, according to Andreas Lehe, Board Member for Production at Bentley Motors.

Bentley is embarking on a journey towards "sustainable luxury mobility" with their strategy dubbed Beyond100. The company recently celebrated this transition with their employees. Taking the place of the W12 will be a V8 hybrid engine, equipped with "advanced battery technology," which, according to Bentley, is their most powerful engine to date with 782 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque.

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Before the transition occurs, the British will commemorate the W12 with a final celebration by releasing a limited series of 120 "Speed Edition 12" models for the Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur. These final iterations of the W12 will be distinguished by special 'Edition 12' badges, door sills, seat embroideries, dashboard inlays, and a numbered engine badge. In addition, a scale model of the W12 engine block will be included as a bonus. Now that's something to look forward to!

Source: Bentley

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