The Young Aficionado
Only 18 bespoke Batur grand touring coupes are being built, all with the signature twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine that has powered Bentleys for two decades gets a new intake system, upgraded turbos, and updated intercoolers, producing 730 hp and 737.6 lb.ft. of torque, making it Bentley’s most powerful engine in history. The chassis gets adaptive three-chamber air springs with three switchable chambers, which have varying setups for stiffness.
Owners can choose from infinite color selections, tweak the front grill with a graduated contrast color finish, add hand-painted graphics if they choose, and selected one of two choices in finish for the 22-inch wheels. The aerodynamics-enhancing components, such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirts, can be specced in carbon fiber or natural fiber composite.
3-D printing is responsible for the finishers used on Batur’s titanium sports exhaust, while additive manufacturing capability introduces the industry-first application of 3D printed gold. 210 grams of 18-karat gold jewelry sourced from the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham, a centuries-old center of craftsmanship was recycled, ground to fine powder and 3D printed to make the signature adornment around the drive dynamics control knob in the center console.
Inside, Bentley’s Bespoke team takes the exclusivity factor several notches higher with new sustainably made features. There’s a choice of low carbon leather from Scotland, sustainable tannage leather from Italy, and “Dinamica” made of suede-like sustainable materials. All upholstery choices get a unique etching of the W12 engine. Carpets are made of recycled yard. The dashboard is natural fiber composite material with 2×2 twill weave and a satin lacquer finish.
The Batur’s sustainability components hit at what to expect as Bentley begins its switch to electrification over the next few years, so it’s possible that the 730-hp Batur will remain the most powerful internal combustion Bentley in history and the final one to use the iconic W12 engine.
