Bentley Batur, the epitome of grand touring luxury, has successfully concluded its comprehensive development program, ensuring that it surpasses the highest standards of performance and durability.
With the completion of this milestone, the focus now shifts towards building customer cars, each one showcasing an unparalleled level of bespoke craftsmanship. The handcrafting process for these exquisite vehicles will span approximately four months, culminating with the final creation in late 2024.
The Meticulous Development Journey
Before embarking on the production of the 18 customer cars, Bentley meticulously honed the Batur’s design and engineering through the creation of two development vehicles: Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero. These vehicles exemplify the same impeccable craftsmanship that will be present in each of the customer cars.
Car Zero boasts a bespoke exterior finish named Purple Sector, complemented by high gloss natural fibre finishes on the front splitters, side skirts, and rear diffuser. The Gloss Dark Titanium matrix grille features contrasting chevrons in a captivating horizontal ombré pattern, transitioning from Purple Sector to Black Crystal. The Satin Titanium finish adorns the “endless bonnet” line and the striking 22″ wheels, with spokes finished in a combination of Gloss and Satin Black Crystal.
Meanwhile, Engineering Car Zero-Zero captivates with its equally stunning Marina Teal finish. The unique finishes, accompanied by exclusive components like the one-of-a-kind LED headlamp units, were subjected to rigorous durability tests, including a demanding 2,500 km European tour, high-speed testing on closed circuits, and prolonged exposure to the harshest environments. Throughout an intensive 160-week development period, over 800 distinct and singular components underwent meticulous testing, emerging triumphant.
Unleashing Unparalleled Power
At the heart of the Batur lies the iconic W12 engine, tracing its lineage back to the revered Continental GT of 2003. The W12 engine has been the driving force behind Bentley’s rise to prominence in the luxury automotive industry, continually evolving to deliver enhanced power, refinement, and efficiency with each new generation. As Bentley embarks on its journey towards full electrification, the W12 engine in the Batur represents a celebration of this remarkable powertrain and serves as its magnificent swansong. Boasting a peak output of 750PS, it stands as the most potent W12 engine ever built, solidifying its place as the most commanding powertrain in Bentley’s history.
The Batur’s W12 engine underwent extensive development, with over 100 weeks dedicated to optimizing its performance. A new air intake system, modified turbochargers, revised intercoolers, and recalibrations of the engine, transmission, and electronic stability control pushed the boundaries of engineering ingenuity. Complementing the engine’s awe-inspiring performance, the Batur boasts the most advanced Bentley chassis specification ever conceived. This includes speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD (electronic limited-slip differential), four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring. The result is an unrivalled driving experience that seamlessly combines power and control.
An Era of Unprecedented Coachbuilding
The Batur embodies a new era of coachbuilding, leveraging advanced technologies to offer customers an unrivalled level of individuality. Mulliner, with its vast expertise, utilizes innovative materials like natural fibres and employs cutting-edge techniques like Additive Manufactured Gold, opening up a nearly infinite palette of choices for customers. This enables them to realize their unique vision of the ultimate grand tourer. Every detail, down to the smallest element, has undergone rigorous development scrutiny. Notably, the Charisma Dial and Organ Stop air vent control offer 18ct yellow gold options, crafted from recycled 3D printed gold. These components have been subjected to a wide range of tests, including thermal loading and resistance to sun cream, ensuring their longevity and enduring appeal.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
With resounding success in every facet of its development, the Batur now embarks on the next phase of its remarkable journey. All 18 examples of this extraordinary vehicle have already been reserved, and each customer will actively participate in the co-creation process, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team. From choosing the colour and finish of virtually every surface, each car will be meticulously handcrafted over the upcoming months at Mulliner’s workshop, located within Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England. The culmination of this dedication will result in a unique masterpiece, with every car taking approximately four months to complete.
Bentley Batur represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance, where exceptional craftsmanship and groundbreaking engineering converge. As the journey continues, the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of these exclusive creations, destined to captivate the hearts and minds of those who value true automotive excellence.