In a thrilling opening to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley’s showcase of renewable power began with a bang as a new Hillclimb record was set – the fastest car with a trailer.
The impressive feat was accomplished by the Bentayga EWB, Bentley’s latest flagship model, completing the challenging ascent in a mere 1 minute and 21 seconds. What made this achievement even more astonishing was the fact that the car was towing a specially-prepared Ifor Williams Trailer loaded with 2.5 tonnes of straw.
Not only did this run establish a new record at Goodwood for the fastest time achieved by a car and trailer, but it was also performed using second-generation renewable fuel derived from agricultural waste straw. As part of Bentley’s ongoing commitment to sustainable fuel exploration, all modern Bentleys participating in the Festival of Speed over the next four days will be powered by renewable fuel, resulting in an impressive 85 percent reduction in carbon emissions when considering the entire process from well to wheels.
It’s worth noting that due to safety considerations, the record-setting run took place before the official start of the Festival of Speed during the event’s construction phase, therefore making the time unofficial.
The 2.5 tonnes of straw transported during the ascent would be sufficient to produce fuel equivalent to a remarkable 1,100 miles, which can be utilized by the Bentayga EWB and other Bentley models without any modifications. This second-generation biofuel complies with the EN228 standard for gasoline worldwide, making it a straightforward replacement for conventional pump fuel.
For the record-breaking run, the Ifor Williams trailer underwent minimal modifications, including the addition of a bolted frame to secure the straw load and adjustments to tire pressures. The car and trailer’s stability and performance were thoroughly tested on multiple occasions, at both the Anglesey Circuit and the MIRA proving ground.
Following its triumphant climb, the Bentayga EWB, along with its trailer, is now proudly on display at the Cathedral Paddock within the Festival of Speed. Additionally, a captivating short film documenting the entire run will be shown throughout the event, further highlighting Bentley’s achievement.
Embracing Sustainable Fuel: The Power of Second-Generation Biofuel
Unlike their first-generation counterparts, which utilize food crops grown on arable land, second-generation biofuels are manufactured using waste materials such as agricultural and forestry waste, as well as by-products from the food industry. During the production process, waste biomass undergoes fermentation, resulting in the creation of ethanol.
By dehydrating the ethanol, it can be converted to ethylene and subsequently transformed into gasoline through a process known as oligomerization, which involves combining short hydrocarbon molecules to produce longer more energy-dense ones. The resulting fuel is entirely renewable and boasts an estimated 85 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional gasoline. Moreover, second-generation biofuel’s reliance on waste materials helps to circumvent the “food versus fuel” dilemma associated with first-generation biofuels.
Uncompromising Performance and Handling
The recently lauded Bentayga EWB maintains its reputation for exceptional dynamic capabilities, demonstrating that its performance, ride, and handling remain unaffected by the elongation of its wheelbase by 180 mm, made possible by the integration of rear-wheel steering. This extension primarily enhances the rear cabin, resulting in exceptional space and luxury without compromising the Bentayga EWB’s promise of being a driver-focused car.
Incorporating Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard features, the Bentayga EWB continues to embody this ethos. Introduced in the new Flying Spur, the Electronic All Wheel Steering system offers two distinct advantages, eliminating the need to compromise between high-speed confidence and low-speed convenience.
At high speeds, the system makes subtle adjustments to the rear wheels’ direction in conjunction with the driver’s steering inputs, enhancing stability during overtaking and lane changes, as well as improving handling on sweeping bends. At lower speeds, the All-Wheel Steering system effectively shortens the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle and increasing agility in tight urban environments, resulting in noticeably easier parking. In fact, the system enables a turning circle 7 percent smaller than that of the standard wheelbase Bentayga.
Enhanced from its original iteration, the Bentley Dynamic Ride, the world’s first electric active roll control technology, benefits from a 20 mm track increase at the rear, reducing steering effort and improving response linearity. This system effectively counteracts lateral rolling forces during cornering, ensuring maximum tire contact and delivering class-leading stability, comfort, and handling.
Seamless Power Delivery: Bentley’s Proven 4.0-Litre V8 Engine
Powering the Bentayga EWB is Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which seamlessly combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, this V8 powerhouse provides supercar-level performance, generating an impressive 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. As a result, the Bentayga EWB boasts a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds (100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).
Bentley’s 4.0-litre V8 engine represents a true testament to modern engineering, featuring a high-strength aluminium block, twin-scroll turbochargers, and primary catalytic converters positioned within the engine’s V. The twin-scroll turbochargers leverage two separate, parallel flow channels within the turbine housing to guide exhaust gases efficiently towards the turbine wheel, ensuring ample torque is available at low speeds. Situated inside the V of the engine, the turbochargers minimize the distance exhaust gases travel, allowing them to operate at an impressive 176,000 rpm and generate up to 1.6 bar of boost pressure.
To optimize combustion patterns and paths, fuel injectors and spark plugs are centrally located within each combustion chamber, while the camshafts offer a variable range of up to 50 degrees. Additionally, the engine can deactivate half of its cylinders during part-load conditions, transforming it into a perfectly balanced V4 configuration.
The V8 engine’s design concept ensures the delivery of substantial power and torque while simultaneously achieving reduced emissions and optimal efficiency. Its compact V configuration incorporates a five-bearing crankshaft that harnesses power from lightweight pistons. Moreover, to minimize frictional power losses, the crankshaft directly drives the water pump and timing chains via an intermediate shaft, enhancing overall efficiency.
With its perfectly square engine design, matching the cylinder bore of 86 mm with the stroke length, the V8 achieves an ideal balance between power and torque. Coupled with the twin-scroll turbochargers, this engine develops an impressive output of over 135 bhp per litre. The V8 delivers a peak power of 550 PS (542 bhp, 404 kW) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm at 2000 rpm, maintaining a flat torque plateau up to 4500 rpm.
In conclusion, Bentley’s record-breaking feat at the Goodwood Festival of Speed showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and outstanding performance. The Bentayga EWB’s extraordinary achievement as the fastest car with a trailer, combined with its utilization of second-generation biofuel, underpins Bentley’s unwavering dedication to a greener, more exciting future.