Bentley Motors has produced its last hand-built, high-performance 12-cylinder engine at its UK headquarters in Crewe, marking the end of an era as the final W12-powered Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur cars leave the production line. This milestone is a significant chapter in Bentley’s history, concluding over 20 years of W12 engine production, with more than 100,000 units built since its introduction in the original Continental GT in 2003.
The decision to cease production aligns with Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, aiming to lead in sustainable luxury mobility. Bentley is transitioning to a new hybrid powertrain, replacing the W12 with an Ultra High Performance Hybrid. This new powertrain, featuring a V8 engine paired with advanced battery technology, will deliver unprecedented power and efficiency, boasting a WLTP drive cycle CO2 figure of just 50 g/km.
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To commemorate the W12’s retirement, Bentley hosted a celebratory lunch for the W12 assembly and R&D teams at the Heritage Garage in Crewe. Guests formed part of a W12 portrait photograph at Pyms Lane Plaza, and assembly colleagues received a commemorative W12 engine piston.
Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, reflected on the W12’s impact, stating, “The W12 has played such an important role in the history of Bentley that it was only right for us to celebrate the engine’s retirement with those linked to this powerplant. The engine’s introduction helped change the face of the company almost overnight and so will go down in history as a true game changer.”
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for R&D at Bentley Motors, added, “The W12 has propelled our cars and business forward at an exceptional speed and will go down as one of the most important innovations in our illustrious history. Today marks the end of a development journey that our R&D and manufacturing colleagues over the years should be extremely proud of.”
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era, set a new standard in power and refinement. Each W12 engine was hand-built in Crewe, a meticulous process taking around seven hours. The engine’s legacy includes its role in the Bentley Continental GT’s global success, achieving near-200mph top speeds and establishing new performance benchmarks.
The introduction of the Bentayga in 2015 saw a complete redesign of the W12, enhancing its performance with twin-scroll turbochargers and a dual fuel system. The engine proved its capabilities in extreme conditions, including setting records at Pikes Peak and on ice.
To celebrate the W12’s legacy, Bentley announced a limited run of 120 ‘Speed Edition 12’ models, featuring unique badging and commemorative items. The W12 engine also powered exclusive models like the Bacalar and Batur, cementing its status as an icon in Bentley’s history.
As Bentley transitions to its electric era, the W12’s legacy of innovation, performance, and luxury will remain a proud chapter in the company’s storied history.
Source: End of an Era: Final Hand-Built Bentley W12 Engine Produced in Crewe
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