Bentley Motors has officially ceased production of its legendary W12 engine at the Crewe headquarters, marking the conclusion of a 20-year chapter in the company’s history. The final hand-built 6.0-litre twin-turbo powerplant rolled off the production line as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 sustainability strategy, which will transition the luxury automaker toward electrified powertrains. Since its 2003 debut in the Continental GT, the W12 has powered more than 100,000 vehicles including the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur models.
Celebrating Engineering Excellence
Bentley commemorated the milestone with a special event honoring the W12 assembly and R&D teams at its Heritage Garage. Employees gathered for a commemorative lunch and formed a human W12 formation for a historic photograph, with assembly line workers receiving engraved engine pistons as keepsakes. “This engine transformed Bentley overnight and deserves its place in automotive history,” said Andreas Lehe, Bentley’s Board Member for Manufacturing. The W12’s retirement represents both an emotional moment for the workforce and a strategic shift toward sustainable mobility.
Transition to Electrified Performance
The W12’s successor will be an Ultra High Performance Hybrid system combining a V8 combustion engine with advanced battery technology. This new powertrain will deliver greater output than the outgoing W12 while achieving just 50 g/km CO2 emissions – a 95% reduction compared to current models. Bentley’s R&D Board Member Dr. Matthias Rabe praised the W12’s legacy while looking ahead: “Our teams achieved remarkable power and refinement improvements while progressively reducing emissions throughout this engine’s lifecycle.”
Technical Legacy and Future
During its production run, the W12 established itself as the most successful modern 12-cylinder engine, renowned for its smooth power delivery and distinctive character. The new hybrid system will maintain Bentley’s performance credentials while aligning with stricter environmental regulations. All future Bentley models will offer the electrified powertrain, beginning with a high-performance application that promises to be the most dynamic in company history.
Sustainable Luxury Roadmap
Bentley’s transition reflects broader industry trends as premium automakers balance performance expectations with climate commitments. The W12’s retirement and replacement with hybrid technology represents a key milestone in Bentley’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2030. While bidding farewell to an engineering icon, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable luxury mobility, proving environmental responsibility need not compromise driving excellence.
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