The New 2023 Bentley Employs A W12 Engine And Previews The First EV

Both to celebrate Bentley's historic W12 engine and to preview the design of the luxury vehicle maker's first pure-electric car, Bentley is now developing the second customized model from its Mulliner coachbuilding division. This year, the Volkswagen Group's 6.0-liter W12 engine, the only mass-produced powerplant of this type, celebrated its 20th anniversary, having served in a variety of flagship Audi, Volkswagen, and, most notably, Bentley cars.

It is presently exclusively used by Bentley and will be phased out shortly after the introduction of the next Mulliner automobile as the company transitions to an all-electric era.

The new car will be based on the Continental GT Coupé, but it will have a bespoke design to match its significantly more limited production run, a specific technical make-up, increased levels of personalization, and a far higher asking price than the normal car. The new model is being planned and engineered in conjunction with the Mulliner division's growth, with the completed vehicle set to debut in 2023, 80 years after the coachbuilder's connection with Bentley began.

Due to tremendous demand for the £1.5 million Bacalar (all 12 sold out before the first was produced), Bentley has increased the manufacturing run for its hard-top successor to 25 cars. It will cost between £1.5m and £2m, but due to Mulliner's extensive customization options, most will sell for above £2m, making it Bentley's most costly vehicle yet.

An improved version of the turbocharged 12-cylinder engine will provide power, and it will most likely be tuned in the same way as the Bacalar and Continental GT Speed. The Mulliner car is predicted to have peak outputs of 650 hp and 664 lb-ft, and it could hit 62 mph in less than 4 seconds and go on to a top speed of over 200 mph. 

The second Mulliner model will be distinguished from its series-production counterparts by a significant stylistic revamp, as shown in Autocar's exclusive drawings. A more geometric and forceful front end, with a fresh interpretation of Bentley's iconic grille design, thin headlamp clusters, and more sharp air intakes, will be distinguishing features.

Source of renderings: Autocar