Bentley: V8 Plug-In Hybrid replaces W12

First Bentley to Receive New Feature

In a year from now, Bentley will bid adieu to its lauded twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, prompting the marque to find a contingency until transitioning to all-electric powertrains. To that end, a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid V8 is currently in development for use in the Flying Spur Hybrid model. Our spies were out on the frozen European roads recently and captured shots of both the updated Continental GT and the fresh Flying Spur Hybrid being put through intense tests. Despite the W12’s singularity to Bentley, it appears the new powertrain will be shared between them and Porsche.

It’s likely that the upcoming refresh will include an engine update, as this prototype given a testdrive features a revised bumper not seen on the latest model. Furthermore, the exhaust pipes have been altered and appear quite similiar to those noticed on the Flying Spur Speed. Even though there isn’t necessarily proof of a new motor, our anonymous sources have stated that rather than just a V6, this engine had a louder, rumbling sound suggesting it was certainly a V8.

It appears that this model includes a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is teamed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the one used in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

It is perfectly reasonable to assume that Bentley and Porsche are in the Volkswagen Group. The Flying Spur, with its beefy engine and electrification features, has the capability of churning out 690 horsepower and a stunning 641 lb-ft of torque! Its V6 PHEV model produces less power; 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, whereas the soon-to-be-superseded W12 offers 626 hp and 664 lb-ft instead. Placing the V8 PHEV into the Flying Spur, as well as other vehicles from the prestigous Bentley company, for example the Continental GT and GTC convertible, appears to be an excellent prospect.

Regretfully, the dates of release for both variations are still under wraps. That being said, more capacity V8s featuring electrical back-up are confidentially on the approach. The Flying Spur V8 PHEV won’t be contending with the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, but actually with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, as it does not incorporate a PHEV alternative.

At the moment, the Ghost just comes outfitted with a 6.75-liter, double-turbocharged V12 able to make 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Yet it is questionable if Rolls-Royce will introduce a V8 in its stead. The company has placed an emphasis on electrification and has presented an electric Phantom with 577 hp. The Ghost apparently will be replaced with a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), having no plans to have an interim hybrid variant.

Bentley’s goals of electrification point to it changing into a pure EV organization by 2030, consequently these plug-in hybrid variations are merely a respite period. However, for the next several years the V8 PHEV in the Flying Spur will have the same W12 amounts of power until its ultimate electric-based successor.

We can only surmise that the Flying Spur, Continental GT and GTC V8 PHEV versions will be revealed sometime late in 2020 or at the opening of 2021.