Bentley pays tribute to W12 engine with limited-run Speed Edition 12 line

To honor the W12-engine powered performance line, Bentley has created the limited-run Speed Edition 12.

Offered based on the Speed specification of the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible, the Bentley Speed Edition 12 are all equipped with the legendary 12-cylinder mill.

According to the Crewe-based automotive marque, the Bentley Speed Edition 12 series will only comprise of 120 examples for each of the four models — which will serve as a sought-after tribute to an engine that has powered the company’s cars for two decades.

In 2003, Bentley’s W12 engine became the powertrain for the first all-new model under Volkswagen Group ownership, the Continental GT. The company noted that the unique W-formation of the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged mill allowed it to be 24 percent shorter than an equivalent V12 “with no compromise in power, efficiency, or refinement.”

The engine’s continuous evolution has resulted in an increase of 37 percent in power, and 54 percent torque while cutting down emissions by up to 25 percent.

Per Bentley, W12 engines found in the Speed Edition 12 models, can dish out up to nearly 650 horsepower and pulling power of as much as 900 Newton-meters.

Further, the company shared that the distinguishing features of the Speed Edition 12 line include the unique badging, numbered engine plaque, Edition 12 embroidery, color-graduated seat contrast stitching, and a fascia in Grand Black veneer with the engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge. In addition, the distinctive details of the Speed Edition 12 models are the silver brake calipers.

Moreover, Bentley noted that the Continental GT and Convertible models are fitted with Speed Edition 12 badging on the front fender while Bentayga and Flying Spur models carry Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter together with the existing Speed badge. Opening the bonnet reveals a numbered Edition 12 plaque in pride of place on the engine’s cover.

Other exterior features include Blackline specification exterior brightware, 22-inch black painted Speed alloy wheels, and self-levelling wheel badges. A new paint color, Opalite, is available as an option: a light grey-green, it has a subtle copper effect that glows in bright sunshine.  

For its interior, Speed Edition 12 models are fitted with welcome lamps and illuminated tread plates. Aside from that, All Edition 12 models are available with Bentley’s Speed color splits; the main color, Beluga black can either be chosen as the sole upholstery hue or complemented by Brunel Blue, Cricketball Red, Linen or Orange. Veneer in each case is high gloss Grand Black.

Customers of the limited-edition offerings will also enjoy the seats with Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 namestyle. The upper portion of the seats are quilted, and contrast stitched in a graduated three-tint “fade” (from Anthracite, to Porpoise, then Stratos). Quilted door panels are also contrast stitched.

Furthermore, organ stop air vents also wear the numeral “12” machined from solid on the face of the control.

Additionally, buyers of the Speed Edition 12 models shall also receive a 15-percent scale model of the Bentley W12 block as a commemorative artefact for display on desk, cabinet or shelf. The scale model W12 engines are cast using aluminum taken from a full-size W12 engine block and will serve as a permanent memento of one of Bentley’s most significant and powerful engines.

Meanwhile, Bentley Philippines has yet to confirm if some of the rare units will reach local shores.

Photos from Bentley

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