Bentley to End 12-Cylinder Engine Production in Shift to EVs

• The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
• Bentley will continue to offer existing models powered by 12-cylinder engines, but plans to phase them out in the coming years as it shifts towards a fully-electric lineup.

Credit: Bentley

Bentley, the British luxury automaker, has announced that it will cease production of its 12-cylinder engines, including the most powerful version ever, as part of its transition to electric vehicles. The future for the 6.75-liter V12 engine that has been an iconic feature of Bentley cars for almost 100 years is coming to an end.

In a press release, Bentley explained that the decision was driven by the company's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The company plans to focus on the development of high-performance electric vehicles to meet the demands of its customers and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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According to Bentley's CEO, Adrian Hallmark, the decision to end 12-cylinder engine production was a difficult one, but necessary for the long-term success of the company. He stated that the company is investing heavily in research and development to create new, cutting-edge electric technologies that will power the next generation of Bentley cars.

“Our progressive journey towards sustainable luxury mobility means making changes to every area of Bentley Motors," he said. "When we first launched the W12 back in 2003, we knew we had a mighty engine that would propel both our cars and the brand forwards at speed. 20 years and more than 100,000 W12s later, the time has come to retire this now-iconic powertrain as we take strides towards electrification – but not without giving it the best send-off possible, with the most powerful version of the engine ever created."

Despite the announcement, Bentley will continue to offer its existing models powered by the engines, including the Mulsanne and the Continental GT. However, the company plans to gradually phase out these models in the coming years as it shifts towards a fully-electric lineup.

The press release also highlights Bentley's commitment to sustainable practices, noting that the company has already made significant progress towards reducing its environmental impact. For example, Bentley has achieved an 85% reduction in carbon emissions at its factory in Crewe, England, and is using renewable energy sources to power its operations.
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The end of 12-cylinder engine production at Bentley reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, as carmakers increasingly shift towards electric and hybrid technologies in response to growing concerns about climate change and sustainability. While it marks the end of an era for Bentley, it also signals an exciting new chapter in the company's history as it embraces a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.

Source: Bentley