BENTLEY ’ S ULTIMATE GRAND TOURER BEGINS REAL-WORLD TESTING
The Bentley Batur has begun real-world road trials across Europe . Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in August 2022 and attendance at numerous events for Bentley Customers , global media and the public , two development Baturs are now starting a rigorous programme of tests to ensure the highest standards of vehicle performance and quality .
The limited series of just 18 examples are due to begin deliveries mid-2023 after completion and sign-off of an extensive engineering program .
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle , environmental compatibility & sunlight simulation , high speed stability , aerodynamics , noise & vibration , and driving dynamics . More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “ organ stop ” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software . Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across the two pre-series cars , supplementing 100 + weeks of vehicle development already completed to validate the increased engine power , making the Batur the most powerful Bentley in history with at least 740 PS .
The first activity for one of the development Batur ’ s – Car # 0 - is an extensive 2,500 kilometre drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions . The route leaves Germany and travels through Italy , France and Spain before high speed testing work is undertaken at proving grounds .
Paul Williams , Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner , comments :
“ At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate GT and so every element from the exterior design , engine power and hand-crafted interior has been created without compromise .
“ There are a number of unique features that bring new challenges . For example , the exterior headlamps are very compact LED units and made to our styling teams challenging proportions , which transforms the exterior appearance of the car but are complex to produce . We ’ re also working with the most powerful development of the W12 in its 20-year history , which brings an enormous validation programme .
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 56 2023