AUTOMOTIVE 107
When the proving ground work is complete , another 7,500 kilometres of real world driving will be undertaken before environmental testing commences . In just under four weeks the car will endure 600 hours of solar loading - equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert . This is particularly important for the new sustainable materials used in the exterior components , as an alternative to carbon fibre .
As the engine enters its twilight years as part of Bentley ’ s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully electrified , the Batur forms the first part of a celebration of the W12 ’ s extraordinary power , torque and refinement . Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever , with Speed-tuned air suspension , electric active anti-roll control , eLSD , four-wheel steering and torque vectoring .
“ Even small details such as the angle of the diamond in the front grille representing the cylinder angle in the W12 engine have had to be considered . And even though there will only be 18 Baturs produced , the level of quality has to be identical to every one of the 15,000 cars Bentley is currently producing each year .”
At the proving grounds , Batur Car # 0 will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks , mixed road conditions , high speed testing and abusive surface conditions . During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met .
By the time the first customer deliveries begin , over 810 unique parts will have completed 160 weeks of testing and development , delivering the ultimate coachbuilt grand tourer .
THE PINNACLE W12 GRAND TOURER
The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet , with a 729 + Bhp ( 740 + PS ) version of the iconic , hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley ’ s success for the last two decades .
Over 100 + weeks of powertrain development have already been completed to confirm the new air intake system , modified turbochargers , revised intercoolers and new calibrations for the engine gearbox and electronic stability control for the pinnacle W12 .
BATUR CAR # 0
All 18 customer Baturs are already reserved . Each one is being designed collaboratively with each customer , guided by Mulliner ’ s in-house design team .
Customers will be able to specify the colour and finish of practically every surface of the Batur , to create a car as individual as they are . From the main exterior paint to the surface finish of the air vents , and literally everything in between , each customer will specify even the tiniest of details .
The engineering development car – Batur Car # 0 – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer ’ s own specification . The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Purple Sector – that provides a deep vibrant colour across the curvaceous surfaces . The bodywork is underscored by front splitters , side skirts and rear diffuser in a high gloss natural fibre finish .
Issue 56 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY