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It may appear odd to be a automotive powered by a 729-hp W-12 engine and desirous about EVs, however that’s what Bentley is ordering us to do with the Batur, a limited-run coupe that has simply been unveiled at Monterey Car Week. As a result of, whereas the Batur remains to be powered by candy, candy hydrocarbons, we’re advised that it showcases the design course the British luxurious model is planning to take because it develops its first full EV, which is because of arrive in 2025.
Beneath its all-new bodywork, the Batur is predicated on the floorpan and mechanical package deal of the present Continental GT. Simply 18 might be constructed by Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division, and all have already been reserved by purchasers, none of whom was apparently postpone by the bottom value, which interprets to almost $2 million at present trade charges. We’re advised that no less than a few of these prospects already personal examples of Mulliner’s earlier Conti-based restricted run, the roof-free Bacalar from 2020. The pace at which the speedster offered out its much more restricted run of 12 vehicles inspired Bentley to fee extra of the Batur, and it appears probably that further ultra-exclusive fashions will comply with.
Just like the Bacalar, the Batur is known as after a physique of pure water, on this case Lake Batur, a 290-foot-deep crater lake in Kintamani on the Indonesian island of Bali. Award your self a geography level when you already knew that. The muscular aesthetic is the work of a small workforce led by Andreas Mindt, Bentley’s not too long ago arrived director of design, with a reimagined type language that seeks to mix magnificence and the projection of energy. What the corporate refers to as a “resting beast stance: image a lion or tiger laying low in assault place in lengthy grass.”
Whereas the Batur’s sizable radiator grille is a well-known element from present Bentleys, the brand new teardrop headlight items are a radical departure for a model that has develop into related to massive round lights, with the smaller apertures containing three highly effective projector items. Behind this, the Batur’s lengthy hood offers obvious proof that even absolutely electrical Bentleys will maintain the model’s distinctive cab-rearward stance. The aspect profile is pleasingly harking back to a muscle automotive, and the Batur’s rounded rump is softer and extra natural than the extra angular traces of the Continental GT. The one carried-over components are the door mirrors, these containing too many sensors to make it economically viable to create new ones for such a restricted run.
The cabin retains the essential dashboard structure of the Conti, since Bentley was unable to radically alter safety-critical techniques like airbag placement for such a restricted run. However, after all, it’s completed with even plusher and rarer supplies, with patrons in a position to specify a virtually limitless vary of colours and with trim choices together with a pure composite that’s described as a extra sustainable various to carbon fiber. The fascia features a laser-etched sound wave that represents the sound of the W-12.
Whereas a lot of the Batur is forward-looking, the 6.0-liter W-12 is unquestionably a part of Bentley’s previous. Even the official launch acknowledges it’s coming into its “twilight years” but in addition describes this model as being its final improvement. A brand new consumption system, upgraded turbochargers, and recalibration have boosted output to 729 horsepower, a 79-hp improve over the output of the W-12–powered Continental GT Speed. The Batur’s chassis makes use of the W-12 GT’s mixture of air springs, adjustable dampers, and a 48-volt electromechanical anti-roll system. It additionally has an electrically operated torque-biasing rear differential, carbon-ceramic brakes, and bespoke 22-inch wheels as normal.
A number of Batur patrons have apparently traveled to Monterey to look at the revealing and to finish the specification of their vehicles, with deliveries as a consequence of begin in the course of subsequent yr. When you’re kicking your self for having missed out, chances are you’ll wish to head over to your native Bentley supplier and beg to get on the listing for the following restricted run.
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