Bentley has unveiled its latest custom project, a coupe known as the Batur.
The Batur, which was shown late Saturday at 2022 Monterey Car Week, is a big grand touring coupe based on the bones of the Continental GT Speed that offers as a bridge between Bentley's internal-combustion past and electric future.
The name is derived from Bali's Lake Batur (the Bacalar was called after a Mexican lagoon), and the engine is a classic twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 from Bentley. The engine in this application is tuned to produce 730 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque, the greatest output of any Bentley on the road. Bentley intends to retire the W-12 in the future years, and the Batur is a sort of farewell to it.
The chassis is based on the Conti GT Speed and has air suspension, four-wheel steering, an electronic anti-roll system, and limited-slip differential systems.
The Batur not only serves as a send-off for the W-12, but it also previews the design language for Bentley's next electric cars, the first of which will be presented in 2025. The new style, according to Bentley, consists of traditional characteristics translated into simple but stronger shapes.
The front is lower and more upright, and the taillights are smaller than we're used to seeing on a Bentley. There's also a lot less of the showy chrome that usually adorns current Bentleys.
Instead, new aerodynamic elements are being developed using carbon fiber and, in certain cases, renewable natural fibers like as flax.
Inside, there's seating for two, and the design was created with sustainability in mind. For example, the leather is acquired from suppliers in the United Kingdom, such as Scotland, rather than Italy. The carpet is also created from recycled materials, and natural fiber is utilized instead of carbon for parts of the surfaces. Customers will be able to select from materials such as titanium and gold for embellishments.
Andreas Mindt, Bentley's new design leader who started in early 2021, is in charge of the design.
Mindt also created the magnificent Bentley Hunaudières concept in 1999, so the brand's design progression is in safe hands.
The Batur's production will be managed by Bentley's in-house coachbuilder, Mulliner, and consumers will be able to select the color and finish of nearly every aspect of the car. Only 18 examples are planned, with prices beginning at £1.65 million (roughly $1.95 million). The first deliveries are anticipated for mid-2023.
