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Bentley Batur Convertible Commences Final Testing For W12 Engine Retirement
The Batur Convertible, Bentley's most powerful W12-engined vehicle, is undergoing its final testing phase. Crafted by Mulliner, Bentley's bespoke division, this convertible is the third in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt series. Limited to 16 units, it stands as the most potent W12-powered Grand Tourer Bentley has ever produced. Earlier this year, Bentley announced the retirement of the W12 engine, with the last one leaving production in July.
The Batur Convertible will be among the final recipients of these engines, each delivering 750 PS. This marks the most powerful version of the engine ever developed. Testing includes durability checks for both the engine and vehicle, environmental compatibility assessments, and sunlight simulation tests. High-speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration analysis, and driving dynamics are also evaluated.
Over 120 individual tests cover everything from surface finish quality to new W12 engine hardware and software. The validation process spans over 58 weeks across two pre-series cars: Batur Convertible Car Zero and the Batur Convertible Engineering Car. Real-world testing began with a 3,000-kilometre drive through five European countries.
The route started in Germany and passed through Italy, France, and Spain. It covered mountains, highways, and cities before pausing briefly in Monaco for photography. The journey concluded at Idiada in Spain for high-speed testing on private tracks.
Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, stated: "The purpose of an engineering validation public road drive is to test a vehicle's performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions." He emphasised that this stage helps identify potential issues and validate system integration while ensuring regulatory standards are met.
At proving grounds, Batur Convertibles will undergo seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks and mixed road conditions. High-speed testing and evaluations on abusive surfaces will also take place. Data collection during these activities ensures technical targets are achieved.
Design Evolution and Customisation
The Batur Convertible continues the innovative design DNA introduced by its coupe sibling. This design will guide future Bentley models. Created by Mulliner, it follows hand-crafted predecessors like the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe.
Mulliner’s team collaborates with customers to co-create each Batur Convertible using a special visualiser tool. Customers can customise any part of the car in colour and surface finish. Unique materials add texture to this process.
Bespoke Features of Development Cars
Batur Convertible Car Zero features bespoke Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo tone paintwork. The bodywork includes high gloss carbon fibre elements like front splitters and side skirts. The grille showcases artful design with Gloss Dark Titanium matrix accented by contrast chevrons.
The second development car has Midnight Emerald paintwork with a high gloss carbon fibre body kit. Its wheels feature a tri-tone design with Satin Dark Titanium bodies complemented by gloss Porpoise accents.
Aesthetic Appeal of Convertible Roof
The convertible roof offers a modern alternative to hardtops with insulation material refinements creating a cosy environment inside. It can be deployed or stowed within 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h), transforming it from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer effortlessly.
Bentley Motors remains one of the world's most sought-after luxury car brands headquartered in Crewe where all operations occur including design R&D engineering Mulliner production lines Continental GT Flying Spur Bentayga models employing around 4 000 people showcasing British manufacturing excellence.
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