Bentley Batur Concludes Rigorous Development Programme, Ushers in a New Era of Luxury Grand Tourers
June 22 2023,
Bentley's newest masterpiece, the Batur, has accomplished a significant milestone, wrapping up its comprehensive vehicle development programme. This marks a pivotal step forward for the iconic British automaker and its groundbreaking creation.
Twin test vehicles, Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero, put in 58 weeks of intensive durability work, demonstrating Bentley's meticulous approach to performance validation. The rigorous regime included various trials, ranging from high-speed tests surpassing 200 mph to 600 hours of solar exposure, simulating five years in an Arizona desert. The Batur's more than 800 exclusive components underwent the same rigorous scrutiny, reinforcing the car's uncompromising quality.
The powerful W12 engine, an enduring staple of Bentley since the 2003 Continental GT, has reached a zenith with the Batur. The engine's two-year development period culminated in the production of the most potent Bentley powertrain to date, delivering a whopping 740 hp. The tests encompassed over 30,000 kilometres of real-world driving under diverse conditions, offering a robust assessment of the W12 engine's capabilities.
Beyond its groundbreaking performance, the Batur sets new benchmarks in the realm of automotive craftsmanship. With just 18 customer units being meticulously handcrafted at the Mulliner workshops, each Batur features bespoke detailing and requires approximately four months of dedicated work.
Car Zero and Engineering Car Zero-Zero were both built to the same standards, finished in striking Purple Sector and Marina Teal finishes, respectively. Despite their extraordinary aesthetics, these development units underwent a series of strenuous durability trials, including a 2,500 km European tour and extensive exposure to harsh environments.
The 18 Batur cars are the fruit of Bentley's journey to blend advanced technology with personalized craftsmanship, heralding a new era of coachbuilding. The use of innovative materials such as natural fibres and 3D-printed gold offers customers unprecedented levels of customization, adding a personal touch to the ultimate grand tourer.
Now, with the development programme successfully completed, Bentley pivots to the construction of 18 customer-specified Batur units. With each of these cars already reserved, the co-creation process continues, as customers collaborate with Mulliner's in-house design team to specify every detail of their unique vehicles. The handcrafting process will commence at Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England, propelling the luxury automobile industry into an exciting new era.
