Bentley is looking at following in the automotive downsizing trend with an all new V8 that will be more powerful than their current W12. However the W12 will stay but with more improvements. Bentley’s technical director Ralf Frech wants to keep the W12 but use the same improvements as the new V8, He asserted that the existing 12-cylinder that has been fitted to the Continental range would have improvements to enhance fuel economy and power, maybe bringing it near to 600bhp. In comparison, the current W12 has 567bhp.
There is also news that Bentley engineers have developed an eight-speed auto gearbox to replace the existing six-speeder. In addition, Frech claimed that Bentley is considering hybrid technology, specifically a plug-in hybrid. He said that the company is waiting for the next generation of technologies since “none of the current solutions work.” Bentley sources said that the Mulsanne luxury limo and upcoming SUV would most likely be offered with a hybrid option.
