It’s time to get sentimental as Bentley has unveiled four final special edition models that will feature its iconic W12, waving goodbye to the now 20-year-old engine.
Earlier this year, the British luxury carmaker announced it would cease production of the 12-cylinder after producing over 100,000 units at its factory in Crewe, England.
Bentley originally fitted the W12 to the Continental GT back in 2003, its first all-new model since being bought by the Volkswagen Group. It continues to boast a 6.0-litre displacement with twin-turbocharging and thanks to its W-shaped layout, the engine was around a quarter shorter in length than your average V12.
Since then, power and torque have been upped while emissions have also been brought down. In the farewell Speed Edition 12 models, the engine makes 485kW and 900Nm on torque.
The Speed Edition 12 package will feature on the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and the Continental GTC, of which 120 examples will be made of each. All examples will come with a numbered engine plaque, Edition 12 badging and interior embroidery, contrast stitching, and a black fascia on the dashboard that details the W12’s firing order.
Other distinct features include silver-coloured brake calipers, blacked out exterior brightware, 22-inch black Speed alloy wheels with self-levelling badges, as well as a new paint colour option called Opalite, a light grey-green that has a subtle copper glow under light.
Step inside and you’ll first be greeted with Edition 12 welcome lamps and illuminated scuff plates while all examples of the special edition models can be optioned with Bentley’s colour split upholstery. Unique features inside consist of silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 text. The air vents also have “12” machined into their control faces.
Customers will also get a scaled down version of the W12 engine block as a decorative piece, made with melted down aluminum from the real deal.
Production of the Bentley W12 is set to wrap up in April 2024. Goodbye old friend.
