Bentley, the luxury automotive manufacturer, has announced the completion of the development work on its limited-edition Batur coupe. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it paves the way for the production of customer cars later this year.
The Batur is an exclusive model, with only 18 customer examples set to be built. Despite the limited quantity, Bentley dedicated a thorough development process to ensure the utmost quality and performance. Two test cars, named Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero, were utilized during the testing program, which began in late 2022.
The comprehensive testing program included a European tour covering approximately 1,500 miles. In addition, the Batur underwent high-speed testing, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. Furthermore, the coupe was subjected to more than 600 hours of solar loading, equivalent to five years of exposure in the scorching Arizona desert.
Unveiled during the prestigious 2022 Monterey Car Week, the Batur follows in the footsteps of Bentley’s highly acclaimed Bacalar convertible. As part of Bentley’s line of coachbuilt special projects, the Batur serves as a bridge between the brand’s internal combustion past and its electric future. While it is based on the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the Batur’s design offers a glimpse of what future electric Bentley models will look like. The company has plans to launch its first electric vehicle in 2025 as it moves toward a fully electric lineup by 2030.
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The Batur draws power from Bentley’s renowned twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine, which has been tuned specifically for this model. It produces a staggering 730 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful road-going Bentley ever created. The increased power output is achieved through various modifications, including a new air intake, modified turbochargers, and revised intercoolers. The development of these modifications, along with new calibrations for the transmission and stability control systems, took more than 100 weeks according to Bentley.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Batur showcases Bentley’s commitment to sustainability. The coupe features sustainable materials, such as natural fibers, and incorporates 3D-printed gold interior trim. In a groundbreaking move for the automotive industry, up to 210 grams of 18-carat gold, made from recycled jewelry, is used for the drive mode selector, vent controls, and steering-wheel insert. These gold components were rigorously tested, ensuring durability and resistance to various environmental factors.
The demand for the limited-edition Batur has been overwhelming, with all 18 production cars already spoken for. Bentley expects each car to take approximately four months to complete, with the final vehicle scheduled for completion at the end of 2024.
The completion of the Batur’s development and impending production represents another achievement for Bentley. This exclusive coupe not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries in terms of performance and design but also highlights its dedication to sustainable practices. With the Batur serving as a bridge to Bentley’s electric future, customers can anticipate even more groundbreaking and luxurious offerings from this iconic brand in the years to come.
