Bentley Batur unveiled, previewing the brand's design language for the future of electric vehicles.
Buoyed by the success of the Bacalar convertible, which was unveiled in 2020 and of which 12 are nearly complete, Bentley has announced its next bespoke project, a coupe named Batur.
Unveiled late Saturday during the 2022 Monterey Car Week, Batur is a large grand touring coupe based on the Continental GT Speed framework, bridging Bentley's combustion engine past with electric vehicles of the future.
The name is derived from Lake Batur in Bali (Bacalar is named after a Mexican lagoon), and under the hood is Bentley's familiar 6.0-liter W-12 twin turbo. The engine is tuned to deliver 730 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque, the highest output of any Bentley available on the road. Bentley plans to phase out the W-12 engine over the next few years, and the Batur is something of a commemorative model for this engine.
Since it is based on the Conti GT Speed, it also features a sport-tuned chassis consisting of four-corner air suspension, four-wheel steering, an electronic anti-roll system, and a limited-slip differential.
In addition to serving as a send-off for the W-12, the Batur also heralds the design language of Bentley's upcoming 2025 electric car, which Bentley describes as a new look that reinterprets classic features in a minimalist, bold form .
The grille is lower and more upright, and the lights at either end are slimmer than what we have become accustomed to on Bentleys. You will also notice that there is considerably less of the gaudy chrome plating that adorns modern Bentleys. In its place are new aerodynamic features using sustainable natural fibers such as carbon fiber and, in some cases, flax.
Inside, there is seating for two, and here, too, the car has been designed with sustainability in mind. For example, leather is not sourced from Italy, but from Scotland and other areas close to Bentley's factory in the UK. Carpets are also made from recycled materials, and some surfaces are made of natural fibers instead of carbon. As accents, customers can choose from materials such as titanium and gold.
Designed by Andreas Minto, who joined Bentley as its new design chief in early 2021. Minto was also the designer of the stunning Bentley Hunaudières concept introduced in 1999, confirming the design evolution of the Bentley brand.
Production of the Batur will be handled by Bentley's in-house coachbuilder, Mulliner, and customers will be able to specify almost any color and finish for the vehicle's surface. Only 18 units are planned, with prices starting at 1.65 million British pounds. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-2023.
