The Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC will all be offered in this grand specification.
- Limited to 480 units, 120 each of the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC
- 6.0-liter W12 with 650 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque
- Special badging, upholstery, and new paintwork
- Each car accompanied by 15% scale model of the W12 engine block
With the production of its famous W12 engine drawing to a close in under a year from now, Bentley has presented a range of limited Speed Edition 12 models to celebrate this special power plant. 480 examples of the Speed Edition 12 will be produced in total, with 120 units each of the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC.
Naturally, all examples of the Speed Edition 12 will be equipped with the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 that delivers 650 hp and 664 lb-ft, the latter on tap from as low as 1,500 rpm.
Special badging, unique upholstery, and a newly optional paint color will distinguish each Speed Edition 12 from other Bentley cars.
From the outside, Speed Edition 12 models can be identified by their silver brake calipers (not found on any other Bentley model) that contrast nicely with the Blackline specification, the latter darkening the brightwork around the vehicle. Black-painted Speed alloy wheels measure 22 inches in size, and these come with self-leveling wheel badges.
Speaking of badging, the Continental GT Coupe and Convertible models will have Speed Edition 12 badging on their front fenders, while the Bentayga SUV and Flying Spur sedan don Edition 12 badges on their rear quarters instead. Pop the hood, and you'll be greeted by a numbered Edition 12 plaque on the engine cover.
Customers can also opt for Opalite, a new light grey-green hue with a subtle copper effect that Bentley says shines brightly in the sun.
The interior has also received attention to mark out each Speed Edition 12 model. Open the door, and you’ll be greeted by Edition 12 welcome lights and treadplates. It wouldn’t be a Bentley without some of the most comfortable car seats in the world, and here they include Mulliner Silver piping and an embroidered Edition 12 namestyle.
Beluga Black as the primary upholstery color can be contrasted by Brunel Blue, Cricketball Red, Linen, or Orange. Other classy touches include quilted seat uppers, high-gloss Grand Black veneer, quilted door panels with their own contrast stitching, and those delightful organ stop air vents. For these models, these air vent controls have the number ’12’ machined into the controller.
In the unlikely event that you forget how many cylinders are upfront, the front passenger faces a firing sequence of this engine that has been incorporated into the Grand Black veneer on the dashboard. This sequence appears alongside another Speed Edition 12 logo.
Because Bentley wants you to feel connected to your Speed Edition 12 even when you aren't on the road, each vehicle will come with a 15% scale model of the Bentley W12 block. Even this artifact has been fastidiously crafted, cast using aluminum from a full-size W12 engine block.
Bentley confirmed earlier this year that the W12 would go out of production to make way for even more powerful electric powertrains. Launched in 2003 for the Continental GT of the period, the W12 configuration allowed for a 24% shorter design than a V12 without any loss of the refinement, power, or efficiency that V12s are admired for.
The imminent departure of Bentley's W12 follows general industry trends, with many automakers killing off their top engines. BMW has already built its last V12, while Lamborghini waved goodbye to its final naturally-aspirated V12 this year with the Autentica and Invencible.
Keyword: Bentley Pays Tribute To W12 Engine With Exclusive Speed Edition 12 Models