Bentley Batur begins real-world testing across Europe

MANILA: The real-world road testing of Bentley Batur has started in Europe. Two development Baturs are already beginning a rigorous program of tests to assure the highest levels of vehicle performance and quality after its premiere at Monterey Car Week in August 2022 and attendance at several events for Bentley customers, the global media, and the general public. The delivery of the 18 units of Batur is scheduled to start in mid-2023 after the comprehensive engineering program has been completed and approved.

The validation activities cover high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration, driving dynamics, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, and durability for both the engine and the entire vehicle. Over 120 different tests cover everything from the new W12 engine hardware and software to the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls. In order to verify the increased engine power and make the Batur the most powerful Bentley in history with at least 740ps, over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been arranged across the two pre-series cars. This is in addition to the 100+ weeks of vehicle development that have already been completed.

One of the development Baturs, Car #0, embarks on a 2,500-kilometer drive across Europe to simulate real-world conditions. The route departs Germany and passes through Italy, France, and Spain before high speed testing at proving grounds.

“At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate GT and so every element from the exterior design, engine power and hand-crafted interior had been created without compromise. There are a number of unique features that bring new challenges. For example, the exterior headlamps are very compact LED units and made to our styling teams challenging proportions, which transform the exterior appearance of the car but are complex to produce. We’re also working with the most powerful development of the W12 in its 20-year history, which brings an enormous validation program. Even small details such as the angle of the diamond in the front grille representing the cylinder angle in the W12 engine have had to be considered. And even though there will only be 18 Baturs produced, the level of quality has to be identical to every one of the 15,000 cars Bentley is currently producing each year,” Bentley Mulliner Chief Technical Officer Paul Williams stated.

At the proving grounds, Batur Car #0 will start seven weeks of durability testing on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing, and extreme surface conditions. Data and feedback will be gathered throughout each of these processes to make sure the technical targets are being achieved.

Before environmental testing starts, another 7,500 kilometers of real-world driving will be done after the proving ground work is completed. The Batur will be exposed to 600 hours of solar loading in just under four weeks, which is equal to five years in the Arizona desert. This is vital for the new sustainable materials applied in the exterior components, in place of carbon fiber.

Over 810 distinct pieces will have undergone 160 weeks of testing and development by the time the first customer deliveries start.

The Batur is positioned to be the most powerful Bentley yet, with 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine that produces 729bhp. It is mated to an eight-speed double-clutch transmission and a sports exhaust. This engine has figuratively and literally driven Bentley's success for the past 20 years.

The Batur marks the beginning of a celebration of the W12's exceptional power, torque, and refinement as the engine approaches its final years as part of Bentley's Beyond100 transformation journey to becoming fully electric. Engine performance will complement the most advanced Bentley chassis ever, with  Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring.

Reservations have already been made for all 18 customer Baturs. The Mulliner design team collaborates with each customer to create each one.

Customers can design the Batur to be as unique as they are by choosing the color and finish of almost every surface. Each customer will specify even the smallest details, from the main exterior paint to the surface finish of the air vents, and literally everything in between.

The engineering development vehicle, Batur Car #0, was built to the same exacting standards as a customer's specifications. Purple Sector, a custom color for the exterior paintwork, provides a rich, brilliant color throughout the curved surfaces. Front splitters, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with a high gloss natural fiber finish highlight the bodywork.

Photos from Bentley

Also read: Bentley introduces new ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot for Flying Spur Mulliner