Bentley Batur Convertible
Pre-production vehicles undergo rigorous testing for 58 weeks
Two pre-production vehicles, the “Car Zero” (left) and the “Engineering Car” (right), were used for the final certification test on public roads in Europe.
The final certification test for the Batour Convertible, which has just begun in Europe, will verify that the products and systems function according to their design and specifications. Engine and overall vehicle durability, environmental compatibility, sunlight simulation, high-speed stability, aerodynamic characteristics, noise and vibration, and driving performance will all be thoroughly verified.
More than 120 individual tests are planned, ranging from the surface finish of the gold organ-stop style air vent controls to the hardware and software of the W12 engine. Vehicle validation will be carried out over 58 weeks using two pre-production vehicles: the Bateur Convertible “Car Zero” and the “Engineering Car.”
The test program kicked off with a 3,000km long drive across five European countries, starting in Germany and passing through Italy and France before arriving in Spain. The drive included mountainous terrain, highways and urban areas. A high-speed test was also conducted on a private test track in Idiada, Spain.
Mulliner Chief Technical Officer Paul Williams explains the objectives of the test:
“The purpose of the public road tests for engineering validation is to confirm the vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions. Testing how the vehicle will perform under various environmental, traffic, and weather conditions cannot be fully replicated in a test environment such as a proving ground. These tests will identify potential issues and confirm system integration. This is very important work in order to meet regulations in each country and customer expectations.”
The 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine reaches its finale
The W12 engine, a symbol of Bentley’s rebirth under Volkswagen, will cease production with the release of the Batur Convertible. Following testing of two pre-production models, deliveries to customers will finally begin.
Bentley has announced that it will end production of its 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine in 2024, with the final engine rolling off the line in July. The Batour Convertible, limited to 16 units, will be the last model to feature the W12 engine, with a maximum output of 750 PS, making it the most powerful model ever. This marks the finale of the W12 engine, which has supported Bentley’s success for the past 20 years.
Both vehicles tested this time reflect Mulliner’s customer-selectable specifications, featuring custom exterior and cabin colors and finishes. The engineering development vehicle, Car Zero, is dressed in a bespoke duotone color scheme of Vermilion Gloss and Vermilion Satin, complemented by high-gloss carbon fiber trim on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser.
The main matrix of the grille is finished in gloss dark titanium. The contrasting chevrons are designed in a gradient pattern, from Beluga color in the center to Vermilion gloss color on the outside. The endless line on the hood is gloss dark titanium, and the 22-inch wheels also have black titanium spokes with Vermilion gloss accents.
The second development vehicle, the “Engineering Car,” is a completely different specification. Its Midnight Emerald exterior paint finish, carbon fiber body kit, and Satin Dark Titanium hood brightware and bumper mesh create a chic finish. The tri-tone wheels are finished with a Satin Dark Titanium body, Gloss Porpoise accent faces, and Gloss Mandarin pinstriping.
