Bentley Reveals ‘Speed Edition 12’ Models

In case you aren’t aware, Bentley has decided to retire its iconic W12 powerhouse by April next year. By then, the twin-turbocharged engine will have roughly completed 21 years in Bentley’s portfolio. In fact, more than 100,000 examples of the powerplant will have left the factory before the British marque pulls the plug on it. Clearly, this calls for some unique commemorative models.

And here it is – the Speed Edition 12 specification, available for the Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur. However, there’s a catch. Only 120 units of each model are available, with what can be considered a farewell package to the W12. And how much power will it offer in these limited-run derivatives? That’s 650hp/900Nm, using an 8-speed automatic transmission.

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The Speed Edition 12 models feature subtle design tweaks indoors and outdoors. In the latter are silver brake callipers, Speed Edition 12 badging, an ‘Edition 12’ plaque on the engine’s cover and Blackline specification, which ropes in 22-inch black Speed alloy wheels and self-levelling wheel badges. In addition, a new colour – Opalite – is available as an option.

The interior story begins with Edition 12 welcome lamps and backlit treadplates. As for the theme, Beluga black can be chosen as the only upholstery shade or accompanied by Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen or Orange. All combinations are complemented by high-gloss Grand Black veneer. The main highlights include Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 badges, quilted upper seat areas with three-colour ‘fade’ using Anthracite through Porpoise to Stratos, quilted and contrast-stitched door panels and the W12’s firing sequence along with a Speed Edition 12 badge in front of the front passenger.

All takers of any Speed Edition 12 derivatives will receive a 15 per cent scale model of the Bentley W12 block, made of aluminium sourced from full-sized engines.

Bentley hasn’t put any price out for the Speed Edition 12 models. But they will cost noticeably more than their respective Speed versions.

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