Bentley are all set to introduce plug-in hybrid technology into their super-luxury range with the new SUV set to be the first recipient.
The VW Group’s uber-luxury brand are on the move with new means of propulsion which would see efficiency go up and emissions go down. They have already introduced more efficient 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engines in a range which consisted mostly of 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12s, and now, hybrid technology is set to make its presence felt in a big way, with the company showing off their Hybrid Concept based on the last word in Bentley luxury, the Mulsanne.
The technology is intended simply to increase performance and efficiency with absolutely no compromise on luxury. The cars will be quicker, more responsive and much more efficient. The promises are 25% more power, 70% reduction in CO2 and a pure electric range of up to 50 kilometres.
The Hybrid Concept uses copper to highlight several details on the car including its use in the headlamp cluster, front grille and brake calipers together with details and badging. The fact that Bentley have used the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 from the Mulsanne as the building block before stating those figures means we can expect net hybrid output figures in the region of 630 PS and over 1,250 Nm of torque.
The Bentley SUV, which was cleared for production recently, will see the arrival of this plug-in hybrid tech arrive in 2017, with Bentley stating that by the end of the decade, 90% of the range will be available with plug-in hybrid drivelines.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Bentley Press
