Bentley

Bentley's defining modern grand tourer combining luxury with performance.

Bentley's four-door grand touring sedan with limousine comfort.

Bentley's first SUV combining ultimate luxury with all-terrain capability.

Bentley's ultimate handcrafted luxury flagship sedan.

Bentley's traditional luxury sedan before modern era.

Bentley's flagship open-top grand tourer.

Bentley's limited production muscle coupe.

Bentley's most extreme performance variants.

Bentley's ultimate coachbuilt grand tourer with final W12 engine.

Bentley's ultra-exclusive coachbuilt roofless grand tourer.

The engine that launched the Bentley legend and established the marque's racing pedigree. This 2,996cc single overhead camshaft inline-four featured an aluminum crankcase with cast iron cylinder liners and a fixed cylinder head. The valvetrain used rocker arms actuating two valves per cylinder, with exposed valve springs and adjustable tappets. The engine employed twin SU carburetors with automatic chokes, while ignition used a Bosch magneto with manual advance. The crankshaft ran in three main bearings with a vibration damper, while the connecting rods were forged steel with white metal bearings. With 4.9:1 compression, it produced 85 hp at 3,500 RPM and 132 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM in standard form, with racing versions reaching 130 hp. The engine's massive construction and over-engineered components earned it the nickname 'The Iron Monster,' with the complete unit weighing 650 pounds. This engine's torque-rich character and unbreakable reliability powered Bentley to multiple Le Mans victories and established the marque's reputation for unstoppable performance.

The legendary racing engine that created Bentley's most dominant competition era. This 6,597cc single overhead camshaft inline-six shared architecture with the 3 Litre but featured two additional cylinders and significantly increased displacement. The aluminum crankcase housed six cast iron cylinder liners with non-detachable heads, while the valvetrain used rocker arms with adjustable tappets. The engine employed twin Smith-Barlow 5-jet carburetors with dash-mounted mixture controls, while ignition used twin Bosch magnetos. The crankshaft ran in four main bearings with a massive vibration damper, while the connecting rods were forged steel with floating gudgeon pins. With 5.3:1 compression, it produced 180 hp at 3,500 RPM and 300 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM in road form, with racing versions reaching 240 hp. The engine's monumental torque—90% available from 1,000 RPM—made it virtually unbeatable in endurance racing. Weighing 980 pounds complete, the Speed Six powered Bentley to consecutive Le Mans victories in 1929 and 1930, creating one of the most dominant periods in motorsport history.

The controversial supercharged masterpiece that became the most famous Bentley of all. Based on the 4½ Litre engine, this 4,398cc inline-four featured an Amherst Villiers Mk IV roots-type supercharger mounted at the front of the crankshaft. The supercharger produced 8 psi of boost and was driven at 1.25 times engine speed via a train of helical gears. The engine employed twin SU carburetors mounted upstream of the supercharger, while ignition used a Bosch magneto with manual advance. The cylinder head featured larger valves and revised ports to handle increased airflow, while the pistons were specially forged for supercharged operation. With 5.0:1 compression and supercharger assistance, it produced 175 hp at 3,500 RPM and 260 lb-ft at 2,500 RPM. While less reliable than the naturally-aspirated versions, the Blower Bentley's dramatic appearance and brutal power delivery made it an icon. Only 50 production Blower Bentleys were built, each weighing 1,100 pounds complete with the massive supercharger assembly.

The ultimate expression of pre-war Bentley engineering and the most luxurious car of its era. This 7,983cc inline-six was the largest engine ever fitted to a Bentley until the modern era, featuring the same basic architecture as the 6½ Litre but with significantly increased bore and stroke. The aluminum crankcase housed six cast iron cylinder liners with non-detachable heads, while the valvetrain used adjustable rocker arms. The engine employed a single Claudel-Hobson carburetor with automatic mixture control, while ignition used a Bosch magneto. The crankshaft ran in four main bearings with a massive vibration damper, while the connecting rods were forged steel. With 5.5:1 compression, it produced 220 hp at 3,500 RPM and 420 lb-ft at 1,750 RPM. The engine's immense torque—enough to propel the 5,500-pound car to 100 mph—combined with near-silent operation created the ultimate luxury experience. Only 100 8 Litre models were built before Bentley's financial collapse, making this the swan song of the original Bentley company.

The engine that revived Bentley under Rolls-Royce ownership and established the modern luxury car template. This 6,230cc pushrod V8 featured a massive cast iron block with siamesed cylinder banks and wedge-shaped combustion chambers. The valvetrain used hydraulic lifters and pushrods operating two valves per cylinder, with the camshaft mounted low in the block. The engine employed twin SU HD8 carburetors with automatic chokes, while ignition used a Lucas distributor with centrifugal advance. The crankshaft was a forged steel unit running in five main bearings, while the connecting rods were forged steel. With 8.0:1 compression, it produced 200 hp at 4,500 RPM and 310 lb-ft at 2,500 RPM. The engine's massive low-RPM torque and near-silent operation perfectly suited the Bentley luxury mission. Weighing 750 pounds, it delivered effortless performance while maintaining the refinement expected of a luxury car. This engine remained in production for over 40 years with continuous improvements, becoming one of the longest-serving automotive engine designs in history.

The turbocharged revolution that reestablished Bentley as a performance luxury brand. Based on the L Series V8, this 6,750cc engine featured a Garrett AiResearch T04B turbocharger mounted on the left side of the engine bay. The turbocharger produced 7.5 psi of boost and was oil-cooled only, with no intercooler. The engine employed a single SU HIF7 carburetor mounted before the turbocharger, while ignition used a Lucas Opus electronic system with boost retard. The cylinder heads were modified with larger exhaust valves, while the pistons featured deeper valve reliefs. With 7.8:1 compression and turbocharger assistance, it produced 298 hp at 4,000 RPM and 450 lb-ft at 2,400 RPM. The engine's massive mid-range torque transformed the Bentley driving experience, delivering explosive acceleration while maintaining silent cruising capability. This engine began Bentley's modern performance era and established the template for all future Bentley performance models.

The ultimate evolution of Bentley's traditional V8 architecture before Volkswagen ownership. This 6,750cc V8 featured twin Garrett GT17 turbochargers mounted on each cylinder bank, producing 14 psi of boost. The engine employed Bosch Motronic ME 7.1 engine management with sequential fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition. The cylinder heads were extensively revised with larger ports and valves, while the block received additional reinforcement. The turbochargers were water-cooled with integrated wastegates, while the intercooling used twin air-to-air units. With 8.1:1 compression, it produced 400 hp at 4,000 RPM and 616 lb-ft at 3,250 RPM in standard form, with the Red Label version reaching 450 hp and 645 lb-ft. The engine's monumental torque delivery—90% available from 1,500 RPM—created the effortless performance that defined modern Bentleys. Weighing 680 pounds, this represented the final development of an engine architecture that had served Bentley for over 40 years.

The revolutionary W12 that powered Bentley's modern renaissance under Volkswagen Group ownership. This 5,998cc W12 configuration essentially combined two VR6 engines at 72° angles, creating a 12-cylinder engine more compact than a conventional V8. The engine featured four overhead camshafts operating 48 valves via roller finger followers. The twin turbochargers were BorgWarner K03 units mounted low on the engine, producing 14.5 psi of boost. The fuel system used direct injection at 150 bar pressure, while ignition employed individual coil-on-plug units. The crankshaft was a complex forged steel unit with 12 crankpins, running in seven main bearings. With 9.0:1 compression, it produced 552 hp at 6,100 RPM and 479 lb-ft from 1,600-6,100 RPM. The engine management was a Bosch MED 9.1 system with torque-based architecture. Weighing 595 pounds, the W12 delivered the smoothness of a twelve-cylinder with the packaging advantages that enabled all-wheel drive, creating the modern grand tourer template.

The high-performance evolution of Bentley's W12 for ultimate speed models. Based on the standard W12 but extensively reworked for maximum performance, this engine featured larger BorgWarner turbochargers with revised compressor wheels and electronic wastegate control. The cooling system was significantly upgraded with additional radiators and improved airflow, while the oil system used a high-flow pump with dual oil coolers. The engine management was upgraded to Bosch MED 17.1 with specific calibration for high-performance operation. With 9.0:1 compression and 18.0 psi of boost, it produced 626 hp at 6,000 RPM and 605 lb-ft from 1,700-5,000 RPM. Later versions saw power increase to 650 hp and 667 lb-ft. The engine's massive torque delivery enabled 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and top speeds exceeding 200 mph, while maintaining the refinement expected of a Bentley. This engine represented the ultimate development of the W12 architecture before electrification.

The sophisticated V8 that brought Bentley performance to the SUV segment. This 3,996cc 90° V8 was sourced from Audi's performance division but extensively modified for Bentley applications. The engine featured a hot-V turbocharger configuration with twin turbochargers mounted within the vee. The aluminum block used closed-deck construction with plasma-coated cylinder bores, while the cylinder heads featured 32 valves with variable valve timing and lift on both intake and exhaust cams. The turbochargers were BorgWarner units with electronic wastegate control, producing up to 18 psi boost. The fuel system combined direct injection at 200 bar pressure with port injection, while ignition used individual coil-on-plug units. With 10.1:1 compression, it produced 542 hp at 6,000 RPM and 568 lb-ft from 1,960-4,500 RPM. The engine featured cylinder deactivation technology that could shut down four cylinders under light load. Weighing 485 pounds, it delivered massive torque from low RPM while maintaining exceptional refinement and efficiency in the heavy Bentayga SUV.

The performance V8 optimized for Bentley's luxury sports sedan. Based on the Bentayga V8 but with specific calibration for sedan applications, this engine featured revised turbocharger mapping and intake/exhaust systems optimized for the Flying Spur's different weight distribution and aerodynamics. The cylinder heads received minor porting improvements, while the camshafts featured slightly different profiles. The engine management was a bespoke Bosch MED 17.1 calibration with specific throttle mapping for enhanced response. With 10.1:1 compression, it produced 542 hp at 6,000 RPM and 568 lb-ft from 1,960-4,500 RPM. The exhaust system featured a valved sports exhaust with reduced backpressure and enhanced sound character. Weighing 485 pounds, it delivered the same explosive performance as the SUV application but with even more refined operation befitting the Flying Spur's luxury mission. This engine represents the perfect balance of performance and refinement in Bentley's sedan lineup.

The V8 option for Bentley's flagship coupe that offers a different character from the W12. This 3,996cc V8 shared architecture with other Bentley V8 applications but featured unique calibration for the Continental GT's grand touring mission. The engine employed specific turbocharger mapping that emphasized mid-range response over ultimate power, while the exhaust system was tuned for a more sporting character. The cylinder heads used the same basic design but with different camshaft profiles optimized for the Continental's weight distribution. With 10.1:1 compression, it produced 542 hp at 6,000 RPM and 568 lb-ft from 1,960-4,500 RPM. While less powerful than the W12 version, the V8 offered sharper throttle response and better weight distribution, creating a more engaging driving experience. Weighing 485 pounds, it delivered exceptional performance while maintaining the refinement expected of a Continental GT, appealing to drivers who preferred a more sporting character.

Bentley's first step into electrification that maintains performance while reducing emissions. This 2,995cc 90° V6 combined a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor for hybrid operation. The combustion engine featured a single turbocharger with electronic wastegate control, producing 14.5 psi of boost. The electric motor was a 100 kW unit integrated between the engine and transmission, powered by a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The fuel system used direct injection at 200 bar pressure, while ignition used individual coil-on-plug units. With 10.5:1 compression, the combustion engine produced 335 hp at 5,500 RPM, while the hybrid system added 134 hp for total output of 469 hp. The complete powertrain weighed 650 pounds, offering electric-only range of 25 miles and combined fuel economy nearly double that of the V8 model. This represents Bentley's bridge between traditional internal combustion and full electrification, maintaining performance while addressing environmental concerns.

The more sophisticated hybrid powertrain for Bentley's luxury sedan line. This 2,894cc 90° V6 featured a hot-V twin-turbocharger configuration with electronically assisted turbochargers that eliminate lag. The hybrid system employed a 100 kW electric motor integrated with the transmission, powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The fuel system combined 250 bar direct injection with port injection, while ignition used individual coil-on-plug units. With 10.5:1 compression, the combustion engine produced 410 hp at 5,500 RPM, while the hybrid system added 134 hp for total output of 544 hp. The complete powertrain weighed 620 pounds, offering electric-only range of 28 miles and even more refined operation than the V8 model. This hybrid system represents the ultimate expression of Bentley's current electrification strategy, delivering massive performance with significantly reduced environmental impact while maintaining the silent, effortless character that defines the brand.

Bentley's vision for all-electric luxury performance in the Beyond100 strategy. This system features multiple permanent magnet synchronous motors producing combined 1,400 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. The base configuration uses dual motors (one per axle) producing 469 hp, while performance versions use three motors (one front, two rear) for torque vectoring capability. The motors use hairpin winding technology with direct oil cooling of stator and rotor, achieving 95% efficiency. The power electronics employ silicon carbide MOSFETs with 99.3% efficiency and 40 kHz switching frequency. The battery pack is a 120 kWh unit using NMC 9-1-1 chemistry with 800V architecture and active thermal management using dielectric fluid immersion cooling. The thermal system can dissipate 350 kW of heat during sustained high-speed operation, with battery temperature maintained within ±1.5°C of optimum. The motors feature torque vectoring across both axles with response times under 5 milliseconds. The regenerative braking system can recover 450 kW of power, while the charging system supports 350 kW DC fast charging. The complete powertrain weighs 980 pounds, achieving a power density of 3.2 kW/kg while maintaining the silent, effortless performance that defines the Bentley experience.

The sophisticated ZF-sourced automatic that delivers seamless power delivery. This 8HP transmission features adaptive shift programming with multiple drive modes and predictive gear selection. The torque converter uses a lock-up clutch for direct mechanical connection, while the planetary gearset provides smooth, imperceptible shifts. The casing is aluminum with integrated heat exchangers for sustained performance driving. The transmission control unit features adaptive learning that adjusts to driving style. Weighing 98kg complete, it delivers refined power delivery perfect for grand touring while providing responsive performance when needed.

The high-performance dual-clutch transmission for Bentley's ultimate models. This ZF-derived 8-speed DCT features wet multi-plate clutches with pre-selection technology for shift times under 100ms. The casing is magnesium alloy with integrated cooling circuits and separate oil baths for each clutch pack. The transmission features launch control and multiple drive programs optimized for both comfort and performance. Weighing 108kg, it can handle 900Nm of torque while providing lightning-fast shifts and exceptional refinement.

The sophisticated hybrid transmission integrating electric motor assistance. This ZF-derived 8-speed automatic features an integrated 100kW electric motor within the bellhousing. The torque converter is specifically designed for hybrid operation, with electric motor torque filling during gear shifts. The casing is aluminum with dual cooling circuits for the transmission and electric motor. The hybrid system allows for electric-only operation up to 80 mph. Weighing 115kg, it provides seamless integration between combustion engine and electric power while handling 700Nm combined torque.