Bentley's Ultimate Grand Tourer: The Batur Testing Journey

Introduction to the Bentley Batur

Bentley has unveiled its ultimate grand tourer - the Batur - at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, with only 18 units to be made, all of which are already sold out.

Testing Phase of the Batur

The British car manufacturer has revealed images of the first Batur, which sports a bespoke purple paint job. This specific model is referred to as Batur Car #0 by the team at Bentley. The Batur #0 is one of two prototypes set to undergo a total of 120 tests over 58 weeks as part of the carmaker’s development plan.

Physical Features and Testing Routes

The Batur #0 is equipped with a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser made from high-gloss carbon fiber. It will embark on a 1,553-mile (2,500-kilometer) journey starting in Germany, passing through Italy, France, and Spain. This European adventure will culminate in high-speed testing.

Real-World Driving and Environmental Testing

Following this initial phase, the Batur will undergo 7,500 kilometers of real-world driving before environmental testing commences. According to Bentley, in just under four weeks, the car will endure 600 hours of solar loading, which is equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert. This testing is crucial for evaluating the new sustainable materials used in the exterior components, which replace traditional carbon fiber.

Powertrain Development

The two prototypes will also undergo 100 weeks of powertrain development. The Batur is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that delivers 730 horsepower and 1,000 newton-meters of torque, making it the most powerful Bentley ever produced.

Customization Options for Owners

The 18 owners of the Batur will have the opportunity to customize their vehicles with materials such as Scottish and Italian leather, along with the option to include 3D printed 18-karat gold elements in the interior design.

Expert Insights

Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, stated, “At the start of the project, it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate GT. Every element, from the exterior design and engine power to the hand-crafted interior, has been created without compromise.”

He further remarked, “There are a number of unique features that bring new challenges. Even small details, such as the angle of the diamond in the front grille representing the cylinder angle in the W12 engine, 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 produces each year.”