Bentley Batur Convertible: The W12 Engine’s Farewell Tour(er)

Bentley is shipping off its iconic W12 engine in style with the Batur Convertible. This will be the third model crafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke arm. Mulliner’s last creation was the Batur Coupe, which was also powered by the W12. Curiously, it’s the drop-top that got the most powerful version of the outgoing 6-liter twin-turbo. The coupe topped out at around 730 horsepower, but the Batur Convertible goes up to 740 hp.

Aside from the coupe, the design of the Batur Convertible is also heavily inspired by the first Bentley Mulliner, the Bacalar. The two-seater has a wraparound cockpit and what Bentley calls an Airbridge behind the seats. Besides giving the car a classic Barchetta look, the airbridge and tapered cowls also allowed for a semi-enclosed luggage compartment behind the seats.

The Batur Convertible’s insulated and sealed roof can be lifted or stowed within 19 seconds, even with the car traveling at up to 30 mph.

The unit shown in these images is the development car. Its eye-popping Vermillion orange paint is accented by carbon fiber bodywork. But for the production units, it’s the buyer’s choice. Mulliner will comply with the customer’s desired color, finish, and even hand-painted graphics if that’s what they’re into. The materials for the Airbridge, tonneau cover, and roof can also be customized.

Future owners of the Batur Convertible can also opt for the graduated orange contrast on the front grill depicted in these images. For those who want to go all in on details, the drive mode selector dial can be made of 3D printed rose gold. Rose gold accents can also be applied to the vent controls in the dashboard and the steering wheel.

As mentioned, the W12 engine that will be installed in the Batur Convertible has been tweaked to the limit. It has a revised intake system, upgraded turbochargers, and new intercoolers. The engine will be paired with an eight-speed double-clutch transmission and an exhaust system entirely made of titanium. Whew.

Only 16 units of the Batur Convertible will be made, making it two pieces rarer than the coupe. The W12’s last hurrah is certainly going to be remembered as a crazy combination of exclusivity and excess.