Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Bentley improving W12 to justify over V8 Continental

All things being equal, we'd generally rather have more cylinders than fewer. But Bentley upset that particular applecart with the latest Continental GT. Not only is the 500-horsepower V8 version less expensive than the 567-hp W12, it also boasts better handling (thanks to less weight in the nose) and better fuel economy, too – all with a scant 67 less horsepower.

So why would anyone want the twelve-cylinder version? That's a good question, and one which Bentley is apparently not afraid to ask itself.

Some customers will likely opt for the W12 for snobbery's sake or because their last Conti had one, but the crew at Crewe aren't about to let that stand at the extent of it. So word has it that the British automaker is gearing up to substantially improve its W12 engine in due course.

So what will those improvements encompass? Hard to say, but sources in the UK suggest a similar process that brought the Audi-sourced V8 up to Bentley specifications. The speculation is also that an eight-speed automatic is in the cards to replace the current six, and that hybrid technology is under consideration, too.

Aside from the fuel economy aspect, however, we ought to be looking at around 600 horsepower from the updated W12 – and that's just in base trim, with the Speed model and maybe even a new Supersport version to pack even more.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/20/b...8-continental/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Well I would hope so!! lol

I8ABMR

a 12 cylinder twin turbo should be able to make 650 HP no problem. I think the issue is beefing up the suspension to handle it which may ruin ride quality

adamls2

12 cylinder <3

RX_330

If they can mate it to the 8-speed without reliability or durability issues then we'll have a winner powertrain here.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

hah yeah just crank the boost. But yes the W12 is in need of an overhaul now that the new twin turbo V8 has bridged the power gap.

Same goes for Aston Martin's 6.0L V12 which is long in the tooth

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The last generation Continental Speed, Super Sport and ISR already makes 600, 630 and 640 hp respectively. It is nothing new, was done 5 years ago.

I think the new Continental line up will just have a 500 hp V8, 600 hp in the base W12, 650 hp in the speed and 680 hp in the Super Sport...........somthing like that.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Oh yes, more is pretty much always better