After an endless series of tests and a 3,000 km journey across Europe, the Bentley Batur Convertible has entered the final phase of testing. Thus, the launch of the most powerful W12 ever produced by the British company is getting ever closer.
Created by the Mulliner division, the Batur Convertible represents the third car in the Coachbuilt series, after the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupé and will be built in just 16 specimens. These will be the last models in Bentley’s history to equip the iconic 12-cylinder, capable of developing well 750 CV.
The “training” program
The validation program of the Batur Convertible includes test in-depth tests to guarantee the quality and performance of the vehicle. These activities include both engine and whole-car endurance testing, as well as environmental testing, sunlight exposure simulations, aerodynamic evaluations, noise and vibration tests, and driving dynamics analyses.
Beyond 120 individual tests they cover various aspects of the car, from the finishing of details, such as the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls, to the hardware and software of the W12 engine.
Bentley
Bentley Batur Convertible, the testing phase
In general, the testing phase includes 58 weeks of testing on two pre-series prototypes: the Batur Convertible Car Zero and the Batur Convertible Engineering Car. Part of the validation process has already begun, with a 3,000 km journey across five European countries, starting from Germany and crossing Italy, France and Spain.
The path included different types of roadsfrom the mountains to the motorways, with a brief stop in Monaco for official photographs before continuing to Idiada, Spain, for high-speed testing on private tracks.
The next testing phases will focus on seven weeks. During this period, the Batur Convertible will be tested on handling courses, mixed roads and difficult surfaces, with particular attention to durability and performance at high speeds. The data collected will be used to ensure that the car meets all the expected technical objectives.
Two five-star prototypes
Like all the models in the range Mulliner Coachbuiltthe Bentley Batur Convertible also offers a very high level of customization. Each customer has the opportunity to choose the color and finish of each surface, both outside and inside the car.
The prototype used for engineering development, the Batur Convertible Car Zerohas been treated with the same level of attention that characterizes a model intended for customers.
In fact, the Bentley’s exterior paint job was done in a custom color, a duo-tone combination of Vermillion Gloss and Vermillion Satin. Glossy carbon fiber elements, such as front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser, further embellish the bodywork.
The bonnet is finished with glossy Dark Titanium accents on the sides, a motif also found on the 22″ wheels, with Gloss and Satin Black Titanium spokes and Vermillion Gloss accents.
Bentley
The two Bentley Batur Convertibles used during testing
The second development car, called “Engineering Car”, has completely different specifications. The bodywork is painted in Midnight Emerald, combined with gloss carbon fiber elements and Satin Dark Titanium finishes for the bonnet and lower bumper grilles. The front grille follows a three-color ombré theme that combines shades of Gloss Beluga, Satin Dark Titanium and Mandarin.
Inside, thepassenger compartment reflects the external color scheme with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather upholstery, enriched with Mandarin stitching and piping. Signature elements include Bullseye vents and machined titanium “Organ Stops” controls. It’s all topped off with a laser-etched audio signature, celebrating the W12 engine.
Source: it.motor1.com
