Bentley’s new W12-replacing hybrid V8 packs a 560kW punch

With its twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 powertrain just a few months off retirement, British luxury car-maker Bentley has shown off its all-new plug-in hybrid V8 replacement.

Claimed to produce more power than any other engine fitted to a Bentley in its 105-year history, the so-called Ultra Performance Hybrid produces a mighty 560kW – 68kW more than the most powerful W12 ever produced under the bonnet of the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

As well as big power, Bentley says its new hybrid V8 will be capable of travelling up to 80km on pure-electric power alone on the WLTP test cycle, while emitting 50g/km of CO2 on average.

There’s no official indication on how much torque the new powertrain will muster, other than that it will be in the “four-figure” range and deliver a wider peak torque band than before.

There’s also no word on whether Bentley plans to blend its current twin-turbo 4.0-litre TFSI V8 to create its hybrid powertrain.

As part of the teaser, the Volkswagen-owned luxury brand released a clip of the new Ultra Performance Hybrid in action, describing its sound as an “exquisite combination of cross-plane bass with a free-revving growl”.

The car-maker already builds a hybrid powertrain based around a 2.9-litre V6 that powers both the Bentley Flying Spur and Bentayga, producing 430kW combined and offering an EV range of around 43km.

Stay tuned, as more details will be revealed in the coming weeks, including the vehicle in which the all-new V8 Ultra Performance Hybrid will debut.

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