How about a Bentley Continental GT CleanTDI?
During the past two Detroit Auto Shows, Audi has shown concept versions of the Q7 SUV and the R8 sports car powered by a new 6.0L diesel V-12. While the Germans have equivocated on whether the V-12 Q7 would ever get built, they stated clearly that they had no production plans for the R8 TDI. Perhaps a better home could be found within the VW Group at the Bentley brand. With upcoming European CO2 limits, Bentley will have to do something to reduce fuel consumption. The V-12 used in the concepts apparently won't fit in the engine compartment of current Bentleys; however, such an engine would be ideally suited to the character of the brand. These big grand touring cars don't need screaming, high-revving engines but the huge torque of a big diesel would be a perfect match and could push mileage up into at least the mid-twenties. It would be no surprise at all to see next-generation Bentleys re-engineered around this engine.
[Source: PistonHeads]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 12:01AM (2/20/2008)
Audi's 4.2L V8 twin VGT turbo diesel should fit, its maximum torque is already identical to that of the W12 gasoline engine currently used. For Bentley, it could be modified by switching to a flat-plane crankshaft and adding a pair of compensation shafts. This would give it a clean sound and make it much more willing to rev up to its redline.
Combined with appropriate transmission tuning, this would give the V8 diesel power dynamics comparable to those of the W12 but much better fuel economy. Rated power would be some 200hp lower, but actual customers - as opposed to motoring journalists - very rarely use the enormous rated power of the W12. You need to be an excellent driver to control 500+ stampeding stallions under the hood.
Reply
MikeW 1:46PM (2/20/2008)
If VW uses this for the Continental (s), would VW give the V10 one last try?
It is an even firing 90 degree, so it should fit where the V12 doesn't.
For the 'large' Bentleys: Brooklands, Arnage, Azure.
In the Touareg R50, V10tdi 346hp@3500, 627ft-lbs@2000
So, if the engine gets updated to 4 valve heads & latest/greatest injection system. So output should at least be 400hp@3500, 625ft-lbs@2000
In the Azure 450hp@4100, 645ft-lbs@1800
Arnage 500hp@4200, 738ft-lbs@3200
Brooklands 530hp@4000, 774ft-lbs@3250
It won't be any faster, but the mileage will be better, and hence the range.
Reply
Mike 5:30PM (2/20/2008)
I agree. The character of a diesel is perfectly suited to the Bentley brand, especially in Europe. I'm actually a bit surprised that they haven't done this already. I'd love to see the Arnage with the V12 TDI-It would probably be about as efficient as the LS600H!
Reply