No Bentley diesels coming ... for now
While the seemingly bottomless pit of torque available from a big turbodiesel engine would seem to be more in character for a Bentley than a hybrid system, it looks like the latter might be the first option for the VW-owned British brand. The relative lack of diesel interest in Bentley's biggest market, the U.S., might be too blame. According to AutoTelegraaf, Bentley is reluctant to spend the money to develop a new diesel engine right now. However, given that most Bentley's are powered by a turbocharged version of VW's W-12 engine, using another engine from the family would seem obvious. With the 6.0L V-12 TDI going into production for the Audi Q7 later this year, it doesn't make sense not to use a version of it in a Bentley.
[Source: AutoTelegraaf via MotorAuthority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 4:38PM (3/26/2008)
The Audi V12 TDi is a longer than the VW12 (a V of two VR6es). It probably wouldn't even fit in the engine bay. The VW Phaeton is the Bentley Continental's sibling and is offered - in Europe - with a V6 TDi rated at 233hp. The next-gen Audi V6 TDi will most likely feature sequential turbos and deliver over 300hp.
Unfortunately, the nouveau riche arrivistes who buy Bentleys these days still crave conspicuous consumption, e.g. high cylinder count and stupendous power. For their social peers, it's about excess, they neither understand nor appreciate the elegance of efficient design.
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