Bentley Motors has unveiled the ‘Batur Convertible’, the third coachbuilt project from Mulliner. Following the ‘Bacalar’ and ‘Batur’, this is the latest modern coachbuilt model from the world’s oldest coachbuilder, Mulliner, capturing the essence of tradition, craftsmanship, and personalized luxury for special customers.
The Batur Convertible inherits the innovative design DNA introduced earlier with the coupe model, showcasing Bentley’s future design direction. Additionally, it is one of the last models to feature Bentley’s iconic 6.0L W12 engine, which will cease production this summer, boasting an astonishing performance of 750 horsepower.
A Bespoke Design for a Two-Seater Grand Tourer
Since its founding in 1919, Bentley has introduced numerous open cockpit models. The Batur Convertible, which continues the legacy of Bentley’s open cockpit models, combines the design of a roofless two-seater barchetta with that of the Bacalar and Batur coupes, incorporating a convertible roof that adapts to various environments.
Mulliner designers have applied the ‘wraparound’ cockpit design seen in the Bacalar to highlight the character of the two-seater grand tourer in the Batur Convertible. The ‘airbridge’ behind the seats and the tapered cowl evoke the sensations of classic barchetta sports cars while enveloping the driver to create a dynamic, driver-focused atmosphere. Additionally, the airbridge includes storage space for luggage behind the seats.
The convertible roof, which replaces the coupe’s hardtop, showcases a modern and sophisticated design. Usable at speeds of up to 50 km/h, this convertible roof features enhanced insulation, soundproofing, and an improved sealing structure that allows the Batur Convertible to transform from a luxury coupe into an open cockpit grand tourer in just 19 seconds.
Turning Imagination into Reality through Personalization
Like other Mulliner coachbuilt models, the Batur Convertible offers limitless personalization options based on customer preferences. Mulliner designers realize the customer’s desires through their special visualizing system, customizing all elements. The result is a Batur Convertible perfectly tailored to the customer’s taste, with only the imagination serving as a limit.
Customers can choose every surface color and finish for the Batur Convertible, resulting in near-infinite combinations. In addition to the color palette provided by Mulliner, bespoke paint can be created in any desired hue, or graphic designs can be hand-painted by artisans. Exterior detail elements can feature bright or dark chrome, matte or high-gloss black, and even titanium materials. Gradient effect options contrasting the front grille color are also available, allowing for unique customization of the airbridge and convertible roof to match other design elements.
The interior includes options for a rose gold drive mode selector dial created using 3D printing technology. Rose gold can also be chosen for features like the organ stop of the air vents and steering wheel markers. To create the unique rose gold components, Mulliner collaborated with goldsmith artisans from the renowned Birmingham Jewelry Quarter in England, boasting centuries of craftsmanship.
Distinctive and Powerful Performance
The Batur Convertible is hand-built in the Mulliner workshop within the Bentley factory in Crewe, England. Each vehicle is equipped with the most powerful variant of the iconic Bentley W12 engine.
The W12 powertrain in the Batur Convertible is hand-crafted for the ultimate grand tourer, mirroring that of the coupe model. It features an improved intake system, enhanced turbochargers, and a new intercooler, generating an output of 750 horsepower (PS) with peak torque of 102.0 kg·m.
This engine, reaching the pinnacle of W12 engineering, boasts nearly 40% improved performance and 25% enhanced efficiency compared to earlier engine designs, based on over 20 years of research and development. The W12 engine works in conjunction with Bentley’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering optimal performance and sound via a titanium sports exhaust system.
Limited to just 16 units, unveiling engineering prototype
Bentley Motors revealed the engineering prototype (Car #0, Car Zero) of the Batur Convertible ahead of production. The prototype was crafted with the same level of detail as the customer-ordered vehicles, showcasing the bespoke color “Vermilion Gloss-Vermilion Satin Duo Tone” for a captivating ambiance. The front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser are made from high-gloss carbon fiber.
The front of the vehicle features an artistic high-gloss dark titanium matrix front grille and gradient color accents with an ombre pattern. The “endless bonnet” line extends from the hood to the rear of the body, finished in gloss dark titanium color, complemented by uniquely designed wheels also painted in black titanium and vermilion gloss accent colors.
Only 16 units of the Bentley Batur Convertible will be produced.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr