The love affair with 12-cylinder engines has been a long-standing one in the world of automotive enthusiasts. These engines have been chosen by many car manufacturers for their refinement and power. Bentley, in particular, has been known for its use of the W12 engine, a close relative to the V12 with one important tweak.
The smoothness of an engine is determined by its balance, specifically primary balance (vibrations that occur at every revolution) and secondary balance (vibrations that occur every two revolutions). To achieve perfect balance, straight-six engines have been favored due to the orchestrated movement of the pistons. However, a V12 with two banks of six cylinders can also achieve this perfect balance.
The W12 engine, like Bentley’s previous V12 engines, is smooth as silk. It owes its refinement to its hand-built nature and the meticulous sorting of pistons and conrods into balanced sets. Additionally, the W12 engine is named as such because the cylinders in each bank are offset by 15 degrees, allowing them to be closer together. This design choice makes the engine 24% shorter while maintaining the two-bank configuration of a conventional V12.
The W12 engine has proven its performance capabilities, particularly in the Bentley Bentayga. The engine was redeveloped over a three-year period for the introduction of the Bentayga in 2015. It featured twin scroll turbos for faster response and cylinder deactivation on one bank of six cylinders to reduce fuel consumption when the driver lifts or trails the throttle. Additionally, the engine was tested to perform at tilt angles of up to 35 degrees, showcasing its versatility in an SUV application.
Despite its impressive performance and refinement, Bentley has recently announced the end of W12 engine production. Each W12 engine was hand-built from 2600 parts and took approximately seven hours to complete. The decision to cease production may be attributed to the changing landscape of the automotive industry, with a shift towards electrification and stricter emissions regulations.
While the era of the W12 engine may be coming to an end, its legacy as a symbol of power and refinement will endure. Car enthusiasts will continue to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering behind these engines, even as the industry evolves towards more sustainable technologies. The W12 engine will always hold a special place in the history of Bentley and the hearts of automotive enthusiasts around the world.
