2004 Bentley Continental Gt Automatic 2-door Coupe on 2040-cars

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Xcar asks why the W in the Bentley Continental GT

There aren't a lot of automakers producing V12 engines these days: There's BMW and Mercedes, of course, and the Rolls-Royces and Paganis they power. There's Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. But the largest producer of twelve-cylinder engines doesn't make them in a V. That'd be Bentley, and it produces more dozen-piston engines than anyone else, but arranges them in a W configuration. It's a compelling story of innovation, one as interesting as the history of the marque itself. And Xcar tells the tale in its latest video installment, tracing it back to the development of the compact VR6 engine and the autocratic mastermind at the helm of the Volkswagen Group who made the W12 a reality. By this point it would be all too easy to consign the W12 to the dustbin of history as the smaller, more efficient and nearly as powerful V8 has slotted in below to push the W12 to the margins of relevance. But it's still the more refined option, and the more innovative one. Little wonder it's the only type of twelve-cylinder engine (the Aventador's notwithstanding) that the Volkswagen Group still makes.

Bentley Batur Convertible is a coachbuilt, W12-powered stunner

Remember the Bentley Batur from a couple of years ago? Well, it’s back, but this time itÂ’s without a roof, so allow us to introduce you to the Bentley Batur Convertible. Many of the details are similar to the coupe, meaning it has an uprated twin-turbo W12 engine and is a coachbuilt car by BentleyÂ’s Mulliner division. Unlike the Continental GTC that can seat four, the Batur Convertible is only a two-seater, eschewing the rear seats for a gorgeous “airbridge” behind the front two seats – itÂ’s meant to remind of roofless sports cars of old. Plus, if you look underneath the airbridge and tapered cowls, youÂ’ll notice it offers a little bit of storage space for luggage to augment the trunk. The W12 engine under its long hood is more potent than most of BentleyÂ’s W12-powered cars thanks to a revised intake, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers, titanium exhaust and a unique engine tune, bringing output to 740 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This particular reveal car (car number 0) is an engineering development vehicle so wonÂ’t be counted toward the 16 Bentley plans to build. Customization options are truly limitless, Bentley says. The one youÂ’re looking at here is finished in Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo, or in other words, orange. YouÂ’ll notice it features BentleyÂ’s ombre effect front grille option that flows from a dark color to the bright Vermillion Gloss as the grille traverses from the center to its edges. An added splash of sportiness is visible with its carbon fiber front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser. And those 22-inch wheels with Vermillion accents look fantastic, too. Its interior features limitless customization options, and Bentley says its design is inspired by the wraparound interior seen in the Bacalar. ItÂ’s revealed via an electronically operated soft top that goes down in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Essentially every surface of the interior is customizable in both color and finish, Bentley says. It highlights the use of 3D-printed rose gold thatÂ’s seen on the engine start/stop buttons, drive mode selector, vent controls and as an insert on the steering wheel itself. In case you were curious, the gold comes from the centuries-old Jewelry Quarter of Birmingham, England. Bentley didnÂ’t say whether the Batur Convertible is sold out yet, but we suspect it could be considering only 16 slots are available.

The List: Best of Scenic Drives

The List hosts Jessi Combs and Patrick McIntyre have gone on some incredible scenic drives throughout the series, including a drive through the Italian Alps, a cruise on the Pacific Coast Highway, and winding their way across the Tail of the Dragon. Here's a look back at some of our favorite moments of scenic driving. If you like what you see, stay tuned to watch the full episodes, or click here to go directly to our episode archive and pick out some of your own favorite moments of The List to revisit. The List #0100: Drive the Italian Alps The List #0567: Drive The PCH The List #0011: Drive the Tail of the Dragon Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List. Click here to subscribe to The List in iTunes. Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick. Bentley Maserati Porsche Driving Convertible The List Videos Original Video