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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.

Bentley collectors upset about planned run of 12 continuation cars

Bentley's grandiose plan to recreate one of its oldest and most emblematic race cars has summoned a dark cloud of disapproval from a group of wealthy collectors, including some who own the real thing. Several high-profile enthusiasts, like Ralph Lauren, jointly sent company boss Adrian Hallmark a letter to voice their concerns. The project started in 2019, when Bentley announced it would make 12 replicas of the four 1929 Team Blower models built and raced by Sir Tim Birkin. The dozen racers were spoken for in record time, and owners-to-be are currently working with the company's Mulliner division to configure their car. Bentley isn't the only carmaker dabbling in continuation cars — Jaguar and Aston Martin have notably brought back classics in recent years — but its project is the only one that has generated strong, vocal opposition from the enthusiast community. The recreation cars threaten to "dilute that special admiration and awe that can only come from viewing and embracing the genuine article," according to the letter sent from Hallmark. It was signed by Lord Bamford, Evert Louwman, and William Connor, among other collectors. Simon Kidston, a classic car specialist whose uncle won the 1930 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of a Bentley Speed Six, opined the recreations will devalue the real cars they're modeled after. He also accused Bentley of turning into a poacher. Bentley isn't overly worried about the complaints. "After much research and discussion with a number of the stakeholders (vintage Bentley owners, restorers, specialists, plus a selection Bentley Drivers Club and Benjafield Club members), we tested the idea of making an official Continuation Series based on our plans for a sole recreation, and were overwhelmed with the positivity of the response. While we heard some similar concerns to those expressed in the letter, the vast majority of feedback was hugely supportive of the project," a company spokesperson told Autoblog. The firm added the continuation cars will not be painted in the same color combinations as the four original racers so they'll be instantly recognizable as replicas. Production and deliveries will carry on as planned, then. Related Video:

Bentley's upcoming Bentayga crossover sheds more camo

Bentley keeps edging closer and closer to launching its first SUV in the upcoming new Bentayga, and this latest batch of spy shots give us our best glimpse at the forthcoming ultra-luxury crossover yet. Spied undergoing cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, this prototype is wearing less camouflage and more of what appears to be its production bodywork than ever before. Of course, some parts remain disguised, especially around the front fenders and tail lights, but if you've been wondering what the new high-rider from Crewe will look like, this ought to give you a pretty solid idea ahead of the final form that's anticipated to debut later this year. The Bentayga will be based on the same architecture that already underpins the new Audi Q7 and is set to form the basis of the next Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Only Bentley is expected to offer a wide array of powertrain options, including the company's existing V8 and W12 engines and a new hybrid setup.