When every other automobile manufacturer is stepping into the world of plug-in hybrids and electric cars, it is no wonder Bentley wants to be part of it too.
The 2018 Bentley Bentayga SUV is their answer.
The car was recently spotted in the spy photographs which confirmed that the company is indeed testing their next plug-in hybrid in a committed manner. The electrified version of the off-roader is still in its early stages of design. But, it is being said that the model will be powered by a 6.0-liter W12 petrol engine capable of producing up to 600 horsepower. Another variant will be powered using the V8 diesel engine. The third of the lot will be the plug-in variant that Bentley is planning to add.
In terms of design, it is difficult to assess what changes engineers might make to the Bentayga because the spy photos look very much like the existing car in the market. The spacious SUV already has enough cabin space for the powertrain and the electric motor to be mounted. The exterior changes are very minimal and it would be a hard job. The designers may go with the traditional looks found in the luxury SUV for a long time while making all the tweaks under the hood to make the electric motor deliver as much power as possible.
An additional fuel cap was the biggest change that could instantly be spotted in the spy photos. It will most probably have a charging socket within which the owner of the car can make use of. Considering the fact that it will be a plug-in hybrid, it won’t be surprising if they focus on providing the maximum mile range using the conventional engine rather than the newly incorporated electric motor and the smaller battery. The model car has been registered to sport a 2,995cc engine displacement.
While official information is sparse about the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, it is being nearly confirmed that the car will use a six-cylinder powertrain. The same engine variant is already is being used in the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The powertrain already being used in a hybrid model makes it easier for the Bentley engineers to use it in their own luxury SUV with little practical difficulties. A tweaked version of the engine and the electric motor will be used so that it doesn’t directly compete with Porsche’s flagship SUV scheduled for launch in the near future.
Image Credits : Autoexpress.Co.Uk
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