Limited-Run Bentley ‘12 Edition’ Models Announced – 120 Units Each

New Bentley 12 Edition specials covers just the core W12-powered Speed models.

With Bentley set to phase out its signature 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo engine next year, the famed Crewe-based luxury automaker is poised to see it go out in style. Following up from the one-off 20th Anniversary special shown at Auto Shanghai 2023 is the newly announced ’12 Edition’ specials.

This treatment is offered exclusively to the Speed variants of its four core models, those being the Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur, as well as the Bentayga. The 12 Edition treatment sees all four models given a special aesthetic treatment to commemorate the W12 engine’s upcoming retirement.

A signature of the 12 Edition specials is the 'Opalite' paint scheme that feature a copper-like finish in sunlight.

'12 Edition' badging comes on top of Blackline Specification exterior motif plus 22-inch wheels.

Key exterior highlights include new Speed Edition 12 badges on the front fenders of  the Conti GT and Conti GTC, as well as the C-pillars on the four-doored Flying Spur and Bentayga. Additionally, al four models come dressed with the Blackline Specification, 22-inch wheels, and silver-finished brake calipers.

Offered as an option is a distinct new ‘Opalite’ paint scheme pictured, with said hue presenting a mixture between grey and green. Bentley adds that this special paintwork boasts a copper-finish effect when bathed in sunlight as well.

Cabin upholstery choices include all Beluga black or two-tone treatment, all courtesy of Mulliner.

12 Edition also adds organ stop vent control with "12" etched on them, as well as the W12 mill's firing order on the dash.

On board, the 12 Edition models sees a selection of special upholstery options. Choices include all Beluga black or two-tone mix with either Brunel Blue, Cricketball Red, Linen, or Orange hues. The seats in all four also get silver pipe-stitching by Mulliner, with contrast stitiching combinations featuring three other hues.

Also, all Speed variant-based 12 Edition specials are laced with high-gloss Grand Black wood veneer trim, as well as organ stop air vents with the number “12” machined on them. Also etched into the dash is the firing sequence of the W12.

Each Speed-based 12 Edition model is limited to 120 units, a fact signified by the special number plaque on their engine covers.

As a finishing touch, the engine cover under the hood gets a numbered plaque added as well, signifying these special’s limited-run status. Speaking of which, each Edition 12 Speed model will be limited to just 120 units, bringing a combined total of just 480 units.

 Lastly, all Edition 12 Speed model clients are gifted with a miniature scale model of Crewe’s signature 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo powerplant. Though scaled down to 15% from the original mill’s size, these miniatures are casted from the same aluminium alloy used to build the actual mills.

All 12 Edition clients will also get a novel miniature scale model of the brand's signature W12 mill. These are scaled to 15% in size but casted using the same aluminium alloy used to build the actual mills.

As noted, the famed Flying-B marque is set to phase out the W12 mill’s production by April next year, with the last batch of which set to power the ultra-limited Bentley Batur special. After which, Bentley will focus efforts on its electrified V6 and V8 hybrid engines ahead of its targeted full electrification by 2030.

At the point it’s phased out, over 100,000 units of the W12 mill would’ve been built, thus making it the most successful production 12-cylinder engine of the modern era as touted by Bentley.