Bentley "open to hybrid power"

Bentley is open to adding plug-in hybrid drivetrains to its future models, engineering chief Rolf Frech has confirmed to Autocar.

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Frech said that Bentley was monitoring the development work going on within the Volkswagen Group on hybrid drivetrains, and it was the plug-in technology that was of most interest to Bentley.

“Hybrids are appealing because of the great torque they provide,” said Frech. “Bentley is famous for its huge low-end torque so a plug-in hybrid system would fit. Of course, hybrids provide great efficiency, too.”

Bentley is looking to experiment further with new model lines and technologies in the next few years under the guidance of ex-Porsche man Wolfgang Durhemier, who took over at Bentley last year.

“We have to experiment,” said Frech, another former Porsche employee. “We did it at Porsche and there’s a possibility to do it at Bentley as well. We’re now in the second phase of growth, into new sectors and niches. We are creative.”

Mark Tisshaw