Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division is rumored to be working on a follow-up to the Bacalar, an ultra-exclusive roofless car limited to only 12 units. According to a new Autocar rumor, the future two-door variant could be a little less exclusive since the production run is expected to be increased to 25 units.
The adoption of a fixed roof and aesthetic cues borrowed from the wild 2019 EXP 100 GT further adds a dose of character to the new, rumored model. By embracing elements that would subsequently be adopted by entirely electric vehicles from Crewe, the design will supposedly serve as a window into the design of future Bentley models. The front fascia will be aggressive, according to the same rumor, with a more angular theme and a fresh take on the trademark Bentley grille, flanked by narrow LED headlights.
Andreas Mindt, who also designed the Hunaudieres model in 1999, will be in charge of the car’s exterior design. Although the 22-year-old concept was never put into production, it was instrumental in the development of the Bugatti Veyron. The new coupe will have beefy wheel arches, as well as sharp taillights and other elements that set it apart from the “simple” Continental GT.
The Continental GT Speed’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, which produces 650 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, is reported to be the beating heart under the hood. Right now, it allows the high-performance coupe to reach 62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 208 miles per hour. Similar power and performance figures are expected from the new Mulliner coupe.
With enormous 440-mm carbon-ceramic front brakes, firmer suspension, and a modified chassis taken from the Continental GT Speed, this new project could mark the end of the W12. The twelve-cylinder powerhouse will be phased away “shortly after the launch of the next Mulliner automobile,” according to Autocar. In case you’re wondering how much it will cost, the report claims it will start at £1.5 million (almost $2 million at today’s exchange rates). The sheer amount of high-end Mulliner improvements, on the other hand, could drive up the price, making it the most costly Bentley ever.
