![Bentley "open to hybrid power"](https://www.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/bentley-arnage-t4drsaloon-2644455852.jpg?itok=Zz9MCQjG "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
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Re: Bentley "open to hybrid power"
Re: Bentley "open to hybrid power"
perhaps before Bentley goes chasing Hybrid power they should look at reducing the weight of their cars, i know its not easy to make a luxury car light with all the leather, wood, and luxury fittings they put in likes of the Mulsanne but maybe using light weight body panels will help first then go in search of Hybrid power trains?
The Mulsanne already weighs just short of 3 tonnes so imagine the weight gain with an electric motor and lithium battery packs! it would even weigh more than the centre of the earth!