Bentley to share platforms with Porsche

A Porsche-developed platform is set to underpin all future Bentley models, following the Volkswagen Group’s takeover of the Stuttgart firm in July.

Porsche engineers are currently working on a new platform for the Volkswagen Group derived from the Porsche Panamera. Labeled MSB, it will form the basis of all future Bentley models in both two and four-wheel drive format.

The platform is likely to be composed from a mix of both steel and aluminium and has the potential to offer significantly improved weight distribution over current Bentleys, owing to the engine being positioned further towards the rear of the axle line.

Future models are likely to be V12-powered, with Bentley becoming the main stomping ground for the Volkswagen Group’s next generation of high-end 12-cylinder engines. The long-running 6.75-litre L-series V8 engine will be phased out from 2013, as the unit would require an expensive re-engineering programme to meet Euro 6 regulations. However, it is still likely to drive the upcoming Mulsanne Convertible recently revealed in sketch form.