Bentley has long been rumored to be considering the use of diesel engines. The torquey oil-burners would enable Crewe to continue offering the kind of freight-train muscle for which it has become known while living up to the mandate of offering improved fuel economy, and, with the latest developments in particulate filter technology, reduce carbon emissions, as well. The company's marriage to Audi, which has carved out a nice niche for itself in diesel propulsion, seems to be a match made in motor heaven, and now reports suggest that, at long last, the marriage is set to be consummated with the next Arnage sedan.

According to the latest output from the ever-churning rumor-mill, the replacement for the aging Arnage will employ a version of the V12 turbo-diesel used in the current Audi Q7 TDI. With 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the twelve-cylinder oil-burner would prove an ideal power-plant for the big saloon, and could get an even higher output version to join the half-century-old 6 ¾-liter V8 found in 530-horsepower trim in the current Brooklands, all while Bentley continues to toy with ethanol-burning variants of its W12 as previewed in the Continental Supersports show car unveiled just days ago at the Geneva Motor Show and Her Majesty's State Limousine.

 

IMHO diesel is wrong way for Bentley. Supersports is different story, more power, improved performance numbers plus more "green" and with higher mpg - it is really great. But diesel is definatly wrong way to go. I hope that if Bentley will decided to offer diesel engine, it still will be offered as one of the engines to choose from, not as the only powerplant.

 

When I first saw that Bentley was thinking of using a diesel engine, I was thinking that'd be like dipping Oreos in vodka instead of milk. Then again, if they're going to be using the Q7's V12 TDI, that might actually work out really well since Bentleys have a long standing tradition of being torque monsters.

 

That is a good point. No way would it work for Bentley to ONLY have a diesel engine. But using the V12 TDI in conjunction with the W12 from the CGT (and possibly with TTs) could turn out to be a suitable engine combination for the future Arnage.

That Audi V12 TDI sure is smooth as silk though...

 

If there will be some powerplants to choose from, diesel may look as normal alternative in some markets. If the customers will ask for this car, Bentley will make it for sure, today market is the king, when there is demand, supply will be provided. I absolutely agree with you on AUDI W12 engine, I have made test-drive of AUDI Q7 with W12 diesel, this engine has simply monstrous torque, by to my mind diesel is still wrong way to go. To my mind they must concentrate on developing engines like they made for Supersports.

 

damn greenies, I think diesel engines now adays are great but a Bentley is supposed to have its own offshore drilling platform to fuel it. That's just the way it should be