– Bentley expands the possibilities of high-tech “additive manufacturing” with industry-first application of gold 3D printing.
– Up to 210 grams of pure yellow gold in the most powerful W12 Bentley Batur ever.
– Stunning 2-door coupe of only 18 exquisite examples.
– 18K Details include a center dial with Charisma dial and iconic Bentley Organ Stop vent controls.
– Gold from Birmingham’s historic Jewelery District, a centuries-old center of craftsmanship.
– The process uses 100% recycled jewelry that is ground into a fine powder for 3D printing.
– Innovative progress supports Bentley’s sustainable and forward-looking Beyond100 strategy.
– Batur Grand Tourer marks the beginning of a revolution in Bentley design.
(Crewe, December 16, 2022) Bentley Motors has unveiled an exclusive 3D printed gold model of the Mulliner Batur. This groundbreaking process will probably be used for the first time in the automotive industry. Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique will add up to 210 grams of 1Bct yellow gold to the body coupe, the fastest Bentley in the company’s 103-year history.
The W12-powered Batur was only built 18 units, all of which have already been sold to Mulliner customers for £1.65m each (excluding taxes and options). The optional 3D-printed gold color includes key driver touchpoints, such as the Charisma dial surrounding the start/stop button and used to change driver modes. The dial, the centerpiece of the refined interior, complements the design of the Batur front grille. Gold has also been applied to the iconic Bentley Organ Stop fan controls on the dashboard, as well as the gold marker insert on the steering wheel itself.
Bentley Mulliner has collaborated with renowned jeweler Cooksongold to create unique Batur pieces. Cooksongold, part of the Heirmerle + Meule Group, is based in the historic Jewelry Quarter of Birmingham, England where jewelery has been made for centuries. This special collaboration underscores Bentley’s ability to combine advanced new manufacturing techniques with more traditional materials and finishes.
All sustainably sourced gold is 100% recycled from old jewelry and ground into a fine powder needed for 3D printing technology. Recycling ensures that there is no environmental impact from the extraction of new precious metals. It also reflects Bentley’s commitment to a more sustainable future and aligns with Beyond100’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Each Batur 3D gold piece is digitally designed using CAD models before being printed using meltblown laser printers. Each is then hand finished by skilled jewelers using traditional methods to achieve the brilliance and quality that is Bentley.
All pieces made for Batur are hallmarked with the Birmingham Jewelery Quarter as a sign of the authenticity of the material. In addition, all parts produced in 2022 will receive a commemorative plaque in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
In February, Bentley invested a further £3m to double AM’s capacity at its Crewe plant, turning 3D CAD models into physical parts. Future applications will enable smaller batch production of components and individual customer personalization, including the breakthrough use of 3D printed gold in a range of next-generation models.
Bentley’s legendary 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo engine produces over 740 hp in the Batur, and the chassis features eLSD technology, four-wheel steering and 48-volt active electric anti-roll bars to match the performance. The coupe offers an endless array of options, including titanium parts, sustainable natural fiber composites and even low-carbon Scottish leather. The DNA of the new coupé design also points the way for future Bentley Bevs (battery electric vehicles).
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Research and Development at Bentley Motors, said:
“Bentley’s approach to additive manufacturing is industry leading, evident through our pioneering use of a luxury metal in the design and development process of the Batur. One of the keybenefits is that it is efficiency led, cutting down on the cost and complexity of a myriad of jobs but maintaining the value of a rare resource.
“As Bentley embraces an exciting future, we see huge potential in advanced, springboard that allows our customers an even greater ability to personalise, further enhancing the individualisation programme offered on every car.”