The Bacalar spearheads a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner and features an enhanced version of Bentley’s peerless 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world.

Since the first introduction of the twin-turbocharger W12 in 2003, the engine’s refinement has seen an increase of up to 27 percent in power, 38 percent in torque and a reduction of 38 percent in emissions.

This has been realised through the evolution and optimisation of the crankcase, improvements in the oil and cooling systems, twin-scroll turbocharging technology and more effective injection and combustion processes.

Sources from Bentley told this correspondent that these improvements resulted from several initiatives taken by the company. It may be recalled that the latest generation of W12 was launched in the Bentayga in 2016. “A thoroughly reworked engine included a crankcase 30 percent stronger than its predecessor, while the cylinder surfaces were coated to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance. A low-alloy steel coating is applied to the bores using an Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) process. Improvements were also made to the cooling system, with the engine featuring three separate coolant circuits. The first is designed to bring the cylinder heads up to optimum operating temperature as quickly as possible for best engine performance and low emissions. The second cool the engine block and oil system, while the third handles the turbochargers’ thermal load. Each system has a dedicated water pump, allowing optimised individual control,” sources said.

Twin-scroll Turbocharging

Twin-scroll turbochargers minimise turbo response time and provide a more efficient exhaust package. The exhaust assemblies for the three front and three rear cylinders are separate from one another, which feed the twin-scroll impellers. The turbocharger housing is welded directly to the exhaust manifolds and feature integrated speed sensors, allowing the engine to monitor turbo performance for maximum efficiency.

Effective Injection

The W12 combines high-pressure direct fuel injection (200 bar injection pressure) with low-pressure port injection (six bar). The combination of these two systems maximises refinement, lowers particulate emissions and optimises power and torque delivery.

Interestingly, each W12 engine is hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of 45 craftspeople before undertaking a highly sophisticated test regime of over an hour via three specialist diagnostic machines during the engines assemble.

According to the sources, there were three specialist diagnostic machines with sophisticated test regime.

Leak Test

The leakage test is conducted by pressurising each of the systems for fuel, oil and water individually. The different cavities are pressurised to values between 0.2 – 5.0 bar respectively and then measured whilst the pressure decays over time. The reduction in pressure versus time represents the quality of the sealing of the engine assembly. If the pressure drops faster than expected, a leak is indicated. A special fluid is sprayed on to the exterior of the engine to pin-point any leakage paths.

Cold Test

The engine is loaded on to a testbed plate, and connections are made to the engine loom and all engine systems, whilst a large electric motor couples to the engine via the crankshaft. “Motoring” the engine via the crankshaft allows the testbed to collect data from a suite of sensors. The facility measures 600 individual properties and characteristics of the engine during a 15-minute cycle. Due to the low running speed of 120 RPM for the test, finer details and any inconsistencies can be identified thanks to a sample rate that highlights even the briefest of anomalies that would be invisible if the engine was firing or running at speed. This fine detail analysis is also valuable for confirming the precise timing of the engine. Using positioning information from sensors on the crankshaft, crankcase and camshafts, and cylinder compression values, the Cold Test can confirm the engine timing is accurate and, therefore, achieve the best possible combustion cycle.

Hot Test

When the engine arrives for hot testing, a UV dye is added to the engine to help identify any leaks. The coolant and fuel system are pressurised with air and nitrogen, respectively, for a final check before introducing the necessary fluids ready for testing. The engine is cranked to build oil pressure before the ignition system is energised and then left to idle whilst the engine test technician listens for any refinement issues and checks for leaks with a UV lamp. Sources said that each W12 is then tested for a minimum of 21.5 minutes and runs up to 3,800 rpm with a maximum load of 300 Nm. One in every one hundred engines receives a full eight-hour power test, achieving 6,000 RPM, and must achieve 900Nm.

The three tests that the Bacalar engine has already been put through are part of Bentley’s exceptional quality control processes. These testing procedures provide feedback on the quality of each engine and provide multiple checkpoints to catalogue the exact behaviour of each engine from the moment of manufacture. Since the installation of the three testbeds in 2002, over 100,000 W12 engines have been handcrafted in Crewe and passed through the test facility.

Technology Advancements

Bentley’s legendary 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12, created in 2002, has evolved into the latest iteration of the W12 engine used across today’s current model range. The unique W-configuration means that the engine is 24 percent shorter than an equivalent V12, benefitting packaging and maximising usable cabin space.

The latest generation of W12 was launched in the Bentayga in 2016. A thoroughly reworked engine included a crankcase 30 percent stronger than its predecessor, while the cylinder surfaces were coated to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance. A low-alloy steel coating is applied to the bores using an Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) process.

The W12 combines high-pressure direct fuel injection (200 bar injection pressure) with low-pressure port injection (six bar). The combination of these two systems maximises refinement, lowers particulate emissions and optimises power and torque delivery.

Twin-scroll turbochargers minimise turbo response time and provide a more efficient exhaust package. The exhaust assemblies for the three front and three rear cylinders are separate from one another, which then feed the twin-scroll impellers. The turbocharger housing is welded directly to the exhaust manifolds and feature integrated speed sensors, allowing the engine to monitor turbo performance for maximum efficiency.

Bentley’s variable displacement system shuts down half of the engine under defined conditions. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder for improved efficiency. The system will run in this mode in gears three to eight, below 3,000 rpm and up to 300 Nm torque output.

The first Bacalar engine followed the same build process in Bentley’s centre of excellence for W12 engines, ensuring the same level of quality and expertise before final testing, sources added. (MT)

Sustainable, Recyclable Electric Motors

Bentley Motors has announced a three-year research study that aims to revolutionise the sustainability of electric motors. Supporting Bentley’s commitment to offering only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, the result could see recycled rare-earth magnets used in selected ancillary motors for the very first time.

The study, titled RaRE (Rare-earth Recycling for E-machines), intends to build on work completed at the University of Birmingham in devising a method of extracting magnets from waste electronics. The project will also scale up this process and repurpose the extracted magnetic material into new recyclable magnets for use within bespoke ancillary motors.

Adding to the sustainability benefits that RaRE will provide, the bespoke motors created through this method promise to minimise complexity through manufacture while supporting the development of the UK supply chain for both mass production and low volume components.

Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors, said, “As we accelerate our journey to electrification, offering only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, and full electric by 2030, it is important that we focus on every aspect of vehicle sustainability, including sustainable methods of sourcing materials and components. RaRE promises a step-change in electrical recyclability, providing a source of truly bespoke, low voltage motors for a number of different applications, and we are confident the results will provide a basis for fully sustainable electric drives.”

This study will run in parallel to Bentley’s OCTOPUS research programme, which aims to deliver a breakthrough in e-axle electric powertrains, utilising a fully integrated, free from rare-earth magnet e-axle that supports electric vehicle architectures.

As with OCTOPUS, RaRE is an OZEV funded project delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, which brings together the following partners with distinct roles and responsibilities. Bentley Motors will lead specification setting and test protocol development and support the design and manufacturing activities, while Hypromag will scale up the recycling processes developed at the University of Birmingham and convert the extracted powders to sintered magnets with properties designed around those required for the auxiliary motors. On its part, Unipart Powertrain Applications Ltd will lead the development of manufacturing scale-up routes to ensure facilities and processes defined are suitable for volume automotive manufacture.

Advanced Electric Machines Research Ltd will lead the motors’ design and development, while Intelligent Lifecycle Solutions Ltd will pre-process computer hard disk drives to remove the rare earth magnet containing components from the waste, which will be shipped to Hypromag for removal of the rare earth magnets. The University of Birmingham will provide cast alloys, which will be fed into Hypromag to blend with secondary materials to produce sintered magnets. (MT)

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Stellantis-owned Jeep India has launched the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition, limited to 85 units at prices starting at INR 2.67 million (ex-showroom).

The anniversary edition incorporates visual updates to the exterior and interior of the vehicle platform. External changes include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black alongside anniversary badging. The interior cabin features a black colour scheme paired with gold accents and contrast trim detailing.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand's legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive."

The vehicle is offered with optional accessory packages under the brand's personalisation options. These packages add functional and cabin features, including sunroof illumination, ambient lighting, a digital inner rear-view mirror and integrated front and rear dashcams. Bookings for the limited-run vehicle have opened across the company's dealership network and online sales platform.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has opened its new sales facility in Lucknow in partnership with dealership operator T&T Motors. The outlet expands the company's network in Uttar Pradesh to 10 touchpoints across cities including Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi, contributing to a national presence of over 150 locations across more than 60 cities.

The new facility occupies 9,000 square feet, including over 5,000 square feet of carpet area and was completed in five months. The showroom accommodates four vehicle display bays, private and semi-private consultation zones, a lounge section for vehicle lines and a dedicated delivery bay. To support battery electric vehicles, the location incorporates a 180 kW DC fast charger with two charging bays, backed by a staff of 88 employees.

Brendon Sissing, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its luxury retail footprint across India, reflecting our ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The inauguration of T&T Motors’ new facility in Lucknow marks yet another important milestone in bringing world-class luxury products, services and experiences closer to our customers. Uttar Pradesh remains an important emerging market for Mercedes-Benz, and the growing aspiration for luxury mobility in Lucknow presents strong growth potential for Mercedes-Benz. Through modern luxury infrastructure, personalised consultations, digital capabilities and EV readiness, we are elevating luxury retail experience for our discerning customers in the city.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its first global pick up christened Lifestyler, which will be launched in India as the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler. The vehicle will go on sale by April 2027 with prices starting below INR 1.97 million ex-showroom. 

First shown as a concept in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023, the pickup was designed at the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. It is built on Mahindra’s next-generation body-on-frame architecture and is intended for both payload and lifestyle use. The company claims to have around 267 patents in terms of innovation for the Lifestyler.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class global pickup that raises the bar for the segment while remaining true to Mahindra's strengths in authentic capability and value. The Scorpio Lifestyler is a testament to the strong product development capabilities at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). Built on our advanced next-generation body-on-frame architecture, it has been engineered to deliver the capability, durability, safety and refinement demanded by customers around the world.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler is inspired by how our customers work, play and explore. Combining bold exterior design, plush interiors and SUV-like comfort with unmistakable Mahindra toughness, it brings style and refinement to every journey. This philosophy is reflected in the three editions showcased today: Valley celebrates purposeful refinement, Reef embodies freedom and exploration, and Trail captures the spirit of boundless adventure. Together, they express our vision of a pickup that celebrates individuality while remaining rooted in capability, authenticity and the freedom to explore without limits.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler represents the convergence of global engineering and evolving customer aspirations. As we prepare for its India launch, we see a growing appetite among customers for a vehicle that delivers authentic capability without compromising on technology, safety, comfort or everyday usability. We are investing in building awareness, strengthening our network and creating the right ownership experience for this category. We believe the Scorpio Lifestyler has the potential to redefine expectations and shape the future of the pickup segment in India.”

While the technical details are still under the wraps, the company showcased three editions - the Valley Edition finished in Artemis Grey, the Reef Edition uses an Aquareef finish and the Trail Edition finished in Sahara Beige.

The Mahindra Lifestyler is aimed at the midsize lifestyle pickup segment in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It has been developed to meet requirements for capability, durability, safety, technology and everyday use across those markets.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, one of the leading automakers in the country, is charting a confident course for FY2027. The company is sees its multi-powertrain leadership, capacity flexibility and industry-outperformance ambitions to drive a strong H2 for fiscal 2027.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, struck a distinctly forward-looking tone in the company’s Q1 FY27 virtual conference, outlining a strategy built on sustained demand for alternative-energy vehicles, flexible manufacturing, product intensity and disciplined capital allocation even as the broader industry navigates inflationary and commodity headwinds.

He characterised the remainder of FY2027 as a period of continued outperformance relative to the passenger-vehicle industry. Tata Motors at 14.1 percent had already delivered growth roughly twice the industry average of 7.9 percent in FY2026 and a robust 45 percent in Q1 FY2027 as against the industry average of 25.9 percent.

The management expects this momentum to persist. Industry volumes are projected in the mid-double-digit range of 15-20 percent for the remainder of the year in some scenarios.

Tata Motors, on the other hand, is targeting sustained growth even if overall industry expansion moderates to single digits in the second half because of a high base effect from strong H2 FY2026 demand.

Inventory levels are meaningfully lower than a year earlier, creating scope for healthier retail offtake. Q2 is expected to be more challenging for the industry as a whole due to cost pressures, with the second half potentially tighter still for conventional passenger vehicles.

Chandra, however, intends to defend and expand market share through timely product refreshes, facelifts and new nameplates across both ICE and electric portfolios, while prioritising supply-side capacity increases. Waiting periods across the Tata Motors range currently stand at 4-6 weeks, reflecting healthy demand.

Hatchbacks continue to contribute around 15-20 percent of the mix, while SUVs remain the structural growth engine. Export plans include opening a significant new market next year, with a dual focus on ICE and EV products; recent export growth has been driven primarily by South Africa.

Alternative Energy Mix

The shift toward alternative powertrains is central to Chandra’s vision. Industry EV penetration has reached approximately 8 percent – the highest among passenger-vehicle markets – and is expected to climb toward 10 percent by end-FY2027.

Tata Motors’ own EV share of its portfolio has risen from around 38 percent and is targeted at upwards of 40 percent (for the remainder of the year), supported by strong customer acceptance. EV demand has jumped sharply (management noted a 3-4 times increase relative to February levels for the company), but supply remains the binding constraint rather than underlying demand. Chandra revealed that the strong demand for EVs versus supply-side constraints has led to waiting periods for EVs of around 4-6 weeks.

CNG demand is robust: industry CNG share stands near 22 percent, while Tata Motors’ mix is higher at around 27 percent. The outlook remains positive as the CNG station network expands from roughly 8,500 to 15,000-16,000 stations in the coming year. CAFÉ norms (particularly CAFÉ 3 and CAFÉ 4) will further accelerate the push toward alternative-energy vehicles; for OEMs with credible EV offerings, electrification is the most powerful compliance lever.

Sharing his perspective on hybrid technology, Chandra stated that its share in the overall PV segment has stabilised at a modest 2-2.5 percent share. Tata Motors remains ready to introduce hybrids if market conditions warrant, but current emphasis is clearly on CNG and pure electric.

In Q1 the combined CNG-plus-electric mix rose from 19-21 percent to 24 percent. Management is optimistic that EV volumes for the company could grow 70 percent in FY2027, even allowing for some high-base effects in the second half, with overall company growth of 10-15 percent still feasible.

Capacity, Cost Pressures and Capital Plans

For Tata Motors internal EV capacity is not a bottleneck since production systems are fungible and flexible; capacity has already been stepped up from 9,000 to 13,000-14,000 units and reached more than 15,000 units last month, with further increases planned.

Responding to lower-than-anticipated sales for the popular Sierra SUV, the company attributed the temporary production impact to constraints from casting and sheet-metal suppliers plus a five-day production loss at the Sanand plant due to heavy rains, but corrective actions are under way.

Profitability in the recent period was pressured primarily by commodity-price inflation (approximately 4-4.5 percent impact) plus roughly 1 percent from other factors. Cost-reduction initiatives have partially offset these headwinds; in a normalised quarter, margins would have expanded more significantly. Certain PLI benefits were deferred because of new-product launches but will be reapplied in due course.

However, it is important to note that Chandra has emphasised that CAPEX plans remain unchanged at around 6-8 percent of revenue, which will continue to be directed toward new products, technologies and capacity expansion. Management sees no need to revise the programme despite margin pressure.

On the E20 contamination issue raised in the market, Tata Motors has not experienced customer reports and was not among the OEMs that submitted data on the matter.

Jaguar Land Rover Perspective

Richard Molyneux, CFO of JLR, noted that the luxury brand is a truly global business with only a small percentage of sales in India. China remains challenging, production of legacy products (including Jaguar) has been wound down, and a fire plus broader global slowdown affected Range Rover output. Q1 is seasonally soft for JLR, but the team is optimistic about sequential improvement. India is viewed as a significant growth market going forward, supported by existing domestic assembly and imports, with plans to expand the brand’s presence rapidly.

Chandra’s message is one of controlled confidence. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles enters the balance of FY2027 with lower inventories, a flexible multi-powertrain portfolio that is already capturing rising CNG and EV demand, fungible capacity that can scale with the market, and an intact investment programme focused on product and technology. While the industry faces near-term cost and base-effect challenges, the company’s leadership in alternative energy, combined with ongoing product intensity and supply-side focus, positions it to continue outgrowing the market and to deepen its role in India’s evolving mobility landscape.

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