Although Bentley doesn’t have reputation of being the greenest automaker on the block, the British marque is working on its eco-friendly credentials. The E85 capable Continental Supersports was the first step towards a greener Bentley, and the VW-owned luxury brand is now said to be working on a hybrid drivetrain.
According to a report by the UK’s AutoExpress, Bentley is readying a hybrid drivetrain for its next-generation Continental. Details on the project remain scarce, but the hybrid system will likely bow by 2011.
Thanks to the combination of a new, light-weight aluminum body and the hybrid drivetrain, the next Continental could emit just 225g/km of CO2. In comparison, the current model spews 396g/km CO2, easily putting it in the top road tax bracket.
Like the Supersports model, the hybrid Continental would be E85 capable.
Although Bentley is taking a greener lease on life, the automaker has ruled out hydrogen and diesel drivetrains for the foreseeable future. Bentley may have access to a wealth of VW diesel technology, but the brand’s biggest market – the U.S. – is still largely opposed to diesel technology.
