Bentley is preparing to add a fourth model to its rarified lineup, and today we know what it will be called: the Torcal. The carmaker has been working on its first electric vehicle for a while now; it was seen testing in the Arctic Circle late last year, giving us a sneak peek at the interior. A few weeks ago, another example was spotted at the Nürburgring.
Speculation had been mounting over what Bently would call its first battery EV—although sleuths spotted a European and UK trademark filing for Torcal earlier this year, the absence of a related US trademark filing led Car and Driver to suggest the car might be badged the Bentley Barnato instead. This referenced Woolf Barnato, who raced Bentleys with great success in the pre-war period with much success, including three wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1928, 1929, and 1930).
Instead, Bentley continues a convention it has used for the Bentayga, Bacalar, and Batur, taking a name from a natural landmark—in this case, El Torcal de Antequera, a spectacular collection of limestone rock formations in Spain. When the automaker noted that the name is also derived from the Latin “torquere”—the root from which the modern word torque also traces back to—that seems to be a clue that the Torcal will use an electrified powertrain, as these provide immense amounts of effortless torque.
“For 107 years, Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars—effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials, and a soundtrack with soul,” said Bentley chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser. “Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters and may just be the most considered car in our history.”
Although Bentley will surely build the Torcal at its factory in Crewe, England, as part of the larger Volkswagen Group, it will use the same PPE architecture we’ve seen in other EVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne. And unlike its British rival (and former sibling) Rolls-Royce, which opted for a two-door coupe for its first EV, the Torcal should bear some resemblance to the EXP 15 concept we looked at in some detail last year.
The Torcal will be unveiled on September 23.
