Bentley Bacalar Prototype Gets the Test Track Before Production Start

Bentley Bacalar Prototype Gets the Test Track Before Production Start
Before building Bacalars for customers, Bentley ensures that the Bacalar is in perfect condition.

The limited-run Bentley Bacalar was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. However, this event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the brand displays the engineering prototype it is using in a 20-week long development process before building 12 cars for customers next year.

Although the Bacalar shares the same bones as the Continental GT they do not share one body panel. Only the handle on the door is carried over to the outside. Bentley created over 750 new parts for the limited-run open-roof model. Around 100 of those are 3d-printed parts.
Paul Williams, Bentley Director, Mulliner, stated that “Bacalar Car Zero” is the critical prototype we use to sign-off design, engineering and craftsmanship for this groundbreaking part of Bentley Mulliner’s future.

Bentley is producing only a dozen Bacalars, but the company is conducting rigorous engineering tests on the barchetta before it goes into production. The vehicle can travel over 200 miles an hour (322 km per hour) according to top speed tests. Also, high-speed stability, handling and noise and vibration tests have been done.

Next, the owners will need to put some miles on their Bacalar in order to ensure that it is durable enough to be used. You will also need to conduct climate evaluations at temperatures up to 176 F (80 Celcius), and electrical system validation.
Bentley Bacalar Prototype Gets the Test Track Before Production Start

Buyers of Bacalar can choose from a variety of high-quality materials to customize their convertible. The interior trim is made from “5,000-year old Riverwood, sourced from East Anglia’s ancient Fenlands.”

Bentley has pre-sold 12 units of the Bacalar. Each unit costs the buyer approximately PS1.5 million (around $2.0 million).