Bentley Bentayga Diesel Will Use Electric Turbocharger

The Bentley Bentayga diesel will feature an electric turbocharger to boost performance and decrease fuel consumption.

Audi is expected to debut the same technology on a high-performance version of the Q7 crossover next year, which the German automaker is calling e-charging. Last year, Audi demonstrated e-charging on an RS5 coupe running a 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine and pushing performance to 385 horsepower. According to Audi, the electric turbocharger not only improves driveability on diesel models but helps boost torque in the lower rpm range.

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Since Bentley’s new SUV uses a 48-volt electric system, the SUV will be able to accommodate an electric turbocharger that requires seven to eight kilowatts of power. It is currently unclear if the Volkswagen Group’s recent admittance to cheating on EPA diesel emissions tests will affect how quickly the Bentayga diesel comes to market. The company has also not confirmed whether it will be available in the U.S.

The British automaker did confirm that it is already testing prototype versions of the Bentayga diesel.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

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