Bentley to Unveil Handmade Torcal Electric Vehicle on September 23
Bentley Motors is set to reveal the Torcal, its first electric vehicle, on September 23 at 19:19. The production will take place in a renovated 1938 building in Crewe, emphasizing British suppliers and handcrafted assembly.
New Production Line for the Torcal
Bentley Motors is finalizing a new production line at its historic Crewe facility, dedicated to the Torcal model, the brand's first electric vehicle. This line is located in a 1938 industrial building that has been repurposed for modern manufacturing. The official unveiling of the Torcal is scheduled for September 23 at 19:19.
The Torcal will be assembled by hand, reflecting Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship. This initiative is part of a self-financed investment of £350 million (approximately €407 million) aimed at enhancing the Crewe site.
Crewe's Historical Significance
The facility has a rich history, having previously served as a machining workshop and more recently as a research and development center. It has been revamped to accommodate the new production line, which features a perfectly leveled floor essential for automated guided vehicles that will transport partially assembled Torcal units.
The Torcal joins Bentley's existing model lineup, which includes the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga, all produced in Crewe. Additionally, Bentley's Mulliner division, known for bespoke vehicles, also operates from this site.
Design and Production Details
Bentley has emphasized that the development, engineering, and assembly processes for the Torcal are kept in-house, with the vehicle's interior also designed on-site. The Torcal will be one of the first models to utilize a newly inaugurated design studio at Crewe, which is housed in another renovated 1938 building.
The production of the Torcal will rely on British suppliers, including Fox Brothers in Somerset, which provides the wool for the vehicle’s interior. However, Bentley has not disclosed the names of other suppliers involved in the production process.
With more than 4,000 employees, the Crewe site spans 521,111 square meters, making it one of the major employers in the area. The upcoming presentation on September 23 will detail the full specifications and pricing of the Torcal.