Carmakers across Europe and the U.S. are being forced to clean up their act because of new legislation being pushed on both sides of the Atlantic mandating a drop in fleet-average carbon emissions and improvements in fuel-economy. Some of the solutions we’ve seen in the past include downsizing engines as well as increasing the number of hybrid models, and now Bentley has come out with its new environmental strategy.

Bentley has a three-stage plan in the works with an aim to reduce emissions of its fleet by 15% by 2012, launch new powertrains that deliver a 40% improvement in fuel economy, and introduce flex-fuel models. The overall target for Bentley is to have its entire model range capable of delivering less than 120 g/km of CO2 by 2012, which is in line with the new legislation being proposed by the European Union.

Efficiency improvements will be achieved first through the application of innovative technology to its 8 and 12 cylinder engines, including enhanced engine management, and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well as through weight reduction.

Such a move would make Bentley the first carmaker in the ultra-luxury segment as well as one of the first carmakers in the world to deliver renewable-fuel vehicles throughout its range, along with substantial powertrain improvements.

Bentley Continental GT Speed