Bentley Teases First EV, Named the Torcal

Bentley is preparing to launch its first all-electric vehicle, which will be named the Torcal. This marks a significant step for the luxury automaker as it expands its model lineup. The Torcal was previously seen testing in the Arctic Circle late last year and was also spotted at the Nürburgring a few weeks ago, providing early glimpses of the vehicle.

Speculation regarding the name of Bentley's first battery electric vehicle had been ongoing. While trademark filings for 'Torcal' were observed in Europe and the UK earlier this year, the absence of a corresponding US filing had led some, including Car and Driver, to suggest the car might be named the Bentley Barnato. This alternative name referenced Woolf Barnato, a prominent pre-war Bentley racer who achieved three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928, 1929, and 1930.

Instead, Bentley has chosen to follow a naming convention established with models like the Bentayga, Bacalar, and Batur, selecting a name from a natural landmark. The Torcal is named after El Torcal de Antequera, a distinctive area of limestone rock formations located in Andalusia, Spain. The automaker also noted the name's derivation from the Latin word "torquere," the root of the modern word "torque." This linguistic connection, coupled with the inherent characteristics of electric powertrains, strongly suggests that the Torcal will feature an electrified powertrain, known for delivering substantial and immediate torque.