Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Ducati’s 800cc Scrambler family gets a series of substantial updates for the 2023 model year. (Ducati/)On the left, you’re looking at an emerald-tinged Ducati Diavel V4. On the right, a hulking 730hp Bentley Batur, also resplendent in Scarab Green. The Duc debuted a few weeks ago at Art Basel week in Miami and runs with an impressively sophisticated 1,158cc liquid-cooled V4 engine, good for a bonkers 168hp and a hefty MSRP of $70,000. The Bentley? It’s outfitted with an out-of-this-universe twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder powerplant that lays down 740hp and will empty your, er, gold bullion vault of $2.1 million. Both, obviously, are bespoke limited editions targeting the most opulent collectors either brand can muster from the shadows. I guess the question is: Do Ducati and Bentley owners frequent the same circles?Meet the Ducati Diavel for Bentley, an exclusive Diavel V4 that integrates elements of Bentley’s limited edition Batur hypercar. (Ducati/)Both seem to think so; the brands say “the Ducati Diavel for Bentley links Ducati and Bentley with a vision of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity. The result is a striking synthesis of technology, style and performance.” Word is that Bentley is also using the Batur to tease what its eventual electric cars will look like.For context, the Batur is Bentley’s most powerful production car ever, with a soon-to-be-departing 730 hp twin-turbo W12 engine, coach-built in just 18 units. It also brings sculptured, muscular bodywork that signals a new design direction for Bentley, and all 18 Baturs are individually hand-crafted by Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilder in the world and Bentley’s in-house bespoke division.Related: 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini First LookLike the car, the bike rocks a rich green color, but uses the same mechanical elements of the base Diavel V4. (Ducati/)Using the base of the Diavel V4, Ducati went all-out in integrating key elements of the limited-series Batur to create a uniquely elegant motorcycle, though we will say it’s similar formula to the one we’ve seen on previous Ducati-luxury automaker collaborations, like the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini one-off.Technically called the Diavel for Bentley, the bike is a collaboration between Ducati’s in-house Centro Stile Ducati and Bentley designers with intent on drawing inspiration from the Batur’s horizontal lines. But the aggressive lines of the Diavel V4 still shine through, and there’s no mistaking the powerful 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, a central element of its design. That said, plenty of other elements have been significantly revised to match the Bentley’s overall design, including the specially crafted forged rims, that recall shapes on the Batur, and are absolutely stunning in Dark Titanium Satin paint, with some machined surfaces visible.Specially crafted forged rims in Dark Titanium Satin paint were designed specifically for this Diavel. (Ducati/)The side air intakes meanwhile, reflect the Batur’s instantly recognizable two-tone front grille, and the front fender, fairing and the upper portions of the tank mimic the ribs on the car’s front hood, while the single-seater tail, which can be replaced with a passenger seat, takes styling cues from the double-layer extractor on the back of the auto.Of course there’s carbon fiber used throughout the bodywork, with fenders, headlamp cover, engine, exhaust and radiator covers, side panels, and the tail piece all getting the treatment. The black Alcantara saddle also uses similar underlying red fabric and texture to the Batur seats, complete with Bentley logo on the rear pad. The dual outlet exhaust, with its cover, has also been redesigned to better flow with the rest of the bike.The rich metallic Scarab Green color also comes from the Bentley Mulliner palette and is used throughout the bodywork.The Alcantara seat mimics the design, look and texture of the Batur’s seats. Of course there’s an embroidered Bentley logo on it in case you forget. (Ducati/)As you’d expect at this price point, the Diavel for Bentley comes with a certificate of authenticity, a passenger seat and a motorcycle cover. The model name and the production number are engraved on a plate inserted in the carbon fiber cover of the vertical head, and both the dashboard and the LED matrix of the rear light cluster offer a special animation at the key-on that instantly identifies this Diavel. Finally, each Diavel for Bentley will be delivered in an exclusive personalized wooden case.Prospective owners can also choose from the very exclusive and limited Capsule Collection, which allows customers to snag a matching helmet and a technical jacket (available in both men’s and women’s sizes) both in matching color schemes.Rich metallic Scarab Green paint job mimics the one of the Batur. (Ducati/)If you, like us, are still scratching your head about why these two brands decided to collaborate, here’s a clue: Since 1997, when Vickers PLC decided to sell the Rolls-Royce brand (which owned the Bentley name), Bentley has been owned by Volkswagen AG. Bentley vehicles have been exclusively made by Volkswagen as part of its premium Audi division from 2003 to today. Ducati is also owned by Audi, who is owned by —- you guessed it —-the Volkswagen Auto Group. Cue light bulb emoji.The car isn’t street legal in the US, so forget about adding that to the stable; the Diavel For Bentley, however, can be had for $70,000 and up. (Ducati/)The Diavel for Bentley will be created in a numbered series limited to 500+50 units, the latter reserved for Bentley customers; delivery will begin summer 2024, with US pricing at $70,000 for the Diavel for Bentley and $90,000 for the Diavel for Bentley Mulliner.MSRP includes the Capsule Collection jacket and helmet exclusively for North America.
