In order to reduce Cabon Dioxide and keep the green party happy, Bentley is developing new bioethanol-powered versions of its ultra luxury models. The plan will cut Bentley’s CO2 level by 40% within three years. The Telegraph reports that Bentley will unveil its first bioethanol-powered model at the Geneva Motor Show next spring, and that it is negotiating with the British royal family over supplying bioethanol-powered vehicles for state use.

Bioethanol is typically derived from plant sources, and while there are ethical issues around its large-scale usage – crops previously grown for food are now being grown for fuel, pushing up the global price of grain – it is used successfully in small-scale projects in countries including Sweden, where it is synthesized from waste forestry material.

Bentley is working to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions across its fleet: its output is currently an average 400g/km. While it will not have to meet the newly-set EU target of an average 130g/km by 2015 (this will probably only apply to companies making over 10,000 cars a year; details of this exemption have not yet been firmed up) it will still be subject to some demands to reduce its greenhouse gas output.

A spokesman told the Telegraph that while it was focusing on bioethanol in the short term, Bentley had also not ruled out fitting diesel engines in the future.

source : Channel4 Cars