23:23 18-01-2026

Rolls-Royce V12 engine to continue production after 2030

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unexpectedly revised its long-term plans: the legendary V12 engine will not be retired after 2030 as previously announced. This change of direction comes in response to the softened Euro 7 standards and the European Union's reconsideration of its ban on internal combustion engine vehicles after 2035.

Initially, the Goodwood-based brand planned a full transition to electric vehicles, viewing hybrid technology as a compromise unworthy of the ultra-luxury segment. However, the strategy has been reassessed in light of Bentley's success with its hybrid lineup and shifts in the regulatory landscape.

BMW's Chief Technical Officer, Joachim Post, confirmed that the group will continue producing six-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder engines—meaning the V12 for Rolls-Royce will endure. This refers to the iconic 6.75-liter bi-turbo V12 from the N74 family, which powers all current models from the Ghost Series II to the Phantom and Cullinan. Depending on the version, the engine delivers between 563 and 593 horsepower and up to 900 Nm of torque, providing the signature "velvety" dynamics of Rolls-Royce.

The new Euro 7 standards focus not only on exhaust emissions but also on brake and tire wear, along with continuous onboard monitoring of pollutants. Crucially, these regulations have proven significantly less stringent than anticipated, creating a window of opportunity for manufacturers to retain internal combustion engines—particularly in niche segments with low production volumes.

As a result, while Rolls-Royce continues to develop its electric lineup, it is in no rush to part ways with an engine that has been integral to the brand's DNA for nearly 90 years. The decision to keep the V12 makes sense: for Rolls-Royce customers, the engine is not merely a power unit but a core part of the brand's philosophy, something that cannot be abandoned simply to meet arbitrary deadlines.