Bentley – Page 10 – Automobiles Review

Bentley Mulsanne 95 Celebrates Company’s Anniversary

Bentley Mulsanne 95 Special Edition has been designed and produced in order to celebrate Bentley’s 95th anniversary. The model is company’s luxurious flagship model. Only 15 examples will be hand crafted and they have all been reserved for customers in the United Kingdom. Their exterior paint finish is inspired by the British flag, while the interiors include unique wood veneer and range of design cues.

To go into details, there are three bespoke exterior colors: Britannia Blue, Empire Red and Oxford White. They have been created especially for this limited run of cars. The classic red, white and blue color palette is complemented by unique exterior details, such as a dark tint finish given to the iconic Flying B bonnet mascot and the striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels.

Inside, one can find the luxurious wood veneers and leather hides, illuminated treadplates featuring a bespoke ‘NINETY FIVE’ script and union flag detail, which turns the simple act of opening the door into an occasion. In addition, a distinctive ‘95’ emblem has been embroidered onto the front and rear seats. It has been also included on the passenger fascia panel.

In the case of Mulsanne 95, Bentley has selected a rare wood veneer from a huge walnut tree. It is estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old, and eventually came down at Fulbeck Hall in Lincolnshire during a heavy storm in 2007.

The signature ‘ring of wood’ of the veneer encompasses the entire interior. Its complex pattern shows a rare rippled effect which sweeps through the cabin. Furthermore, the walnut veneer is complemented by a blue and white two-tone leather split with red contrast stitching.

Source: Bentley

May 15, 2014

Bentley at the 2014 New York International Auto Show

Bentley is going to present the upgraded performance of the Continental GT Speed and the acclaimed V8 engine to the Flying Spur luxury sedan at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

“I’m excited for the new Flying Spur V8 and 2015 GT Speed models to make their North American debut in New York,” commented Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

“2013 was a record year for Bentley and demonstrated the high level of performance the brand is capable of. I look forward to seeing that success continue as the depth and breadth of our model lines continue to expand. All of our new products and initiatives will continue to embody the spirit of Bentley’s heritage while delivering effortless performance.”, he added.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe is powered by an uprated 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12 engine with 626HP (460 kW) and 820Nm (607 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 332 km/h (206 mph). The GT Speed Convertible is the fastest four seat open top car in the world, capable of 324 km/h (203 mph).

The flagship comes with sharp front splitter, discrete side skirts and elegant rear diffuser of the Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint color. The 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps are given a dark tint finish. The exterior modifications are completed with red-painted brake calipers and chrome “Speed” badge.

The interior boasts a dark mono-tone scheme, accent stripes in a contrasting color are applied across the doors, rear panels, fascia wings, inner console and gear lever. “Speed” branding is sewn to the headrests, while a chrome “Speed” badge enhances the passenger side fascia panel.

Bentley’s renowned 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine develops now has 500HP and 659Nm (488 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The Flying Spur is capable of covering more than 800km (500 miles).

Source: Bentley

April 14, 2014

Bentley Unveils First Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Bentley Hybrid Concept is a preview of a powerful and efficient future car. It is the first Bentley plug-in hybrid model, which is set to be a dedicated version of the new SUV. The latter was teased last month with an image showing its grille and information for production plans, starting in 2016. The luxury company has also disclosed that the car will be available in dealerships in 2017. As for Bentley Hybrid Concept, it will be on display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on 20th of April.

As a matter of fact, Bentley is the first luxury brand to present a plug-in hybrid powertrain choice to the automotive sector. The plug-in hybrid system will offer a power increase of up to 25% together with a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the hybrid will be capable of driving at least 50 km on electric power alone. Bentley Hybrid Concept vehicle is built upon Mulsanne. We see copper used as an exterior and interior styling element. It also emphasizes car’s “electrical veins”.

This material can be seen on the headlamps, radiator shell bezel, brake calipers, feature line details and badges. Inside, copper accents are present on the inserts of the veneers fascias, switch bezels and instruments. At last, copper cross stitching to the Mulliner Driving Specification diamond-quilted interior rounds out the luxury design treatment.

Source: Bentley

April 10, 2014

Bentley Offers First Glimpse Of New Production SUV [TEASER]

The first picture of the future production Bentley SUV has been just released. The image doesn’t show much except for the front end of the car, showcasing brand’s traditional design. The new SUV is currently being prepared for production and is scheduled to hit roads in 2016.

Bentley also disclosed that this vehicle will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV to be found on the market. It will embody brand’s hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship.

As far as we can tell from the teaser picture, the SUV’s front will slightly differ from the 2012 Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept that debuted in Geneva two years ago. EXP 9 F got flowing surfaces, muscularity and robustness, bold and dynamic exterior.

Both the concept and the production SUV have the same iconic for the brand matrix grille. However the there is a difference in the headlamps – the new SUV obviously got those of Continental.

We are also wondering whether we are to see the same engine used for the EXP 9 F Concept, namely Bentley’s 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 one, which was coupled with an eight-speed transmission. The powertrain develops 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. More details to be announced soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Bentley

March 20, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Bentley GT Speed Convertible

Bentley is currently exhibiting the the 2014 GT Speed Coupe and Convertible at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show.

“Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the new Continental GT Speed is the ultimate expression of the modern Bentley grand tourer. This one car effortlessly combines immense, dramatic levels of performance with the exemplary standards of luxury, individuality and refinement our company is renowned for,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors.

The exterior features new front splitter, modified side skirts and a new rear diffuser. There are also tinted head- and taillights, red brake calipers and new “Speed” badging on the front fenders. Other upgrades include more sportier suspension and a set of huge 21” alloy wheels in dark finish.

The interior comes with optional contrast stitching through the diamond quilting of the seats and doors.

The most important – a 6.0 liter W12 with 635HP (467 kW) and 820Nm (605 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 10HP and 20Nm. 0-100 km/h in around 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph) for the coupe and 327 km/h (203 mph) for the convertible.

Source: Bentley

March 6, 2014

David Brown Automotive: A British Luxury Sports Car Brand With A Debut Model In April

A successful British businessman and car enthusiast, David Brown, is taking on the automotive world with a company baring his name.

David Brown Automotive’s first model – which is to arrive in April this year in a very limited number – is being built from scratch. No badge engineering and no borrowing. Things sound even more promising when you hear that Mr. Alan Mobberley – Chief Designer at Land Rover for 19 years, until 2005 – is leading the way. All the while, the bits that require engineering, have been developed by a company called Envisage Group.

By the looks of things, Mr David Brown seems knows what he’s doing. At the moment, work is being done under the codename “Project Judi”. The way we see it, it is a modern take on the front-engined, RWD classsic sports car:

”…but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself.” comments Mr. Brown

Can he really pull it off? The car industry is a curios case. Will the David Brown vehicles be on par with the established names such as Bentley, or Rolls-Royce, or Jaguar? No, they will need some pedigree before that. How about sixty years from now then; will David Brown be an established name as are the names of the giants today? It’s food for thought this.

In the mean time, we would like to wish David Brown Automotive some luck.

Source: David Brown Automotive

January 17, 2014

Bentley Introduce Mulsanne Birkin Limited Edition

Bentley-Mulsanne-Birkin-Limeted-Edition-shadow For those of you who feel that the Bentley Mulsanne is just not exclusive enough there is a solution. It’s the brand new limited edition of the flagship car: the Birkin Mulsanne.

Birkin is the name of Sir Henry ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin – a legendary figure of the 20s and 30s. He was considered as the embodiment of the British gentleman racer. More importantly, though, he was a Bentley Boy – always on the track, working with engineers, pushing the limits of what was possible. It was on his insistence, for example, to put a supercharger on the 1928 ‘Blower’ Bentley bringing the power up from 130 to 242 hp

So you might be wondering how did Bentley modify the Mulsanne as to pay tribute to Birkin. Well, apparently, they’ve spec-ed it the way he would have. Not sure if they had Drive Dynamics Control systems back then, but the Birkin Mulsanne sure does have one. The base model for the Birkin limited edition employs the Mulliner Driving Specification, hence the sport mode of operation.

Additionally, as part of the program, the interior boasts diamond quilting patterns on the seats and door panels and leather headlining and “knurling” details on the metalwork. The headrests have 3D “Flying B” logos stitched on them and the door sill plaques have inscribed number of the limited edition model on them (22 available units in total). At the rear two 8-inch LCD screens glare at you from the back of the front headrests. There’s also a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.

Lastly, on the outside, you would recognize a Birkin Mulsanne by its color. It’s going to be either a “Ghost White”, “Damson”, or a contrast of “Fountain Blue and Dark Saphire”. 21-inch wheels are a given.

Too bad Bentley decided that Birkin wouldn’t want any more power on the Mulsanne, because the limited features end here. Bentley-Mulsanne-Birkin-Limeted-Edition-medium-2

Source: Bentley

January 14, 2014

North American Debut of Continental GT V8 S at NAIAS Detroit 2014

Bantley-Continental-GT-V8-S-Coupe-shadow Bentley have had a great year and – either as a token of gratitude or simply because of pure economics – are bringing the Bentley Continental GT V8 S to the US.

“I am delighted to bring this car to our biggest market for the first time, in this sustained period of growth for the Americas. This region’s strong performance played an important role in making 2013 a record year. With its latest results, Bentley is the world’s most sought after luxury car brand.” – comments Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive

Yeah, it’s economics. The first appearance of the S on US soil will be at the NAIAS in Detroit next week. Attendees will have the opportunity to marvel at one of the company’s finest products. 521 bhp garnished with the sweet rumbling sound of a 4-liter twin-turbo V8.

The close-ratio ZF 8-speed autmatic transmission has to handle up to 680 Nm of torque an use it to get the Continental from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The overall top speed stands at 192 mph and the range covered on a single tank can be up to 500 miles.

Accompanying the V8 S on the Bentley stand at Detroit will be the performance-oriented sedan Flying Spur and the brimming with luxuries and equipment flagship: the Mulsanne Bantley-Continental-GT-V8-S-Convertible-medium

Source: Bentley

January 10, 2014

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster On A Boat

Lamborghini-Veneno-Roadster-Public-Debut-shadow

Few things can match top the grandiose entrance arranged for the Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago. This, however, really does takes the cake. It’s the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster… on an aircraft carrier… in Abu Dhabi.

That’s right, it’s the hypercar’s public debut. The atmosphere must have been thoroughly Italian and we are not looking simply at the Lambo. His Excellency Giorgio Starace, Italian Ambassador to the UAE and the Admiral of High Seas Forces, Paolo Treu were among the honarable guests being served by a renown chef. There was a catwalk (a 240 meter ship is the ideal place for a catwalk, isn’t it?) where fashion designer Giada Curti offered a tableau vivant of her creations with ten top models. Even footballer Fabio Cannavaro were among the first to sit in the Veneno. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini, commented on the event saying, “We are honored that Lamborghini was chosen to represent the Italian car industry in the UAE, as a perfect example of iconic Italian super sports cars, and that we have the opportunity to show the Veneno Roadster for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Lamborghini has an extremely strong following in the region for its super sports cars, with the Middle East one of our largest markets in the world.”

Lamborghini sure know how to target their audience. If anyone’s going to afford the 3.3 million Euro Veneno Roadster, it’s going to be someone who has an oil well in their backyard. No one of the nine people who will eventually get one will feel cheated, though. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is not just a metal art piece. It’s not even metal. All of the exterior is CFRP. The insides of the carbon fiber monocoque too benefit from lightweight design – CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, the seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. As a result, the Veneno Roadster weighs 1,490 kilograms. That’s pretty impressive for an open-top.

Lamborghini say that every outlandish line of Veneno’s design follows function. In other words, aerodynamic efficiency akin to that of a racing prototype. There’s plenty of downforce while the drag is reduced to a minimum. Even the wheels have a specific shape that channels cooling air to the massive brakes.

All of this is good news for the engine compartment. The 6.5 twelve-cylinder powerplant can unleash all of it’s 750 hp in order to get you from 0 to 60 in just bellow 3 seconds. You will continue accelerating until the electronic limiter kicks in at 220 mph. No mechanical sympathy required – the ISR transmission with five modes, the permanent all-wheel drive and the pushrod suspension with horizontal sprint/damper units can all take the abuse.

Lamborghini-Veneno-Roadster-Public-Debut-medium-2

Source: Lamborghini

December 3, 2013

Official Debut: Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS

The luxury tuning brand Vorsteiner has just made a reality the debut of Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS. The car is part of company’s Vorsteiner Nero Project and in fact is the first to be officially presented after its start.

To be more precise, this Bentley was finely tuned and includes several noticeable additions and modifications. An instance is the front bumper which is made of company’s Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber. The latter material gives the element superior stiffness, aerospace strength and durability.

As an available option, the tuners offer 2×2 Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg with 4 Stage UV Inhibiting Clear Lacquer Coating. Of course, the rear bumper was also made of the same material. Here however, the option is 1×1 Full Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Body with Lower Carbon Fiber Diffuser Pre-Preg with 4 Stage UV Inhibiting Clear Lacquer Coating

Next, the new side skirts and the deck lid spoiler lend this Continental GT model unique visual stance and more athleticism than ever. They are made of Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber. Those who want to look even more distinctive on the road can opt for 2×2 Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg with 4 Stage UV Inhibiting Clear Lacquer Coating.

Source: Vorsteiner

October 29, 2013

ONYX Reveals Bentley Continental GTVX Concept

ONYX Bentley Continental GTVX Concept has just been unveiled with several images, which will literally take your breath away. The ONYX tuning company has also revealed the details around this project.

Firstly, the engine under the hood of this Bentley is the V8 one which is capable of producing 600 horsepower (441 kW), which contributes towards an effortless acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds. In addition, the car has grown in size and now has a 30 mm wider wheel base. It was also fully equipped with carbon and polycarbonate exterior styling package.

The refinements and updates that have been made here have all undergone wind tunnel testing. A radical cosmetic change on the exterior, it comprises of one of the most comprehensive and light weight products.

Furthermore, the front, the rear and the sides have all been upgraded thanks to the wider track and 10mm lower ride height. As a result the redesigned Continental now delivers sharper handing which operates in combination with the additional power. At last, the visual presence of the car is entirely rounded off by the 22 inch flow forged wheels on which it runs.

Source: ONYX

October 2, 2013

Bentley Continental GT3 To Make Race Debut In Abu Dhabi

Bentley Continental GT3 Race Car is going to make its competitive debut at the 2013 Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi on 13th of December 2013. The racing will mark the return of the luxury brand to motorsport, ten years after its success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.

Continental GT3 is expected to deliver unique performance in most extreme form. The dynamic debut of the vehicle was at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Since then, Bentley‘s new race car has begun an intensive programme of performance, setup and durability testing at tracks across Europe.

By now, the car has run according to the expectations of the car company and has also proven to be both reliable and fast in all conditions. To go further into detail, this Bentley is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which generates up to 600 hp (441 kW) in unrestricted race configuration.

In addition, the GT3 race car keeps the luxury Grand Tourer roots of its origins, and this is visible through the steering wheel, carbon racing seat and leather door-pulls which are all trimmed and stitched by hand.

At last is to be mentioned that the car currently undergoes preparation for a full entry in the 2014 FIA Blancpain Series.

Bentley Continental GT3 Specifications:

Engine	4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, repositioned to the rear of the engine bay, Cosworth engine management system
Power	Approx. 600 bhp derestricted
Oil System	Dry sump
Transmission	Rear wheel drive, Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox, racing clutch, steering wheel mounted paddle operated pneumatic gear shift
Drivetrain	Carbon fibre propshaft, limited slip differential
Suspension	Double wishbone suspension front and rear, four-way adjustable racing dampers
Steering	Hydraulic power-assisted steering
Brakes	Ventilated iron disc brakes front and rear, Brembo six-piston front calipers, four-piston rear calipers, driver-adjustable brake bias
Safety	FIA-specification steel roll cage, Sparco six-point FIA safety harness, onboard fire extinguisher, onboard pneumatic jack system.
Fuel System	FIA-specification racing fuel cell
Electronics	Race-specification ABS and traction control. Lightweight race battery.
Wheels	OZ Racing 18” x 13” rims
Tyres	310 / 710 R18
Aerodynamics	Carbon fibre front splitter, rear wing and body panels. Lightweight, aerodynamically-optimised bumpers, bonnet, sills and fenders
Length	4950 mm
Width	2030 mm
Height	1350 mm
Weight	<1300 kg
Weight Distribution	52 : 48

Source: Bentley

September 26, 2013

Tag: Bentley