Bentley – Page 14 – Automobiles Review

Bentley Continental GT V8 in Munich [VIDEO]

Many car debuts occur in closed-door halls with a curtain over the model in question and lots of smoke and techno music for setting up the mood. The whole reveling process has become a sort of a cliché and Bentley are well aware of that. That is why for the Continental GT V8 premiere in Munich, the company went the extra mile…upwards.

Here is a video of a Bentley Continental GT V8 soaring trough the skies over Munich, with its indicators on, hooked to a helicopter. That could mean only two things: Either Munich’s no parking zone is strictly regulated… by the air force or Klaus Becker, General Manager of Bentley Munich organised a dramatic turn up for the new V8 at a special venue on a glazed bridge between two skyscrapers and in front of 300 VIP guests.

Here’s how Klaus Becker defended the stunt: “A dramatic car got the debut we felt it deserved and we took a little bit of our inspiration from Bentley’s iconic ‘Winged B’ emblem. On a practical level the helicopter was the fastest way to get to the rooftop podium.”

Either way it all looks very exciting. The V8 deserves that grand and loud première for it just might be the best Bentley ever produced.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBeUFre22d4&feature=youtu.be

Source: Bentley Motors

February 13, 2012

Some of the most wanted and expensive collectible cars from the past

Have you ever wondered which are some of the most desirable cars from the past? “Which models collectors are crazy for?” is the question asked here. And there goes the answer, including five of the most wanted and expensive cars made in the past.

The first car to be mentioned here is the 1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter model. This particular vehicle has only 49 similar to it, which means that there were only 50 ever produced. Hence, the immediate consequence is that the price of the model is very high. For example, sever years ago, such vehicle was sold for the amount of $ 4 510 000. In details, the car includes 2/3-passanger boat-tail body. Bentley 4½ Liter however, is a heavy car, with a total weight of 1 625 kg (3 580 lb). And although it included a manual transmission, one had to be very skillful to operate with the four gears, due to their unsynchronization. The engine contributed for the overall heavy weight of the model, because it was a heavy cast iron inline-four engine. The engine, modern for that particular period, included two double carburetors and dual ignition with Bosch magnetos. Thus it was possible for it to produce the impressive 130 hp (97 kW) at that time. Therefore, you can imagine how easy it was for this model to race in competitions.

Next comes the 1935 Dusenberg SJ model, which will surprise you in many ways. First of all, it has the whole 320 hp (239 kW)! Can you believe a car that fast in the 30’s of the last century? It included 3-Speed Manual transmission, but due to the heavy weight of 2 608 kg / 5 750 lbs, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in more than 10 seconds. Secondly, there are only two vehicles of this particular model, built in the 1935. Another interesting fact about it is that one of them belonged to the famous actor Gary Cooper and the other – to Clark Gable. The model was equipped by two special carburetors and inlet ports of special shape named “ram’s horn”.

In 1937 the luxury brand came out with the Mercedes-Benz 540K model, which now is considered to be one of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz road-going cars. A model of it was a few years ago sold for the amount of $8 235 112. In the late 30’s this model was a development of the Mercedes SSK, and was offered not only as a two seater cabriolet, but also as a four seater coupé or seven seater limousine. The 540K has the unique for that time straight 8-cylinder engine increased to 5n401 cubic centimeters. It was aspirated by twin pressurized updraft carburetors. This made possible for the vehicle to develop 115 hp (86 kW). Moreover it included four-speed or five speed manual gearbox, which had synchromesh on the top three gears. The hydraulic brakes were also vacuum-assisted. What is interesting here, is that people such as Jack Warner (from the Warner Brothers) were owners of this model.

1955 Jaguar D Type is a factory-built race car, which has 3.8 liters engine. Beside the engines it includes some of the most important innovations achieved at this time of the 20th century. What I have in mind here are the use of disc brakes and the monocoque chassis. The latter was the first type of aircraft-style engineering which was featured in a race-car design. This special monocoque technology is made using some basic principles typical for it. First the cabin and the part where the driver sat, was made from alluminium allow sheets, to which was mounted an aluminium tubing subframe. The latter par carries the bonnet, the engine, the front suspension, and the steering assembly. Eventually the rear suspension and final drive were mounted straightly to the monocoque. Another innovation included in this model, is that the fuel was carried in deformable bags inside cells within the monocoque. As you can see, another aspect of this car is the highly aerodynamic body, which was stabilized through large vertical stabilizer mounted behind the head of the driver. This D Type from 1955 has in addition larger valves (than the models in the years before) which were accommodated through a cylinder head with asymmetrical design. D-Type served its purpose well, and won a lot of top places at racing competitions. At last, probably you know the iconic Jaguar E-Type. What you might miss here is that the D Type is the actual predecessor of the aforementioned icon.

I am sure you have already wondered where the Ferrari model in this article is. Well, here comes the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, which is an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France and includes 12-cylinders engine which achieves the whole 280 hp (209 kW) and has three carburetors. On this model were also introduced for the first time disc brakes. A replica of this particular model was also featured in the movie from the 1986 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. What is particularly interesting here is that few years ago a black Ferrari of the model was sold for nearly 11 million dollars.

February 11, 2012

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible and Bentley Mulsanne at the Qatar International Motor Show

Bentley Motors has just revealed their new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC. The luxury vehicle was presented for its first time at Qatar International Motor Show in Doha.

The all new Bentley GTC Convertible includes even more spacious cabin, which is of course hand-crafted. Moreover it is made from soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. Furthermore the new vehicle is now wit even more powerful 575PS 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine. It also has the new QuickShift transmission, enabling faster gear changes. In addition Bentley’s design and engineering professionals have improved and upgraded every aspect of the convertible with an uncompromising quality.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible

Another luxury car was presented at the Motor Show. Namely, it was the famous Bentley Mulsanne, which is one of the most appreciated vehicles in the Middle East. The new Mulsanne definitely got everything essential from the Bentley marque. You can see all the elegance in it, combined with distinctly sportiness. Moreover it delivers effortless performance thank to the classic 6.75 litre V8 engine. Of course its interior is hand-crafted and delivers more luxury than ever.

Bentley sales were up 37% globally in 2011, which equals 7003 sold cars more than the previous year. For example, December saw 1059 cars delivered to customers (up 69% on the same month in 2010), the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever. In addition the Middle East region remained stable in terms of sales. In details, from June to October there was even an increase of around 3%. Therefore, Qatar retained its position as the third largest market in the Middle East with 70 cars sold during 2011. This growth in sales predetermined Bentley strategy – obviously there is a strong demand for the new Continental GT and the Bentley Mulsanne. Moreover the Middle East remains one of the most important markets in the world in terms of interest in the vehicles. Hence, the demand for these cars is expected to continue in this year.

Source: Bentley

January 24, 2012

VOGTLAND Air Suspension Tweak

VOGTLAND is a company with a long lasting experience in suspension tuning and coil-spring production. Now they have a new product exclusively for vehicles with air-suspension chassis as standard. It is an electric module that basically overrides the function of whatever the air suspension and the user has a more viable access to vehicle height control.

The benefits that can come out of this are in favor of the dynamics. Suspensions can be lowered by up to 40 millimeters and as we all know the lower the center of gravity, the better the handling. Besides it just looks more cooler the lower it gets.

Installation depends on model of the vehicle but it is generally easy and seamless. Just pluging in all the connecting cables to the steering electronics of the on-board power supply will do the trick. The module is 100% compatible with standard equipment so any other systems that the chassis might have, can function without a problem. Deinstallation is just as easy, taking up only minutes of the customer’s time. Various cars, SUV’s and such, made by Audi, Bentley, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen can be fitted with VOGTLAND‘s module in question, For more information you can check out their website at: www.vogtland.com

Source: Vogtland

January 23, 2012

Vorsteiner Bentley BR-10 [Teaser]

Brace yourselves! This is the latest teaser from Vorsteiner which features the 2012 Bentley Continental GT Coupe.It is said that Vorsteiner – a company with experience in modifying luxury performance vehicles – have applied a lightweight carbon fiber autoclave aerodynamic kit and some new wheels, exclusively forged for the Bentley. Other than that we can only wait for the full release on the Vorsteiner Bentley BR-10.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 22, 2011

Bentley embraces the V8 world

The original Bentley continental GT launched in 2003 has been a major success on the global market. Up until now over 50 000 customers have had the privilege to own one and marvel at the magnificent W12 6.0 twin-turbo engine that powered them. Spawn from the biggest ever twelve cylinder factory in Crewe, England, it was, and still is a refined beast which embodied the engineering supremacy of Bentley Motors Limited

Nowadays however, with the tightening regulations on CO₂ emissions and the constant climb of fuel prices, Bentley needs a new strategy. What they intend to do is broaden their production range by adding a new sophisticated V8 engine that will deliver all that there is expected from a V8 and yet it will also show that Bentley is after all an environmentally conscious company with a few tricks up its sleeve.

According to the figures given, performance will not be impaired. We are talking about a 500BHP powerhouse which will grant you 660Nm (487 lb ft) of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range. Pair that with a close-ratio 8 speed auto-box and you’ll get less than 5 seconds of 0-60mph acceleration time and a top speed of a 180mph – hardcore. It is also four-wheel-drive but uses a torque split system with a Toresn differential that sends only 40% of the power to the front tires so we get all the safety with none of the drawbacks.

Bentley Continental GT V8 (2012)

But let us talk about the clever bits. Bentley say they have manged to achieve great power-to-economy ratio. Mind you this is in terms of luxury performance economy so we are not actually saving the planet here. Yet one has to admit that the claimed 40 percent improved fuel efficiency does sound impressive. That and a travel range of over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel are the only official claims we have so far. There will be more available early in 2012 when the Continental GT and GTC (which will debut these engines) are introduced on the American International Auto Show in Detroit.

So how do they achieve these feats of economy without harming the Bentley spirit? The company engineers have employed a complex engine management system which allows the car to potter all day in town using only four of the cylinders and then when you put your foot down on lets say an extra urban road you get all the cylinders you need to bend time and space. It is a system that has been around but nor very common. Other more standard features include: high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and an innovative turbo charger packaging all work together in the name of efficiency.

And how do we tell apart these newcomers from the top of the range GT W12? Petrol heads will have no problem recognizing the distinctive V8 growl but for the more oblivious there have been some sublime visual alterations. The grille is a glossy black matrix mesh which has been framed and also slashed in the middle with some chrome. Three patches of the same mesh is also used to style the front lower bumper. The hallmark “B” badge is in enamel red in front and at the back as well. Two chromed tailpipes each representing an ominous “eight figure” add to the aggressive look. And speaking of aggression both of the models come with 20 inch alloys as standard but if you really want to leave an impression the optional 21 inch diamond black or diamond silver ones are up for the job. The interior is as sporty as it is luxurious – Eliade cloth headlining garnished with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, two-toned leather theme as an optional extra and a short centre console made for the appeal of the demanding customer.

Will the new Continental GT and the convertible GTC pose as fine compliments to the astonishing W12? Only time will show.

Source: Bentley

December 12, 2011

2012 Bentley Continental GTC US Price – $212 800

Bentley Motors will offer the new Continental GTC to the North American market.

“Los Angeles is the ideal location for Bentley to launch the luxurious and powerful GTC convertible,” commented Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing.

“Southern California remains the most successful market for Bentley in the US, and the US remains the largest market in the world for the Company. New model introductions, such as the GTC convertible – which will reach US customers later this year – and the new GT coupe – which went on sale in the spring – have helped Bentley global sales grow by a third in 2011.”, he added.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC is powered by a brutal twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine with 567PS (417 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). The engine is mated to a Quickshift transmission that improves acceleration response times and cuts shift times to only 200 milliseconds.

The GTC’s chassis, the stiffest of any convertible in the world, provides a firm foundation for suspension control, minimising scuttle shake and contributing to the GTC’s refined handling.

The GTC interior comes with luxurious wood and leather. There are also 8” touch-screen infotainment system, and zip-code entry navigation, all supported by a 30GB HDD. To ensure drivers and passengers alike enjoy an extended top-down driving season, the GTC now features neck warmers in the rear headrests of its cobra-head designed slim-line seats. With the top up, acoustics have improved thanks to the addition of acoustically-sensitive undersheet, wheel liners, front and side glass and a three-layer roof with a rubber-film middle layer.

The new Bentley GTC convertible will enter the US market in late 2011. The price tag is as stunning as the car itself – $212 800.

Source: Bentley

November 16, 2011

Top Convertibles 2011

Always pointed as the category cars that gives drivers the most thrilling experience on the road, the convertible rides have walked a long way from the early ragtops with leaky roofs till the nowadays quiet, fast and extremely comfy cabrios. (more…)

November 7, 2011

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Imperium has announced Bentley Continental GT Audentia. The tuned vehicle comes with the styling package consisting of aerodynamics kit and a sports exhaust system.

The exterior improvements include a new front bumper, new grille inserts and modified side skirts. There are also a new rear apron, a new diffuser and a sports exhaust system. The tag for the complete package is not low at all – £25 000, which is a bit pricey, especially, when you don’t get any interior modifications or performance upgrades.

The new elements are available in PU-RIM plastic or optional carbon fiber, which we guess is more expensive, so the complete price will be even bigger.

Bentley Continental GT Audentia will be limited to 50 units.

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Source: Imperium

October 21, 2011

Eterniti Hemera – The World’s First Super-SUV

Eterniti is an independent, boutique British luxury carmaker, uniquely based in London. The company aims to satisfy a growing demand for additional luxury, personalised specifications and exclusivity among car buyers, particularly in major cities and global wealth centres.

The company’s first car will reflect this. The Hemera will be the world’s first Super-SUV, providing new levels of luxury, space and performance in an SUV to create a new niche. It will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin reclining seats, iPads and a drinks chiller, giving customers the option of being chauffeured as well as driving. But with compact dimensions, 4×4 ruggedness and dynamic performance, it is also both practical and retains driver appeal.

The Hemera will be shown in Frankfurt as a prototype, with production and deliveries to start in 2012. It is based on the latest generation of the best large SUV platform available, which will undergo a chassis-up rebuild, with a new, repackaged interior, carbon-composite body panels and additional performance.

Eterniti is backed by a group of international investors and has been established by people who have a passion for cars. The team has extensive experience in retailing some of the most prestigious British and European luxury and high-performance car brands, in markets from the UK to Asia-Pacific. It has further experience in the development and manufacture of high-end components and motor sport.

The engineering team is led by Alastair Macqueen, who was responsible for the development of the Jaguar XJ220 supercar to production and has won the Le Mans 24-Hour race with both Jaguar and Bentley. Eterniti also has its very own F1 driver, Johnny Herbert, like Macqueen victorious at Le Mans but in addition a winner of three Grands Prix during a 10-year Formula 1 career. Johnny will have an active involvement in developing Eterniti vehicles as well as serving as an ambassador for the brand.

Eterniti is establishing a London hub featuring a showroom, car build and service centre, and a separate atelier where customers can discuss their requirements and create a bespoke specification for their cars, which will be hand-built on site by British craftsmen and technicians. The London facilities will open later this year, with further showrooms in key international cities to follow from 2012.

Source: Еterniti Motors

September 5, 2011

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

Pricing Information

POUNDS STERLING	£149,350
US DOLLAR	$212,800 MSRP
EURO	€170,060
RENMINBI	RMB 3,838,000
YEN	¥26,400,000

Pounds Sterling inclusive of 20% VAT.
Euro price does not include individual market taxation rates.
US Dollar pricing is exclusive of individual state taxes.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC – AT A GLANCE

Sculpted exterior design

Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers.
Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.
20” ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21” wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE

Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION

ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)

Ratios:

1st. 4.17
2nd. 2.34
3rd. 1.52
4th. 1.14
5th. 0.87
6th 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION

Steel monocoque

BRAKES

Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES

9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21)

STEERING

Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

SUSPENSION

Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 2746mm
Overall Length 4806mm
Width (across body) 1943mm
Width (including mirrors) 2227mm
Overall Height 1403mm
Fuel Tank 90 litres
Boot Volume 260 litres
Kerb Weight (EU) 2495 kg / 5501 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight 2900 kg / 6393 lb

PERFORMANCE

Top Speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.5 secs (0 – 100 km/h: 4.8 secs)
0 – 100 mph: 10.9 secs (0 – 160 km/h: 10.9 secs)
30 – 50 mph: 2.0 secs (60 – 100 km/h: 2.5 secs)
50 – 70 mph: 2.4 secs (80 – 120 km/h: 3.1 secs)

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle) *

Urban 11.1 mpg (25.4 l/100km)
Extra Urban 24.9 mpg (11.4 l/100km)
Combined 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 384g/km

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle) **
City Driving 11 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 19 mpg (US)
Combined 14 mpg (US)

** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

EMISSIONS CONTROLS
EU 5 and US LEV 11

Source: Bentley

August 25, 2011

Imperium Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT has received another tuning package, but this time from vehicle personalisation specialists IMPERIUM.

The aerodynamics package includes new front and rear bumpers, aggressive carbon exposed side skirts, subtle boot lip spoiler and rear carbon fibre diffuser. All new bespoke designed bodywork components are manufactured in the UK to the highest possible standards from ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre to create a perfect surface finish and factory fit to the vehicle.

The interior boasts refinement package using the client’s individual choice of specially hand selected luxurious leathers, tailor made carbon fibre, refined wood trim, ultra suede or classic black piano finishes. Finally, the tuner fitted a beautiful individually built and designed ergonomic sports steering wheel.

IMPERIUM Continental GT stands on bespoke one-off designed and manufactured ultra light fully forged alloy wheels.

Last, but not least, the tuning company installed a lowered sport suspension, optimized braking system and an ECU remap for some additional horsepower.

Imperium Bentley Continental GT FrontSide

Source: Imperium

August 3, 2011

Tag: Bentley