Bentley revealed new details about the real-world version of its Continental GT3 race car first shown as a concept during the 2012 Paris Motor Show last September.

Of course, the car has little in common with its Continental road car cousin.

Parts are replaced at a startling place including over 2,200 lbs dropped from the curb weight. The doors only weigh 12 percent what the stock versions do. The company says it also canned over 50 ECU and electrical systems in the name of weight loss.

SEE ALSO: Bentley Motorsports Plans Include Spec Series for Gentlemen Drivers

Under the hood, which is made of carbon fiber, there’ s a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 pushing power through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The suspension and brakes are extensively modified with four-way adjustable dampers, a double wishbone suspension and improved brakes carrying the chassis. The car is also twice as stiff thanks to its roll cage.

Bentley will start running the car through its test program soon when more information will be available.

Future plans riding on the car include launching a racing series similar to Ferrari’s Challenge series or Lamborghini’s Super Trofeo events. The series is planned to run in Europe, North America and Asia.

But letting owners and dealers into race cars isn’t the whole plan. A street car is likely to be built as well, as Bentley marketing boss Kevin Rose said on the sidelines of the L.A. Auto Show late last year.

SEE ALSO: Bentley Continental GT3 Road Car Likely Says Exec

It still isn’t clear if the company will choose to use its 6.0-liter W12 engine or the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the GT3 car described above.

GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT3 Race Car

Bentley has unveiled six different ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ models with each package inspired by a driver from the automaker’s six victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours between 1924 and 1930.

The British automaker plans to build only 48 units of each of the six packages, which can ordered on the Continental GT coupe and convertible, and the Mulsanne. Each package consists of a unique configuration on the vehicle’s exterior color, interior color, stitching, and veneer. Le Mans Edition door sills, clock face, embroidery in the headrest, Le Mans edition wheels, and a numbered badge will also be included in every special edition car.

For the Mulsanne-based vehicles, they’ll get a little more extreme in the luxury department with diamond-quilted hide-seat upholstery, diamond-quilted hide door panels, illuminated door sills, drilled-alloy pedals, tuned suspension and steering, “Quad” Effect exhaust tips, and two-piece, five-spoke dark wheels.

The John Duff Le Mans edition features a Moonbeam exterior paint while the interior has two-tone Linen and Beluga upholstery with contrast stitching. The highlight veneers are presented in Piano Black and Bright Aluminum. As for the Dudley Benjafield edition, it’ll feature a Verdant exterior, which is the same color of the victorious Bentley Speed 8 in 2003. Inside, it’ll have two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green with contrast stitching, Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminum veneer.

The package dedicated to Woolf Barnato, considered “the best driver” Bentley ever had will have a Granite exterior with a Hotspur interior and Beluga stitching. The veneer will be carbon fiber in the Continental models, while the Mulsanne gets Dark Stain Burr Walnut with Dark Aluminum. Moving onto the Tim Birkin package is a Glacier White exterior with a Beluga interior sporting white stitching. Veneer finish in that special edition model is Piano Black and Bright Aluminum.

Glen Kidston, who claimed first place at Le Mans in 1930, will have a special edition model dedicated to him with a Dark Sapphire exterior, two-tone Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue interior with contrast stitching. Veneer finish will be Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Aluminum. The Continental GT convertible models with the Glen Kidston package will have a blue-hued exterior roof.

Lastly is the Guy Smith Le Mans Limited Edition model, which has a Beluga exterior and interior with Hotspur stitching. Veneer finish in that particular model is Piano Black and Dark Aluminum.

The Continental GT Le mans Edition models will go on sale in the second quarter of 2013 while the Mulsanne Le Mans Edition will be offered beginning in the third quarter of this year.

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Based on the Continental, Bentley is considering the possibility of bringing a coupe-styled sedan to market, targeting the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, as well as the Aston Martin Rapide.

“I definitely wouldn’t say no to the idea,” Bentley CEO Wolfgang Schreiber said to AutoExpress. “With the new Flying Spur, we have a model that supports the Mulsanne, and a coupe with four-doors could sit below that.”

The four-door coupe may also steal some sales from the BMW 6 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, as it will likely be the most affordable Bentley in existence.

Schreiber went on to say however that we shouldn’t expect the four-door Continental any time before 2016, as the brand is currently focused on bringing an SUV to market. ”At the moment our focus is very much on an SUV, because we know the market is there,” Schreiber finished.

[Source: Auto Express]

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When the new Bentley Continental Supersports debuts next year, it’ll be the British automaker’s new high-performance flagship coupe sporting at least 650 hp.

In addition to the more powerful twin-turbo W12 engine, the Continental Supersports will shed some weight thanks to carbon fiber panels and possibly some stripped-out luxury amenities from the interior. Plus, a stiffer suspension will give it a sportier drive.

The Continental Supersports originally debuted in 2009 and the new model will become a long-term part of the Continental’s lineup. The new Supersports will bridge the gap between the 616-hp Speed and the Continental GT3 that Bentley plans on releasing in 2015.

Though the Supersports is expected to only have around 30 hp more than the Speed model, it’s lighter weight body and sharper steering and handling will differentiate it from the rest of the lineup.

[Source: Autocar UK]

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The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is more powerful, more efficient and more refined than ever before.

Making its debut here during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the ultra luxury executive hauler’s 6.0-liter W12 engine now makes 616 hp —that’s up 64 from before as well as 580 lb-ft of torque, which is a bump of 101 lb-ft.

Despite that power increase, the car is also more efficient thanks to a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with 13 percent improved fuel consumption according to the brand. Its top speed is also limited to 200 mph.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

Bentley didn’t stop with powertrain tweaks, though. Never one to be known for building small cars, the newest Flying Spur is styled to look lower, wider and more aggressive. While owning any Bentley product is a statement all its own, the truth is that body styling probably isn’t as important as the badge and all it means. What is important, on the other hand, is cabin comfort.

Of course, Bentley made extensive changes to the interior. In fact, only a handful of interior pieces including the arm rests and some of the cabin controls carried over from the old car.

Front seat passengers get a new eight-inch touchscreen, while those in the rear get a remote control that manages amenities including climate control and the entertainment system. The rear 10-inch touch screens come as optional equipment and connect to the car’s on-board wi-fi.

GALLERY: Bentley Continental Flying Spur Live Pictures

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Bentley has made its all-new Flying Spur official, revealing the very powerful and very expensive luxury sedan ahead of its 2013 Geneva Motor Show debut.

The redesigned luxury performance sedan is Bentley’s most powerful four-door model yet, featuring the automaker’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine with 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 14 percent improvement in its power-to-weight ratio compared to its predecessor and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds while sporting a top speed of 200 mph.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Bentley Flying Spur Photos Leaked

The redesign features a lower, wider appearance accented by sharp lines and gently curvaceous surfaces. Overall, the lower roof line helps contribute to the Flying Spur’s more aggressive stance. While the front end of the redesigned Flying Spur is unmistakably Bentley, the rear end is certainly more modern with horizontal single-ellipse LED taillights and a longer, lower trunk.

Along with its contemporary cabin design and traditional hand-crafted luxury that has made the British automaker famous, the new Flying Spur will feature new-age connectivity and infotainment with its own Wi-Fi hotspot.

“Bentley’s new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan,” said Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber. “Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel.”

Check back with AutoGuide when the Bentley Flying Spur makes its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: 2014 Bentley Flying Spur

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If you’re in the market for a new men’s fragrance that smells like a “fitting elixir of fine woody notes and exquisite leather,” than Bentley might have just the eau de toilette for you.

Bentley has teamed up with Art & Fragrance and French crystal maker Lalique to bring two new scents to the market: “Bentley for Men” and “Bentley for Men Intense.” Those who opt for the intense version of the cologne will be treated to the rich scent of African geranium. The new cologne comes in a bottle shaped like the Bentley Flying B logo, design by Lalique.

It seems automakers are trying to capitalize on the scent market, as Nissan has also introduced a brand smell which they have been putting to work at auto shows.

SEE ALSO: Nissan’s Big Detroit Auto Show Debut… a New Smell

The scent is supposed to represent the essence of Bentley. “I chose cedar because of its powerful unadulterated scent and patchouli for its sensual depth and natural elegance,” explains French perfumer Nathalie Lorson.

The fragrance will start at £3,000.

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Images of the new Bentley Flying Spur have leaked online today, showing off a new sexy design ahead of the car’s official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The exterior design borrows from the Continental GT and GTC, taking on a sportier look overall. The taillights have been positioned horizontally on the new Flying Spur to also enhance the slick looking rear end, while the mirrors and doors have some added style thanks to swooping curves.

Under the hood, the 6.0-liter W12 engine which currently makes 552 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque will still be available, along with a new twin-turbo V8 engine for the base model.

The interior of the Flying Spur is also updated to keep it in line with its stable mates, and includes higher quality materials along with a new gear shift, steering wheel, instrument panel and center console design.

GALLERY: 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

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[Source: autowp.ru]

The new Bentley Flying Spur is set to debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and the British automaker has released another video teaser of its updated sedan.

Though Geneva won’t be kicking off until March 4th, the British automaker promises that we’ll see more on February 20th, when “performance and luxury unite.”

SEE ALSO: Bentley Flying Spur, Rolls-Royce Wraith Teased in New Videos

The new Flying Spur is expected to see similar changes as the current Continental GT models with a dash of inspiration from the Mulsanne. Watch the video below and check back when Bentley reveals more.

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Bentley shocked the world last year when it debuted the EXP 9 F concept in Geneva and despite the concept’s polarizing looks it sounds like production will move forward.

According to German newspaper Handelsblatt, Volkswagen executives gave the SUV the thumbs up although it won’t look like the concept shown above. Internally codenamed the Falcon, Bentley’s opulent SUV will reportedly retail for a starting 200,000 euros, which translates to $271,000. However, that price isn’t necessarily an indicator of what it will cost in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: New Bentley Design Chief to Re-Think SUV Concept

Instead, it will look more like products from the rest of the brand lineup rather than the Mulsanne. Assembly will likely take place at Volkswagen’s plant in Slovakia while the finishing touches will be added at Bentley’s facility in Crewe, England.

The brand is aiming to sell 5,000 units per year worldwide according to the paper.

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[Source: Handelsblatt via Automotive News]

Two British automakers specializing in fine, luxury automobiles are getting ready to debut new models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show: the new Bentley Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Wraith.

The 2014 Flying Spur was previously teased with a sketch, but a video now reveals some of its finer details that will naturally feature the same styling that the British automaker’s Continental GT. Though we could expect to see some bolder changes, as new design chief Luc Donckerwolke is planning a more distinct look for the sedan. The new Flying Spur will sport Bentley’s 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 engine with around 567 hp, though a new turbocharged V8 variant could be in tow.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Bentley Flying Spur Teased Ahead of Geneva Motor Show Debut

As for the Rolls-Royce Wraith, the new addition to that British automaker’s lineup will be the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made. Essentially a coupe variant of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, it is rumored that the Wraith will have around 600 hp despite being powered by the same 6.6-liter, twin-turbo V12 found in the Ghost.

SEE ALSO: Rolls-Royce Wraith Set for Geneva Motor Show Debut

Both vehicles will be officially unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, where AutoGuide will be reporting live.

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Each year the Geneva Motor Show is the venue for luxury automakers to debut their newest products, with Bentley just announcing exactly what it has in store.

With a lone teaser sketch, Bentley will debut its next-generation Flying Spur sedan, following a natural product progression that saw the second-gen Continental GT arrive in 2011 and the Continental GT Convertible last year.

While history teaches us not to expect any surprises in its design, more recently reports have surfaced that Luc Donckerwolke, the new design director at the British luxury brand, is planning a more distinct look.

What is certain is the use of a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine under the hood making around 567 hp, while the brand’s new turbocharged V8 is also a strong possibility.

Full details will be announced February 20th, with the world premiere in Geneva on March 6th.