The Bentley EXP 9F can do anything — it can tame lions, break hearts and apparently take on the world’s toughest off-road race: the Dakar Rally.
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Numbers like this were unthinkable only a few years ago, but it’s amazing what a little federal regulation can do to spur an engineering department — or industry in this case.
It’s been nearly a decade since Bentley captured the overall win at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2003, and now the British automaker is in the preparation stages to possibly make a return to racing.
When Bentley debuted its EXP 9 F SUV Concept earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, it appeared that the vast majority of the world found its design a little less than pleasing.
It appeared that the British automaker was going straight to redesigning the SUV based on its lukewarm response, but now Bentley’s chief of exterior design, David Hilton, has gone on the record to say that “the response has been incredibly positive” on the EXP 9 F and that potential customers “love the presence of the vehicle and the personality it projects.” Surprising, to say the least.
So does that mean Bentley isn’t redesigning its EXP 9 F Concept before it makes its production debut? Not exactly. The automaker is close to finalizing the design for production and Hilton did admit that the styling will be toned down next time we see it. What will remain however is the quad-circle light design along with the SUV’s general proportions, rectangle taillights, and contrasting oval exhausts.
Hilton even hinted that the rear end look is something we will be seeing on more Bentley models in the near future, perhaps on a newly-redesigned Continental GT. Bentley still has high aspirations for its SUV when it hits the market, estimating that it will move 15,000 of them yearly. If that sounds like a high figure, it should; that’s more than double of what Bentley sold in total last year.
But changes are being made to make Bentley models more attractive in emerging markets such as China, India, and Russia. The British automaker is also working on providing more fuel-efficient powerplant options including the possible plug-in hybrid variant for the upcoming SUV.
As for future models, Hilton stated that there are no plans for a smaller Bentley.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Bentley‘s controversial EXP 9 F SUV that debuted last month at the Geneva Auto Show is soldiering on despite overwhelmingly negative reception at its unveiling.
More than a month later, the luxury automaker is revealing engine details including possibilities that might come as a surprise. As might be expected, a 4.0-liter V8 version is being discusses, as is a 6.0-liter V12 to top the range, but the shocker here is that Bentley says it is considering a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
All three engine options are tentative to date, but the two traditional Bentley powerhouses are likely to live into production. If the automaker decides to roll out the third variant it would represent an entirely new direction for the company: an SUV, and a hybrid — both items that would be newcomers in the British marque’s line.
According to the company, the efficiency-minded powertrain would be based around a V6. We know that the V12 would offer 600 hp and 500 hp from the V8, but estimated horsepower figures for the hybrid system were absent. While there’s a chance the world could see such an EXP 9 F built, it seems more likely that the company is using its ostentatious and the attention it garners to signal possible future options across the board.
With tightening average fuel economy numbers becoming a greater issue for automakers like Bentley that have historically relied on gas-guzzling powerplants, it might make sense to start thinking of alternatives. Then again, it may very well be considering a hybrid SUV for China, it’s largest market.
At the gala opening of one of the world’s largest Bentley dealerships in Beijing, the luxury British automaker unveiled its Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
The new dealership opening also coincided with Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, so it makes sense that the limited edition Mulsanne pays homage to Her Majesty. Back in 2002, Bentley’s Mulliner division created the State Limousine for the Queen, and now the same group will be creating just 60 examples of the Diamond Jubilee Mulsanne.
Each vehicle created presents a year of Her Majesty’s reign and will be distinguished by a range of exquisite, handcrafted features that pays tribute to the Diamond Jubilee. In all four headrests is gold stitching embroidery while veneered picnic tables in the rear cabin are decorated with a gold overlay representing the royal carriage. Highly-polished, stainless steel treadplate plaques sport ‘Bentley Mulliner, England’ and ‘Diamond Jubilee Edition’ script to designate the special edition.
The debut of the Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee edition in China may seem strange – since you know, it wasn’t in England and all – but China is now the largest market for Bentley Motors. So we’ll just call it a good business decision to show off its newest special edition model in its largest market first.
“This series of special cars, hand-built by our Mulliner Division, is our way of reciprocating the appreciation for British institutions, creativity and services we have been shown in China. And as proud holders of a Royal Warrant we also wanted to provide some memorable examples of British technology and craftsmanship,” said Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal and VIP Relations for Bentley Motors.
GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition
Bentley of late has enjoyed double digit growths as the luxury marque rapidly expands in new markets. Moving forward with an aim to double annual sales by 2017, Bentley hopes to create a bigger impact in foreign markets by announcing a partnership with the world class St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, brands of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide company.
According to Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Paul James, “Starwood’s luxury brands continues to grow globally and so does the global nature of our guests. We are committed to providing experiences that far surpass their expectations, and this partnership with Bentley enables our discerning guests to explore must-see destinations in unparalleled style.”
Previously, St. Regis hosted a pilot bespoke Italian driving tour for Bentley model owners and guests of The St. Regis Rome and the newly opened St. Regis Florence in October, 2011. For the new partnership, the St. Regis hotels has chosen a line of Bentley Continental Flying Spur models for its house fleet of luxury travelers. The Bentley Flying Spurs will be appointed at resorts including The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, as well as the flagship hotel in New York.
Head of Bentely Motors customer relations Joe Ashworth is pleased with the partnership, “At Bentley, we are committed to maintaining our position as the definitive British luxury car company. It is therefore important that we partner with a pinnacle brand that underpins our own values of craftsmanship, style, and sophistication. Our current and prospective customers recognize the heritage of both brands, and with Starwood’s Luxury Brands, we aim to broaden the appeal and experience of Bentley.”
Later this month, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts and Bentley will hold an inaugural “Springtime Bentley Grand Tour” from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria. A two day event, guests will receive a grand experience of scenic Austria behind the wheel of a Bentley Continental GT W12 or a Bentley Continental GT V8. The journey will also showcase four iconic Luxury Collection Hotels including the Hotel Imperial in Vienna and the Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg.
GALLERY: Starwood Hotel and Resorts Bentley Continental
In a world where gas prices and fuel consumption are the biggest issues on the average consumer’s mind, British luxury automaker Bentley is insisting on using V8 and V12 engines without a hint of concern.
“We still offer V-12s and are the biggest producer of V-12 engines in the world,” Bentley chief operating officer Christophe Georges said.
That might seem like a foolhardy mentality, but the company’s sales numbers would beg to differ. Already this quarter, U.S. Bentley sales are up 40 percent. Not only that, but despite being the traditionally largest market for the British luxury cars, American purchases were overtaken — by China.
With the advent of hybrids and electric vehicles, many skeptics thought the age of high-performance sports car would die out. Reality couldn’t be any more different, as America has more than 70 cars on sale today that make 500-hp or more.
The number of vehicles pushing out 500-hp or more has nearly doubled in the last five years. What is more remarkable is more than a decade ago, there were just two vehicles in the club: the Ferrari 575M and the Lamborghini Murcielago. Now Ferrari alone has four models pushing out over 500-hp.
The ability to pump out so much horsepower has been aided by the leaps and bounds that engineering and technology has made over the last decade. Automakers are now able to equip their vehicles with smaller, more fuel efficient engines, which thanks to forced induction, can reliably crank out plenty of peak horsepower.
[Source: Autoweek]
It’s too bad that even though David Beckham could make enough money to purchase a fine collection of luxury and sports cars, he could never find the time to enjoy them.
Feeling a bit disappointed that his collection sits around in the UK collecting dust, Beckham’s loss can be someone’s gain as the 36 year old star soccer player (or is it football?) for the LA Galaxy has decided to sell his two Bentleys, a BMW 645i Convertible, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham may also sell his three Harley Davidson motorcycles.
“David’s collection is amazing and each of these vehicles is worth a fortune,” says a friend of David Beckham. “They are hardly used and are kept in prize condition — but David sees little point in them just mothballing in the UK and it’s not practical to ship them to America.”
Beckham’s pal adds, “Their value easily exceeds half a million but their real worth will be the association with Becks.”
David Beckham has sold several cars in the past including a BMW M3 that he bought in 1997 for 44,000 pounds. Beckham sold his BMW M3 in 2005 for £90,000.
GALLERY: David Beckham’s Cars
[Source: The Sun]
We all know hindsight is 20/20, and we can’t help but wonder if Bentley had the opportunity to do it all over again if they would have chosen a different path.
The British luxury automaker debuted their 9 F Concept SUV at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to much criticism and it didn’t take long for Bentley to announce that the design would be revamped.
In an interview with Motor Trend, CEO Wolfgang Durheimer explained that Bentley had a few options when he decided to expand the model range. Besides the SUV that we see here today, Bentley strongly considered another sports car – one that would be smaller and more pure than the Continental GT. Durheimer didn’t elaborate on the other options, but did say that the sports car even has a model sitting outside the office of Dirk van Braeckel, the company’s head of design.
As for how Durheimer feels with the SUV option? “In the end the SUV was a better idea. It sits above all its competition. The sports car would have had the Porsche 911 Turbo as opposition.” We guess Durheimer doesn’t really see the Cayenne as competition to its upcoming SUV model.
Regardless, we are interested to see what Bentley does to change the design of their SUV around to make it more… palatable.
GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F Concept
[Source: Motor Trend]
Preparing for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley took its latest model in the line-up, the Continental GT 4.0 liter V8, for a series of high-speed runs to acquaint the new British sports car to the hill-climb event and to allow Goodwood’s VIP guests to catch an early glimpse of the latest Bentley.
As 2011 sales numbers reveal one-third of all Bentleys sold were GTs, the latest 4.0 V8 model looks to be an important component to the British brand’s future growth.
According to Bentley Marketing Operations Manager Steven Egan, “The team had an excellent day at Goodwood with the new Continental V8 and we’re now looking forward to returning in the summer as one of the Festival’s official partners and with our leading ‘Bentley Boy’ drivers behind the wheel.”
During the outing, Bentley also fielded its 6.0 liter W12 Continental Supersports Convertible ISR and the flagship 6.75 liter V8 Mulsanne to tackle the hill-climb as well.
GALLERY: Bentley at Goodwood
An international auto show is a great opportunity for an automaker to introduce an all-new product to the public in order to gauge approval and reception.
Oftentimes, these concept vehicles are near 70 percent of the finished product that the public should expect once it reaches the market. However, there are rare occasions where the public’s reception to a concept car is less than enthusiastic.
After some lukewarm feedback from its Geneva unveiling, Bentley has announced that it is already working on a redesigned version of the new EXP 9 F luxury SUV concept.
During the Geneva Motor Show, a Bentley spokesperson admitted that the EXP 9 F’s styling is “a little heavy handed” and that a sharper, more refined design is underway. The source added that the EXP 9 F will be treated with “more traditional SUV proportions and less retro surfacing.” An instantly recognizable Bentley fascia will remain, complete will grill, large round headlights and fog lights. The headlights in the revised version will be slightly smaller and set farther inward.
Based on the VW Group’s Touarag, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne platform, the new Bentley SUV will receive a W12 gasoline engine good for 600-hp. Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer expects a production version ready for sale by 2015.
GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F Concept
[Source: Whatcar?]
Standing out, and for perhaps not all the right reasons, the Bentley EXP 9 F concept is a hard-to-miss debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Unveiled as part of the luxurious British brand’s expansion plans, it’s obvious that Bentley is thinking about growth in emerging markets like India and China with this potential new model. Of course, it’s certain to be popular in America, not to mention with Russian oligarchs and African dictators.
Find out more about the new Bentley SUV concept in AutoGuide’s first look video below.
GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept
America aside, Bentley’s new SUV concept is an ostentatious look at a future SUV from the prestigious British brand targeted specifically at “emerging markets.”
There’s an increasing demand for extra pricey SUVs from countries like China, Brazil and India, as well as some traditional SUV hot spots like Russia and the Middle East. That said, considering the outrageous success of the Porsche Cayenne, calling the EXP a concept is all but a formality.
With a 4+1 seating arrangement and plenty of stunning quilted leather, the EXP is certain to provide tremendous luxury even in countries where the roads aren’t the best. It will, however, take some serious Bentley comfort engineering to maintain a soft ride on those massive 23-inch wheels.
Powered by the brand’s impressive twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, Bentley says it could also use a plug-in hybrid engine mated to the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
Watch our EXP 9 F first look video below.
GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept
One of the most highly anticipated debuts at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is the Bentley SUV Concept which the British luxury automaker has previewed ahead of its official reveal.
Dubbed the EXP 9 F, the all-wheel drive luxury SUV is being displayed in concept form at the show powered by a 6.0L, twin-turbocharged W12 engine mated to an eight-speed transmission. A 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 and plug-in hybrid variant is also in development according to Bentley. The British automaker hopes to add the SUV as a third model line alongside the Mulsanne and Continental ranges.
“We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors.
The EXP 9 F Concept’s styling is unmistakably Bentley with plenty of Mulsanne-styling influences prevalent. The concept sports massive 23-inch wheels while the rear lights of the vehicle have been heavily influenced “by the forms and details of fighter jet engines.”
And as expected, the interior of the EXP 9 F SUV is packed with plenty of luxury and refinement. It will feature a 4 + 1 seating configuration with a rear armrest that can lift up to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses.
Bentley will be observing the customer and public reaction of the SUV concept at the Geneva Motor Show in hopes to refine the concept further and ultimately make a commitment to production. We’re a little bit on the fence on the SUV’s styling based on these images, but we’ll take a closer look once the cover comes off at the show.
GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept
Bentley is adding prestige and personalization to its Mulsanne with a new high class trim level called the Executive Interior, bringing the latest in multimedia connectivity to the English automakers flagship.
There are two choices within this high class trim level, either the theater specification or iPad spec executive interior. A Mulsanne takes Bentley workers 170 hours to fully assemble and finish, with some of the bespoke options on the car taking quite a bit of finesse to install. Alasdair Stewart, a member of the board for sales and marketing comments ”…We’re confident they(Mulsanne) will meet the expectations of customers needing a business-focussed environment or simply a relaxing space where films, music, television and the internet can be enjoyed.”
The theater specification Mulsanne will come outfitted with a 15.6 inch HD LED screen which flips down out of the roof for both rear seat passengers to enjoy. There will also be an eight inch screen in each headrest so occupants can enjoy their entertainment separately if they prefer. The system is controlled by an iPod touch which allows the vehicles occupant to control all the multi-media through the use of a Bentley app. A Macintosh computer mounted in the trunk can be utilized through the 15.6 HD screen to have all the benefits of a full computer at your fingertips. The last most tantalizing customization incorporated in the theater spec Mulsanne is a built in bottle cooler with space for two champagne bottles and three custom made champagne flutes.
The iPad version of the Mulsanne adds more gadgets, namely iPads, to the rear seat passengers already screen filled seating area. The iPads, one for each rear passenger, are fitted into small flip down airplane style tray tables that can be stored in the seat completely out of sight when needed.
The Mulsanne adds these new trims to keep up with the fast paced technology world, and to keep its business geared clientelle connected while riding in style.
GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept
It’s already public knowledge that British luxury automaker Bentley will be debuting an SUV concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, but now reports are coming in that there’s a slight possibility that concept will be a plug-in hybrid variant.
The brand’s first SUV could hit the market within three years if the Volkswagen Group approves of the project. More interesting though is what CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer recently said, “If we decide to build this vehicle, we want to give it our first ever plug-in hybrid powertrain,” Duerheimer said.
By reading in between the lines, we can maybe expect to see this Bentley plug-in hybrid SUV at the Geneva Motor Show, but that could also be a stretch. Duerheimer could merely be mentioning that if the vehicle goes to market, Bentley will be sure to equip it with a plug-in hybrid model.
The CEO also conservatively expects the SUV to have annual global sales of 3,500 to 5,000 units and forecasts around 25,000 units of sales in the model’s lifecycle.
[Source: Automotive News]
Bentley is aiming high with its proposed goal of doubling annual sales by 2017. The English luxury automaker has a long road ahead, but will be helped by the U.S. resurgence in car sales and especially by the boom in China.
“I am assuming a robust, double-digit growth for 2012. I expect growth of more than 10 percent for Bentley in China and the United States in 2012,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer. In 2011, Bentley’s American sales grew 32 percent while the companies Chinese sales almost doubled.
Bentley is also hinging on its new SUV to help grow sales into a new untapped market. Trying to stay conservative, the company is predicting annual sales of the new SUV to start at the 3,500 mark.
New markets will be a large factor for Bentley to achieve its goals, with Russia, India, and South America all being discussed as potential growth areas. Mainland Europe will be targeted heavily as last year Bentley sold almost as many cars in the UK alone as it did in all of mainland Europe.
The latest developments in the Chinese market tell us that sales in China are slowing down and the Chinese government is trying to make it harder for foreign automakers to succeed in their country. These anti-foreign cars measures will no doubt have some affect on Bentley, but we can’t tell how much of a problem it will pose.
Dominating Le Mans during the 1920′s with its powerful, rugged, and reliable Bentley Blower, the British automaker from Crewe established itself as one of the earliest names in motorsports.
This June, Bonhams’ Goodwood will offer a rare red 1929-32′Bentley 4 1/2-Liter for auction. According to experts, the Bentley is expected to reach bids as high as $6.3 million, potentially making this example the most valuable Bentley in the world. In 2004, a 1930 Bentley Speed Six Tourer was sold for $5.1 million.
Previously owned by watchmaker George Daniels, who passed away last year, the Bentley 4 1/2-Liter as well as Daniels’ six other cars and two motorcycles will be featured as the highlights of Bonhams. According to Bonhams, Daniels once wrote in a statement, “For all its inconvenience, (the Bentley) is a most exhilarating car to drive both on the road and track.”
The red supercharged Bentley was originally raced and owned by Sir Henry “Tiger Tim” Birkin. Described as a British racing folk hero, Birkin set the Brooklands Outer Circuit Lap record at 137 mph in 1931.
GALLERY: 1929-32′ Bentley 4 1/2-Litre
The new Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8 still doesn’t have a scheduled release date, but that hasn’t stoped the British automaker from releasing more photos of the two upcoming models to whet our appetite.
The new V8-powered Continental features a 4.0L, twin-turbo engine with 500-hp and 487 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the new V8 engine, the GT reportedly can get up to 33-mpg on the highway, which is extremely impressive for a vehicle with 500-hp.
On the outside, the V8 model will have slightly different exterior features than its W12 counterpart including a glossy black grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enameled Bentley “B” badge, and a black mesh three-segment front bumper.
Even though US pricing still hasn’t been announced, the UK buyers will be paying a base price of around $196,215 (£123,850) while the rest of Europe has a starting price of around $179,000 (€136,000) based on today’s conversion rates. We expected American pricing to be closer to $175,000 than $200,000.
GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8
It seems that with the release of the Bentley twin-turbo V8 powerplant, the W12 could be rendered a useless dinosaur. The British automaker however, still has plans to make the W12 more efficient and a viable engine in Bentley’s lineup.
The new 4.0L V8 from Bentley pushes out 500-hp, impressive when compared to the larger, less efficient W12 engine that makes 567-hp. The V8 however has noticeable fuel savings when compared to the W12. Ralf Frech of Bentley recently said that further improvements for the W12 engine are in the works.
Bentley looks to apply the same improvements that they did with their V8 to the W12, increasing power to around 600-hp from 567-hp while enhancing fuel economy. A big help in obtaining more fuel efficiency would be switching out the current six-speed transmission for an eight-speed.
There is also the chance that Bentley could turn their W12 into a hybrid variant, as the luxury carmaker has considered hybrid and plug-in variants for their Mulsanne and upcoming SUV model.
“We are looking at the possibility of a hybrid, particularly a plug-in hybrid, but we are waiting for the next generation of technologies because none of the current solutions work,” Frech said.
Unfortunately, Frech didn’t specify any timeframe for a new and improved W12.
[Source: WhatCar]
Bentley turned to the skies to make its new Continental V8 debut one to remember out in Germany. The new 4.0L V8 Continental GT coupe went flying (literally) above downtown Munich thanks to a very sturdy harness and excellent helicopter pilot.
Obviously a marketing and publicity stunt more than anything else, Bentley also needed a way to beat the traffic jams in order to get to the SkyLounge, a glazed bridge between two skyscrapers. The fashionable SkyLounge is where an exclusive Bentley Continental V8 launch party was held with 300 VIP guests, and of course the car was the guest of honor.
“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,” said Klaus Becker, General Manager of Bentley Munich.
Of course the cynic in us has to wonder how badly this could have gone for Bentley if someone had forgotten to tighten something.
Check out the video after the break.
Although Bentley already confirmed its newest SUV will be coming to market, we still have no details on when the luxury automaker will release the specifics to the public.
The newest update from Autoweek says that Bentley is scrambling to get together a working concept to debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. The new Bentley SUV will likely be based on the Audi Q7 platform, and incorporate a turbocharged W12 engine. Bentley is not trying to compete with Cayenne or Q7 however, with the company aiming its SUV at the upscale luxury market. Bentley also says that its newest SUV offering will have legitimate off-road capabilities.
If the SUV doesn’t drop at Geneva, we should at least get some details about when to expect the luxurious vehicle to hit the market.
[Source: Autoweek]