An insane nine car accident occurred out in Kiev, Ukraine, caused by a speeding Bentley Continental Flying Spur. And while this isn’t as painful to see as the Ferrari accident out in Japan, this Bentley did cause some real havoc.

Reports came in that the Bentley was just going way too fast at a junction, starting the accident that even involved a poor police officer that was controlling the junction. Fortunately he only suffered a fractured leg but the Mercedes-Benz CL500 that the Flying Spur hit can’t say the same. From the photos, the collision with the CL500 was so strong that most of the front end is missing and the engine is well, not quite where it’s supposed to be.

Check out the news report video after the break.

GALLERY: Bentley Continental Flying Spur Nine Car Accident

[Source: GT Spirit]

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Set to make their world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Bentley has released some photos of their new V8-powered Continental GT Coupe and GT Convertible. Powered by a new 4.0L, twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant with 500-hp, Bentley claims that the new V8 will also deliver 40-percent better fuel economy.

The new V8 Continentals will also sport red-enamelled Bentley badges, originally seen only on performance-tuned Red Label cars. The new V8 was developed in collaboration with Audi, and features a cylinder management system that shuts down four of the eight cylinders at cruising speeds, maximizing fuel efficiency.

The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission while the drivetrain is also equipped with stop-start technology to save fuel. Official numbers haven’t been announced yet on the V8-powered GT and GTC, but estimates are coming in at around 25-mpg, which is pretty impressive for a 500-hp luxury sports car.

The exterior of the V8-powered Continental has some styling changes too, with different exhaust tips, black gloss matrix grille, chrome frame and center bar. Both models will come with 20-inch wheels standard, with 21-inchers available as an option while the six-spoke design of the wheels are exclusive tot he V8 variant.

Interior choices include two-tone leather combinations, dark eucalyptus wood veneers and a new cloth headliner. U.S. pricing is expected at the Detroit Auto Show reveal.

GALLERY: Bentley Continental V8

Click here to see AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show preview

Bentley’s new Ice Speed Record watch was inspired by Juha Kankkunen’s record breaking time set on the ice.

Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen set the world ice speed record in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, a feat that inspired both the Supersports Ice Speed Record convertible and the Ice Speed Record watch. Kankkunen set the record off the coast of Finland on the frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, hitting a top speed of 205.48 mph.

Crafted by renowned watchmaker Breitling, the watch takes its cues from the convertible, sharing more than a few of the same design features. Dressed to impress with red detailing, carbon fibre fascia with dashboard-style dial and a classically knurled finish on the control buttons, this watch makes a distinct fashion statement.

Keeping time with Breitling Calibre 27B movement, the Ice Speed Record watch is self-winding and it is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC. Built with a titanium case, you’ll find a specially engraved number on the back. It even comes in a carbon fiber presentation box. This watch is water resistant to 100m, features a cambered sapphire crystal face, glare proofed on both sides and is held on your wrist with a highly durable rubber strap.

Maserati has long been Ferrari‘s little brother. However, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne believes Maserati is well placed to play a far more important role.

Insisting that Ferrari is not sold to the same market of buyers as Porsche or Bentley, and can only belong to an elite realm shared with Lamborghini and Bugatti, Marchionne has designated Maserati as acting Italian counterpart to Porsche and Bentley instead.

This suddenly gives Maserati a clear brand identity and a focused product plan. As Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo would never allow an SUV in Ferrari’s portfolio anyway, it gives Maserati a clear opportunity to fill the niche of a Porsche Cayenne competitor.

Products in the pipeline include two sedans of different sizes replacing the Quattroporte as well as the Kubang SUV. With the GranTurismo completing the family picture, Sergio Marchionne is optimistic that sales numbers may even increase tenfold, from 5,675 units sold last year up to even 60,000 in the near future.

[Source: AutoNews]

The Porsche 911 GT2 is famous for being a no compromise sports car, but Bentley‘s own offering, set to wear the GT2 moniker, won’t exactly follow in the P-car’s rowdy footsteps.

The Bentley Continental GT2 will shed an estimated 440 lbs, but will still weigh a gargantuan 4,850 lbs when it goes on sale in 2012. The model is said to make about 650 horsepower and reach speeds in excess of 200 mph. The GT2 will be significant in that it will rely on a two-wheel drive setup, but the platform used by the Continental was expressly engineered for an all-wheel drive setup.

Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer confirmed the vehicle’s existence but did not specify whether the car would use a twin-turbo V8 or V12 setup. Durheimer also said that the GT2 will be a replacement for the current Supersport version (above) of the Continental GT.

[Source: AutoExpress]

After a 71 year absence from Le Mans, Bentley returned in 2001, but with little success and in-house competition with Audi the decision was made to drop the Speed 8 LMP1 program in 2003. The team did go out with a bang, however, taking the checked flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – due in part to a lack of participation by Audi.

Now Bentley is poised to return to motor racing once again, with AutoCar reporting the British luxury brand is preparing to make an announcement next summer.

“An LMP1 car would be a good way to go, but not the only possible way,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer. While in-house competition with other VW owned brands like Audi and Porsche (which is planning its own Le Mans entry for 2014) seems unlikely, Durheimer suggests that one solution would be to run the cars in different markets, with the Bentley team perhaps competing in the ALMS series in the U.S. (it’s strongest retail market), or overseas in Asia, to help grow the brand there. As a result the only time the three teams would come together would be to race at certain major events, like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

With Audi continuing its diesel push and Porsche rumored to be planning hybrid technology for its LMP1 car, expect Bentley to try a different route, perhaps running on an alternative fuel like ethanol.

[Source: AutoCar]

Before the Mulsanne, Bentley had the Arnage luxury sedan, which over the years was also offered as a convertible called the Azure and a coupe called the Brooklands.

Since the Mulsanne was launched in 2010, it has so far been only offered as a one-size fits all luxury sedan. Now according to Bentley’s CEO Wolfgang Durheimer, all that will change very soon.

In a recent interview, he talked about expanding their current line-up. Durheimer said; “With the Mulsanne we get requests all the time for a longer wheelbase model, for instance. The question is whether we do it as a special order or put it on the model line. We are evaluating it, but I have no doubt we could also sell that type of car in the US and China.”

He also added that a coupe and convertible model could possibly be added on this platform.

He went on to say that he also wants to expand the Continental-series line-up. They already offer a coupe, sedan and convertible on this platform, but perhaps could go into lighter-weight models and special models.

With Bentley looking to expand their product line, they must be confident that the world’s economy will do better in coming years. We hope so.

[Source: Autocar]

Take care of business on the go. Busy executives will be able to multitask while being driven to their next meeting, thanks to the Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept.

Premiering last week at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mulsanne Executive Interior is a multimedia connectivity concept that was showcased in the hand-crafted cabin of the Bentley Mulsanne. Boasting an impressive array of bespoke business, comfort and entertainment features, this interior took over 170 hours to create.

If you’re sitting in the back seat, you can take advantage of individual Apple iPad workstations with full internet access that sit on integrated retractable picnic tables. If you want to take a break from work, watch a movie on the large, drop-down LED screen.

Feeling a little thirsty? You’ll find a bespoke bottle cooler in rear center console that comes equipped with an illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door. In the way of lighting, there are multi-directional reading lights for each rear passenger that can be operated with Apple devices, and mood lighting in the rear center console keeps stowage areas well lit. Even the  docking station and cupholders are illuminated for extra brightness.

As for the stylish interior, the Mulsanne showcases a distinctive Yachting-style veneer, blending light and dark contrasting tones. And for one of its many finishing touches, Bentley commissioned a Tibaldi fountain pen (found in the center armrest) that takes its cues from the Mulsanne’s knurled-metal rotary switchgear.

Although it’s just a concept, it’s amazing to see the next generation of conveniences that will hopefully be available in vehicles in the near future.

GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept

See all the cars from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show here

Though there are no real surprises, Bentley has made their new Continental GTC official, detailing the new luxury convertible in a comprehensive press releases. The four-seater convertible features a seven-bow, three-layer fabric roof that’s available in eight different colors. It can fold and rise in just 25 seconds and works at speeds up to 20-mph.

Standard features for the convertible also include a heated glass rear window and reading light in the liner when the roof is down while the heating/ventilation system will automatically adjust the air distribution and volume accordingly.

For the first time, 20-inch wheels will be standard for the GTC while Bentley will also offer three different styles of 21-inch wheels available as an option. It’ll feature Bentley’s infamous 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine under the hood along with a new Quickshift transmission putting all 567-hp and 516 lb-ft of power to the ground.

Inside, the new interior features a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather, while a choice of 17 different colors are available for your picking. In the center console, a new 30GB infotainment system is touchscreen and includes satellite navigation and Google Maps compatibility.

The new Continental GTC is now available for order through your local Bentley dealership.

GALLERY: New 2012 Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley has partnered with British design company Linley for the creation of 10 limited edition Continental Flying Spurs.

So what makes these Continental Flying Spurs so special? Its fascia, console, waistrail and roof console are treated to Santos rosewood for the first time ever. Normally, Bentley chestnut or walnut is used on wood surfaces in the vehicle.

“The car had to look different and we wanted a strong statement inside the interior, so we chose Santos rosewood, a straight grain veneer,” said Mark Blanchard, Head of Design at Linley. “Bentley usually uses burr veneers for their interiors as they are more malleable around compound curves. Using a straight grain veneer was a new challenge but together we succeeded and the final results look stunning.”

The limited edition features don’t stop there. Although most customers won’t want to smoke in this prestigious car, it will come with a customer-commissioned Linley humidor that is located in the rear console. These special Flying Spurs will also come with stainless steel Linley treadplates and a Linley for Bentley rhodium-plated plaque in the glove box.

Modified fluting on the seats will feature burnt oak contrast stitching, with burnt oak hide adorning the storage areas and door pockets. Finally, owners will find a Linley branded leather bag, a cashmere blanket, a leather luggage tag and other Linley swag in the boot of these limited edition Flying Spurs.

If you’re interested in purchasing one of the 10 limited edition Bentley Continental Flying Spurs, they are only available for sale in China.