Bentley SUV

Bentley to launch SUV in 2016; plug-in hybrid version planned as well.

Bentley has 2,000 pre-orders for the SUV it will launch at the beginning of 2016, and the British company is now plotting a plug-in hybrid version of the vehicle as well. The first prototype of the SUV has already tested in South Africa and will commence winter testing in Northern Europe in April.

The design's exterior and interior have now both been signed off by the Volkswagen Group board. Company sources report that the latest creation is less boxy and more "Bentley-like" than the EXP 9 F concept that was first shown in 2012.

Bentley's target is to sell 15,000 vehicles per annum by 2018. Its sales last year were 10,120. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley's chief executive and chairman, said the target can be reached using the marque's existing model range, plus the SUV. The SUV will be built in Crewe, Schreiber confirmed.

The plug-in hybrid version of the SUV is expected to be launched in 2017, before any diesel is considered. The plug-in should offer an electric range of 30-40km. It will still feature a big engine, because "it's the Bentley way". Company chiefs haven't decided which engine and electric motor combination will be used, although the existing V8 seems a strong contender.

The SUV might not mark the end of Bentley's future ambitions. Schreiber said he "could imagine" a luxurious smaller car, perhaps a coupé, that would be built in a limited production run.

Courtesy: AutoCarIndia dot com

Bentley Continental V8 S

Bentley Continental V8 S



In today's age, not too many carmakers combine luxury and bling in the automotive space better than Bentley and that’s why the company’s approach to the new Continental V8 S is so refreshing. Rather than spend a lot of time and advertising budget on changing the styling, Bentley let the engineering do the talking, and in the case of the new V8 S.



The V8 engine has also been tweaked with both power and torque outputs rising to a peak 521bhp at 6,000rpm and 69.34kgm at 1,700rpm. Bentley claims a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 308kph. Switch the eight-speed ZF gearbox to Sport mode and it holds on to gears longer to squeeze even more performance out of the engine. However, it is that defining Bentley characteristic – the 'torque plateau' that Bentley likes to refer to – that still makes the most immediate impression. Rapid acceleration is available at your beck and call, irrespective of what gear you are in. The V8 S continues to use the twin, figure of eight tailpipes that characterise the Continental V8 range and in Sport mode, the optional sport exhaust adds a lovely soundtrack to the sense of occasion.



But more than the engine, it’s the thoroughly reworked suspension that defines the V8 S’s sharper character. The aluminium double-wishbone front suspension has been lowered by 10mm while the spring rates have been stiffened by 45 percent and at the rear, the multi-link air suspension’s spring rate is stiffer by 33 percent while the rear anti-roll bar is stiffer too by 54 percent. What all the numbers translate to is a 2.3-tonne, over two-metre wide car that now handles like it is a lot smaller and lighter. With its four-wheel drive system and recalibrated steering, the V8 S was a hoot to drive on the twisty mountain road section of our test, cornering sharp and flat while also sending the driver a lot of feedback from the steering. It made such an impression that we actually went back up and down the twisties a few times.



The Continental, though, is a grand tourer at its core and the rest of our drive on wide open California freeways only highlighted that aspect of the car’s character. Despite the sportier suspension, the ride quality is still exceptional. The lavish cabin still pampers its occupants like you would expect from a car that will set you back by over Rs 3 crore. A worthy addition indeed to the Continental line-up and arguably the best iteration of the Continental V8 yet.


"Courtesy:  Autocar"

2013 Bentley Continental GT SPEED to be the fastest car ever

Ahead of its debut at the upcoming 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, hallowed luxury marquee Bentley has just released information and images about its latest car, the Continental GT Speed, which will be the fastest road going Bentley ever. The 2013 Continental GT Speed will be officially unveiled at a setting that is extremely apt given that this is one car that embodies pure performance in a luxurious and super classy looking package. The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed will manage a top speed of 205 Mph or 328 Kph, which is seriously fast.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed