Motortrend’s Ignition show goes intercontinental in its new episode, driving the new Bentley Continental GTC from America to… Croatia!

The new GTC is such a perfect car for such journey though. No matter where you go in the Bentley, you always feel at home. That’s probably because the car is as big as a house, only it’s more luxurious, and comfortable, and nice.

Engine-wise, the GTC is powered by the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo petrol engine, uprated in output from 560PS in the previous generation model to 575PS (567bhp/423kW). Torque is up 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft). The W12 is the most compact and technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Four camshafts and 48 valves allow the engine to breathe effortlessly and help generate the distinctive Bentley wave of torque.

Rumors of the Bentley SUV are getting a bit old to be honest, but it seems the top brass has finally made up its mind.

Reports are strongly suggesting that Bentley’s long-awaited sport utility will be unveiled, at least in concept form, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. They are even suggesting ‘John o’ Groats’ as the name of the car. Bentley, apparently, has decided to name its cars after places in Britain.

As for the details, well they are scarce at the moment. But you can be sure it is based on the Audi Q7′s platform and will have the same sort of off-road capability. It will also get same W12 engine as the Continental – to have a distinguishing feature over the competition – and will probably get the new V8 as well when it’s set for market launch.

With the Maserati Kubang and Lamborghini SUV in the picture, it’s time for Bentley to hustle and out with it, if they’re going to make the car or not.

via: Autoweek

To launch the new Continental GT V8 in Germany, Bentley came up with an unnecessarily showy but undeniably impressive plan.

They took the car high up in the skies with a chopper an put it on a sky lounge on top of a skyscraper. 300 VIP guests then emerged to celebrate the car’s flying debut in Munich. This elaborate plan is sure put the new Bentley in the headlines, attract more attention to it.

The new Bentley Continental GT V8 is powered by a 4.0 liter engine developing maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS/373 kW) at 6000 rpm and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft).  Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180 mph (290 km/h). At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel.

It’s always great fun testing a convertible in miserable weather. It also tells you more about the car. If you do that in pleasant conditions, you’ll be too busy enjoying the experience to realize the car’s weaknesses and strengths. So it’s all relevant when Matthias Malmedie takes a new Bentley Continental GTC to a ski resort for a test drive. This 200,000 Euro, W-12, luxury car is up to the job with 575PS, 700Nm of torque, and of course, a superb four-wheel-drive system.

Here’s some very nice, high-definition footage of the new Bentley Continental GT V8 being driven hard at the Silverstone by Bentley heroes Juha Kankkunen & Guy Smith. The V8-powered GT might seem like a discount version of the Continental for those who cannot afford the full-fat model, but it so isn’t. It has 500hp, it does 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, and it costs £122,000, which is still a lot. Visual changes are so discrete an uninterested eye won’t be able to tell it apart from the W12 Conti. It is a proper Bentley.

Qatar Motor Show might not be very important to mainstream manufacturers, but it’s a great marketing opportunity for high-end luxury makers such as Bentley.

With the price of oil still going upwards, luxury car makers are anticipating  an even greater performance for their Middle East divisions. That’s why they turned up with their latest and finest products at the second International Qatar show.

At Bentley’s booth, there’s the all new Bentley GTC Convertible and the Bentley Mulsanne, which is going to be the next Maybach. The GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, but with everything that’s great about the new Conti. The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. Elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, it delivers effortless performance from the classic 6.75 litre V8 engine whilst within its sumptuous cabin advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.

Last year Bentley sales bounced back to pre-recession levels of demand. Sales were up 37% globally in 2011 to 7003 cars with sales accelerating as the year progressed. The Middle East region remained stable – a positive outcome considering the Arab Spring affected confidence at the beginning of the year. It is still going well, bu the situation in the region is so fragile at the moment, what with the ongoing conflicts with Iran which will inevitably influence the GCC countries. If things get out of hand, the market will plummet, badly.

Bentley is going to take advantage of Daimler’s decision to kill Maybach brand, and introduce itself as the perfect alternative to the uber-rich.

And it’s not just some analyst’s speculation either. Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer has said that out loud: “The withdrawal of Maybach is a business opportunity for us and we’re going to use it.”

They have even started writing to people who own Maybachs to persuade them into buying a Bentley by inviting them to VIP tours of the factory in Crewe. They’re counting on people like Samuel L. Jackson, King Juan Carlos, and of course, Jay-Z, who loves his Maybachs so much he destroyed one for his Otis music video. They probably won’t contact Rick Ross though!

The Bentley Continental GT – and its Flying spur sedan version -  are already established cars among the bold and beautiful, but they’re not really in the same class as the Maybach. Bentley relies on its Mulsanne uber-luxe sedan (pictured above) to pick up the slacks then.

At $290,000 apiece, the Mulsanne offers its clients everything they would find in the Maybach, expect a few things such as the cool reclining seats, the amazing glass roof (which is now offered in the SLK as well), and the 600 horsepower of the Maybach 62S.

Rolls Royce too hopes that Maybach’s demise attract more customers to the Phantom, but they are not desperate. A company spokesman said they welcome any current Maybach customer, but: “seeking them out and hunting them down is not the Rolls-Royce way.”

Bentley on the other hand, is apparently willing to do anything to repeat their last year’s massive success.

source: autoews

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2012/01/bentley-set-to-snatch-maybach-clients/feed/ 2 http://www.motorward.com/2012/01/vorsteiner-bentley-continental-br-10-revealed/ http://www.motorward.com/2012/01/vorsteiner-bentley-continental-br-10-revealed/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:19:29 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=29893

Vorsteiner’s package for the new Bentley Continental GT has been revealed in full.

The dignifies and classy kit includes a chunky front spoiler lip, sporty side skirts, a neat rear diffuser, and a subtle carbon boot-lid spoiler. This body kit makes the car sit 40mm lower to the ground than the standard Continental GT.

The looks are then perfected by a set of 22-inch 5-spoke Forged Aluminum Monoblock, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires. The wheels are of course optional and you can chose whatever design and size you like.

The paint job is also bespoke to customer. Vorsteiner can paint the car in any color that takes your fancy.

Here’s a video of the BR-10 Bentley showing its details:

The new Bentley Continental GT V8 is still in the process of making its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show. Meanwhile back in the UK Autocar gets behind the wheel of the car to see if it’s any good compared to the full-fat W12 version. The 500bhp is pretty quick, and it’s 40 percent more fuel efficient than the W12, but none of that matters to us. We’d pick this over the W12 just because the exhausts noise!

When Bentley announced a new V8 version of the Continental GT we thought it would be a like a sugar-free gum – healthy, but not just as good as the real thing. But we were wrong, actually! If anything, the V8 Conti will be nicer to drive because, for one thing, you can at least hear the engine and that’s part of a good driving sensation. What’s more, with 500 PS at the disposal of your right foot it will be – in the real world – just as fast as the W12 version. Oh, and it’s also 40 percent more fuel efficient.

Here’s some highlights from the car’s unveiling ceremony at Detroit Motor Show.

The new diet version of Bentley Continental GT powered by a V8 engine make its official debut at the Detroit Motor Show in both coupe and convertible guises.

This might be a lite Conti, but it is still a proper Bentley with loads of power and luxuriousness above any man’s best expectations. The 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 is not only fuel efficient, it also makes the car lighter. All that means a gain of 40 per cent improvement in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions over the W12 model.

The new powertrain delivers maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft). So there’s no shortage of power. It also has a very satisfying performance with zero to 60mph in 4.6 seconds for the GT coupe (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). The Convertible will be a bit slower, but still mighty fast for its size.

This V8 comes with a sophisticated engine management system that turns it into a V4 under light throttle load. The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

But for us the best feature of the new engine is probably the V8 growl. The W12 Conti is very quite and civilized, and to be honest a bit boring. The nice, dignified V8 rumble will make the car more fun to drive.

Some of the visual differences between the V8 and the W12 include Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider, Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-coloured dividers, Dark rear lower valance, Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, and Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Pricing:

Delivering 7003 cars to customers last year, Bentley is back to pre-recession levels and is anticipating further growth for 2012.

Compared to last calendar year Bentley sales are up by 37 percent. In December 2011 alone they sold 1059 (up 69% on the same month in 2010), which is the best single month since recession and second highest ever.

America is still the biggest market for Bentley’s high-end models, with 2021 cars delivered in 2011. But China is gaining fast on the U.S. and for the first time becomes the second biggest market with 1839 units sold.

Other regions have also performed very well. Continental European sales rebounded to 1187 (an increase of 53%) led by strong demand in Germany where sales have increased by a remarkable 88%.  The UK proved to be extremely challenging over the past months, but still saw an increase of over five per cent with 1031 cars sold.  Indeed, all major markets are up including the Middle East despite the political instability that has beset certain markets.

Now that Bentley is doing well it is the perfect time for the long-rumored Bentley SUV to finally emerge.

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Durheimer, said:

“It has been a tremendously good year for Bentley. The dramatic sales growth reflects a global strength to the Brand and a recognition of the quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence of our cars. It is also testament to the work of the entire Bentley Team whose passion and daily commitment has delivered this outstanding result. It has been particularly pleasing to see renewed interest in Bentley in established as well as and new and emerging markets, all of which is contributing to a positive financial result for 2011.

“We want that success to continue and, with a new Continental V8 set to attract new customers in 2012, have ambitious but realistic plans which reflect global economic conditions as much as our new product line up.”

American tuner Vorsteiner announced their upcoming styling kit for the new 2012 Bentley Continental GT.

They just released these teaser images with not much details. But you can clearly see the ingredients of the package in them.

So the new Conti gets a neat carbon fiber front spoiler, some nicely designed side skirts, boot-lid spoiler, and a carbon rear diffuser. That’s the thing about most of Vorsteiner’s kits. They always manage to create the best visual effect with the least modifications. These new add-on parts are so discrete you may not notice them, but they do have a profound effect on improving the car’s looks.

The finished product, according to the classic tuning recipe, also comes with a set of lightweight, oversized wheels, and lowered suspension. Full details are yet to be released.

Mansory doesn’t create hideous kits for luxury cars just to drive car lovers insane. It’s just business. These cars sell. The nouveau riche loves how such cars make them the center of attention. So they keep making them.

This is what Mansory has come up with for the new Bentley Continental GT. It seems like an evolution of the old kit, and like that it features a carbon fiber bonnet and lacked-out grille, but there’s a few new details as well.

The new side skirts for instance, which Mansory says reduce the flow of air between both axle. The front wings are also made of carbon fiber and have their own venting system. Revised bumpers features LEDs at front and a rear diffuser at the back, while carbon fiber rear spoilers and blacked-out tailpipes and smoked lights do their part to give the car a mean and aggressive style.

A set of 10.0J x 22-inch wheels finished in black with 295/25ZR22 tires complete the look.

Mansory engineers have also been fiddling with the engine, fitting it with a revised ECU, new high performance air filters and exhausts systems. So the power has gone up to 672 hp and 780 Nm of torque.

Finally, the interior. Here Mansory applies the old recipe of two-tone leather upholstery and carbon fiber trimming to create a luxurious and sporty cabin. Aluminium pedals and illuminated door sill plates are also provided.

Earlier today we had the first details on the new V8 version of the Bentley Continental GT and here’s the first video footage of the car. The looks of the V8 GT is not that different over the W12 model, just some new grilles and air intakes and new tailpipes. The main highlight is that fuel efficient twin-turbo V8 which makes 500 bhp (507 PS/373 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb ft) of torque. Bentley says it does 800 km on one tank which, considering the power and everything, is just brilliant.

At 2012 Detroit Motor Show next January Bentley will unveil new versions of Continental GT and GTC powered by a brand-new V8 engine.

There is only one reason why the big Conti should get a V8 and that’s strict rules about fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Bentley tried to stick to the W12 for as long as possible, but time has moved on and they have to cope.

Good news is this 4.0 liter twin turbocharged V8 is a good one. Let’s review its figures for a kick off: It delivers maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS/373 kW) at 6000 rpm and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft) available from just 1700 rpm. It is paired with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result of this combination in terms of performance is a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of under 5 seconds. But the top speed is only 290 km/h (180 mph) which is pretty fast, but not as fast as the W12, understandably.

As for the fuel economy, while official facts and figures are yet to be confirmed, Bentley says it will be capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel. That is simply astonishing for a car of this class and this size. You know, if it turns out to be true of course. You can’t really trust such numbers unless they are verified by an independent source.

Apart from the engine the rest of the car is the same as before, expect for a few distinguishing details.  The V8 comes with a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes. At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge emphasise the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

So there you go, a V8-powered Bentley for green people!

Bentley just released some nice, deep, rumbling noise dubbed “The new Sound of Bentley.”

Now, we have heard the noise that the W12 Continental makes, and this isn’t it. So it’s got to be the sound of the new V8-powered Conti that goes on sale next year.

Bentley gets kinda poetic about it: “Welcome to the new sound of Bentley. Stirring and thunderous, it is the prelude to a potent new Bentley driving experience that begins in 2012.” We’re wondering what they mean by new driving experience. The V8 is going to be slower than the W12, so… You know that’s not really something to boast!

Actually, we just thought of something. New VW V8s are massively powerful and since the V8 is also lighter than the W12, it’s actually going to be faster. Sorry Bentley. You’re right. It’s going to be potent.

Breitling, the official partner of Bentley Motors, has come up with a new Bentley timepiece to celebrate The British car’s recent Ice Speed Record.

The Watch is an exquisite handmade piece which like the Bentley ISR Convertible that inspires it, is limited to 100 units. It shares many cues with the car, such as the distinctive red detailing,  carbon fibre fascia with dashboard-style dial, classically knurled finish on the control buttons and the carbon fibre presentation box.

It is a very nice timepiece, but we are not sure Breitling is the coolest brand that springs to mind when you think about buying a luxury watch. But hey, if you have a Bentley, you might be interested in getting one of these as well.

Limited edition Supersports Ice Speed Record chronograph specification

MOVEMENT:

• Breitling Calibre 27B • Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC • Self-winding • High-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour) • 38 jewels • 1/4th of a second chronograph • Central 60-minute totaliser • Combined 60-minute and 12-hour totaliser • Calendar

CASE:

• Titanium case with special engraving on reverse • Dial with carbon fibre weave • Water resistant to 100m • Bidirectional rotating pinion bezel with variable tachometer (circular slide rule) • Cambered sapphire crystal face, glare proofed on both sides • Screw-locked crown • Diameter: 49mm

STRAP:

• Highly durable rubber

PRESENTATION BOX:

• Premium carbon fibre presentation box with a unique identification plaque

A new Bentley Continental GTC auctioned off  for Children in Need fundraising activities went for £240,000.

The Bentley went under the hammer at a star-studded event in Hilton Hotel Manchester, hosted by Gary Barlow and supported by Kelly Rowland, Chris Moyles, Sir Terry Wogan, Coleen Rooney and JLS.

The winning bidders not only will get the keys to their new car hand-delivered to them by the X-Factor star, they’ve also been invited to the Bentley factory and will be able to select the woods and leathers for the interior of their car. What’s more, the car will also be garnished with signatures of several of the celebrities who attended the event to the interior, creating a car unique in the world and a special memento of a generous evening.

Jon Crossley, Managing Director of Bentley Manchester who made all the arrangements for their brand new luxury convertible to be put up for auction, commented:

“Nearly 400 people saw the auction unfold and, as the price kept on rising, the whole place fell silent. To reach £240.000, even for the very latest Bentley which is still making its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show, just takes your breath away.”

“Above all this has been an incredibly good result for Children in Need. The fact that the new owners are Bentley enthusiasts and love these cars is a bonus for us. We’re looking forward to welcoming them and their unique car to the dealership for many years to come.” added Jon Crossley.

Hot on the heels on posting a 33% sales growth, Bentley unveils the new Continental GTC to the American public at L.A. Auto Show.

America has always been one of the biggest markets for the Continental, and they are going to love this new one. The car on display is a Breeze-colored GTC featuring a custom, coach-built appearance and crisper lines, thanks to aluminium superformed front wings, and, in the rear, the double-horseshoe design first seen on the Mulsanne.

The GTC is more of a luxury yacht than car, yet its 567hp and 516 lb-ft of torque W12 engine can take it from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and eventually very close to 200 mph. The car has the stiffest chassis of any convertible in the world for great ride quality and handling.

Inside the cabin, besides all the leather and wood and a new touchscreen infotainment with a 30gig hard drive, 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 car is priced from $212,800 in America.

At 2011 L.A. Auto shoe Bentley also showcases the Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept.

This multimedia connectivity concept offers an impressive array of bespoke business, comfort and entertainment features – designed to allow customers to conduct business on the move or just unwind between meetings – all beautifully integrated into the sumptuous and comfortable cabin which takes more than 170 hours to create:

Mulsanne rear passengers receive individual Apple iPad workstations with full internet access (integrated into retractable picnic tables) whilst a large, drop-down LED screen ensures that a wide selection of movies as well as television can also be enjoyed.

Renowned for its painstaking attention to detail, Bentley has added a range of finishing touches including a Tibaldi fountain pen from its specially commissioned Collection which is designed to mirror the Mulsanne’s knurled-metal rotary switchgear and which is discretely stowed in the center armrest.  The car also features – for the first time on a Bentley – a distinctive Yachting-style veneer, which blends light and dark contrasting tones, throughout the cabin.