Category: Bentley (Page 14 of 14)

AT THE SHOW: Bentley’s New Flying Spur and Updated Mulsanne Debut in New York

March 28, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(New York, 27 March 2013) The new Bentley Flying Spur, the world’s most refined performance sedan, makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show today.

“We’re excited to show the new Flying Spur in one of Bentley’s most important markets in the world – New York,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

“The Flying Spur meets the desires of our customers perfectly and is a car only Bentley could make – timeless design inside and out, ultimate material quality, attention to detail, class leading refinement, and effortless performance.”

Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim^® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph. In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

The new Flying Spur has a base MSRP of $200,500. Commissioning is available now with arrivals to begin during the second quarter.

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley’s showcase of luxury, performance and technology continues with the North American debut of an enhanced specification for the flagship Mulsanne sedan. A range of new luxury features have been added to the Mulsanne and are on display for the first time in North America, offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options.
An Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in technological developments, with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard and the cabin of the Mulsanne becoming a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

A new Comfort Specification, including comfort headrests, footrests and duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Additional enhancements include privacy curtains, which promise to broaden the experience for the Mulsanne rear cabin occupants, allowing them to maximise work or rest as they travel.
Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

Building on the Momentum of Success

The introduction of the new Flying Spur comes on the heels of a successful 2012 in which US sales were up 23% to 2,315 cars. Globally, the company achieved growth of 22% with 8,510 cars delivered to customers. The United States remains the number one market for Bentley worldwide and the region expects to continue to achieve double digit growth in 2013.

In 2013, the new Flying Spur and enhanced Mulsanne will be joined by the all-new Continental GT Speed Convertible, creating the strongest Bentley model line-up ever.

IN THE NEWS: Bentley Unveils Flying Spur Ahead of Geneva

February 20, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(Crewe, 20th February 2013) Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley’s most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5th March.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: “Bentley’s new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. 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.”

A SLEEK AND STRIKING EXTERIOR

The styling of the new Flying Spur establishes a new design character for Bentley’s performance sedan. An elegant direction is reflected by a lower, wider appearance with sharp lines and gently curvaceous surfaces. A lower roof line, deeply sculpted panels, precise feature lines and a muscular rear haunch give the Flying Spur a more aggressive stance and a powerfully dynamic profile.

The front fenders feature a striking new wing vent complete with an elegant Bentley “B” motif. From here, an additional feature line forms a sharply defined edge running from the front wheel all the way to the rear bumper, underlining the shape’s dynamic character.

At the front of the car, a more upright chrome grille sits between the pairs of jewel-like LED headlamps. Emphasising the lower, wider stance, the outer lamps are the larger of the two. Beneath the front grille, the lower intake is now full width with no vertical divisions, but instead with a chromed horizontal accent that completes the dramatic face of the new Flying Spur.

At the rear, a longer and lower boot lid lends a more swept appearance to the side profile. Horizontal single ellipse LED tail lamps combine with a new interpretation of the Bentley “Horse Shoe” feature line, now running the full width of the car and encapsulating a graceful concave section.

Beneath the elegant skin of the new Flying Spur, a wide range of materials is applied in an intelligent and efficient manner. Designed to improve overall body stiffness and refinement whilst meeting stringent crash performance targets and pedestrian protection legislation, the new body structure includes reinforcement to the B-posts, sills and front crossmembers together with deformable components in the floorpan for optimal load transfer. A deployable bonnet that includes both new reinforcement panels and deformation elements helps to improve pedestrian impact performance.

The bonnet and front fenders are constructed in aluminium, with the fenders shaped using the aerospace-industry superforming technique, employing compressed air to shape heated sheets of alloy into the required form at over 500°C. Exceptionally clean lines with sharp radii and lighter-weight components are the result, giving the new Flying Spur an unmistakeably Bentley front end with extremely taut shut lines.

The new door structures are completely redesigned with fewer individual parts for improved quality and refinement. An optimisation of the doors realised through efficient use of materials contributes to much improved door kinematics and feel. Meanwhile, further weight savings are achieved through the crafting of the bootlid in a polymer composite material that also integrates the main antennae for the car’s electronic systems.

The exterior design, manufacturing processes and carefully optimised materials selections combine to provide a bodyshell that is not only muscular and clean, with minimal shutlines, but also one that performs exceptionally well on the road. With a torsional stiffness of 36,500 Nm/degree, a 4% increase over the previous generation Flying Spur, the new bodyshell provides an extremely rigid platform for the chassis components and a stable foundation for NVH reduction. The sleek shape also has outstanding aerodynamic properties for a large sedan, with an overall drag coefficient of just 0.29 and ensuing benefits to emissions performance.

Weight savings in the body structure and throughout the car mean that the new Flying Spur is 50 kg lighter than the first generation car, despite the additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure.

A CONTEMPORARY CABIN OF HAND-CRAFTED MATERIALS

The sumptuous interior of the new Flying Spur includes 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation. Class-leading entertainment and information technologies are married with traditional hand-crafted materials and stunning contemporary design to create the ultimate high-luxury sedan cabin.

Available in both four- and five-seat configurations, the new Flying Spur features redesigned front and rear seats trimmed in natural premium-quality leather. The new seats use a softer yet more durable hide unique to Bentley and available in twelve different colours.

Careful use of different foam specifications and densities creates seats that are both supremely comfortable and supportive, with 14-way adjustment including memory and lumbar functions. Every occupant is offered seat heating as well as seat ventilation, while additional stowage sections are incorporated to the rear of the front seats.

For the four-seat variant, the centre console sweeps from the front to the rear cabin and introduces an additional storage area together with a beautifully crafted stowage case, trimmed in veneer to match the car.

The interior designers, together with the craftsmen and women of Bentley’s renowned woodshop, have applied the finest wood veneers to finish the cabin of the new Flying Spur. Utilising almost ten square metres of sustainably sourced natural wood per car, the Flying Spur features book-matched and mirror-polished veneer to the fascia panels, consoles, waistrails and picnic tables. To enhance the “wrap-around” feel of the forward cabin, the veneer of the dashboard meets that of the doors in a perfectly aligned curve, giving the impression of an unbroken arc of wood around the interior. Crafted entirely by hand, cured for 72 hours and clear-lacquered to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, a range of seven sophisticated veneers is available (two as standard – burr walnut or dark fiddleback eucalyptus).

To complete the luxurious and opulent nature of the cabin, the roof lining and pillars are also trimmed in natural leather. Layers of supple foam are applied to all tactile surfaces beneath the hide, harmonising the touch and feel of all areas of the cabin. Electrically-operated rear side blinds, fitted as standard, permit privacy for rear-seat passengers if desired. Customers may also specify an optional glass sunroof at no additional cost. Behind the central rear armrest, a nine-litre bottle cooler can be specified to keep drinks perfectly chilled. The interior designers also focused on improving interior stowage around the cabin, whilst including new electronic technologies discretely throughout the interior.

CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Complementing the hand-crafted interior, the Flying Spur is equipped with carefully selected state-of-the-art technology, for both the driver and passengers. Central infotainment is controlled through a high resolution 8” touch-screen interface, complete with Bentley’s advanced satellite navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity, while infotainment features can be controlled by voice activation.

An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system featuring Balanced Mode Radiator technology for optimum sound clarity and frequency range can play music from an on-board hard drive, CDs, DVDs, SD cards and via an iPod. The Naim® for Bentley Premium Audio System, featuring redesigned separate subwoofers for improved bass extension and 1100 Watts of power, is available as an option for those wishing for the ultimate in-car audio experience.

Rear seat passengers have access to an extensive array of infotainment technology. A new Touch Screen Remote (TSR), deployed from a housing in the rear console at the touch of a button, allows passengers to control a variety of different systems. From climate controls and seat heating and ventilation through to the satellite navigation and multimedia systems, the TSR means passengers can interface with the car from the comfort of their seat.

Customers wishing to work on the move may order the new Flying Spur with the new Multi-Media Specification. Central to this is the Bentley Connectivity Unit (BCU) which allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM and includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity. Two 10” LCD screens are installed to the backs of the front seats, while top-loading multimedia players sit in pockets fitted beneath, allowing the user to load and enjoy video, photo and music content from DVDs, SD cards, USB devices including iPods and iPads, and HDMI devices.

Each rear passenger can view separate content, or stream media from the BCU. A USB charging port keeps batteries fresh, and wired headphone ports complete the connections, allowing music and internet radio to be played directly through the BCU. Bentley wireless headphones complete the specification for the ultimate in rear-seat infotainment.

DESIGNED FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT

Achieving class-leading comfort and refinement was a priority during the development of the new Flying Spur and the acoustic isolation of the cabin from external noise inputs was a particular focus. Bentley’s development and use of lightweight acoustic underfloor panels to minimise road noise continues, with aerodynamically optimised insulating sections applied to almost the entire underfloor of the car. Side glazing and both front and rear screens are made in acoustic glass, featuring a specially developed interlayer that reduces noise transmission. An improved sealing system around the side glazing now features two individual sealing points to reduce wind noise to a minimum regardless of road speed. The redesigned doors are also fitted with additional insulation to the outer skin, reducing noise diffusion in to the cabin. Enlarged rear mufflers reduce exhaust noise by 12 dB at 3000 rev/min for enhanced passenger comfort.

The heating and ventilation system is improved with the addition of a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve which drastically decreases the time taken to cool the cabin. An optional Climate Boost function features an enhanced blower system for improved cooling of the rear cabin.

With comfort paramount for the new Flying Spur, a new 19” tyre has been specifically developed, utilising a 12% relative increase in sidewall height combined with greater vertical compliance to improve impact isolation. During development, 12 different tyre constructions were tested and refined to find the optimum balance between refinement and handling performance.

EIGHT GEARS, SIX LITRES AND FOUR DRIVEN WHEELS

As Bentley’s most powerful engine, the 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 48-valve W12 is the natural choice to power the fastest ever Bentley four-door. Now delivering 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6,000 rev/min and a staggering 800 Nm (580 lb ft) of torque from only 2000 rev/min, the W12 has recently undergone a complete engine management system upgrade to the latest Bosch ME17 interface. Improved torque management, turbocharger control, driveability and emissions performance all result from the adoption and optimisation of the new system, with a resulting improvement in low speed responsiveness.

Coupled to the W12 is the very latest eight-speed, quick-shift automatic transmission from ZF. All Bentley models now feature this state-of-the-art gearbox. Delivering seamless and imperceptible shifts in under 200 milliseconds, the gearbox is not only designed to handle the mighty torque output of the W12 but also to ensure smooth and refined delivery of power to the wheels. An optimised set of gear ratios keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range under light loads and when cruising, contributing in an overall improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of more than 13 per cent over the outgoing model. The new Flying Spur delivers a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km), and CO2 emissions of 343 g/km – impressive figures for a 12-cylinder ultra-luxury, high performance sedan.

The transmission feeds power to all four wheels via Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. With a standard torque split of 60 per cent to the rear wheels and 40 per cent to the front, but the ability to vary this division up to 85 per cent to the rear axle or 65 per cent to the front depending on available traction, the Flying Spur’s drivetrain ensures optimal grip regardless of prevailing road or weather conditions. The assurance provided by such a sure-footed set-up means that the spirited driver can deploy all of the car’s available power and torque in a controlled and dependable manner, in virtually any circumstances.

A REFINED RIDE WITH DYNAMIC DELIVERY

With outstanding ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the new Flying Spur is redesigned to maximise impact absorption and isolation. Compared to the outgoing model, suspension spring rates are softened front and rear by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, for improved ride comfort in the normal operating region. The rate of stiffness increase during harder cornering has been increased for improved control of heave, pitch and roll. Anti-roll bars are softened by 13 per cent and 15 per cent to improve single wheel impact absorption. Suspension lever bushes all-round are softened by at least 25 per cent for reduced road surface-induced noise and vibration.

Working with the new springs, a damper hydraulic specification has been developed to maximise ride comfort. Working with a revised damper electronic control (CDC) strategy, this enables exceptional low speed ride performance while damping force increases significantly with speed, providing the optimum balance between body control and stability at all speeds. A four-position suspension control, with a widened range of settings, allows drivers to choose the level of damping to suit their preference.

The power steering system provides a comfort-orientated balance whilst maintaining optimum steering feel and precision throughout the speed range. A new specification of steering gear, together with a new calibration of the speed-sensitive system that regulates hydraulic fluid flow, provides variable assistance depending on vehicle speed. The new system delivers both high levels of isolation from surface deformations whilst ensuring driver confidence through the combination of accurate steering precision and a measured increase in steering effort when cornering.

As the new Flying Spur approaches its 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed, the ride height is automatically lowered via the air suspension system in order to compensate for aerodynamic forces. This helps not only to improve vehicle stability by optimising aerodynamic balance along the car, but also reduces drag, with benefits both to top speed and CO2 output. The new car has a two-stage lowering strategy, firstly lowering by 5 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear at 121 mph (195 km/h) and then by a further 8 mm and 13 mm respectively at 149 mph (240 km/h).

The multiple-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is recalibrated to work in combination with the new chassis specification. The system is calibrated to ensure that the enthusiastic driver is not hindered by stability interventions and, where appropriate through the selection of the ESC Dynamic Mode, the driver can further explore the handling limits of the vehicle whilst still maintaining appropriate levels of stability control.

THE PERSONAL CHOICES

As with the entire Bentley range, the new Flying Spur is built to individual customers’ exacting specifications. A range of seventeen standard exterior paint colours includes Dark Cashmere, a sophisticated and contemporary addition to the Bentley palette. The extended paint range of over 100 colours is joined by Damson, a rich hue inspired by the extremely rare purple diamond, and one that is complemented by an optional matching hide colour.

A new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively to the new Flying Spur, either bright-painted or with a diamond turned finish. The new design consolidates a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options.

Customers wishing to extend the range of available options further can choose to include the Mulliner Driving Specification. This includes five additional hides, expanding the number of available shades to 17, and five further wood veneers. Bentley’s traditional diamond quilting is incorporated to the seats and door panels, together with an indented leather headlining and embroidered Bentley wings to the headrests. Drilled alloy foot pedals, a knurled sports gear lever, jewel filler cap and 21” two-piece five-spoke alloy wheels in painted or polished finish complete the Mulliner suite of options.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

New Flying Spur
Engine
Type 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power 616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rev/min
Max Torque 800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rev/min
Transmission
Type ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667
Final Drive 2.85
Brakes
Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels New 19″ (2 finishes), opt 9.5J x 20″, opt 9.5J x 21″ (3 designs)
Tyres 275/45 ZR19, 275/40 ZR20, 275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock 2.8
Turning circle 11.7 m / 38.4 feet
Suspension
Front Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping Continuous Damping Control
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3065 mm / 120.7 in
Overall length 5295 mm / 208.5 in
Width (across body) 1976 mm / 77.8 in
Width (inc. mirrors) 2208 mm / 86.9 in
Overall height 1488 mm / 58.6 in
Fuel tank 90 litres / 20 UK gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume 475 litres / 16.8 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU) 2475 kg / 5451 lb
Gross vehicle weight 2972 kg / 6546 lb
Performance
Top speed 200 mph / 322 km/h
0-60 mph 4.3 secs
0-100 mph 9.5 secs
0-100 km/h 4.6 secs
0-160 km/h 9.5 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban 12.6 mpg (22.4 litres/100 km)
Extra Urban 27.8 mpg (10.2 litres/100 km)
Combined 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km)
CO2 emissions 343 g /km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg) 12
Highway (US mpg) 20
Combined (US mpg) 15
Emissions Controls EU 5 and US LEV II

Bentley Motors at Pebble Beach

August 16, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

New Continental GT Speed makes N. American debut
EXP 9 F luxury SUV displayed on Concept lawn
Highly prized classic and vintage Bentleys to be auctioned

(Pebble Beach, 16 August 2012). As California’s Monterey Peninsula is primed for a week of displays and events involving some of the world’s most coveted, historic automobiles, Bentley Motors prepares to share a glimpse into the future with the North American debut of two new models – the Continental GT Speed and the EXP 9 F luxury SUV concept.

“Pebble Beach and the spectacular scenery of the Monterey Peninsula provide the perfect venue for automotive connoisseurs and enthusiasts from around the world to display and celebrate the very best of motoring,” said Christophe Georges, president & COO of Bentley Motors, Inc. “It also serves as an ideal backdrop for Bentley to showcase not only its latest production model, the Continental GT Speed, but also, with the EXP 9 F SUV concept, to provide a glimpse into Bentley’s future.”

Bentley’s fastest ever production model, the 616hp Continental GT Speed, will make its North American debut on the Pebble Beach concept lawn. The Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s performance flagship, is set to enter the market in October, and until then, Pebble Beach spectators will have to imagine its 4.0-second 0-60mph sprint and its 205-mph top speed during the static display.

The muscular, elegantly sculpted coachwork of the Continental coupe is enhanced with subtle design touches that reaffirm its sporting character. Most notable are the dark-tinted matrix front grille and lower air intakes, ‘rifled’ finish to the exhaust tailpipes and unique 21-inch alloy wheels.

For those looking even further into Bentley’s future, EXP 9 F SUV concept makes its North American premiere on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. EXP 9 F highlights the marque’s desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world, and the concept car combines a stunning interior at the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with a dramatic and purposeful exterior. With an exciting range of drivetrain options under consideration, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned.

Pebble Beach is also renowned for its auctions of highly-prized classic and vintage automobiles. Featuring this year at the Pebble Beach auctions is an array of evocative Bentleys, among the most significant in the company’s history as outlined below:

Gooding and Company will auction three Bentleys between Saturday, August 18^th and Sunday, August 19^th –

1931 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre SC “Blower” Sports 2/3 Seater Boattail (presale estimate: $8-10 million). More information available here.
1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Vanden Plas Le Mans Sports “Bobtail” (presale estimate: $5.5-7.5 million). More information available here.
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Drop Head Coupe (presale estimate $150,000 – $250,000). More information available here.

RM Auctions will auction one Bentley on Saturday, August 18^th

2001 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans Prototype Racing Car (presale estimate $1,900,000 and $2,500,000). More information available here.

IN THE NEWS: Bentley to Take Goodwood Festival of Speed by Storm

June 12, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Largest ever Bentley presence at show
International debut of new model
Two UK show debuts
Joined by Bentley Boys Juha Kankkunen, Derek Bell and Guy Smith
Modern-day and classic Le Mans racers set for Hill runs

(Crewe, England. 12th June 2012) An exciting new Bentley is set to make its international debut at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed¹. Combining stunning performance with exquisite luxury in the Bentley tradition, the new car appears both as part of the Supercar Run up the iconic Goodwood Hill and on the Bentley Motors stand. With a mix of contemporary and classic models, Bentley has its largest ever presence at the world-famous event, running from Friday 29^th June to Sunday 1^st July.

A vision of the company’s future, the EXP 9 F SUV concept, makes its UK premiere at the Festival. EXP 9 F highlights the marque’s desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world, and the concept car combines a stunning interior at the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with a clean, muscular exterior. With an exciting range of drivetrain options under consideration, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned.

Supporting these debutants is the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (MDS) – a new driver-focussed edition of the Bentley flagship that reaffirms its sporting credentials. Featuring sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21” alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior, the MDS provides an even greater degree of driving enjoyment without compromising the Mulsanne’s legendary comfort and refinement.

The new Continental GT V8 also appears both on the Bentley stand and on the Goodwood Hill. With an all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, this remarkable Continental combines classic Bentley power and torque with an exceptional power-to-emissions ratio in the high luxury sports car sector.

With 507 PS and 660 Nm of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). Meanwhile, fuel efficiency systems and pioneering cylinder deactivation technology results in outstanding fuel economy and CO₂ performance together with a range of over 500 miles on a single tank.

Joining the modern Bentley models on the Hill are two cars from the Company’s Le Mans heritage. The Bentley Speed 8, victorious at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours, makes two runs per day, as will the 4½-litre supercharged “Birkin Blower”. Fresh from completing the Mille Miglia for the third time, the car was raced extensively by renowned Le Mans winner and Bentley Boy Tim Birkin of the 1920s.

Driving duties for the past and present Bentley models will be shared by three modern-day Bentley Boys. Le Mans legend Derek Bell MBE will be joined by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen together with Guy Smith, who drove the winning Speed 8 across the finish line at Le Mans in 2003. All three star drivers will be on-hand throughout the Festival to meet visitors.

ON THE BLOCK: Buyers Turn out for Another Strong Sale at Brooklands

May 28, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Amidst some speculative recent market results, the heat was on Historics, but with Brooklands bathed in sunshine, the classic and sports car auctioneer again delivered another strong sale. In total 60 of 103 vehicles were seen away for a sale ratio of 58% and a final sale figure of £1,159,070.

As pre-sale publicity predicted, Bentley’s blazed a trail, with the star of the show an R-Type Coupé by Abbott of Farnham, which sold for £100,000. A 1937 4¼ litre Sports Special sold for £47,500, while a more modern 1992 Bentley Continental Convertible went for over its pre-sale estimate at £49,000. Including the much talked-about Woolf Barnato 3½ litre Derby Bentley restoration project, which sold for £9,750, all 12 Bentley Lots found new homes.

Porsche also proved a popular marque as a sun-kissed orange 1971 911S sold for £53,000, a 1964 356SC for £34,000 and an eminently driveable 1984 911 3.2 Carrera Sport went for £14,250.

Other notable sales included a sought-after Jaguar XK150S Roadster for £70,000 and a Series I 2+2 Coupe Jaguar E-type for £21,750, while the Sunbeam Tiger continues to prove a popular pick amongst competition enthusiasts, as £34,000 was sufficient for an online bidder to buy a 1965 FIA Appendix K Rally car.

Meanwhile, Historics’ regular Helen Chamberlain – renowned Sky Television presenter and poker player extraordinaire* – added to the 1949 26-seater Albion Victor bus purchased at Historics’ October sale, by driving away with a 1985 Audi Quattro and 1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten Sedan.

Commenting on Historics’ ninth sale to date, Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille, remarked; “this was our third successive £1million plus sale, and shows that our all-inclusive set-up is the correct approach to a competitive market.

“In what is in increasingly crowded auction calendar, it’s encouraging to see so many people continuing to turn to Historics to satisfy their classic car curiosity, and we’re already looking forward to another balmy day at Brooklands for our next sale on September 1st”, he concluded.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday September 1^st, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

ON THE BLOCK: Bentleys in Abundance at Brooklands

May 14, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Legendary marque heads investment opportunities at Historics sale

For those looking to classic cars for investment, Historics at Brooklands believes the most British of marques could offer the best bang for your buck, as it brings no fewer than a dozen Bentleys to Brooklands for its forthcoming auction on Saturday 26^th May.

With top Bentley models continuing to drive up prices of other exclusive examples, Historics presents a number of cars that could prove the ideal vehicles for decent returns, as Dave Selby, senior analyst with independent research organisation The Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), comments:

“Among post-war Bentleys, it’s the more exclusive coach-built models that have been leading the way in market terms. The HJ Mulliner R-type Fastback Continental, which is a constituent of the HAGI Top Index (www.historicautogroup.com), has been performing strongly and this is likely to invigorate interest in other limited production coachbuilt models which currently remain more attainable.

“In the case of pre-war models, history and provenance are key to differentiation in the market place, while late-era models of the 1980s and 1990s can offer phenomenal punch per pound if bought well, with good examples available at a fraction of their price when new,” he concluded.

Bearing a striking resemblance to the R-Type Continental, Historics’ sale will feature a 1954 Bentley R-Type Coupé by Abbott of Farnham. Designed by Peter Woodgate, chassis ‘B329SP’ was supplied with a shallower radiator, lower steering column and higher-than-standard axle ratio, all designed to make optimum use of the Abbott body’s reduced weight and enhanced aerodynamics.

Following a period in the United States of America, the car returned to the UK where a no-expense-spared, seven year restoration totalling £150,000, was undertaken at Wilkinson’s of Derby.

The alluring R-Type is finished in metallic grey with contrasting red leather interior, and is expected to attract offers in the region of £95,000 – £120,000 at auction.

Equally elegant and no less sporting on account of its aluminium body, is a 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur ‘six light’ by H J Mulliner. Originally owned by Sir Maxwell Joseph, Chairman of the Grand Metropolitan portfolio of properties in Paris, the car spent much of the 1960’s on the continent and still bears a French identity plate under the bonnet as well as French language switches on the dashboard.

The subsequent owner’s sporting interest reflected the status of such a car, with the S2 Flying Spur often seen parked in the west car park at Twickenham during rugby internationals.

Latterly the car has undergone a sympathetic £20,000 re-commission by marque specialists RR & B in Bromsgrove, and is estimated to fetch bids of between £63,000 – £73,000 on 26^th May.

Pick of the pre-war Bentley’s presented by Historics, is a 1933 4¼ litre Open Tourer in the Vanden Plas style.

The chassis was originally laid and plated in 1933 as 4-B-IV and used by Bentley Motors as an experimental car. During this time, the chassis was tested with a number of different body styles, initially a Park Ward open touring design which later changed to a sporting saloon body, with the 3½ litre engine modified to accept larger inlet valves and a 6.9:1 compression ratio. It was in this version that it lapped Brooklands at an impressive 90.4mph according to Alec Harvey-Bailey’s book, ‘The Derby Bentleys’.

It was subsequently fitted with a new 4¼ litre engine to replace the 3½ litre unit and sold, in 1936, with a four seat, four light sports saloon body configuration by Vanvooren.

The next chassis registered was done so by Mr. Woolf Barnato, chairman of Bentley Motors, before it was latterly altered to the style of a Vanden Plas Open Tourer.

Having resided in the Midland Motor Museum between 1988 and 1996, the car has been used in numerous Bentley Drivers Club events and is superbly presented, reflecting a robust estimate of £100,000 to £140,000.

The Woolf Barnato connections continue as an early first series 3½ litre Derby Bentley owned by the Bentley Motors Chairman – prior to the 4¼ litre – is offered at No Reserve. With history and provenance key to maximising potential returns, Historics expects significant interest in the piece of ‘Bentley Boys’ history, despite the demanding nature of the restoration needed.

If instant value for money is of greater interest, more modern Bentley’s provide the ultimate in luxury driving for figures that belie their original asking price.

A 50,000 mile 2001 Red Label Arnage – benefitting from expanded leg room in the cabin, stiffer body shell, larger wheels and brakes and powered by Bentley’s own traditional V8 engine – is anticipated to attract offers in the region of £18,000 – £24,000, just a fraction of the original lofty £150,000 price tag.

For more information on all Bentley’s consigned as well as details on the full catalogue, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of Saturday May 26^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

YEAR	CAR	LOT	ESTIMATE
1935	Bentley (Derby) Saloon body by Park Ward	235	No Reserve
1934	Bentley 3 1/2 litre – ex Capt. Woolf Barnato	236	No Reserve
1935	Bentley 3 1/2 Litre Special Roadster	259	£48,000 – £58,000
1933	Bentley 4 1/4 litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas	267	£100,000 – £140,000
1937	Bentley 4 1/4 litre Sports Special	255	£44,000 – £50,000
2001	Bentley Arnage Red Label	220	£18,000 – £24,000
1992	Bentley Continental Convertible	294	£35,000 – £45,000
1951	Bentley Mk. IV Saloon by James Young	260	£8,000 – 14,000
1984	Bentley Mulsanne Turbo	211	No Reserve
1954	Bentley R-Type Coupe by Abbott of Farnham	277	£95,000 – £120,000
1960	Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur	271	£63,000 – £73,000
1960	Bentley S2 Standard Steel Saloon	240	£8,000 – £12,000

IN THE NEWS: Bentley Sales Bounce Back

January 3, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Crewe, 3rd January 2012: Bentley bounced back to pre-recession levels of demand during 2011, with strong growth in all major markets. Globally, sales were up 37% to 7003 for the calendar year with sales accelerating as the year progressed. December sales were 1059 (up 69%on the same month in 2010), the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever.

The US continues to be Bentley’s number one market with 2021 cars sold in 2011, an increase of 32%. For the first time ever, however, China took second spot with sales for the region virtually doubling to 1839 and surpassing the previous year’s record before the end of July. This achievement is even more remarkable considering Bentley has been present in Mainland China for less than ten years.

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.

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, 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.”

The strong performance was the result of strong demand across the range, with the new Continental GT unsurprisingly proving the most popular Bentley with 2404 GTs delivered – over a third of Bentley’s total sales volume. Sales were boosted significantly in December with the first deliveries of the new soft-top Continental GTC, a new model which has received fantastic reviews from media and customers alike. Together with the Bentley Mulsanne, which continues to maintain a healthy order bank constantly replenished as more customers get to drive the flagship Bentley, sales growth is expected to continue unabated during 2012.