Bentley considering diesel and hybrid for future models
UDDATE: Bentley saw our title for this post, and was very confused. Apparently a mistranslation of Franz Josef Paefgen's interview led us down the wrong path. After speaking with Bentley directly, it is clear that the automaker has entered an early planning stage for its long term strategy in which many options are being considered for the brand, including potential diesel and hybrid powertrains. However, there are currently no firm plans to use such powertrains next year, or in the immediate future.
As AutoblogGreen so eloquently points out, Bentley isn't often mentioned in green car culture unless one is talking about the most polluting vehicles on the planet (the Bentley Arnage ranks third on the list). That may change as soon as next year. According to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bentley CEO Franz Josef Paefgen revealed at the recent Geneva Motor Show that the automaker may begin installing diesel and even hybrid engines in its models as early as next year. According to the translation provided by AutoblogGreen, the move is meant to transform the company's image, which is odd since Bentley has an image as solid as gold, why change it? Nevertheless, we could definitely get behind a big honkin' diesel motor beneath a Bentley bonnet. Hmmm... sibling VW Group member Audi has a really nice V12 TDI that's about to go racing at Sebring next weekend in its R10 ALMS racer. As for a hybrid, we think they're getting done to death a bit, especially when a well-engineered diesel will provide better mileage on the highway with a bunch of grunt off the line. We have a request in to Bentley for a comment on these relevations, which we'll relay to you when it comes back to us. Meanwhile, you can click the Read link to check out AutoblogGreen's translation of the original German article.
[Source: AutoblogGreen via German Car Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jonathan Hicks 8:44PM (3/08/2007)
A diesel or hybrid Bentley would be ridiculous. I don't want Bentley to change its brand image.
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MikeW 9:42PM (3/08/2007)
The Audi R10 diesel is odd firing, I think Bentley would pass.
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NoNameDenton 9:09PM (3/08/2007)
I would not mind a diesel Bentley, if it is like the one's Audi is using, but a hybrid is not something I want from an ultra-luxury vehicle, though the diesel is a great idea, means better gas milage, and rich people can be pretty stingy
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Barney 9:18PM (3/08/2007)
I never thought I would read Bentley & green machine on the same line. Diesels are noisy and Hybrids are quiet. Also the hybrid is futuristic technology. The true test of a luxury car was based on it's ability to be quiet and vibration free. When money is no object, these type of cars will go for the technology.
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J 9:19PM (3/08/2007)
You know the environment must be seriously out of whack when Bentley is considering hybrid models. Of course, this might just mean a supercharged 6.75 liter V8 with a 30kW electric motor to produce a grand total of 234057230495720394572039457 horsepower.
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NoNameDenton 9:28PM (3/08/2007)
#3 You do realize that diesel technology has evolved since the 1970's right? Many modern diesels are quiet and wonderful engines and but hybrids to smae when it comes to milage, that is why Europe buys diesels more then any other type of engine.
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NoNameDenton 9:29PM (3/08/2007)
I mean to type put hybrids to shame, too little coffee today
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ZooTrouble 7:32PM (3/09/2007)
Who wants a hybrid bentley?
ZooTrouble
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seto 10:35PM (3/08/2007)
HYBRID??? them rich and proper need no to have hybrids! the world is in their hands!
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DearS 12:02AM (3/09/2007)
A diesel V12, talk about prominent. Less fuel, same hp, 12 coolness (uselessness?). If thats not ok, what is?
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Bryan 12:34AM (3/09/2007)
A hybrid? Huh? People who buy Bent's have the money to pay for the gas! Or maybe this is because Hollywood stars are tired of being seen in Priuses lol. Maybe a hybrid hummer next?
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laba-laba 5:17AM (3/09/2007)
hybrid its not about less fuel BUT
hybrid its for saving the earth
Richer didnt mean dont care..
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RidinLow 7:22AM (3/09/2007)
Is it just me, or does the side profile of that Bentley look a bit like the 6000SUX from Robocop?
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Guenther 1:47PM (3/09/2007)
Uh- this reeks of typical German Groessenwahnsinn. If it's great with a gas engine, it must be better with a diesel. Rubbish! Hybrid could work, but what's the point? Couple dozen cars that might get equipped that way?
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Kri 11:40AM (3/16/2007)
What would be wrong about a hybrid bentley? Massive torque from low speeds, quietness, great flexibility...
You do not even have to look for environmental reasons although those help in some remote way.
And the added weight and bulk can easily be accomodated in a Bentley. So why not? I think there would be very few Bentley owners who would turn one down just because it was a hybrid.
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