Autoblog Bentley http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Bentley http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Bentley Continental Le Mans Special Edition

Bentley is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two special edition model. Both the Mulsanne and Continental lines can now be fitted with six new specification packages to mark the event, each named after a famous racer from the automaker's past. Each package one combines select exterior colors with with special interior combinations that pay homage to the gents who took the company's cars to victory in France.

John Duff, Dudley Benjafield, Woolf Barnato, Tim Birkin, Glen Kidston and Guy Smith all get their own namesake packages. You can see the full run down in the press release below. So far, there's no indication as to exactly how much each pack will cost, but we have a hard time imagining a dollar figure scaring off any potential buyers.

Continue reading Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions

Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mansbentleybentley continental gtbentley le mans special editionsbentley mulsannele mans Thu, 09 May 2013 14:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563637/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/20563637/article-detail.xml 20563637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In what must have looked and sounded to motorists on the M6 like an invasion of The Swarm, a parade of 50 enthusiast gems leaving a charity event were caught shooting down the on-ramp and merging into traffic. There were plenty of Porsches joining the 959 and Ducktail above, Aston Martins going back to the badboy V8 of the last millennium, a Ferrari Testarossa, a TVR and numerous other Easter eggs.

There were not, however, plenty of turn signals, with someone counting just five among the fifty engaging in proper use of the blinker. One reason put forth for that is the same reason we're posting this video, which is from last Summer, below: "because supercar." Enjoy.

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20562691/article-detail.xml 20562691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Loses its Head, Keeps its Bespoke Cool

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - front three-quarter view, top down

This is the 10th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT, the 5,500-pound shim that pried open the market for bespoke luxury at $150K. We're into the second generation of the supercoupe that is still - and we think unfairly - derided as a grossly exaggerated Volkswagen, which to us is like saying the Hulk is just Bruce Banner in a tizzy. There are credible grounds for both statements, but in neither case do they accurately convey the chasm between the alpha and the omega.

Nevertheless, checking off the list of updated models brings us to the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, the moderately augmented version of the non-Speed GTC. Back to the notion of unfairness, it's probably just that to say the GT Speed Convertible is only "moderately" changed. It did, after all, take Bentley three years to engineer the changes that separate your 'basic' Bentley from the Speed variant, and although they might be imperceptible, they are numerous.

We were invited to drive the world's latest and fastest four-seater convertible for two days from Las Vegas to San Francisco. In a twist we never would have expected, it turned into a desperate hunt for thrills.

Continue reading 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleybentley continentalbentley continental gt speedbentley continental gt speed convertiblefirst driveFirstDrive Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548562/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548562/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/20548562/article-detail.xml 20548562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/bentley-poised-to-join-four-door-coupe-game/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/bentley-poised-to-join-four-door-coupe-game/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/bentley-poised-to-join-four-door-coupe-game/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Bentley Continental GT - front dead-on view

Bentley may be all hot and bothered with plans for its finally approved ultra-lux SUV, but the marque's attentions may not solely be limited to a two-box range expansion. That's according to AutoExpress, which quotes company CEO Wolfgang Schreiber as being interested in launching a 'four-door coupe' variant of its popular Continental range (pictured). According to Schrieber, "I definitely wouldn't say no to the idea... with the new Flying Spur, we have a model that supports the Mulsanne, and a coupe with four doors could sit below that."

The more rakish sedan isn't tipped to launch before 2016 - the brand will be too busy launching the Flying Spur and furthering work on the as-yet-unnamed SUV to pull ahead the project. The plan would appear to make a lot of sense, as the additional bodystyle on the back of the Continental platform would likely command more money than the rest of the line (see also: Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe) while basically just being a new top hat on an existing architecture. This isn't the first time AutoExpress has promulgated this Bentley 4DC idea, however. Back in 2010, it offered a similar report, but at that point, it anticipated the model would be cheaper than the Continental, suggesting it would be based on a platform shared with the Audi A7.

AutoExpress notes the additional model would help Bentley achieve its ambitious sales targets to drive from last year's 8,510 units sold to 15,000 by 2018, though most of that volume still figures to come from the new utility vehicle.

Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gtbentley four-door coupefour-door coupewolfgang schreiber Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547461/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547461/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/bentley-poised-to-join-four-door-coupe-game/20547461/article-detail.xml 20547461 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-bentley-continental-gt-v8-628-head-on_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-bentley-continental-gt-v8-628-head-on.jpg <![CDATA[New Bentley Supersports coming in 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/#comments Filed under: , , ,



A report in Autocar says the next Bentley Continental Supersports will be ready for retail duty in 2014. If true, the coupe is meant to follow the same formula as the first generation, which means weight loss, honed reflexes and "improving braking power," that last one an eyebrow raiser because the Continental series already has some of the largest diameter brakes available on a production car.

A vulgar gain in horsepower isn't planned, however; the Supersports was never primarily about pure grunt, but rather being more connected to the grunt the Continental had. The previous Supersports (Bentley no longer offers it) put out 621 horsepower, but it's said that the coming model will move up to 650 hp, and that would put healthy distance between it and the 616-hp Continental GT Speed.

The Supersports would take a place at the head of the Continental line-up, but be briefly usurped there by a road-going version of the Continental GT3 race car if that comes to fruition. But whereas the street-legal GT3 car would be limited production, the new Supersports would be a series offering.

New Bentley Supersports coming in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental supersportsbentleybentley continental supersportscontinentalcontinental gt3continental supersports Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523901/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/20523901/article-detail.xml 20523901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014supersports_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014supersports.jpg <![CDATA[This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/#comments Filed under: , ,



In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy upwards of 250,000 vehicles may have been destroyed, but this particular Bentley Continental GTC may have had insult added to that injury as it was towed out of New York. While we don't know the exact details behind this vehicle being towed, the lack of concern for its well-being coupled with what appears to be water in the headlight of the $200,000-plus convertible, has us thinking this is a Sandy victim.

While most towing companies these days use wheel lifts or flat beds, this truck still has the old-fashioned system of hooks, chains and rubber straps. We're sure with as many cars that needed to be towed following Sandy, the city wasn't exactly concerned about damaging totaled vehicles, but you can scroll down to watch - and listen to - the abuse as its happens to this poor Bentley.

Continue reading This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible

This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gtchurricane sandytowing fail Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524571/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/20524571/article-detail.xml 20524571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Ever since the two-door Bentley Continental GT debuted in 2010, we've wondered how the coupe's new design and technology would carry over to the four-door Flying Spur model. We received official details and images a couple of weeks ago, but we've now had the chance to see the Spur in person here on the eve of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

It's a handsome sedan, this 2014 Flying Spur (which has officially ditched the Continental nomenclature, for what it's worth). And even more handsome in the metal. The stock photos don't do this big beast justice - especially in the rear three-quarter and profile views, where aspects of the car (namely its newly horizontal-shaped taillamps) can look a bit awkward.

More impressively, Bentley says that the new Flying Spur will be the "fastest, most powerful four-door" it has ever produced. Makes sense to us, especially considering the fact that the sedan borrows its twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 powertrain from the Continental GT Speed coupe. This twelve-pot mill is good for 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, able to propel the 5,451-pound, all-wheel-drive sedan to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds. That's quick.

Of course, what's inside the Flying Spur's cabin will be just as impressive as what's under the hood, with every single luxury amenity you can think of available inside the leather-laden cabin. Both four- and five-passenger seating arrangements will be available, and like all Bentley models, the individual customization options will no doubt be endless.

Have a gander for yourself in the high-res image gallery above, and look below for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut

2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley flying spurbentleyflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor show Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488062/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488062/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/20488062/article-detail.xml 20488062 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #322]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla profit, 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ford Atlas chief designer Gordon Platto autoblog podcast logo

Episode #322 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla's cautious announcement of a first-quarter profit, the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur and Zach and Dan share an interview with Gordon Platto, chief designer for the Ford Atlas Concept truck from this year's Detroit Auto Show. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #322:



Topics:


In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
2013 Toyota Prius V
2013 Lincoln MKS


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:26:23

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #322

Autoblog Podcast #322 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lincoln mks2013 subaru xv crosstrek2013 tesla model s2013 toyota prius v2014 bentley flying spur2014 jeep cherokeeautoblog podcast 322bentleycherokeefeaturedflying spurford atlas conceptgordon plattojeeplincolnmksmodel sprius vsubaruteslatesla profittoyotaxv crostrek Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #322Autoblog01:26:23 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477948/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/20477948/article-detail.xml 20477948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #322 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #322


[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley flying spur2014 jeep cherokeeatlasautoblog podcast 322autoblog podcast topicsbentleycherokeeflying spurfordford atlas conceptjeeppodcast topicsteslatesla profit Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477193/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477193/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/20477193/article-detail.xml 20477193 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/#comments Filed under: , ,



The modern Bentley Boy finally has something fitting to wear underneath his scarf and ulster: the fragrance in the Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition or the Bentley for Men and Bentley for Men Intense scents. French crystal house Lalique designed a limited edition flacon shaped like the Flying B company mascot that contains an eau de parfum created by the French perfume house Robertet. That fragrance is "fine woody notes and exquisite leather" enhanced by orris butter. Only 999 flacons will be made, going on sale in April for 3,000 pounds (3,500 euro, $4,572 US) for a 40-ml bottle.

The other two options were created by French perfume house Firmenich. They also start with "fine wood and leather notes," with Bentley for Men getting an addition of cedar and patchouli, the Intense version throwing in African geranium to "take these notes to another level."

If that won't be enough to fulfill your lust for vehicular aroma, the full line also includes after shave balm and hair and body shampoo. When they go on sale in April at select retailers, prices will start at 24 pounds (27 euro, $36 US) for the shampoo and top out at 69.50 pounds (87 euro, $106 US) for the Intense eau de parfum. You can read more about them in the press release below.

Continue reading What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy

What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley for menbentley for men intensecolognecrystaleau de parfumfragrancelaliqueperfume Sun, 24 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20472301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20472301/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/20472301/article-detail.xml 20472301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleylalique_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleylalique.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-bentley-flying-spur-brings-new-design-to-four-door-continen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-bentley-flying-spur-brings-new-design-to-four-door-continen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-bentley-flying-spur-brings-new-design-to-four-door-continen/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



After showing us a couple teasers recently, not to mention the leakage of official shots earlier today, Bentley has finally pulled the cover off the all-new 2014 Flying Spur, which will receive its global debut next month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The big, bespoke sedan not only promises plenty of luxury in its full redesign, but Bentley is also saying that the new Flying Spur will be the "fastest, most powerful four-door" model it has ever produced.

To make sure it comes through on that bold statement, the 2014 Flying Spur is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine used in the Continental GT Speed. In the Flying Spur, this 12-cylinder engine produces 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and it sends that power to the ground through a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased (40/60) all-wheel-drive system. Launching the 5,451-pound sedan from 0-60 miles per hour will take just 4.3 seconds and 100 mph comes in less than 10 seconds; overall top speed is rated at 200 mph. Even with all that power and mass, Bentley is still expecting the next-generation Flying Spur to return better EPA fuel economy than the current model with projected (but not certified) estimates of 12 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Befitting of its more powerful engine, the Flying Spur also gets a more athletic appearance with a more upright face, arched front and rear fenders and horizontal taillights that better distinguish it from the Continental GT. The new roofline also gives the car a sportier shape and the side windows add a more contemporary look, but this car is almost identical in size to the current model including the massive rear overhang, which helps accommodate 16.8 cubic feet of cargo.

For a car that will surely retain a starting price of just under $300,000 for the base model, there will be no shortage of luxury or technology inside the Flying Spur. The Flying Spur is offered with either seating for five or a four-passenger layout with a full-length center console. Front occupants are treated to the same interior found on the Continental including the dual brow instrument panel, the sporty, three-spoke steering wheel and the large touchscreen display. Some of the optional features for rear passengers to enjoy include a 1,100-watt, 11-speaker Naim audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10-inch displays and there's even the availability of a WiFi hotspot.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental

2014 Bentley Flying Spur brings new design to four-door Continental originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental flying spur2014 bentley flying spurbentleyFlying Spur Speed Arabiagenevageneva 2013geneva motor show 2011 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20459950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20459950/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/2014-bentley-flying-spur-brings-new-design-to-four-door-continen/20459950/article-detail.xml 20459950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Flying Spur pictures leaked early]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We can imagine that automakers are among the groups salivating at the prospect of a colony on Mars - perhaps a photo studio on the red planet will be far enough away from the terrestrial Internet to keep everything they've got from leaking all over the web. In the midst of Bentley's teasing for the next-generation Flying Spur, someone got in early on a set of photos and decided to share them with us.

The transformation is all about character, the super sedan's lines getting injected with a whole lot more of it. The family face of the Continental line is evident, the new Spur getting a more upright grille than before and a Mulsanne-esque undivided lower grille. The front fenders get narrow, horizontal vents, and behind that the character line that starts with at the hood shutline runs in a long arc to the rear door, then rolls up into haunches that terminate at the very back. Lower down, a character line cuts up the bulk up the sides. In profile there is a definite hint of this being a junior Mulsanne.

The only item we see at the moment that could take some getting used to are the horizontal taillights. Housing a large single element topped by curved red brows, our initial impression is that they lack the flow of the rest of the car. Inside, it's what you'd expect from a Bentley.

There's a chance we'll know more about it later today, the date Bentley planned to fill us in on the union of performance and luxury. Or, knowing the Internet, we might know more even sooner...

Bentley Flying Spur pictures leaked early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental flying spurbentleyflying spur Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20466978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20466978/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/20466978/article-detail.xml 20466978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleyflyingspur2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleyflyingspur2014.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Bentley has released another teaser video for its redesigned Flying Spur, and the next generation car is looking less like a grown up Continental GT and more like a junior Mulsanne. A viewing of the first teaser vid revealed a more upright grille, a three-spoke steering wheel, horizontal taillights and quarter panels with angles and curves certifiably lifted from the Mulsanne. After this second video, we can add lower door panels with a more aggressive shape, horizontal vents in the fenders and a rear end with the shape of proper haunches.

The English motorcar maker promises us we'll see more on February 20, when "performance and luxury unite." We'll be there in person when the "Camry for rich people" is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month. You'll find the videographic appetizer below.

Continue reading Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan

Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleycontinental flying spurflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showteaservideovideosyoutube Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465313/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/20465313/article-detail.xml 20465313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/flyingspurtease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/flyingspurtease.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley SUV given green light by VW board]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Bentley EXP 9 concept SUV live at Geneva Motor Show unveiling in 2012

The "will they, won't they" saga over Bentley's SUV plans appears to finally be over. They will. That's according to the German business newspaper Handelsblatt, which is reporting that the controversial SUV will be built after receiving the go-ahead from Volkswagen's board.

Known internally as "Falcon," the still-unnamed Bentley SUV will be based on the EXP 9 Concept that received wildly mixed reviews at its 2012 Geneva Motor Show unveiling. Since the EXP 9's unveiling, there have been a steady stream of leaks and rumors suggesting that the bold-faced vehicle will get a redesign prior to going into production, but it remains unclear how different the final vehicle will look.

According to Automotive News, Bentley is itself stopping short of confirming the green-light report, though it does admit that the SUV's production outlook appears "very positive." Production will likely take place in Slovakia at a plant owned by parent Volkswagen.

Seen as a key part of Bentley's plan to expand its sales volumes, the SUV is expected to arrive within three years under V8 and possibly W12 power, just like the brand's volume Continental GT range. Said to start at a cost of some 200,000 euros - over $270,000 US - the Bentley will stare down a suddenly crowded segment of luxury utility vehicles, taking on newcomers like the Maserati Levante and as-yet unnamed Lamborghini SUV along with segment stalwarts like the Land Rover Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne.

Bentley SUV given green light by VW board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley falconbentley suvexp 9 fexp9ffalcon Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449221/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449221/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/20449221/article-detail.xml 20449221 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bentley-exp-9-f-concept-geneva-1331323632_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bentley-exp-9-f-concept-geneva-1331323632.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Last time we saw the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur out testing, our only questions about the new car regarded its rear-end styling, and when the car would debut. Well now we know for certain that the car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're also getting a better idea of what the car will look like thanks to Bentley releasing a brief teaser video.

The easiest-to-spot detail that we see in this Flying Spur video is the car's horizontal taillights - the first such on a Bentley since the 1990s. We can also see that this hyper-luxury sedan will get a more squared-off front end than its Continental GT counterpart. But, from what we can tell, it will receive a similarly laid out interior, including the three-spoke steering wheel.

Scroll down to watch the video, and we've also attached the single-sentence press release in which Bentley promises to reveal more details about the car on February 20.

Continue reading Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut

Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental flying spurbentleycontiental flying spurflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showteaservideo Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447642/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/20447642/article-detail.xml 20447642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur-teaser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur-teaser.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Bentley Mulsanne - front three-quarter view

Proving that there's no such thing as too much luxury, Bentley has released details for the updated 2014 Mulsanne that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Most of the additions are to improve rear-seat accommodations inside, with the addition of Comfort Specification and Entertainment Specification options.

The Comfort Specification adds some conveniences you might have in your living room, such as padded headrests, stowable footrests and seat cushions filled with duck down. Likewise, the new Entertainment Specification brings tech you might find in your home, including a wifi hotspot, seat trays that are now bigger to accommodate an iPad and keyboard and an entertainment system that gets a pair of eight-inch screens, a DVD player, wireless headphones and premium audio. Rear occupants in the 2014 Mulsanne will also get revised rear door panels with more storage and power-retractable curtains for both side- and rear windows.

Bentley is also offering up new paint and leather colors, too, and to finish it all off, Mulsanne customers will also be able to order a six-piece, handmade luggage set.

Scroll down for Bentley's press release on its enhanced 2014 Mulsanne.

Continue reading Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva

Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley mulsannebentleygeneva motor showmulsanne Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435465/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/20435465/article-detail.xml 20435465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-bentley-mulsanne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-bentley-mulsanne.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Looking cool in blue (better than the Grimace-purple we saw a few weeks ago), with strong, tailored bodywork and a one-percenter-approved face, the 2013 Bentley GT Speed Convertible is right at home with all the exotic metal on the floor of Cobo Center here at the Detroit Auto Show.

You've already read about (or should have) the 616-horsepower, 590-pound-feet-of-torque 6.0-liter W12 engine that hides under the hood of the GT Speed droptop, and you've no doubt remembered the ludicrous top speed of 202 miles per hour. Impressive stats, all.

All that's left, then, unless you've got a wild hair to reexamine the full-fat Bentley press release (available below), is to direct you to the oven-fresh gallery of live images that we've compiled, just for you.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 detroit auto show2014 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleycontinental gt speed convertibledetroitdetroit 2013gtc Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428327/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/20428327/article-detail.xml 20428327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-conv-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-conv-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time Volkswagen moved this many vehicles in America in one year, Richard Nixon was still a President in good standing, Let It Be was a radio hit and each car wearing the VW badge boasted an air-cooled engine. That's right, with a grand total of 580,286 vehicles sold in the US last year, the VW Group has broken its own four-decades-old sales record by 2,899 vehicles.

Of that 580k total sold, 438k were Volkswagens and 139k were Audi products - increases of 35.1 percent and 18.5 percent, respectively, in year-over-year sales. The ultra-premium members of the VW group also fared well; Bentley delivered 2,315 vehicles for a 23.3-precent increase, and Lamborghini delivered 520 units for a 52.9-percent jump. Bugatti, we're told is "right on track."

Jetta (pictured) sales paced the marque with 170k models sold, and Passat also finished very strong with sales of 117k total. Tiguan also racked up its best year on file, with 31,731 models shifted.

The company expects what it is calling "moderate growth" for the 2013 sales year ahead, though perhaps not at so blistering a rate as it racked up in 2012. Scroll down to read the official Volkswagen press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012

Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audibentleybugattijettalamborghinipassatsales recordtiguanvolkswagenvw Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427592/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427592/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/20427592/article-detail.xml 20427592 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-jetta-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-jetta-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley fires staff priest before Christmas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/bentley-fires-staff-priest-before-christmas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/bentley-fires-staff-priest-before-christmas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/bentley-fires-staff-priest-before-christmas/#comments Filed under: , ,



This sounds like a scene out of A Christmas Carol, but it appears to be real. The resident chaplain for Bentley at Crewe was removed from his post - just days before Christmas. Reverend Francis Cooke had visited Crewe once a week for the last decade, but was relieved of his duties when it was feared by management that his presence at the factory might offend a multi-faith workforce.

According to Rev. Cooke, "The reason I have been given is that there are too many people of different faiths to warrant a Christian chaplain." Cooke pointed out that no complaint had ever been brought against him, and that he helps all faiths at the factory - not just Christians.

Bentley issued a statement, addressing its decision, "We have a wide range of faiths and want to take a multi-faith outlook. It would be very difficult to have somebody from each faith."

The Bentley staff did not take this well, and have launched a petition to restore the reverend to his position of the last ten years. According to one Crewe employee, "Everyone is really angry about it as a few of us have been on courses with him." The unnamed employee continued, "To do this before Christmas is shocking." There is no word yet on the progress of the petition, or the hopes of Rev. Cooke's reinstatement at Crewe.

Bentley fires staff priest before Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleycrewecrewe ukrev cookereverend cookereverend francis cooke Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412740/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/bentley-fires-staff-priest-before-christmas/20412740/article-detail.xml 20412740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentley-crewe-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentley-crewe-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-202-mph-continental-gt-speed-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-202-mph-continental-gt-speed-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-202-mph-continental-gt-speed-convertible/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - front three-quarter view, purple

That purple haze all in your eyes is the 2013 Bentley GT Speed Convertible. The cynical view is, "Bah, take a GT Speed and cut the top off. There. Pass the salt, please...". But when you're Bentley, more than 90 years old, and charging these kinds of ducats, there's no reason to take the cynic's shortcut. So of course the GT Speed Convertible gets all of the Speed-family accoutrements: matrix radiator grille hiding a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter W12 with 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, eight-speed ZF transmission enabling 15 percent better fuel economy, beefier lowered suspension, larger rifled exhaust tips, inlet manifold finished in black crackle and a Mulliner Driving Specification cabin.

Among the many refinements added to the convertible, though, are neck warmers in the seats, the 21-inch wheels unique to this car, class-leading stiffness - admittedly, it's a very small class, but its torsional rigidity of 22,500 Nm/degree is only 500 Nm below that of the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe. The stiffening required to achieve that number will undoubtedly have something to do with the 485-pound weight gain over the GT Speed Coupe.

Still, when the GT Speed Convertible weighs 5,500 pounds, what's a few hundred between friends? More importantly, the weight doesn't scuttle performance: 0-60 comes in 4.1 seconds, a tenth shy of the coupe. The gap stretches as you approach The Ton, the GT Speed Convertible needing just 9.7 seconds to get there, the coupe just nine seconds. Trust us, though, everyone will be too busy blasting along to notice. Everyone will want to pack light, however, because the Speed Convertible loses 3.5 cubic feet of trunk space. It remains the fastest four-seat convertible in the world with a 202-mph top speed.

We'll see it live when it debuts for the world at the Detroit Auto Show. Look up and there's a high-res photo gallery, look down and there's a press release to get you prepared.

Continue reading Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleycontinental gtdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showgt speed convertiblegtcgtc speedw12 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402874/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-202-mph-continental-gt-speed-convertible/20402874/article-detail.xml 20402874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentleygtcspeed13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentleygtcspeed13.jpg -1 2