Autoblog

Hot Shot: Another (official) pic of the New Grand Bentley

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows

The New Grand Bentley - Click above for high-res image gallery

Car magazine has been keeping up on the story of the New Grand Bentley, aided by someone at Crewe who's been snapping illicit shots of the vehicle. This is Bentley's next official photo, however, and unless the British automaker has thrown a MacGuffin into the plot, it appears to contradict one of Car's assertions when speaking of its own spy shots: "It's not clearly visible on these shots, but the rear door handles will be hidden...." Have a look at the high-res photo and you'll see the opposite of a hidden door handle.

According to Car, the "Project Kimberley" Bentley will get a version of the company's long serving 6.75-liter V8 that's "been given a thorough makeover" and all-wheel-drive, but no long-wheebase version. According to us, while it is impossible to be sure, it looks like the trailing edge of the C-pillar might extend beyond the rear window, which would be appealingly Euro-gangster if true.

And if you're keeping track, four of the nine movies are now available for viewing at www.newgrandbentley.com. Remember, though, that we're only about halfway through the marathon tease, so don't expect to see much. You can read more about the car's unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month after the jump.

Gallery: New Grand Bentley

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Hot Shot: Another (official) pic of the New Grand Bentley

Hot Shot: Another (official) pic of the New Grand Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto

Noah Joseph — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:06:00 EST

Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Bentley

Bentley Continental GT by Romeo Britto - Click above to enlarge

With dozens of exterior paint shades and even more choices for the interior, there's no shortage of color combinations on the Bentley Continental GT. Beyond that, the British automaker's Mulliner customization division will be glad to set yours up any way you want... for a price, of course. But some people are never satisfied with the options laid out before them; people like Romero Britto, the creator of the rather, um..."intriguing" example you see here.

The Brazilian pop artist, whose work hangs in such prestigious museums as New York's MoMA and Guggenheim and the homes of celebrities and notables including Elton John, Governor Schwarzenegger and the Rothschilds, comes from an impoverished village and uses cheerful colors and lively shapes to brighten people's spirits. Do they belong on a Bentley? That's a matter of taste, but curious connoisseurs can see it in person in Britto's exhibition at the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in Germany from July 10 to September 6, after which the one-of-a-kind creation will be auctioned off to benefit multiple sclerosis and the mentally handicapped. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto

Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Born to be Bentley: One-off Crewe chopper

Noah Joseph — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bentley, Motorcycles

As similar as the two industries are, there aren't as many automobile/motorcycle crossovers as you might otherwise think. A handful of carmakers (Honda, Suzuki, Peugeot, BMW, Triumph once upon a time...) also make motorcycles. Ford has their Harley-Davidson edition F-Series pick-up trucks. Some small sports cars use motorcycle engines, and there are some big motorcycles (really big) that use car engines. Fiat sponsors world champion Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Yamaha bike. And, once in a while, we see a custom chopper decked out to look like a particular automobile. We've eyeballed our share of Ferrari-inspired motorbikes, but this is something else entirely: a Bentley chopper.

Of course, there's nothing particularly Bentley about this chopper other than the trim, so don't go expecting a 6.75-liter V8 or a twin-turbo W12 sprung between two wheels. But the fit and finish look rather impressive. The greenish-grey paint finish is complemented by a soft tan leather saddle and capped with a "Flying B" emblem on the gas tank. Pretty sweet ride from the look of things, and even if it is a one-off, it's one more link between between motor vehicles with two wheels and those with four.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Born to be Bentley: One-off Crewe chopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Bentley

Bentleys may be as large and luxurious as yachts, but that doesn't mean the premium automaker's factory in Crewe is without leaks. Although Bentley is keen on metering out glimpses at a snail's pace, British auto mag CAR managed to get a hold of a batch of photos of the highly anticipated new "Grand Bentley".

Under development with the code-name Project Kimberley, the new Bentley is slated to replace the aging Arnage sedan at the top of the company's line-up and do battle with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. With technological input from its sister companies under the Volkswagen auto umbrella, the as-yet unnamed Grand Bentley promises to take a big step forward from the Arnage, which still carries its mechanicals and platform from the days when the automaker was under the same roof as Rolls -- not in direct competition. The spy shots reveal mesh grilles, LED lights, a retractable hood ornament (like the Phantom's) and a swooping roofline reminiscent of the classic 50's-era R-Type Continental. Looks pretty sweet, and we'll probably get an even better glimpse as the car's unveiling later this summer approaches with the pace of...well, a speeding Bentley.

[Source: CAR]

Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New Grand Bentley teasers don't reveal anything new

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Bentley

Click above to view the video after the jump

Few cars have been as long in the making as the upcoming "grand Bentley." The long-awaited replacement to the Arnage is tipped to debut sometime this summer - possibly at Pebble Beach in August - but the stoic British automaker is intent on teasing us with little video clips every step along the way. (About nine of them in all if you look at the dedicated website.) Unfortunately, if these first two clips are any indication, the teasers will hardly be showing us anything new, just some hoity-toity piano music and fountain pen-scribed statements about what the brand is meant to stand for accompanied by the same shot of the new model's front bonnet. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Grand Bentley teasers don't reveal anything new

VIDEO: New Grand Bentley teasers don't reveal anything new originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The house of the Winged B teases the New Grand Bentley [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Bentley

The New Grand Bentley - Click above for high-res image

Aspiring Thomas Crowns have been waiting for a brand new Bentley to replace the Arnage for too long. Grab your monocles and have a look, chaps - what you see above is an initial taste of "the height of British luxury motoring" and "the purest expression of the Bentley spirit." Simply called the New Grand Bentley, this is what will replace the long-serving Arnage (and its 50-year-old V8?) as Brahmin at the top of the Bentley caste.

What can we discern from this shadowy glimpse? Unless the Photoshopped lighting effects deceive us, the bonnet goes from being a trap hood to a clamshell affair; the fenders lose one of their detail lines; and if the perspective is accurate, we are loving the swept grille. For you purist Anglophiles, be proud: the car has been designed and engineered in Crewe, and will be built there to boot.

Anything more than that will have to wait for the car to debut this summer. In the meantime, you can also visit www.NewGrandBentley.com (which will probably be a glamorous tease served on a silver tray), scrutinize a high-res version of the photo above, and check out a 19-second video clip after the jump.

Gallery: New Grand Bentley

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading The house of the Winged B teases the New Grand Bentley [w/VIDEO]

The house of the Winged B teases the New Grand Bentley [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1954 Bentley R-Type fastback racer

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Time Warp, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Bentley

1954 Bentley R-Type on eBay Motors - Click above for image gallery

Have you got two-hundred grand to drop on a Bentley Continental? Well, then you're more fortunate than most of us, but before you head down to the local luxury dealership and place your order for the same car that everyone else in your tony gated community already owns, why not consider something with a little more character? May we suggest this 1954 Bentley R-Type fastback racer.

Crafted on special order in the post-war period, this Chassis #B77ZX has earned a bit of a following from its appearances in concours events, participation in historic races and inclusion in books on Bentley history. Different from the other 2,300+ R-types built, this example features a louvered hood, custom competition wheels, rally lamps and a set of white racing stripes leading over the British Racing Green bodywork from the color-keyed grille surround all the way to the elegantly sloping fastback tail. It's being offered for sale by The San Diego Collection with a buy-it-now price of $195,000, but reasonable offers and trades are also being considered. Check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: 1954 Bentley R-Type on eBay Motors

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1954 Bentley R-Type fastback racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: Is Bentley testing a hybrid Continental GT?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Bentley

Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen has repeatedly said in the past that the British luxury marque will introduce lower-CO2-emitting powertrains over the next several years, starting with the flex-fuel W12 in the Continental Supersports that arrives this fall. As part of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley is likely to follow some of the same paths as the rest of the group, including diesel. Hybrids are likely to be part of the picture as well, however.

Some new spy photos have turned up of a Continental GT running somewhere in southern Europe, and they might indicate that Bentley is already working on a hybrid Continental. Lots of unusual gear is visible through the back window, and the photographer claims the car was running very quietly, possibly suggesting a hybrid running in EV mode.

If the Bentley is a hybrid, it's probably using the same system developed by VW, Audi and Porsche that will be appearing in the Touareg, Q5, Cayenne and Panamera in the next couple of years. Thanks to Andrus for the tip!

[Source: FastestCar.com]

Spy shots: Is Bentley testing a hybrid Continental GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley Arnage successor to go even further upscale, debut at Pebble Beach in August

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows, Rumormill

Bentley Arnage Final Series - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The auto show circuit may be on its annual summer break, but that's not going to stop Bentley. A recent report suggests the crew from Crewe is preparing to take the wraps off its next-generation Arnage at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California this coming August. And when it does, it'll be bigger and badder than ever.

There's no word yet regarding rumors that the Arnage's replacement could take on Bugatti's W16 or Audi's V12 TDI engines, but reports indicate that the new Arnage - aside from being, you know, new - will be bigger and further upscale from the current, aging behemoth. Apparently Bentley and their corporate overlords at Volkswagen are growing tired of watching their clientele go to arch-rival/former sister-company Rolls-Royce or (heaven forbid) Maybach, but they're still going to take their time: The next-gen Arnage isn't supposed to begin production until a year after the current model, now in its final iteration (pictured above), ceases production. At Pebble Beach we're tipped to see a pre-production prototype that promises to closely mirror the eventual production model, which is expected to take advantage of Audi's modular platform but incorporate a unique V8 engine (probably based on the current Jurassic-era 6.75-liter "perfectly adequate" V8) mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic and likely able to run on E85 ethanol to give the muscle-tank the air of environmental conscience.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf]

REPORT: Bentley Arnage successor to go even further upscale, debut at Pebble Beach in August originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scrap the Rich: Bentley Continental is 85% recyclable

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Green, Bentley

Bentley Recycling Certificate - Click above to enlarge

Good news for all Bentley Continental owners who plan to recycle their ultra-expensive and luxurious automobile after the GT outlives its usefulness: Bentley now guarantees that the Continental line is 85% recyclable and 95% recoverable. In recognition of this achievement, the automaker has been awarded an official certificate from the German Motor Transport Authority. According to Dr. Arno Homburg, head of Whole Vehicle Development at Bentley Motors:

"Our environment policy is based on sustainable principles and we take a holistic view of the whole process. At the design stage we consider the environmental impact of all components over the entire life of the car. This is despite the fact that over 70% of all Bentleys ever produced are still in existence - our cars tend to end up as collectors' items rather than scrap."

We'd tend to agree it's unlikely that many Bentleys will find their way to the scrap-heap, but the recycling certificate means that if the unthinkable ever happens, the various bits of metal, plastic, glass and the like can be reused in any number of industries. Who knows, your old, unwanted Bentley could come back to life as the world's finest toaster oven... or a laptop computer, or perhaps some luggage.

Continue reading Scrap the Rich: Bentley Continental is 85% recyclable

Scrap the Rich: Bentley Continental is 85% recyclable originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Bentley

Watch out. A blacked-out Bentley Continental Supersports has been spotted pointing its grille at the Nürburgring. In an era when Cobalts and Clios are flogged around the 13-mile loop, it comes as a mild surprise that nobody has timed and tested the Bentley Continental on that particular tarmac. With its E85-capable W12 engine rated at 621 hp and a curb weight 300 lbs lighter than the standard GT, the Supersports could push the coupe's balance that much further to the sport side than the GT side. If Bentley does run it in anger, we look forward to finding out how Crewe's first green effort handles The Green Hell.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley prepares for market recovery by advancing new Continental debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Bentley, UK

Bentley Continental GT Speed in the Autoblog Garage - Click above for high-res gallery

While other automakers cut back their development programs in hopes of streamlining overhead during this difficult economic climate, Bentley is taking the opposite approach. Rather than cut back on developing new vehicles, they're actually pushing to move things ahead on their calendar.

According to Automotive News, the logic is based on the projection that the economy is on the road to recovery, and Bentley wants to be there when its wealthy clientele has got more fluid cash on hand to splurge on new six-figure luxury cars. While the replacement for the range-topping Arnage is expected to carry on unchanged, the successor to the Continental range is being moved forward, as confirmed by Crewe's own sales and marketing chief Stuart McCullough.

So whereas the next Continental GT was previously slated for introduction in 2011, the new coupe is now being prepared for its debut next year. No official word on rescheduling the introductions of the Flying Spur and GTC models to go along with it, but we'd expect the sedan to move forward from 2012 to 2011, with the convertible to follow in 2012 instead of 2013 as previously reported.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

REPORT: Bentley prepares for market recovery by advancing new Continental debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hamann introduces Bentley Continental GT Speed-based Imperator

Drew Phillips — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Bentley

Hamann Imperator - Click above for a high-res gallery

A few months ago, Hamann Motorsport previewed its tuning program for the Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed, and now they have released full details and photos.

Dubbed "Imperator" (sorry, Isdera) Hamann's version of Bentley's coupe features an aggressive aero kit including a new front and rear fascia, side skirts, extensions over both sets of wheels and a rear wing. From there, customers can choose a variety of sizes of forged wheels, lowering options, a stainless steel exhaust system, and an upgraded engine management system that boosts the bi-turbo W12 to well over 600 horsepower.

The interior gets the full treatment as well, with a new 3-spoke steering wheel and carbon fiber, leather, and ultra-suede accents. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Hamann Imperator

[Source: Hamann Motorsport]

Continue reading Hamann introduces Bentley Continental GT Speed-based Imperator

Hamann introduces Bentley Continental GT Speed-based Imperator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Price of Green: Bentley Continental Supersports is $267,000

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Supercars, Bentley

Bentley Continental Supersports - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Continental Supersports has been priced, with Bentley having decided that $267,000 is fair compensation for exclusive access to green, luxurious speed. The ethanol-capable Conti is not only a sign of Bentley technology to come, it also provides the first clues to the next generation Continental, which we were told "isn't far off." Orders can be placed beginning in October, though the first couple hundred units earmarked for the U.S. will be gas-only, with the full on flex-fuel model arriving Stateside summer of 2010.

The total price includes ceramic brakes but not destination and gas guzzler tax, which will take you up to about $275,000. After that, the only limit is your Cayman Islands balance. Check out the gallery of high-res pics below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Bentley Continental Supersports

The Price of Green: Bentley Continental Supersports is $267,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Spyker, Ruf, Shelby, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for live a high-res gallery from Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event

Symbolic Motors just held their Annual Spring Event to showcase all the new models from the high-end manufacturers they represent in their San Diego dealerships. The latest and greatest from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Lotus and Spyker were on display, along with some of the restoration projects the firm is carrying out in their Sorrento Valley facilities. Just for good measure, they also invited a few of their friends to bring along their own favorite wheels.

That meant there was a Ferrari Enzo, a Pratt & Miller C6RS Corvette, a couple of Miuras, a McLaren F1 GTR, a Porsche 962, an ex-Mario Andretti racer, two Bugatti Veyrons, a Koenigsegg CCX, a Lamborghini Reventon, a Blastolene special, and the sixth and final Ferrari Daytona prototype, to name but a few outstanding examples. In addition to the incredible cars on display, Symbolic threw open the doors to their shop and made staff available to answer questions. If that wasn't enough, there was free food and live music, as well as raffles throughout the day. Check out the gallery to see what you might have missed, and check out Symbolic if you happen to find yourself in the San Diego area with a few hours on your hands.

Gallery: Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Bentley Arnage to feature Audi turbo-diesel

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Green, Audi, Bentley, Rumormill

Bentley Arnage Final Series - Click above for high-res gallery

Bentley has long been rumored to be considering the use of diesel engines. The torquey oil-burners would enable Crewe to continue offering the kind of freight-train muscle for which it has become known while living up to the mandate of offering improved fuel economy, and, with the latest developments in particulate filter technology, reduce carbon emissions, as well. The company's marriage to Audi, which has carved out a nice niche for itself in diesel propulsion, seems to be a match made in motor heaven, and now reports suggest that, at long last, the marriage is set to be consummated with the next Arnage sedan.

According to the latest output from the ever-churning rumor-mill, the replacement for the aging Arnage will employ a version of the V12 turbo-diesel used in the current Audi Q7 TDI. With 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the twelve-cylinder oil-burner would prove an ideal power-plant for the big saloon, and could get an even higher output version to join the half-century-old 6 ¾-liter V8 found in 530-horsepower trim in the current Brooklands, all while Bentley continues to toy with ethanol-burning variants of its W12 as previewed in the Continental Supersports show car unveiled just days ago at the Geneva Motor Show and Her Majesty's State Limousine.

Gallery: Bentley Arnage Final Series

[Source: 4wheelsnews]

REPORT: Next Bentley Arnage to feature Audi turbo-diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: New details on next Bentley Continental emerge

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Bentley, Rumormill

Bentley Continental GT Speed - Click above for high-res gallery

The Camry for Rich People (AKA the Bentley Continental) is ready for a makeover and, according to Automobile, work is underway on the next iteration of Bentley's volume model. Due to arrive in 2011, the new coupe will reportedly emerge lighter than its predecessor, along with sharing more components with the Audi A8 and possibly packing a diesel drivetrain.

The styling of the new GT is led again by Dirk van Braeckel, so expect an evolutionary design that captures all the cues from the current model and packages them into a more aerodynamic package. With the A8's front suspension employed in favor of the Volkswagen Phaeton's, front overhangs should be shorter, allowing the wheelbase to be stretched. This, along with a wider track and a slightly larger footprint, will allow the interior accommodations - primarily the rear seats and trunk - to grow. An aluminum space-frame is expected to be used in front, with a traditional steel setup in the rear to shave around 400 pounds from the current coupe's curb weight, bringing the final tonnage down to around 4,800 pounds.

Power will be provided by an array of upgraded W12s producing approximately 580 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 650 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque on the Speed variants. Both models stand to benefit from a eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a 4.2-liter turbo-diesel putting out 374 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque is reportedly in the works. Automobile speculates that a plug-in hybrid could make it to market, assuming lithium-ion batteries are available.

The standard Continental GT should arrive in early 2011, followed by the redesigned Flying Spur in mid-2012, with the GTC convertible coming in late 2013 and the Speed variants arriving in 2015.

Gallery: 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Gallery: Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: New details on next Bentley Continental emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brooklands barstools? Bentley craftsmen making furniture in downtime

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Bentley, UK

Click above for a hi-res gallery of Bentley interiors

Due to the necessary production cuts at Bentley's main factory in Crewe, England, skilled workers for the British automaker have found a new niche to keep them busy, and it has nothing to do with cars. Apparently, 140 of Bentley's best woodworkers are making cabinets, tables, and other pieces of furniture to refit the factory's reception area, showroom and museum. So far, the team is turning out products that are being used solely by the automaker, but that's likely to change in the near future.

These actions are necessary if the automaker has any hope of holding on to its most valuable team members, some of whom have been in the woodworking shop for over forty years. Custom pieces have been designed by Bentley's engineering team, and, according to Bentley board member Stuart McCullogh, "There are very few other furniture makers who could match our level of veneer." Having witnessed the work of its skilled craftsmen firsthand, we don't doubt it.

Gallery: Bentley interior shots

[Source: Telegraph]

Brooklands barstools? Bentley craftsmen making furniture in downtime originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:24:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley claims that the new Continental Supersports is the fastest, most powerful production Bentley ever produced. But beyond raw power and speed, CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen said it was the beginning of a new era for Bentley. Paefgen declared that when this recession ends outstanding cars will be needed to lead the way. To that end the Continental Supersports program shaved 242 pounds off the big coupe, removed the back seat and bumped up the output to 621 hp. That's enough to push this big coupe to 204 mph top end and while passing through 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

The really big news is the addition of flex-fuel capability to the twin-turbo W12. Paefgen claims that fueling the Supersports on E85 can reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by up to 70%. Of course that figure would be commensurate with using cellulosic ethanol which is currently available... no where. Paefgen announced that between now and 2012 all Bentley's will get flex-fuel capability and in that year an all new powertrain will be introduced. Paefgen did acknowledge that E85 capability is simply a stepping stone to future technologies like plug-in hybrids start to make a dent over the next decade.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Bentley Continental Supersports

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV

Geneva 2009: Bentley takes a tipple, Continental SuperSports goes FFV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley UK hikes prices by 5%

John Neff — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Bentley

If you're about to buy a Bentley and live in the UK, get your order in before March 31. After that, prices across the board at Bentley will rise by 5%. Bentley cites the continued weakening of the British Pound Sterling against the Euro for the price hikes, which make a lineup of already extremely pricey vehicles that much more so. When we asked Bentley if it would also be increasing prices for models sold in the U.S., David Reuter, head of Bentley PR and Communications in the Americas told us, "No sir. We remain as affordable as always..." He's joking, of course, but at this point a Bentley might hold its value better than a new home purchase.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley UK hikes prices by 5%

Bentley UK hikes prices by 5% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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