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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Bentley hires David Hilton as new Head of Exterior Design]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/bentley-hires-david-hilton-as-new-head-of-exterior-design/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/bentley-hires-david-hilton-as-new-head-of-exterior-design/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/bentley-hires-david-hilton-as-new-head-of-exterior-design/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

David Hilton

Bentley has named designer David Hilton as the company's head of exterior design. Hilton ran his own successful design firm for 12 years before accepting the position with the ultra-luxury automaker. He will now report to Dirk van Braeckel, director of design and styling. Hilton is stepping into the shoes of Raul Pires, who left the company at the end of last year to join forces with Italdesign, the Volkswagen-owned design studio.

Hilton has over two decades of automotive design experience under his belt, having worked with companies from Ford to Volkswagen. The last-generation Ford Focus RS is among his notable accomplishments.

He'll have his work cut out for him moving forward. Bentley is slated to unleash a rash of new products in the coming months, including an all-new SUV and a replacement for the company's aging Continental line. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Bentley hires David Hilton as new Head of Exterior Design

Bentley hires David Hilton as new Head of Exterior Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley head of exterior designdavid hiltondesignexterior designhead of exterior designhiring Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/bentley-hires-david-hilton-as-new-head-of-exterior-design/20168371/article-detail.xml 20168371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/david-hilton-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/david-hilton-628.jpg <![CDATA[How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/#comments Filed under: , , ,

joring bentley

The Swiss know a thing or two about skiing. Our neutral friends go downhill, cross-country and even joring. Yeah, we've never heard of "joring" before either, but it apparently involves slapping on a pair of skis and getting towed around by a horse or dog.

That doesn't sound like all that much fun to us, but if you replace the four-legged hauler with a Bentley Continental GT, we're inclined to change our tune. The good folks at Auto Express headed out to a joring track in Rougemont, Switzerland to try their skill with a 570 horsepower, four-wheel drive Continental GT, and they have video to prove it.

Hit the jump to watch exotic joring at 40 miles per hour.

Continue reading How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog

How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 bentley continental gtauto skiingbentleycar skiingcontinental gtjoringskiskiingvideo Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/20157003/article-detail.xml 20157003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bentley-gt-joring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bentley-gt-joring.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review/#comments Filed under: , ,

Updated Droptop Doesn't Compromise Driving Dynamics For Fresh Air And Sunshine

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

Few experiences equal the feeling of driving a new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC down a crowded Los Angeles highway - especially when the droptop is prismatic magenta with highly polished 21-inch wheels.

Some stare. Others glare. But most simply sneer.

The response should be expected. After all, a vehicle of this caliber is designed to broadcast to others that you have succeeded. Unfortunately, this specific boisterously purple quarter-million dollar convertible with flashy wheels takes things a bit too far: it also seems to remind passers-by that they have failed.

But let's not blame Bentley for someone's misguided selection on the color wheel. A mere 30 microns of pigment over perfectly primed aluminum, whether or not it appears related to Barney the dinosaur, isn't reason to dismiss this magnificent open-top GT.

Or is it?

Continue reading 2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]

2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 bentley continental gtcbentleycontinentalcontinental gtccontinental gtc reviewfeaturedgtcreviewreviews Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157724/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review/20157724/article-detail.xml 20157724 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-review.jpg <![CDATA[Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay sold at $2.5 million]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/barrett-jackson-2012-1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay-sold-at-2-5-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/barrett-jackson-2012-1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay-sold-at-2-5-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/barrett-jackson-2012-1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay-sold-at-2-5-m/#comments Filed under: , , ,

1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay

Easily one of the most beautiful cars to roll down the auction block at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson event was this 1947 Bentley Mark VI. It's hard to describe just what this Bentley's coachwork looks like, so we suggest you check out the live photos we took of the machine as it was being auctioned.

A few things we know for sure, though. This Bentley has won just about every award it has been eligible for, including being voted as the best of its breed by the Rolls-Royce Owners Club. That, for those unaware, is a very big deal in such circles.

Apparently, a number of bidders at Barrett-Jackson realized just how special this Bentley Franay is, because the gavel finally fell with a winning bid of $2.5 million and a final selling price of $2.75 million after all fees were calculated. Read more about the 1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay after the break.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay sold at $2.5 million

Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay sold at $2.5 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/21/barrett-jackson-2012-1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay-sold-at-2-5-m/20153887/article-detail.xml 20153887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1947-bentley-mark-vi-franay.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley courting Maybach celebs with letter-writing campaign]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bentley-courting-maybach-celebs-with-letter-writing-campaign/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bentley-courting-maybach-celebs-with-letter-writing-campaign/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bentley-courting-maybach-celebs-with-letter-writing-campaign/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Bentley Continental GT V8

When Daimler let slip that Maybach was on the chopping block, the German automaker reportedly insisted that ultra-luxury editions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class would replace the doomed marque. We're all for a smattering of low volume, seriously pricey S-Class variants, but will the richest and most influential Maybach buyers feel the same way?

Automotive News reports that Bentley is betting that stars like Jay-Z and Samuel L. Jackson will want more than a gussied-up Benz, and the luxury car make is sending out olive branches in the form of a letter campaign. The premium Volkswagen brand is asking the high-rollers to step into a Bentley Mulsanne or perhaps a top-shelf Continental GT. To help persuade VIPs to switch to Bentley, the automaker is inviting select Maybach owners to tour its Crewe, England home.

Given the fact that many typical soccer moms and dads can afford an ML-Class, we can see why some movie stars and sultans would want to steer clear of the Three-Pointed Star. But is Bentley really going to gain much by wooing the 200 annual Maybach buyers? If a few more rap stars roll in a Bentley in their next music video, then the answer would appear to be yes.

Bentley courting Maybach celebs with letter-writing campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleycontinentaljay-zmaybachmercedesmulsannes-classs-klassesamuel l jackson Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/bentley-courting-maybach-celebs-with-letter-writing-campaign/20149124/article-detail.xml 20149124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-bentley-gt-v8-press-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-bentley-gt-v8-press-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Continental GT V8 brings the motor to Motor City]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/bentley-continental-gt-v8-detroit-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/bentley-continental-gt-v8-detroit-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/bentley-continental-gt-v8-detroit-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Bentley Continental GT V8

Bentley has at last debuted its latest beast at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The Continental GT V8 arrived in the Motor City boasting a new compact 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 under its hood. With 500 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque on tap, the ultra-luxury coupe offers buyers heaps of performance in an efficient package. Well, efficient by Bentley standards, anyway. The company says the Continental GT V8 has an effective range of 500 miles, which translates to roughly 21 mpg. That's not a Prius-besting figure by any stretch, but it's far from embarrassing given the globe-spinning amount of power on tap.

Much of that efficiency comes from the fact that the 4.0-liter V8 makes use of cylinder deactivation when the driver maintains speed or decelerates. The engine automatically drops to four-cylinder power in those situations, though the remaining cylinders pick up the instant the driver tips into the throttle.

Bentley says the Conti V8 can jump to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 188 mph thanks in part to its eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. The company also says the Continental GT V8 and the Continental GTC V8 will be sold right alongside the standard Continental GT models with their more potent W12 engine. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Bentley Continental GT V8 brings the motor to Motor City

Bentley Continental GT V8 brings the motor to Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gt v8bentley continental gtc v8continentalcontinental gtcontinental gt v8continental gtc v8detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto show Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20143980/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/bentley-continental-gt-v8-detroit-2012/20143980/article-detail.xml 20143980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bentley-continental-gt-v8-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bentley-continental-gt-v8-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Bentley chief executives

After two consecutive years posting losses in its balance book, Bentley is back in the black as the figures came in for the close of 2011. But don't think for one minute that the ultra-luxe British marque is about to stop there. No, Bentley's new CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer (pictured above, right) has big plans for the company, and having headed product development at Porsche for years, that can only mean one thing: more new vehicles. More types of vehicles, more bodystyles and more derivatives.

The biggest potential item in the pipeline is an SUV, a plan which Bentley has had in the making for some time now and which Dürheimer recently indicated in a conference call will be decided on soon. The Bentley of sport-utes would be significantly more upscale than anything currently offered, with a price tag upwards of $140,000, with underpinnings borrowed from the Porsche Cayenne which Dürheimer helped launch himself.

Beyond the SUV, the Bentley chief executive also hinted at a new sportscar range that would include a two-seat coupe, a hardtop convertible and even a racing version. The model would likely take the fight more directly to Aston Martin, against whose smaller GTs the larger Continental GT range currently competes with.

On the sales front, The Flying B was the first automaker to report its December figures and the 2011 calendar year as a whole, with global sales up 37 percent last year to 7,003 units. Sales for December were also up 69 percent versus 2010 to 1,059 cars, which Bentley claims is its second-best sales month of all time and best since the recession began.

What's more interesting is how Bentley sales break down geographically. The U.S. remains the brand's best-selling market with 2,021 cars sold, but sales in China "virtually doubled" last year to 1,839 units. In fact, the Chinese had already bought more Bentleys by last July than they did in all of 2010. With that kind of momentum, China should easily overtake the U.S. as as the automaker's best customer base in 2012. Even struggling Europeans managed to increase their appetites, buying 53 percent more last year than the year before. Follow the jump for the latest statement on Bentley's financial health.

Continue reading Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability

Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley earningsbentley profitsbentley suvdürheimersuvwolfgang dürheimer Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/20139425/article-detail.xml 20139425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley bringing 500-hp, twin-turbo V8 Continental to Detroit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/bentley-bringing-500-hp-twin-turbo-v8-continental-to-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/bentley-bringing-500-hp-twin-turbo-v8-continental-to-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/bentley-bringing-500-hp-twin-turbo-v8-continental-to-detroit/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Bentley Continental GT V8

The Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8 has been unwrapped and it's a kinder, gentler bulldog that makes do with "just" 500 horsepower and 481 pound-feet from its 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8. That is down 20 horsepower and up just 8 pound-feet from the output of the Audi S8, with which it shares the innovatively-packaged, cylinder-deactivating V8. We're going to guess that's to leave unquestionable space between it and the 631-hp Continental GT, and so Bentley could reach its 40 percent improvement goal with respect to emissions and gas mileage.

Specific numbers aren't divulged just yet, but it will get from standstill to 60 mph in under five seconds and will go more than 500 miles on a tank. Unless the tank size has changed from the 24-gallon receptacle in the big daddy W12, which we doubt, that means the V8 is good for at least 21 miles per gallon.

You'll be able to tell this one apart by its black grille with chrome accents, red Bentley "B" badge (red badges were traditionally used on sportier Bentleys, so we're not sure if that's meant to be a sign of this coupe's performance vs. the W12) and reworked treatment of the lower grille. The package rides on 20-inch wheels, same size as the flagship GT, but in back you'll find "figure-eight" tailpipes (which will quickly be swapped for something less obvious) and another red badge.

Both coupe and sedan will introduce themselves to rich buyers and not-so-rich voyeurs at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. You'll find a press release after the jump with obligatory references to inconceivable colors like Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, and a high-res gallery of photos for much more understandable pleasures above.

Continue reading Bentley bringing 500-hp, twin-turbo V8 Continental to Detroit

Bentley bringing 500-hp, twin-turbo V8 Continental to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gtbentleybentley continental gt v8bentley continental gtc v8continental gtcontinental gt v8continental gtccontinental gtc v8detroitdetroit 2012 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125625/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/bentley-bringing-500-hp-twin-turbo-v8-continental-to-detroit/20125625/article-detail.xml 20125625 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-bentley-gt-v8-press-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-bentley-gt-v8-press-628.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Zagato's 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ show car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2008 Bentley Continental GTZ by Zagato

Back in 2008, Milanese design studio Zagato got together with Bentley to create the Continental GTZ, a coachbuilt version of Crewe's prolific luxury coupe. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the design had some beautiful elements, but the GTZ wasn't supposed to be a one-and-done affair. For a handsome fee, Zagato offered to rebody anyone's Continental GT to mirror the show car; no more than nine examples were to be built. Unfortunately, it looks like nobody was willing to shell out the €800,000 asking price (a bit over $1M USD - plus the donor car's MSRP) to have theirs converted.

As a result, it seems that only the one example was made. But - good news, everyone! - that solitary example, in two-tone silver and green - is now in the United States and available for sale. This is said to be the actual show car, based on a Continental GT Speed, that debuted at the Geneva Palexpo two and a half years ago. The one-of-a-kind creation has just 870 miles on the odometer and promises to endure as a unique collectable. However, that uniqueness carries an insane price tag: Bentley San Francisco, the seller, is looking for a $1.1 million starting bid (on a $1.45 million Buy It Now price). No bids have been registered thus far.

Have a closer look at the auction images from Bentley San Francisco in the gallery above, scope out our original images in the high-res gallery below and follow the link to the auction page for more.

eBay Find of the Day: Zagato's 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continentalbentley continental gtzcontinental gtcontinental gtzgtzzagato Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/20122537/article-detail.xml 20122537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/zagato-conti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/zagato-conti.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teases sound of new V8 engine]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/bentley-teases-sound-of-new-v8-engine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/bentley-teases-sound-of-new-v8-engine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/bentley-teases-sound-of-new-v8-engine/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Bentley V8 teaser

How should a Bentley drive? Should the machine serenely coddle its driver and passengers in the lap of luxury, or should the Flying B hint at a sportier side? And what should it sound like - quiet and subdued or raspy yet refined?

Up until now, Bentley has focused on an elegant experience over one that's overtly sporty. Judging from the video you'll see after the break, though, the time has apparently come for a dose of exhilaration and some much welcome exhaust wail.

Bentley will be releasing a new V8 engine, possibly at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January, and has released a little teaser offering a taste of what is in store from the historic marque. While we can't really see too much to get excited about, this video is really all about the sound. And that chorus is enough to get the blood pumping rather nicely.

But don't just take our word for it. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Bentley teases sound of new V8 engine

Bentley teases sound of new V8 engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley enginebentley soundbentley v8 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/bentley-teases-sound-of-new-v8-engine/20121355/article-detail.xml 20121355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bentley-new-v8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bentley-new-v8.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Bentley Continental Supersports

Dakar. The very name conjures up images of daring dashes through the brutish desert, running down scorpions and dodging terrorists at full throttle. Not exactly the place you'd expect to find a Bentley, then, but that's what the rumormill is pointing towards today.

Wait a second, you say, Bentley's parent company Volkswagen is already a dominant force in the Dakar rally! And right you are. But now that it's heading to the World Rally Championship, VW isn't expected to return to the iconic desert race. Which leaves it with two options: either mothball the operation it's been cultivating to domination over the past several years and hand victory to one of its erstwhile rivals, or bring in one of its subsidiary divisions.

Okay, makes sense, but why Bentley? Well, the British luxury marque is understood to be preparing to roll out an SUV, and Dakar could be just the place to prove it won't be just some pampered show horse.

The last rumor linking Bentley with a world-class racing series revolved, much like its actual last foray, around Le Mans. But with sister-companies Audi and Porsche gearing up to contest the endurance race next season, this Dakar scenario suddenly doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley suvdakardakar rally raidsuv Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/20099800/article-detail.xml 20099800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Bentley W-12

Sport-utility vehicles and big engines go together like peanut butter and jelly. Surprising, then, that nobody offers one with a twelve-cylinder engine. But if the latest reports prove accurate, that's all about to change.

It's not that there's never been a twelve-cylinder SUV, but none are currently offered in the U.S. market and the only offerings from mainstream automakers are from Volkswagen Group divisions. Audi continues to offer the Q7 with a V12 in overseas markets, but that's a diesel. Lamborghini shoehorned the Countach's V12 into the LM002, but that hasn't been around since the early 90s.

Enter the next contender from the VW Group, coming from the division that produces more twelve-pots than any other automaker on God's green earth. Bentley's upcoming SUV is expected to borrow its underpinnings from the Porsche Cayenne (no V12 there), but the upcoming crossover from Crewe is, according to sources quoting Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer, slated to get a new version of the W-12 engine in the Continental. The Q7's V12 TDI could find its way under the Bentley's hood as well, which would be a first for the Flying B marque that has long been linked to potential diesel propulsion.

Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley crossoverbentley suvcrossoversuvw-12w12 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/20077817/article-detail.xml 20077817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-w12_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-w12.jpg <![CDATA[The story behind the 1921 Bentley 3-Litre, the world's oldest production Bentley]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/the-story-behind-the-1921-bentley-3-litre-the-worlds-oldest-pr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/the-story-behind-the-1921-bentley-3-litre-the-worlds-oldest-pr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/the-story-behind-the-1921-bentley-3-litre-the-worlds-oldest-pr/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Even though "recession" and "double-dip" are familiar to anyone au courant with headlines, to the bidders at Pebble Beach auctions, the first is a lexicological sibling of "recede" and the second is dessert. That's why Gooding & Company was able to make the till ring like a fire alarm again his year, selling 106 of 127 lots for more than $78 million and setting 19 records for cars sold at auction.

One of those lots was a 1921 Bentley 3-LItre, Chassis #3, and the oldest production Bentley in existence. Follow the jump for the story behind it...

Continue reading The story behind the 1921 Bentley 3-Litre, the world's oldest production Bentley

The story behind the 1921 Bentley 3-Litre, the world's oldest production Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1921 bentley1921 bentley 3-liter2011 pebble beach concours deleganceBentley 3-litregooding companypebble beachpebble beach 2011 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/09/the-story-behind-the-1921-bentley-3-litre-the-worlds-oldest-pr/20077079/article-detail.xml 20077079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/3-litrebentleypebble1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/3-litrebentleypebble1.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley showcases new Continental GTC in motion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/bentley-showcases-new-continental-gtc-in-motion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/bentley-showcases-new-continental-gtc-in-motion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/bentley-showcases-new-continental-gtc-in-motion/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Bentley Continental GTC video

We've gotten the details. We've seen it at the auto show. We've even driven it in Croatia, and brought you our impressions. But there's only so much we can describe a car like the new Bentley Continental GTC, because the luxury cabriolet is an experience. It's about seeing and being seen. It's about wafting effortlessly down azure coastlines and feeling the wind in your hair.

Fortunately, for those of us who will never have the privilege, Bentley has released video footage of its new Continental GTC showing exactly that. Check it out after the jump.

Continue reading Bentley showcases new Continental GTC in motion

Bentley showcases new Continental GTC in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 bentley continental gtcbentley continental gtccontinentalcontinental gtcontinental gtcvideo Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/bentley-showcases-new-continental-gtc-in-motion/20072268/article-detail.xml 20072268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/conti-gtc-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/conti-gtc-video.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Continental GT2 expected next year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/bentley-continental-gt2-expected-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/bentley-continental-gt2-expected-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/bentley-continental-gt2-expected-next-year/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

AutoExpress reports that Bentley plans to bring a GT2 version of the Continental to market next year. The word comes straight from Bentley head-honcho Wolfgang Durheimer, and while it's unclear at this point whether the machine will make use of the same W12 engine at the heart of the current Continental, the story suggests that buyers can expect to enjoy up to 650 horsepower. That's a 100 horse jump over the base model. In addition, the Continental GT2 is expected to tip the scales at a full 441 pounds lighter than its tamer sibling.

As a result, the high-strung coupe may be able to turn out 0-60 mph sprints in the sub-four-second range. Even more impressive is the fact that the model may abandon its all-wheel drive system for the feat. AutoExpress reports that Bentley may abandon the tried-and-true W12 for a forced-induction V8. Whatever shows up under the hood, we can't wait to see the machine in action.

Bentley Continental GT2 expected next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gt2continentalcontinental gt2 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072433/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/bentley-continental-gt2-expected-next-year/20072433/article-detail.xml 20072433 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-continental-supersports-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-continental-supersports-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvw Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/20071695/article-detail.xml 20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bentley Continental Flying Spur by Linley

We've heard the accolades applied by eager salesmen to countless items: This thing you're shopping for is the Rolls-Royce of its category. It's the Mercedes-Benz of somethingorother. Usually it isn't. But if any craftsman could be called the Bentley of furniture, it's certainly David Linley.

The child of photographer and architect Anthony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, and Princess Margaret, Linley has established a name for himself as the finest designer and crafter of luxurious furniture in all of the UK, if not the world. He and his team manipulate wood, metal, glass and leather into some of the most sumptuous and striking pieces available. The Bentley of furniture, in other words. How fitting, then, that Bentley itself should collaborate with Linley for an exclusive special edition Continental.

Bentley by LinleyPreviewed about a month ago, the Linley edition Flying Spur has now been fully revealed at London's Jack Barclay dealership. It features the finest Santos rosewood veneers covering the fascia, console, waistrail and roof console of the sedan's interior. The waistrails and fold-down picnic tables feature Linley's trademark Helix motif inlayed from four different types of wood into an intricate pattern. It's also fitted with a custom Linley humidor - complete with cigar cutter and ashtray - burnt oak stitching on the upholstery, a rhodium-plated dedication plaque and even a special cashmere blanket.

In other words, you might call this the Bentley of Bentleys. But try not to like it too much: only 10 examples will be made, each earmarked for monied Anglophiles in the Chinese market. If you don't meet those narrow criteria, you can still check it out in the fresh high-resolution image gallery, and in video footage and press release after the jump.

Continue reading Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video]

Bentley goes even more Bentley with Linley edition Flying Spur [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental flying spurbentley continental flying spur by linleychinacontinental flying spurdavid linleyflying spurjack barclaylinley Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072090/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/bentley-goes-even-more-bentley-with-linley-edition-flying-spur/20072090/article-detail.xml 20072090 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-linley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-linley.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley considering new LMP1 race car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/#comments Filed under: , ,

Bentley Speed 8

In 2001, Bentley returned to Le Mans after an absence of more than 70 years with a machine known as the Speed 8 (pictured above), eventually winning the 24-hour race in 2003. Bentley hasn't been involved in motorsports since, although a new report indicates that could change soon.

In a recent interview with Autocar, Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer stated that a new LMP1 race car could be in the works to compete against Audi and the upcoming Porsche LMP1 racer. Interestingly, all three automakers are part of the VW Group. "There is nothing saying the same brands can't compete against each other - the only important thing is that the racing activity supports fully the brand identity," he said. "The three brands of Bentley, Porsche and Audi could race in different regions and come together five or six times a year for the world sportscar championship and then once per year in France. It's not decided, but it is possible."

In addition to the usual marketing benefits of a racing program, Durheimer indicated that the main motivation for getting Bentley back into motorsports would be to develop a connection with the race team and the company's production facility in Crewe. "I am also keen that people from the road car side sample the racing side - I saw at Porsche that one or two years with the race team can really change how people work."

Bentley considering new LMP1 race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley le mansbentley le mans prototypebentley lmp1bentley speed 8le manslmp1wolfgang durheimer Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/20069690/article-detail.xml 20069690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bentley-speed-8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bentley-speed-8.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The Fast and the Fabulous: Menace on the Mediterranean

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

We want a Bentley to feel both weighted down with that famous wafting substance and yet always ready to spool up fast and hard like an express train when there's an opportunity to overtake the poor. One could see that as a dilemma for the automaker, as the world jumps on the "lightweight and green" bandwagon. But this, in reality, is a form of special dispensation we allow both Bentley and Rolls-Royce year after year. If Bentleys started feeling light or harried, we'd be less impressed.

We could see closing the roof of the new Bentley Continental GTC when we might, say, want to explore high-speed runs, but even then it would feel improper; the GTC looks so damned good and inviting with that big roof down, it'd be a crime to enjoy it otherwise. We've recorded the roof action for you on video here, but only because it's sort of required that we have you bear witness to the triple-layered folding lid. We didn't close the roof once during our two days testing as the GTC is one of the purest forms of life on the sunny side of the street.

Continue reading 2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]

2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 bentley continental gtcbentleybentley continental gtc reviewcontinental gtcfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegtc Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20066937/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-first-drive-review/20066937/article-detail.xml 20066937 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley CEO wants model variants to proliferate to Porsche 911-like levels]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/bentley-ceo-wants-model-variants-to-proliferate-to-porsche-911-l/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/bentley-ceo-wants-model-variants-to-proliferate-to-porsche-911-l/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/bentley-ceo-wants-model-variants-to-proliferate-to-porsche-911-l/#comments Filed under:

Bentley Continental GT and Mulsanne

You don't port over an executive from one company to another without expecting him (or her) to apply the same sort of successful formulas that brought success for his former employer to the new one. And that's certainly the case with automotive executives. Alan Mulally, for example, was tipped to do for Ford what he had done at Boeing - namely, to put the American company at the forefront of the industry - and by many accounts, he has succeeded. The same could be said for Wolfgang Dürheimer.

As executive vice-president at Porsche, Dürheimer oversaw the expansion of the 911 model into a huge range of variants that, on the outgoing version, topped over two dozen. It's a formula that has helped Porsche become one of the most profitable automakers in the industry. And according to the latest from Autocar, that's what he hopes to do with the Continental family in his new position at Bentley, over which he has presided now for less than a year.

Between three body-styles and as many engine specifications, the Continental has already spawned a good eight variants, but if Dürheimer has his way - and he is chief executive, after all - that could expand significantly on the facelifted model to include lightweight models and various special editions.

Beyond the Continental range, however, the Mulsanne could grow a long-wheelbase model (much as the Rolls-Royce Phantom has) as well as coupe and convertible versions to replace the Brooklands and Azure models, respectively. These, in addition to ongoing rumors of a four-door coupe and an SUV to join the Flying B range from Crewe.

Bentley CEO wants model variants to proliferate to Porsche 911-like levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleycontinental gtdurheimermodel proliferationmulsanneproliferationwolfgang dürheimer Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20067267/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/bentley-ceo-wants-model-variants-to-proliferate-to-porsche-911-l/20067267/article-detail.xml 20067267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/65296bm2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/65296bm2.jpg -1 2