Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley balances the bad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2008 Bentley Continental custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems that matte black is the new black this year at SEMA, especially if you broaden if to gray and slip bare carbon fiber into the category. This particular application of said coloring resides on a sinister looking Bentley Continental GT.

Besides the satin paint, it's wearing a Premier 4509 Limited Widebody kit that, to this blogger's eyes at least, might have been a better choice for Bentley's own SuperSports. The interior has a nicely contrasting saddle and black design, with diamond-stitched suede inserts on the seats. It's a very cool looking car, but just as fun is the sign on the booth: "Nutek Wheels -- We make private label wheels... and we speak English!" Not exactly politically correct, but eye-catching to say the least.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley balances the bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalBentley Continental GTbentley continental supersportsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalSupersportscontinentalcontinental gtContinentalGtNutekPremier 4509 LimitedPremier4509LimitedSEMAsema 2009SEMA showsema show 2009Sema2009SemaShowSemaShow2009Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfgang Reitzle back in the auto industry as chairman of Continental]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/wolfgang-reitzle-back-in-the-auto-industry-as-chairman-of-contin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/wolfgang-reitzle-back-in-the-auto-industry-as-chairman-of-contin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/wolfgang-reitzle-back-in-the-auto-industry-as-chairman-of-contin/#commentsFiled under:

The last time we saw Wolfgang Reitzle involved directly in the auto industry, he was working out of an office in London running Ford's then newly formed Premier Automotive Group. We all know how Jac Nasser's attempt to expand Ford's reach into premium cars worked out and Reitzle moved on to other pursuits. In recent years, he;s been the chairman of the executive board at the Linde Group, a Munich based chemical company.

Reitzle has now returned at least part time to the auto industry after having been elected as Chairman of the supervisory board at Continental. Continental has gone through a lot of upheaval over the past year after being swallowed up by the much smaller Schaeffler Group and has been doing a lot restructuring of late. The addition of Reitzle and Wolfgang Schäfer to the executive board is expected to complete the new management team for now. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Continental]

Continue reading Wolfgang Reitzle back in the auto industry as chairman of Continental

Wolfgang Reitzle back in the auto industry as chairman of Continental originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continentalcontinental chairmanContinentalChairmanWolfgang ReitzleWolfgang SchäferWolfgangReitzleWolfgangSchäferTue, 20 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Bentley to delay flex-fuel capability for 2010 Continental Supersports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-bentley-to-delay-flex-fuel-capability-for-2010-continent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-bentley-to-delay-flex-fuel-capability-for-2010-continent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-bentley-to-delay-flex-fuel-capability-for-2010-continent/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

While the environmental merits of any 621 horsepower, twelve-cylinder behemoth that's capable of traveling at speeds of up to 204 miles per hour are, at the very least, debatable, Bentley hasn't exactly been shy about touting the green angle of its upcoming 2010 Continental Supersports.

Further straining the gorgeous coupe's eco credibility is word from Green Car Advisor that U.S. laws and "engineering challenges" - including the fitment of hardened valve seats in Bentley's W12 engine - mean that the first 200 Supersports imported to the United States won't actually be flex-fuel capable.

Ah well, somehow we doubt that buyers willing to plonk down the $267,000 it takes to park a twin-turbocharged Continental Supersports in their driveway will be all that concerned with pumping ethanol in the tank.

UPDATE: Bentley informs us that there is no delay in the Continental Supersport's getting the flex-fuel treatment. It's been Bentley's plan all along to wait until summer of 2010 to introduce flex-fuel capability in the United States.


Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Bentley to delay flex-fuel capability for 2010 Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental supersportsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalSupersportscontinentalcontinental supersportsContinentalSupersportsE85ethanolethanol bentleyEthanolBentleyflex-fuelflex-fuel bentleyFlex-fuelBentleysupersportsWed, 07 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentley said to be "seriously considering" Continental Supersports convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/bentley-said-to-be-seriously-considering-continental-superspor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/bentley-said-to-be-seriously-considering-continental-superspor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/bentley-said-to-be-seriously-considering-continental-superspor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

The Bentley Continental is getting a little on in years. And sooner or later, Crewe's going to need to replace it. But while their focus has been fixed on the new Mulsanne and the various versions expected to follow, the boys haven't forgotten about their "entry-level" model. In fact, the Continental by now has spawned seven different derivatives - including the GT coupe, GTC cabrio, Flying Spur sedan, Speed versions of each and the Supersports coupe - but new reports indicate that adding an eighth version is being "seriously considered."

The variant in question would be a Supersports convertible, featuring the same 621-horsepower, flex-fuel twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 (21 horses more than stock) as the Supersports coupe. In the process, the GTC would also shed extra weight - the Supersports coupe dropped 243 pounds - and pack carbon ceramic brakes and two fewer seats than the base convertible. Sources indicate that if given the green light, the Continental Supersports convertible would likely hit the market about a year from now, where it would almost certainly command the highest price in the Continental range.


Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports


[Source: Car and Driver]

Bentley said to be "seriously considering" Continental Supersports convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental gtcbentley continental gtc supersportsbentley continental supersportsbentley continental supersports convertiblebentley supersportsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtcBentleyContinentalGtcSupersportsBentleyContinentalSupersportsBentleyContinentalSupersportsConvertibleBentleySupersportscontinentalcontinental gtccontinental gtc supersportscontinental supersportscontinental supersports convertibleContinentalGtcContinentalGtcSupersportsContinentalSupersportsContinentalSupersportsConvertiblesupersportssupersports convertibleSupersportsConvertibleThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Vitesse Rose is anything but pretty in pink]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-mansory-vitesse-rose-is-anything-but-pretty-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-mansory-vitesse-rose-is-anything-but-pretty-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-mansory-vitesse-rose-is-anything-but-pretty-in-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mansory Vitesse Rose - Click above for high-res image gallery (if you must)

Opinions in the Autoblog media room here in Frankfurt are divided once again. Some of us think the Mansory Vitesse Rose is the ugliest thing on wheels, the most heinous thing ever done to a Bentley, while Lieberman just has no taste. Either way, we had trouble keeping it down while snapping the photos. Fortunately, there was some left-over Pepto hanging around the Mansory show stand for quick touch-ups.

The matte pink paint job, which we can only hope is a reversible vinyl wrap, is offset by matte carbon fiber trim and blacked out rims, chrome and logos. But while the exterior stood out, the clashing pink and purple interior - complete with purple-tinted carbon fiber trim - bridges the gap from "you've got to be kidding" to "you've got to be The Joker". But don't take our word for it; check it out for yourself in the gallery below. We just wouldn't recommend it for the weak of stomach.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Vitesse Rose - Bentley GTC


Gallery: Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose


Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Vitesse Rose is anything but pretty in pink originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShowbentleybentley continentalbentley continental gtBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtcontinentalcontinental gtContinentalGtfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowmansorymansory bentleymansory bentley continental gtmansory bentley continental gt vitesse rosemansory vitesse roseMansoryBentleyMansoryBentleyContinentalGtMansoryBentleyContinentalGtVitesseRoseMansoryVitesseRosevitesse roseVitesseRoseWed, 16 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Pischetsrieder to chair Continental supervisory board?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/pischetsrieder-to-chair-continental-supervisory-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/pischetsrieder-to-chair-continental-supervisory-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/pischetsrieder-to-chair-continental-supervisory-board/#commentsFiled under: ,



Emerging reports from the German press suggest that Bernd Pischetsrieder is being considered as a top candidate to lead automotive supplier Continental. The veteran automotive industrialist was chairman of BMW for most of the 1990s and then of the Volkswagen group until three years ago, but continued until two years ago as chairman of VW's truck subsidiary Scania AB. Pischetsrieder is remembered for directing BMW's ill-fated acquisition of the Rover group, but was conversely credited with the creation of the Bugatti Veyron during his tenure in Wolfsburg. He was recently touted as a possible candidate to lead Opel out from under GM's leaky umbrella.

One of the five largest automotive suppliers in the world, Continental makes everything from tires to fuel injection systems from its headquarters in Hanover, Germany. Having started in the rubber business, Conti also trails Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear as the world's 4th largest tire manufacturer.

[Source: Der Spiegel and Auto Motor und Sport | Image: Andreas Rentz/Getty]

Pischetsrieder to chair Continental supervisory board? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berndbernd pischetsriederBerndPischetsriederchairmancontinentalpischetsriedersupervisory boardSupervisoryBoardTue, 18 Aug 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/review-2010-bentley-gtc-speed-is-heaven-only-better/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/review-2010-bentley-gtc-speed-is-heaven-only-better/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/review-2010-bentley-gtc-speed-is-heaven-only-better/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Bentley Continental GT has been lauded and derided for being too much: too powerful, too fast, too easy, too big, too ubiquitous, and yes, too good. The convertible version, the Continental GTC, dismissed its roof but retained the excess. Now, Bentley has worked its "Speed" hocus-pocus in order to create a new variant of everyone's favorite over-the-top drop-top and Crewe's mad scientists have taken a vehicle that's already cranked to eleven and turned it up a notch or two... or three. Gloriously excessive excess awaits after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed

bentleygtcspeed_rev000bentleygtcspeed_rev001bentleygtcspeed_rev002bentleygtcspeed_rev003bentleygtcspeed_rev004

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better.

Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BentleyBentley GTCBentley GTC SpeedBentleyGtcBentleyGtcSpeedContinentalContinental GTCContinentalGtcfeaturedGTC SpeedGtcSpeedluxury convertibleLuxuryConvertiblereviewreviewsW12Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Bentley prepares for market recovery by advancing new Continental debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bentley-prepares-for-market-recovery-by-advancing-new-continenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bentley-prepares-for-market-recovery-by-advancing-new-continenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bentley-prepares-for-market-recovery-by-advancing-new-continenta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bentley continental2011BentleyContinental2012 bentley continental2012BentleyContinentalbentleybentley comntinental flying spurbentley continentalbentley continental gtbentley continental gt speedBentleyComntinentalFlyingSpurBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalGtSpeedcontinentalcontinental flying spurcontinental gtcontinental gtcContinentalFlyingSpurContinentalGtContinentalGtcflying spurFlyingSpurMon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Price of Green: Bentley Continental Supersports is $267,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/the-price-of-green-bentley-continental-supersports-is-267-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/the-price-of-green-bentley-continental-supersports-is-267-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/the-price-of-green-bentley-continental-supersports-is-267-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativebentleybentley continentalbentley continental supersportsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalSupersportsconticontinentalcontinental supersportsContinentalSupersportscoupeethanolgreengtNew YorkNew York 2009New York Auto ShowNewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowsportsThu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: New details on next Bentley Continental emerge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/rumormill-new-details-on-next-bentley-continental-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/rumormill-new-details-on-next-bentley-continental-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/rumormill-new-details-on-next-bentley-continental-emerge/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 bentley continental gt2011BentleyContinentalGtbentleycontinentalflying spurFlyingSpurgtgtcspeedWed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Bentley teases biofuel supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/embargo-geneva-preview-bentley-to-reveal-biofuel-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/embargo-geneva-preview-bentley-to-reveal-biofuel-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/embargo-geneva-preview-bentley-to-reveal-biofuel-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image of Bentley's new biofuel supercar

When the curtain rises on the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Bentley will take a large share of the spotlight with the vehicle you see above. It has no name yet (it's simply referred to as the "Extreme Bentley" for now) and no technical specifics have been released, but what Bentley has revealed is that this will be the marque's fastest, most powerful production car yet... and it runs on biofuel. Visually, the grilles all have a blackout treatment, and sizable vertical intakes occupy the front bumper's outer edges. The hood also sports a pair of vents, presumably to help extract engine heat.

Given that the 600-horsepower/553-lb-ft Continental GT Speed currently owns the "most powerful production Bentley" title, look for more extreme ratings on this new, obviously Continental-based monster. As for the biofuel half of the equation, we expect to see an ethanol-drinking version of the twin-turbocharged W12 that propels the rest of the Continental range. In any case, a new Bentley's coming and it's fixin' to open up a plus-sized can of whoop-ass.

We'll learn more closer to the Geneva festivities, but if you happen to not be going to Switzerland in March and still want to see the flexfuel Bentley in person, head to the Big Apple in April. It'll be displayed at the New York Auto Show. Follow the jump for the official teaser video. It doesn't show much, but it essentially confirms that the Continental GT is the basis for the "Extreme Bentley." The coupe's familiar shape is outlined for all. (Thanks to Paul Tan for creating the embed.)

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Bentley teases biofuel supercar

Geneva Preview: Bentley teases biofuel supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009bentleybiofuelbreakingcontinentalgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowmost powerfulMostPowerfulsupercarTue, 27 Jan 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Bentley Continental GTC Speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-bentley-continental-gtc-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-bentley-continental-gtc-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-bentley-continental-gtc-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Bentley Continental GTC Speed spy shots

Some new cars are predictable; others catch us by surprise. This one we could see from a mile away, and not just because it's enormous. But after Bentley rolled out Speed versions of the Continental GT coupe (which we've sampled) and Flying Spur sedan, it was only a matter of time before the same treatment would be applied to the GTC convertible variant. And now we're seeing the spy shots to prove it. The Bentley Continental GTC Speed, as it's certain to be called, will feature all of the same upgrades we've seen on the Speed versions of its fixed-head counterparts. That means a power bump for its W12 engine to 602 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, suspension and aero tweaks and bigger wheels. All of it will add up to one fast-moving warm weather front that should hit U.S. shores in the near future as Hurricane Bentley.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GTC Speed - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental GTC Speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BentleyBentley continentalbentley continental gtcbentley continental gtc speedBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtcBentleyContinentalGtcSpeedContinentalspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsThu, 23 Oct 2008 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Preview: ASI's 800hp Tetsu GTR Bentley Continental GT ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/sema-preview-asis-800hp-tetsu-gtr-bentley-continental-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/sema-preview-asis-800hp-tetsu-gtr-bentley-continental-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/sema-preview-asis-800hp-tetsu-gtr-bentley-continental-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What does SEMA mean to you? For most of us, it's a place for the country's top tuners to show their wares to a power-hungry public. But the dark side of SEMA never ceases to rear its ugly head, and further proof will be available at the Toyo booth where the Tetsu GTR Bentley Continental GT will be displayed.

The unholy brainchild of Japanese tuner ASI features a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit that makes ASMA's unfortunate creations look demure in comparison. The two-tone paint scheme... uhhh... compliments the massive haunches, deep side skirts and GT-style wing, while 22-inch blingalicious rollers prove that chrome is still in high demand... unfortunately.

According to Modified Luxury and Exotics, only 29 Tetsu GTRs will be produced, each putting out over 800 hp. We'll be on hand to provide live shots of the other five vehicles featured at the Toyo stand, assuming our camera lens doesn't crack when we zoom in on the GTR's gaudy fascia.

[Source: Modified Luxury and Exotics]

SEMA Preview: ASI's 800hp Tetsu GTR Bentley Continental GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asibentleycontinentalgtsemasema 2008Sema2008tetsu gtrTetsuGtrTue, 09 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentley sells 10,014 cars during record 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/bentley-breaks-10-000-units-sold-for-record-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/bentley-breaks-10-000-units-sold-for-record-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/bentley-breaks-10-000-units-sold-for-record-2007/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for a hi-res gallery of our Autoblog Garage Continental GTC

2007 was good to the folks in Crewe, as Bentley Motors had its best year ever. (What, no VH1 special?) For the first time, the automaker surpassed the 10,000 mark in terms of vehicles sold -- a tenfold increase over where it stood just five years ago. Both Arnage and Continental family sales were up -- 45-percent for the former, thanks to the arrival of the new Azure, and 5-percent for the latter with the GTC leading the way. The record-high sales led to new high points for both net revenue (€1.37 billion) and operating profit (€155 million). This level of volume is pretty much where the automaker would like to settle going forward, as it lets Bentley stay exclusive while still returning a profit. Us? We're just trying to figure out a way to tap into the joys of ownership ourselves. Follow the jump for Bentley's full press release and some assorted eye candy.

[Source: Bentley Motors]

Continue reading Bentley sells 10,014 cars during record 2007

Bentley sells 10,014 cars during record 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnageazurebentley 2007 recordbentley 2007 volumeBentley2007RecordBentley2007VolumebrooklandscontinentalcrewegtcFri, 14 Mar 2008 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco tires: good for the environment, bad for safety?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/eco-tires-good-for-the-environment-bad-for-your-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/eco-tires-good-for-the-environment-bad-for-your-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/eco-tires-good-for-the-environment-bad-for-your-safety/#commentsFiled under:

Continental Tire's head of development, Burkhard Wies, has issued a warning to us all against so-called "eco tires." Europe is considering labeling tires with eco ratings if they have certain attributes like especially low rolling resistance or create minimal noise pollution. But Wies says that tires purposely designed for "extremely low rolling resistance and high mileage are 10-percent worse at wet braking than those with good all-round properties." In one example, the eco friendly tires increased braking distance by more than 24 feet.

The quandary being presented for motorists is that eco tires give them the chance to save the environment and save money with incentives offered for fitting a car with such tires, but perhaps at the cost of personal safety. It's early in the days of eco tires, so there is a great deal more study, work, and refining to be done. And we will have to see what Continental comes out with, since its rival Michelin already has an eco tire (shown) that comes as standard equipment on the Peugeot 308.

[Source: Auto Express]

Eco tires: good for the environment, bad for safety? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continentalcontinental tiresContinentalTireseco tiresEcoTiresenergy saver tireEnergySaverTiremichelin energy saverMichelinEnergySavertire rolling resistanceTireRollingResistanceWed, 21 Nov 2007 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[High rollers snatching up Phantoms as fast as Goodwood can make them]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/high-rollers-snatching-up-phantoms-as-fast-as-goodwood-can-make/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/high-rollers-snatching-up-phantoms-as-fast-as-goodwood-can-make/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/high-rollers-snatching-up-phantoms-as-fast-as-goodwood-can-make/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above image for more truly awesome shots of the 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom

A quick snapshot of the world's richest people shows that the wealthy are padding their pockets at a blistering pace. With all that extra cash at the top of the food chain, cars with big price tags are flying off the shelves. Aston Martin has gone from making only a handfull of cars to producing over 7,000 per year, and Bentley has been riding the wave with its Continental and Flying Spur. The once financially challenged Rolls-Royce is also getting in on the game, enjoying a 22% increase in sales that's driving its Goodwood factory to the brink. Extra shifts and longer work hours are the result for rank and file, but we're sure most of them don't mind the extra coin. With the introduction of a Phantom coupe based off of the 110EX concept from Geneva coming in the next few weeks, the chaps from south England may need to break new ground just to fulfill demand.

It seems the ultra-luxury automaker isn't concerned with overpopulating the world with Rolls Royce luxury, either. The company is preparing a new lineup for 2010 that will expand Goodwood's offerings while also increasing the number workers employed. We may yet get a Rolls for more than a week, but then again, maybe not.

[Source: Motoring News]

High rollers snatching up Phantoms as fast as Goodwood can make them originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ContinentalFlying SpurFlyingSpurGoodwoodPhantomRolls RoyceRollsRoyceTue, 09 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentley to increase in-house coachbuilding]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/bentley-to-increase-in-house-coachbuilding/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/bentley-to-increase-in-house-coachbuilding/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/bentley-to-increase-in-house-coachbuilding/#commentsFiled under:


Bentley Continental GT Speed - Click to view hi-res image gallery.

As Bentley's production numbers continue to grow, taking the classic British marque farther from the fringe and closer to the mainstream - that is, in as much as six-digit luxury automobiles could be considered "mainstream" - the company's exclusivity seems to dwindle. But the premium Volkswagen Group automaker is on a path to put some individuality into its cars by increasing in-house coachbuilding efforts.

Through its own Mulliner division, Bentley already offers a range of customization options for bespoke Arnage models, but Crewe is planning on broadening the coachbuilding efforts to include the Continental range as well. Among the various techniques Bentley will offer will be a slew of hi-tech materials including composite materials and something called Laser Metal Sintering which F1 teams use to produce high-strength little parts. In the process, Bentley has also ruled out the option of providing stripped engines and chassis to outside coachbuilders.

The prospect of putting new bodywork on the epically fast (but not necessarily the best-looking) Continental Flying Spur sedan has us foaming at the mouth...if only we had the cash. We'll stay "tuned" (pardon the pun) to see what sort of creations Bentley turns out for their most discerning and moneyed clients.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley to increase in-house coachbuilding originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnagebentleybespokebuildcoachcontinentalcustommullinerWed, 03 Oct 2007 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[London thieves pull jewel heist in a Bentley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/london-thieves-pull-jewel-heist-in-a-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/london-thieves-pull-jewel-heist-in-a-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/london-thieves-pull-jewel-heist-in-a-bentley/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Stealing jewelry in suits and Bentleys? Sounds like something out of blockbuster fiction like The Thomas Crown Affair, but life appears to have imitated art imitating life in London, where thieves pulled an armed heist Hollywood style.

The BBC reports indicate that two men, posing as wealthy tourists, arrived at the west London jewelry store dressed to the proverbial nines, as if potential customers, before pulling out firearms and taking millions in pricey bling and escaping in a waiting Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Scotland Yard are undoubtedly investigating the robbery, but no details have been released beyond the initial report. If you're thinking thieves with Bentleys wouldn't need to steal, the Bentley was reportedly rented. That can't be a common occurrence, even in London. (Are you listening, inspectors?)

[Source: Motor Authority]

London thieves pull jewel heist in a Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleycontinentalflyingheistjewellondonrobberyspurWed, 11 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Continental takes world speed record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/continental-takes-world-speed-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/continental-takes-world-speed-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/continental-takes-world-speed-record/#commentsFiled under:

Continental has entered the Guinness Book of World Records with a top speed of 242 mph (388 km/h). We're definitely not talking about the behemoth Bentley, as powerful as it is. The record now officially belongs to Continental Tires for its ContiSportContact Vmax, which has been officially certified by those stout-chugging judges as the world's fastest production road tire.

The rubber was tested on the 9ff-modified Porsche 911 that took the world record for the fastest street-legal road car. A custom 9ff cabrio also took the record for the world's fastest convertible with a high end of 237.8 mph (380.5 km/h). Both cars are owned by 9ff chief Jan Fatthauer, and the top speed runs were certified by Guinness.

If you're thinking that the Bugatti Veyron (and the purpose-made Michelin rubber on its wheels) can hit a higher speed, you may be right, but the Veyron has yet to try for the official record, and its tires were specially made for the Bugatti, while the Continentals are offered to the public as standard production road tires. As much as the car's own capabilities, how it makes contact with the road (i.e., its tires) often dictates a car's limits. Just keeping the tires from melting (as they do on the Veyron after just 12 minutes at its 253-mph top speed) is a feat in and of itself.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continental takes world speed record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9119ffcontinentalguinnesshighporscherecordspeedtiretopvmaxworldTue, 03 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: GM awards two battery contracts for the Volt!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/breaking-gm-awards-two-battery-contracts-for-the-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/breaking-gm-awards-two-battery-contracts-for-the-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/breaking-gm-awards-two-battery-contracts-for-the-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the photo for a high-res gallery of Volt

GM Chairman Rick Wagoner announced that the company has awarded two advanced development contracts for battery systems to be used on the GM E-Flex platform. For those who have missed the news for the last six months, E-Flex is the electric propulsion system used in the Chevy Volt concept. GM is moving ahead with production engineering including building proper prototypes so they need real batteries.

Continental Automotive Systems and Compact Power Inc. will be supplying the integrated lithium ion battery systems to GM using cells from A123 Systems and LG Chem respectively. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading BREAKING: GM awards two battery contracts for the Volt!

BREAKING: GM awards two battery contracts for the Volt! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123compact power incCompactPowerInccontinentallg chemLgChemvoltTue, 05 Jun 2007 10:20:00 EST