Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley balances the bad

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Bentley

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

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.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Vitesse Rose is anything but pretty in pink

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Bentley, Specialty, Luxury

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.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When we walked up to the Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 resting on the hardwood floor of the Bentley stand, it immediately had us thinking a familiar thought. Just to make sure, we asked our colleagues if they had been experiencing the same thing, and that turned into a spirited discussion about car design and CAD-drawn vs. hand-drawn bodywork.

That well-known thought was: it's not so garish in person. Substitute "hideous," "bad," and "ugly" for "garish" and you've recreated our experiences with a number of vehicles lately, and not just in Frankfurt. From the outside it's just a good looking Continental with a new set of wheels and Bentley's always-upright center caps. Inside, the car simply feels blue with white trim, and tastefully so, which was not the impression given in the preview photos. We still look forward to the Series 51's future offerings, but this first one is a.o.k.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose isn't really all that rosy

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury

Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose -- Click above for high-res image gallery

As a testament to its range, the same company that brought you the evil blackness of the Vincero would like you to focus your attention here, on the Bentley Vitesse Rose. The full-on Mansory kit itself is fine. The pink-a-licious color its draped in, matched with the carbon fiber hood, is best digested before you eat solid food. And wait until you see the inside: a color combination we don't think you'll be seeing from the Series 51 program comprising diamond stitched pink and purple leather.

Depending on your take, you might be gratified that Mansory only plans to build three of them. If you want to be one of those... proud... owners, then call Mansory and have a check ready for €269,000. The rest of you can check out the roseate goodness in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose

[Source: Diesel Station]

Continue reading Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose isn't really all that rosy

Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose isn't really all that rosy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GT/C Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

As with Rolls-Royce and its Bespoke Collection, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Bentley will be introducing its Continental Series 51 cars for the GT and GTC. These will be a cadre of models further tailored by Crewe's designers. Each car "will feature a highly distinctive interior color palette and unique exterior design cues." The first car to show off the line wears an interior in Imperial Blue, Linen, and Newmarket Tan, with color-matched floor mats with contrasting stitching.

You can top the tri-tone interior with a two-tone paint job outside, and throw Bentley's new self-leveling wheel center caps on the 20-inchers. The Series 51 cars will be available to order from this month. You can read all about them in the press release after the jump and check the first one out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GT Series 51

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51

Frankfurt Preview: Bentley Continental Series 51 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 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: Auctions, Etc., Bentley, South America

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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Spy shots: Is Bentley testing a hybrid Continental GT?

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, 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 prepares for market recovery by advancing new Continental debut

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, 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, Sedan, 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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SEMA 2008: Tetsu GTR needs to stay in Vegas

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Bentley

Click above for high-res gallery of the Tetsu GTR Bentley Continental GT

When we heard that the Tetsu GTR would be here at SEMA, we knew we'd have to find it and shoot it. Since we didn't have a gun on us, we just shot it with our cameras instead. The Tetsu GTR is actually a perfect SEMA car. Rather than showing what people should do with their tunable treasures, it shows you what you could do (but shouldn't). Starting out with a perfectly capable and tasteful Bentley Continental GT, the ASI crew went berserk. It features a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit that makes the Continental GT look like a DTM art car, and that two-tone matte paint scheme with leaf graphics on the hood is definitely attention-getting. There's even a custom graphic on the 22-inch black wheels that matches the theme. Fortunately, only 29 Tetsu GTRs will be produced. Well, at least those owners can take solace in knowing their vehicles will be boosted to 800 horsepower. That guarantees at least half of them will end up damaged beyond repair within a week of ownership.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Tetsu GTR

SEMA 2008: Tetsu GTR needs to stay in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No diesels for Bentley

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Green, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Bentley Brooklands

Bentleys and buckets of torque go hand-in-hand. Therefore, it might make some sense for the German-owned British luxury marque to consider one of the VW Group's big, powerful turbodiesels for one of its upcoming models. Not so fast, says Bentley. It has specifically polled its customer base -- made up mostly of Americans and Asians -- to determine if there's any interest in an oil-burning Bentley. Apparently, there isn't. Instead, the luxo-barge company will focus on biofuels in an effort to lower the fuel consumption and emissions of a numbers of its models. As a matter of fact, the first flex-fuel engine from the Flying B is expected to debut in 2009 and Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chief Executive, says that all of its models will be capable of running on biofuels by 2012 as part of its plan to go ~~British Racing~~ green.

[Source: Autocar]

No diesels for Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed

John Neff — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Supercars, Bentley

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

When we reviewed the Bentley Continental Flying Spur a couple of years ago, we showed you just how many other forms of transportation could be bought with the car's $183,825 out-the-door asking price. For this review of Bentley's new super coupe, the Continental GT Speed, we thought we'd list just a few of the cars that produce the same or less horsepower than the fastest Flying B ever made. The complete list is rather long considering that the GT Speed is powered by a twin-turbo, twelve-cylinder engine producing 600 horsepower, but here are just a few.

Dodge Viper - 600 horsepower
Lamborghini Murcielago - 571 horsepower
Ford GT - 550 horsepower
Porsche 911 GT2 - 530 horsepower
Corvette Z06 - 505 horsepower
Ferrari F430 Scuderia - 503 horsepower
1999 Oldsmobile Alero Coupe - 150 horsepower

While it's true that cars with 600+ horsepower are becoming common in the supercar segment, the GT Speed's 48-horsepower bump over the standard Continental GT drives it into some truly rarified air. Read on to find out how it fared in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed

Continue reading Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed

Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASI Tetsu GTR created from one unlucky Bentley Continental GT

John Neff — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for high-res gallery of the ASI Tetsu GTR

Most Bentley Continental GTs leaving the Crewe factory in England are bound for lives of leisure in the climate-controlled garages of the fiscally fortunate. Sure, a few end up in music videos or the movies, but we're certain none ever expect to be bastardized the way this one was. Created by Japanese tuner ASI, the Tetsu GTR takes one Bentley Continental GT and adds a new front and rear apron; exposed carbon fiber hood, trunk and spoiler; a set of oversized wheels and a custom paint job that plasters said carbon fiber hood with... flowers. The flower bed on the hood was reportedly painted by Japanese artist Nakamura Tetsui, but that doesn't make it any more palatable. There seems to be some method to the Tetsu GTR's madness, as the front turn signals appear inspired by the Porsche 911 and the rear has an unmistakable Audi R8 flavor. The car has been upgraded with unspecified mechanical components that boost the twin-turbo W12 up to 800 horsepower, which just makes driving away from all those confused stares in public a faster affair. We hope you join us in pouring a 40 out on the sidewalk for this particular Bentley Continental GT, because it's so hard to say goodbye.

Gallery: ASI Tetsu GTR

[Source: Carscoop]

ASI Tetsu GTR created from one unlucky Bentley Continental GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley recalls over 13,000 Continentals

Dan Roth — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Bentley

The fact that there's 13,000 Bentley Continentals out there takes us a little by surprise. The last time Bentley issued a recall, fewer than 600 cars were involved. We know the Continental has been hugely popular for Bentley, but with those types of numbers, it must be one of the most popular Bentley vehicles ever. Unfortunately, owners of 2004-2008 Continental GT, GT Speed, Flying Spur, and GTC should pay the dealer a visit for a recall campaign. Road salt can potentially eat through the fuel filter housing, allowing fuel spray, and potentially leading to fire. Fail to heed the warnings, and you should at least consider packing the glovebox with marshmallows to roast once the inferno breaks out. Thanks for the tip, Rick

[Source: usrecallnews]

Bentley recalls over 13,000 Continentals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Premier4509 announces Bentley Continental GT aero body kit

Michael Harley — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Tuners, Performance, Bentley

Click above for more high-res pics of the Premier4509 Bentley Conti GT

If you are keeping yourself up at night worrying that your Bentley Continental GT isn't exclusive enough... lose the insomnia by making a quick call to Premier4509. The performance-oriented Japanese-based company specializes in "automotive fashions" (we didn't make that up), and they have just announced a Limited Edition wide-body aero kit for the twin-turbo twelve-cylinder Bentley coupe.

The hand-made kit, constructed primarily of a carbon fiber/FRP mix, includes front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fenders and quarter panels. Once installed, your beloved Bentley will have increased its width by four full inches -- perfect to hide those new forged billet aluminum wheels with the deep lips. Of course, you'll be offered a choice of two rear wings, and a new set of exhaust tips to match. Premier4509 seems to have addressed all of the high-end aero body kit concerns, except for one: How do you get that front spoiler into a driveway?

Gallery: Premier4509 Bentley Continental GT

[Source: Premier4509]

Premier4509 announces Bentley Continental GT aero body kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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