Autoblog

Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST

Zai for Bentley 'Zai Supersports' skis -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Swiss firm Zai makes high-zoot skis. When the company teamed up with Bentley, the result was an even higher-zoot ski kit called Zai Supersports, composed of handmade skis and poles, and a ski bag.

The skis themselves feature a special carbon fiber material called "Zaiìra" on top, with a natural rubber core, chromium-steel-infused carbon fiber for the twisty bits, and Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites to round out your lust for exotic materials. The poles use the ExoGrid tech usually associated with the world of golf clubs.

There will only be 250 pairs made, and because you knew they wouldn't be cheap you won't be surprised by the $9,800 purchase price. Get all the facts in the press release after the jump, and pretty pictures in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Zai for Bentley 'Zai Supersports' Skis

[Source: Zai]

Continue reading Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis

Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

2011 Bentley Muslanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a starting price of $285,000, Bentley's newest flagship model won't come cheap. Nor should it, with its 505-horsepower, 725 lb-ft, gasoline-fed 6.75-liter V8 engine sitting behind the automaker's trademark mesh grille and four round lights.

Also included in that price will be an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, 16.54-inch front and 15.5-inch rear carbon ceramic brakes and 20-inch wheels. And lest we forget, it will also come with a 2,200-watt stereo and the brand's new Driver Dynamics Control system, which comes with "Bentley," "Sport," "Comfort" and user-definable "Custom" modes.

Want one? Production is slated to begin at the Crewe factory in England in the second quarter of 2010, and the first deliveries will make it to America later than year in the fall. Get yours in one of 114 available paint colors, 21 carpet shades, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, but get your order in fast - Bentley reports that early customer interest has already exceeded 2010 production targets. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Monterey 2009: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000

What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Specialty

Luke, a London Routemaster bus retrofitted by Bentley for St Luke's hospice - Click above for high-res image gallery

We haven't met anyone who works in the Bentley factory. (At least, this writer hasn't.) But we like them already. Because while workers at other assembly plants go on strike or to Eminem concerts when they've got no more work, the crew from Crewe puts their energy and considerable talents into charitable endeavors. A couple of weeks ago we brought you a collection of artwork created by Bentley craftsmen, scheduled to be auctioned off to benefit cancer research. Now they've completed work on a bus for a hospice.

The decommissioned London Routemaster double-decker city bus affectionately named Luke was acquired by St Luke's hospice - a care facility for the terminally ill in Winsford, Cheshire - earlier this year. The goal was to use it as a sort of "community charity bus" to be used for fundraising, public awareness and as a "traveling shop" for college campuses. We don't know exactly what that entails, but the results, billed as the world's most luxurious charity bus, are impressive.

Very different in nature from rival Aston Martin's bus project, 59 Bentley workers from the woodshop, tool-room and maintenance departments volunteered some 2,000 man-hours to transform Luke from a mode of public transportation into what looks like an impeccably well-crafted vehicle for charitable work. See for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Luke the bus outfitted by Bentley

[Source: Bentley]

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Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley working on new sub-Continental shooting brake and crossover?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Bentley, Luxury

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

Bentley has just supplanted the Jurassic-era Arnage with the new Mulsanne, which in turn will breed replacements for the Brooklands and Azure. A new Continental range is on the way as well. But according to a new report from Automobile Magazine, the crew from Crewe isn't content simply replacing existing models: they want to branch out. And when their heads are already scraping the sky, Bentley is reportedly looking at going downmarket with two new niche models.

Tentatively known as the New Compact Bentley (NCB) project, the luxury automaker hopes to cover new territory in the $110-130,000 range in two forms: a three-door shooting brake and a segment-busting crossover. The latter would be more of a tall wagon than a sport-ute, as Automobile notes that Bentley chief Franz-Josef Paefgen was responsible for the original Audi Allroad but opposed the Q7.

Platform underpinnings for both would reportedly be based loosely on the next-gen Audi A6/A7 flexible architecture and powered by an Audi-based 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 driving somewhere in the neighborhood of 550 horsepower through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Production would reportedly be pegged around 7500 units annually, but Bentley might find it doesn't have the market all to itself, as Rolls-Royce is said to be working on a Ghost-based crossover of its own known as the "Short High Rugged International Metropolitan Project" - or SHRIMP for short.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Bentley working on new sub-Continental shooting brake and crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's Rich: Bentley accessories include self-leveling wheel hubs, ridiculous baby seat

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Accessories Collection - Click either image for high-res image gallery

If you're riding in a Bentley, you're not about to spec it up with gear off the shelf from the local Pep Boys, now are you? Of course not. That's why Bentley has come out with a line of equipment especially made for Crewe's finest.

The new range of Bentley accessories includes everything from body kits and wheel hubs to child seats and flashlights. The vented wings for the Continental range replace the panel between the wheel well and the front door with a chrome mesh vent. Crewe's also offering a set of Rolls-style self-leveling wheel badges that - you guessed it - keep themselves perpendicular to the ground at speeds up to 70 mph or when the car's at a standstill, available for the entire Bentley line-up.

There's also a car cover for the Continental Supersports, a diamond-grip LED flashlight and a booster seat so awesomely ridiculous (or ridiculously awesome) that it makes us wish we were kids again (or had kids of our own... and a Bentley). You can check 'em out in the gallery below and the press release after the jump, but remember: the car's not included.

Gallery: Bentley Accessories Collection

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading That's Rich: Bentley accessories include self-leveling wheel hubs, ridiculous baby seat

That's Rich: Bentley accessories include self-leveling wheel hubs, ridiculous baby seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Bentley, UK, Design/Style

Bentley Art Project - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's what we love about Bentley. While workers at other automakers sit around and scratch their butts in their growing downtime, at Crewe, they put their spare time to good use. Back in March, we brought you news that Bentley's craftsmen were crafting bespoke furniture while they waited for production to pick back up. Now the British automaker has put its designers to work creating works of art.

The pool of artists in Bentley's styling department were given a broad mandate to create artwork inspired by their workplace, and 22 transformed everything from canvas to plexiglass, bronze to leather into an impressive array of pieces, all of which you can view in our high-resolution gallery below.

The collection will be auctioned off by Bonhams on December 1 to benefit The Christie cancer research center in Manchester. Full detail in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bentley: Design is our passion. This is our art.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time

Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Specialty, Luxury

27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis, Dana Point - Click above for high-res image gallery

For its 27th iteration, Orange County's most prestigious classic car show returned to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, and finally dropped the "Newport Beach" from its name. No longer would it be known as the Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance, instead adopting the Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis moniker. The title may have changed, but the quality of the entrants hasn't. Still benefiting the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and the CSP Assessment and Treatment Services Center, the field of classic cars at this concours was once again stunning.

This year's featured marque was Mercedes-Benz, and the automaker was represented by some truly spectacular models, aided in no small part by the show's proximity to the Mercedes Classic Car Center, the factory-backed restoration shop for vintage Mercedes vehicles. Besides the beautiful Benzes, the roughly 3,000 attendees got to see about 300 other classic and exotic vehicles spread out around the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the adjacent Dana Point Sea Terrace Park. Read on to learn what else we found during our day in Dana Point and don't forget to check out the huge gallery below.

Gallery: 27th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Continue reading AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley to delay flex-fuel capability for 2010 Continental Supersports

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Bentley, Electric, Luxury

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.

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Bentley said to be "seriously considering" Continental Supersports convertible

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bentley, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

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.

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REPORT: Bentley Mulsanne to spawn coupe and convertible to replace Brooklands and Azure

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley works on a two-tier system, with its entire product line-up based on a pair of platforms. At one end you've got the Continental family, including the GT coupe, GTC convertible and Flying Spur sedan. At the other sits the Arnage sedan, Azure convertible and Brooklands coupe (pictured above). Its separated step-sister Rolls-Royce is gearing up to follow the same formula with the Phantom range and the new Ghost, but with the introduction of the new Mulsanne, Bentley is expected to comprehensively shake up its top-tier offerings.

According to reports and substantiated by plain old logic, Bentley is planning to replace the Brooklands and Azure models with a new coupe and convertible to be based on the Mulsanne. That means that the Vickers-era platform will finally be retired, with the Mulsanne's more advanced chassis being put to further use for a pair of two-door models. No word on when the new Brooklands and Azure will debut, or for that matter what nameplate they'll carry, but expect them to evoke Bentley's golden racing era when they do.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Bentley Mulsanne to spawn coupe and convertible to replace Brooklands and Azure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Luxury

Cash for Clunkers claimed some really interesting vehicles - Was a Buick GNX among them?

Mixed reaction has surrounded the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but after spending around $2.8 billion, some 700,000 new vehicles have found homes. But what got traded in? We've heard some horror stories, but now that the full list of executed vehicles has been released on the Cars.gov website and we've listed some of the oddities we found while snooping around. Many are down right hard to believe, suggesting either errors in the submission process, typos in the list or even some fudging by dealers who clunked a few vehicles that weren't eligible. After the jump is a list of "Clunkers" that stood out. We can't guarantee these all really went to the crusher, but they do appear on the list.

Follow the jump for a recap of the program's eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles and our full list. And we'd suggest having a box of tissues nearby.

[Source: Cars.gov]

Continue reading Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 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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Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne looks better in blue

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2011 Bentley Mulsanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

So far, we've only seen the one champagne-colored Bentley Mulsanne. While not our first choice, it's the shade Bentley thought would drum up the most interest amongst potential customers. Not knowing too much about how the mega-wealthy think, we'll trust Bentley. However, us plebes ain't been too pleased with the Mulsanne in the looks department. Until now. We think the blue (one of 126 standard colors) helps tremendously. We know there will be disagreement on the matter, but let us remind you of one thing: 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne

Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne looks better in blue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 'Nuff said

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2011 Bentley Muslanne - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We warned you the specs would be "staggering." And really that's all you need to know. Fine, we'll tell you a little more. First of all, despite the gumption, it's not a diesel. The Mulsanne generates all that thrust barely off-idle from a gasoline-powered 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. 505 horsepower, too. The engine is all new, made from aluminum and lightweight internals including a forged crankshaft. It also features cam-phasing (variable valve timing) and variable displacement (cylinder deactivation). One benefit of all that tech is that the staggering torque number is available across the rev range, another is better fuel economy, as if that really matters to Bentley prospects. All that power gets routed through an eight-speed transmission (with paddle shifters) before hitting the massive rear wheels (265/45/20 standard, 265/40/21 optional).

Not convinced? How do (optional) 16.54-inch front carbon ceramic brakes - the largest ever fitted to a production car - with eight-piston calipers grab you? Probably like using a bank vault to anchor a Smart ForTwo. In fact, with the standard 20-inch wheels, there's about one pinky of clearance between the rotors and the rims. Don't fret though, as we'd imagine most owners will be taking the twenty-ones leaving plenty of space for two pinkies. Rear ceramic brakes are limited to just 15.5 inches and only four-pistons.

Now, being the unrepentant suckers for more power that we are, you'd imagine our favorite part of the new Mulsanne is the torque rating. And you'd be wrong. Our favorite part is that the new Driver Dynamics Control system has a mode simply called, "Bentley." That's cool. Imagine if your car had a setting for "Bentley." Keep dreaming. In addition to "Bentley," there's also "Sport" and "Comfort," but we can't imagine taking the Mulsanne out of "Bentley." But there is a fourth way. "Custom" allows you to tune the steering and suspension through the new multimedia system. Oh, and you can set the Driver Dynamics Control from the key fob.

Actually, we should spend a moment discussing this new key fob, for it ain't your rich great-uncle Archibald's Bentley key fob. Example: from the key fob you can set radio stations, phone books, seat position (including hot/cold ventilation and massage), steering wheel, seat belt position and even the rear window blinds. Think of it like this: you can program your fob with separate settings ranging from schlepping to 7/11 for Slurpees to storming Gold Beach. The Muslanne also sports the world's most powerful OEM stereo amp - 2,200 watts - though we'd imagine if you can afford the still-not-priced Mulsanne, you can afford to pay someone to enjoy music for you. And one more thing: if you're sitting in back, you have door-mounted controls to not only lower you window, but the one across from you as well. Much more info in the press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Monterey 2009: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 'Nuff said

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 'Nuff said originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:00 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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2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Bentley, UK, Luxury

2010 Bentley Mulsanne at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - click above image for hi-res gallery

Bentley invited a few of us auto journo types down to the decadently posh Beverly Wilshire Hotel to meet its COO Christophe Georges and admire the company's new super land yacht, the 2010 Bentley Mulsanne. Not only that, but they spilled the beans on all the juicy technical details that makes the Mulsanne, well, special. And please trust us, the Mulsanne is special.

One small catch, however. All them juicy details are embargoed until next week during the Frankfurt Motor Show. So even though we know the exact, staggering amount of power the Mulsanne will be sending to its rear wheels - and trust us again, it is staggering - we can't tell you. Yet. Infuriating, no? But, we did learn a couple of juicy details that we can share with you in this here teaser post. Better than nothing, right?

Gallery: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne at the Bevery Wilshire Hotel

Gallery: Monterey 2009: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne

Continue reading 2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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