- Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury
2012 Bentley Continental GT spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's only a matter of days before Bentley officially debuts the 2012 Continental GT coupe on the internet. We've already seen two sets of spy shots and a teaser video, and now our trusty spy photographers have caught the big Conti out testing one last time. So much for keeping us in suspense.
Yes, by now we already have a very good idea of what the final Continental GT will look like, but we're still curious as to what changes lie under that shapely sheetmetal. What's more, we're sure that Bentley has a few tricks up its sleeve for new interior refinement (not that the current Conti has third-world accommodations, or anything).
ContinentalGT.com is the place to be at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, September 7 - that's where we'll see the official reveal and get full details on the new Conti. For now, scroll through the final set of spy shots, below.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Click above to view the video after the jump
A week from today, Bentley will take the wraps off the refreshed and restyled Continental GT ahead of its public debut at the Paris Motor Show, and like other automakers trying to cut through the auto show cruft, Bentley is leveraging the power of the Interwebs to make the unveiling a unique experience.
Beginning at 10 AM EST on Tuesday, September 7, Bentley will host a continuous, week-long online showcase of the GT, allowing visitors to ContinentalGT.com to take virtual tours in and around the new coupe, in addition to viewing a traditional "unveiling."
To bone up before the big day, check out out gallery of spy shots below and check out Bentley's previously released teaser video and presser after the jump.
Continue reading Bentley Continental GT gets unique Sept. 7 internet reveal
Bentley Continental GT gets unique Sept. 7 internet reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Click above to view the video after the jump
After a slew of special editions and the recent spate of spy shots, the new Bentley Continental GT is finally getting ready for its big reveal at the Paris Motor Show, and the flying B has set up a microsite with a brief teaser video to whet our appetites for the big day.
As seen previously, the exterior revisions appear to be limited to a revised front fascia with a more aggressive air damn and a set of Mulsanne-inspired LED headlamps, partnered with a more sloping rear window and reworked taillights out back.
One feature sure to get attention is the navigation and infotainment system - a constant thorn in many buyer's sides - and a subtle redesign of the GT's interior. We don't have intel on powertrain upgrades yet, but expect a few more ponies to be pulled out of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine and a overhauled gearbox to be part of the package. Full details should be revealed in the run-up to the show this September, but until then, check the video after the jump and the gallery of screen caps below.
Continue reading Redesigned Bentley Continental GT teased in video
Redesigned Bentley Continental GT teased in video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Mike Tyson's 1997 Bentley Continental T - Click above for image gallery
You want a heavyweight? Look no further than the previous-generation Bentley Continental T. It may have been shorter and lighter than the Continental R, but it was still based on prehistoric architecture and packed 650 pound-feet of torque. But even among the 322 units that were produced and sold, this one stands out hand and fist over the rest of 'em. That's because this particular example belonged to Mike Tyson.
The Champ was known to spend more than even he had, and this isn't the first time one of his Bentleys has gone up for sale. Want to know more? Let us chew your ear, so to speak: This particular turbocharged model came equipped with two-tone red and black Connolly leather interior, a polished aluminum dashboard encompassing a red starter button and a McIntosh sound system.
Sold to Tyson in Las Vegas by Rolls-Royce of New York in 1997, the car has since accumulated 40,000 kilometers (under 25,000 miles) and has undergone an overhaul at the hands of England's Phantom Motor Cars. The asking price from the current owner in Germany comes in around $170 grand.
[Source: JamesList]Find of the Day: Mike Tyson's 1997 Bentley Continental T originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Bentley, Design/Style, Luxury
2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed 80-11 Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
Pebble Beach is fast becoming one of the best places for new car debuts. Besides seeing the McLaren MP4-12C, Fiorvanti SP1, Perana Z-One, Morgan EvaGT, Jaguar XK175, Jaguar XJ75 Platinum, Boss 302 Mustang, Veyron Super Sport, Lotus Exos T125, Lotus Evora GT4 Cup, and so on and so on, we just got to see the new Bentley Continental GTC and GTC Speed 80-11 Editions. These 80-11 models, designed exclusively for the North American market, will be limited to just 80 units each. The "11" in the title refers to 2011, the model year of these specials.
These are basically trim packages, adding things like 20-inch, 14-spoke polished wheels, and red calipers on the Speed, but they at least look tasteful. While the 80-11 Editions will be available in any Bentley color, they've introduced a new color - Midnight - that will be exclusive to these models.
If the wheels or special color don't tip you off to the special nature of these vehicles, you might be able to spot them by their little Union Jack badges on the front fenders. Check out the full press release after the jump for more details and be sure to peruse our gallery as well.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips/AOLContinue reading Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models
Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed Arabia - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're a Bentley dealer in the Middle East, you've got it easy. With mounds of disposable income littering that part of the world, it's a prime target for high-end luxury brands. To that end, Bentley has announced a special run of 50 Continental Flying Spur sedans that will only be available in the Middle East. Called the Flying Spur Arabia and Flying Spur Speed Arabia, these two special editions feature special Arabia badges on their fenders, door sills and ash-tray lid. The non-Speed Flying Spur also gets a new unique 14-spoke wheel design while the higher performance Speed model (above) gets 20-inch, ten-spoke wheels.
Bentley says the Middle East now accounts for one-tenth of its worldwide sales and supports the region with nine dealers. No doubt we can expect more of these special editions to come from Bentley and other brands both in the Middle East and China, as both markets become increasingly important to ultra high-end automakers.
Gallery: Bentley Continental Flying Spur Arabia
[Source: Bentley]Continue reading Bentley launches two Middle East-only editions of Flying Spur
Bentley launches two Middle East-only editions of Flying Spur originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bentley Continental GT "SS" by Dartz - Click above for high-res image gallery
Snakeskin? What snakeskin, you ask? Look closer, because while it may not be as in-your-face as the treatment on those cowboy boots you spotted while on vacation in the Southwest (or the tights on those girls from Jersey), this Bentley is literally covered in the stuff.
The snakeskin texture on the Continental GT you see above is carried out by Dartz, the same Russian firm behind the Prombron SUV. Fortunately, having apparently learned from the whole whale-foreskin debacle, the snakeskin treatment is applied as a pattern to a white vinyl wrap that gives the Bentley a unique texture. Along with it, Dartz has also applied white alloys, blacked-out brightwork and smoked tail-lamp lenses for a decidedly shine-proof look.
The same treatment carries on to the interior, and Dartz calls the finished product the Continental GT "SS" - a presumable reference to the snakeskin theme, while nodding to the similarly-shaded Continental Supersports. And while it may not be everyone's proverbial cup of tea, in this case we can say at least it's not whale penis.
[Source: Dartz via CarScoop]Dartz snakes its way into a Bentley Continental GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bentley Continental GT spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
A few months ago, our crafty spy photographers managed to snap a single shot of the next-generation Bentley Continental GT with all of its camouflage stripped away, revealing the Conti's swoopy new shape and updates to the front and rear fascias. Now, our spies have returned with a new batch of shots, and while the car is completely covered in checkerboard camo, we can see the new GT from a few new angles.
Up front, Bentley has added new LED headlamps similar to those on the Big Daddy Mulsanne, nicely flanking the more upright grille and prominent lower air intakes. Out back, we see that the Continental uses a more sloped, hatchback-like rear window, though the dead-on rear view confirms that a standard-issue trunk will still be in place. Obviously, LEDs are the bulbs of choice for the taillamps, and we like how the revised rear design better highlights the Conti's shapely hips.
The new Continental GT may be covered from head to toe, but we won't rule out a possible debut at this year's Paris Motor Show. Until then, scroll through our gallery for high-res shots of the new Bentley out on the road.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Bentley Continental GT successor snapped from new angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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There's no denying the Bentley Continental line is due for an update. In the ultra competitive world of ultra luxurious automobiles, the sportiest of Bentley's top-shelf automobiles is, shall we say, aging gracefully, and all the while new competitors are keen to take a crack at the drive-for-yourself luxury thrown.
In order to keep the Continental GT looking fresh, Bentley is readying a slightly facelifted 2012 model for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Judging from these spy photos snagged by Auto Express, the changes will be subtle but fairly comprehensive, focusing mainly on the front and rear fascias and perhaps a bit more power from the W12 lurking underhood.
As ever, the grille is the main focal point up front, and it will now be flanked by a swankier set of quad headlamps. Bumpers are revised front and rear, and the taillamps appear to be downsized and elongated sideways. As we said before, subtle but effective. Stay tuned, we'll be sure to bring you live shots of this and everything else that's fit to see from the City of Light come October.
[Source: Auto Express]Spy Shots: Refreshed 2012 Bentley Continental GT gets ready for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Bentley, Chevrolet
Allowing customers to customize colors and materials has become a popular and profitable option for many automakers in the last several years. Most offer customers the opportunity to pick up their new ride at the factory and even watch it being built. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet is going one step further by giving buyers of the Z06 and ZR1 the option to build the powerplant for their new Corvette.
The LS7 and LS9 V8s used in those two models are both assembled at the Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, MI which we visited last fall. The nature of the PBC production process, where a single technician starts with a bare block, then takes it through the entire assembly process and finally applies a name plaque before delivery, makes it well suited to this new program. The Engine Build Experience is not for those hoping to save a few bucks by taking on some of the labor involved in building their 'Vette. In fact, it will cost an additional $5,800 plus travel to Detroit. Those not familiar with the engine building process will likely come away very impressed with the care and technology that goes into creating these high-performance engines. Check out our chronicle of an LS9 build to see what you'll get for your money. You can see a time-lapse video of the build process after the jump.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video]
Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bentley, First Drive, Luxury
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible - click above for high-res image gallery
As we see it, there's one major problem with the 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. No, not the $280,000 asking price, or even the give-us-a-break curb weight of 5,269 pounds. We also aren't talking about the fact that this basic chassis has been around since 2003. Nor are we concerned that there exist very few places on earth where you can even maybe-kinda-sorta properly experience the thrust of the Supersport's twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12's profligate output. Get this: 621 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 590 pound-feet of torque available between 2,000-4,500 rpm. Did we mention this one's a convertible?
Furthermore, the topless Supersports' problem does not involve the fact that there are very, very few people in its target demographic. You know, the guy that wants to take three members of his family for a ride at 197 mph with the top down (Bentley would like us to point out that with the top up, the Supersports Convertible will hit 202 mph). Thing is, out of the earth's 6.7 billion inhabitants, there will surely be around 400 folks that fit the bill, coincidentally about the same number of these topless Supersports Bentley intends to build. No, the problem with the Bentley Supersports Convertible is that the preposterously humongous carbon-ceramic brakes feel a bit squishy coming down from 165 mph. Mind you, at 130 mph, the stoppers work like anchors.
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible delivers the goods
First Drive: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible delivers the goods originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Click above to view the video after the jump
The long wait is finally over and Top Gear is back for its 15th series of the modern era. We won't spoil all of the fun for those who haven't seen it, but we can say that the premiere was... highly educational. We got a look at the first flex-fuel Bentley and received further confirmation that James May was likely the cause of the Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down European air space for nearly two weeks.
We also saw the new reasonably priced car, a brown Kia Cee'd, get broken in by some British C-listers before the real celebrities start in on it next week.
By far, though, the highlight of the program was the physics lesson from Jeremy Clarkson that demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled vehicles in the world. Clarkson set out on a treacherous 14-mile journey in a Reliant Robin to learn whether it's worthwhile to save money on the vehicle registration tax with a three-wheeled conveyance. You'll have to watch for yourself to learn the answer to that question, and since you are undoubtedly a resourceful bunch, we're sure you know where to find the full episode if you don't happen to live in the UK. But if you don't, make the jump for the segment.Continue reading Video: Clarkson demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled cars
Video: Clarkson demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Bentley, Luxury
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
The crew from Crewe just spent some time exercising their newest machine in the mountains of Colorado and came back with a fresh batch of photos and video. Our driving impressions of the Bentley Continental Supersports convertible will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, take a few moments to enjoy the Supersports drop top racing along in the shadow of the Rockies.
Oddly, unlike the Supersports coupe, the convertible retains the rear seats to go along with the more powerful 621 horsepower twin-turbocharged W12. At 202 miles per hour, the Supersports convertible is claimed to be the world's fastest four seat cabrio. Check out the gallery below and make the jump to see the Supersports in eerily quiet action.
[Source: Bentley]Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Bentley visits Colorado with the Supersports convertible [w/video]
Pics Aplenty: Bentley visits Colorado with the Supersports convertible [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nobody actually needs image and fashion statements like Bentleys,and Rolls-Royces, but those who choose to buy them anyway naturally want to have the latest and greatest. And we don't blame them. As such, Bentley reportedly wants to get on a schedule of introducing a new model at least every 18 months, if not sooner. Expect to see further variations on existing models like the Continental SuperSports coupe and convertible in lieu of completely new platforms.
The rapid turnover of model variants goes hand-in-hand with Bentley's ongoing migration back to performance-oriented luxury and away from the more staid approach that took precedence under Rolls-Royce ownership. Ever since Bentley and Rolls were split up and sold to Volkswagen and BMW respectively, the two brands have developed distinctly different character traits, and you can expect that pattern to continue.
[Source: Auto Observer]Bentley to shorten product cycles, focus on performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Touring Superleggera Flying Spur - click above for high-res image gallery
Those wacky Germans. They're always on the hunt for the next new niche and the second one of them discovers the next big thing in automotive packaging, the others dog pile on. The most obvious example is the Mercedes-Benz CLS - the so-called four-door coupe. Mercedes beat everyone to market with their swoopy, low-slung sedan. Then BMW did the CS Concept, Volkswagen launched the CC, Audi is readying the A7 and BMW will most likely put the four-door Gran Coupe Concept into production. Still not convinced? How about X3/Q5/GLK?
Now it looks as if Bentley is now looking to muscle in on Porsche's new niche, the five-door sport-luxury yacht, the Panamera. What's that you say, Bentley's British? Sure, in execution, but peel back the skin a bit and the Continental rides on a Volkswagen/Audi chassis - the Phaeton and last-gen A8 if you must know. Let's not forget that Bentley's president is named Franz-Josef Pfaegen and that he considers the Continental to be Bentley's, "911." That's 911 as in Porsche 911, not emergency/national tragedy. So yes, Bentley is as German as schweinebraten und hefeweizen.
In a conversation with the actually-British Autocar about the next generation Continental, a source within Bentley admitted that they're looking at adding a five-door Panamera-type hatchback to the super coupe, sedan and convertible line up. They feel there's growth potential in that particular body style. Bentley has been in rapid growth mode since Volkswagen rebooted the brand in 2003 by launching the Continental GT. Adding a five-door would only further expand the brand's appeal to the world's wealthier citizens.
Should Bentley build it? Why not? That said, it should also be building a three-door shooting brake version like Touring Superleggera's doing with the Flying Star. However, a five-door probably has a slightly larger audience. Additionally, if the new Bentley hatch is anywhere near as useful as the Porsche Panamera, owners will love the car. Besides, a Panamera-like Continental will be as close as we'll ever get to a twin-turbo W12, AWD Bentley station wagon. Bring it.
[Source: Autocar]Report: Bentley considering five-door fastback to rival Porsche Panamera? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'BENTLEY' Category
Saturday, October 13th, 2007
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Bentley
German tuning house MTM is creator of the schnellest Audi RTT and the sickness-on-wheels RS4 K540. It follows up those two acts with a tastefully-tuned Bentley called the GTC Birkin Edition. (Sir Henry Ralph Stanley "Tim" Birkin, 3rd Baronet, was one of the original Bentley Boys of the 1920's.) It is wonderful to see a tuner take an already beautiful car and forgo visually mad modification for jet black understatement.
In fact, the only exterior mod, other than the 21" Bimoto wheels, is the rear apron and staggered pipes. Frankly, we like those better than the elliptical versions on the standard car. The real fettling has taken place on the engine and suspension. Two kits are available, one that ups the HP from 560 to 635, with a jump in torque to 575 lb-ft. The second kit raises that again to 650 HP and 585 lb-ft. The German oomph will get you to 62 in 4.2 seconds, a 0.6-second improvement over the "basic" Bentley GTC.
MTM has also added a proprietary, stainless steel exhaust that includes a center and end muffler with throttle control. To top it off, the suspension's been lowered, which always helps even the baddest Bentley boy look that little bit badder. Click through the jump to read the full press release, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.
[Source: 4 Wheels]
MTM Bentley GTC Birkin Edition
Posted in World Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, BENTLEY | No Comments »
Thursday, June 22nd, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Eight/ Mulsane/ Turbo/ Brooklands
(1980 - 1999)
Sales Company:
Available version:
Previous version:
Variation:
Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom) Silver Spirit/ Silver Spur/ Flying Spur
Jankel (United Kingdom) Rolls Royce & Bentley Conversion
Info: Eight, Mulsane, Mulsane S, Turbo R, Turbo S, Brooklands,
Donors:
Rolls-Royce - Silver Spirit/ Silver Spur/ Flying Spur
Posted in BENTLEY | No Comments »
Thursday, June 22nd, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Bentley Continental Coupé 2d
Sales Company:
Available version:
Personal Commission T - 6.75 V8 Turbo aut.
R - 6.75 V8 Turbo aut.
T - 6.75 V8 Turbo aut.
Previous version:
Continental
(1991 - 2003)
Variation:
Info:
Although for many years the actual power of a Bentley engine was never declared as anything but “adequate”, we now realise that the T model develops around 420-450bhp, depending on application (greater power in the saloon), which affords it a top speed in the region of 170mph. The Continental is a beautiful design that shocks with its phenomenal turn of speed.
Donors:
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Thursday, June 22nd, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Bentley Azure Cabrio 2d
Azure
(1995 - 2003)
Sales Company:
Available version:
6.75 V8 Turbo aut.
Previous version:
6.75 V8 TwinTurbo aut.
Variation:
Info:
Based on the fractionally smaller platform of the Arnage, the Azure is the ultimate means of travel in places such as Monaco and, unsurprisingly, the Cote d’Azur.
Donors:
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Wednesday, June 21st, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Bentley Arnage L - LWB
Arnage
(1998 - 2004)
Sales Company:
Available version:
RL - 6.75 V8 Turbo aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
VG (United States of America) Shooting Brake
Info:
Fractionally smaller than its predecessor, the Arnage was designed initially to use the same BMW 4.4-litre V8 engine and gearbox as the BMW M5. The V12 BMW engine was reserved for the smoother and less fussy Rolls-Royce model. However, VW invested in bringing the former 6.75-litre V8 up to a standard, where it could pass exhaust emissions legislation. Therefore, it is now the base engine in three states of tune.
Donors:
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