Lamborghini won’t be the only luxury supercar company that will be showing a concept SUV within the next couple of months. According to reports, another Volkswagen Group brand, Bentley Motors, may also debut a concept version of an SUV next month in Geneva.

“We are exploring the potential, but the vehicle has not been approved,” said Christophe Georges, Bentley Motors president and COO said. Word has it that Bentley is quickly putting together something for Geneva next month.

If all this is to be believed, Bentley’s new SUV will ride on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and will feature its W12 engine along with its new V8 that debuted in the Bentley Continental GT V8.

Lamborghini has already confirmed that a concept SUV will debut very soon.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Bentley is taking a proactive approach to its marketing as part of a battle of the ultra-luxury brands against the Maybach brand. The company is sending out letters to Maybach owners in attempts to take advantage of Maybach withdrawing to try and snatch up some of its clientele.

Famous figures such as Jay-Z, King Juan Carlos and Samuel L. Jackson should all be receiving the luxury notes, soon, as targeted high-profile Maybach owners.

Back in November, Daimler made it clear that it was on a quest to put the Maybach brand out of business. So far, Daimler says its efforts are starting to pay off, with many reaching out to the brand with negative feedback about their Maybach experience.

If Daimler doesn’t end up with the business, Rolls-Royce is certainly in a position to do so, as well. “They wanted something more exclusive than a Mercedes in the first place, so Rolls or Bentley would seem an obvious substitution,” said Michael Tyndall, an auto specialist with Barclays Capital in London.

The $380,000 starting price tag for the Maybach matches that of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, while the Bentley Mulsanne starts at $290,000 with technical extras.

Bentley may be offering up letters, factory tours and the promise of a 2015 SUV model, but Rolls-Royce says that the aggressive approach just doesn’t suit the brand’s style. While they of course welcome anyone seeking to acquire a Rolls or change brands, they don’t plan on following any warm leads anytime soon.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source AutoNews

Five years ago, the words “Bentley” and “hybrid” would only deign to coexist in a joke, not in a fact, but now it seems that Bentley will be rummaging their fingers around the VW/Audi/Porsche cookie jar for plug-in hybrid parts. According to Bentley chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, the menial bits and pieces making up a hybrid powertrain do not constitute a “matter of differentiation” and that either the new twin turbo four liter Audi V8 or VW’s W12 would fit in the engine bay of a future hybrid Bentley.

This idea of the VW brand developing the technology for Bentley is certainly not new, a prime example of this is the VW Phaeton, which, mechanically is the basis for the current Continental.

The word “future” is important here because Bentley say that they will not be rolling out a hybrid form of any current Bentley.

In the future, there may also be a Bentley SUV, which Dürheimer says is pending board approval and that the design process is in its advanced stages. He suggested that the news will be out in the next few weeks. Like their cars, Dürheimer said that the new SUV “will be no Hummer…but it will be on the large side.” Expect to see both the aforementioned W12 and V8 play important roles along with the hybrid powertrain.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: CARandDRIVER

Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings (CAFE) have been taking their toll on manufacturers in many aspects. And because of the pressure from the government to reduce fuel consumption, Bentley more or less unveiled their answer to help reduce their brand’s CAFE rating earlier today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. For the first time ever, the Continental GT and Continental GTC now comes with an alternative engine option.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 4.0L V8 that’s similar to the one in the current Audi S8 and S7, the cheapest Bentley of them all gets 500hp and 487 lb-ft of torque to play with.

That said, because the Continental GT has been the cheapest car that the winged marquee has sold and because of its Volkswagen Phaeton D-Platform roots, I have personally coined the Continental GT as the Volksinental GT, or the People’s Bentley…relatively speaking.

The Volksinental GT V8’s power is channeled through an all-new close-ratio 8-speed automatic with all-wheel drive for a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds and onto a top-speed of 188 mph.

Thanks to the smaller engine, the Continental GT and GTC V8 benefit from a 40% increase in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Other differences to help separate the V8-powered GT and GTC from the W12-powered cars are some aesthetic updates and unique wheels.

The Continental GT and GTC V8 will be available near the end of 2012 and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date. So if you put your order in already for one of these puppies, better hope you get it before the world supposedly ends.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

According to YouTube marchettino, there’s a time in the summer every year when a bunch of people from the Middle East (mainly Dubai) come to London with their expensive supercars and fill the streets with the most bizarre and expensive toys you’ve probably ever seen.

Of course, the best part about it all is you get to see the cars in action and hear the wonderful noise that comes out of their exhaust. I guess it beats an auto show at Jacob Javitz Center in NYC.

Check out the video after the jump.

Some of the cars from the video:

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
Audi R8 V8 – Chrome and Purple with Tubi Stage 3 Exhaust
Audi R8 V10
Aston Martin DBS
BMW M6 – Eisenmann Exhaust
BMW M5 – Eisenmann Exhaust
BMW X6M Hamann Tycoon EVO
Bentley Flying Spur – Two Tone and Matte Pink
Bugatti Veyron – Chrome and Red that was featured on Top Gear
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
Ferrari 599 – Matte Red and Turquoise
Ferrari 458 Italia – Red and Matte Grey
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Superveloce – Al Thani’s
Maybach Xenatec 57S Coupè
Maybach 57 RRR
Mercedes SLS AMG
Mercedes SLS FAB Design – White and Matte Orange
Mercedes SL65 Ultimate FAB Design
Mercedes SLR Mclaren 722
Mercedes SLR Mclaren Brabus
Mercedes C63 AMG – Hamann exhaust
Koenigsegg Agera R
KTM X-Bow
Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster
Porsche 997 GT2 – Modified 1000hp
Porsche Cayenne Turbo Hamann Guardian
Rolls Royce Drophead
Rolls Royce Ghost

- By: Omar Rana

The twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 makes a strong 500-hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 487 lb-ft available virtually across the entire rev range from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. Mated to the brand’s new 8-speed automatic transmission the Bentley Continental V8 runs from 0 to 60 mph in the low 5 second range with a top speed of over 180 mph.

“The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions,” Bentley said in a statement.

While full and official figures will be announced closer to the launch date of early 2012, Bentley says the V8 Continental models “achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 mile on a single tank of fuel.”

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

“With the new 4.0 litre V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience,” said Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors. “The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”

The new V8 engine features variable valve displacement with an engine management system that ensures a seamless transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load. Other fuel-saving technologies include high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging.

- By: Omar Rana

Bentley has released a new teaser giving us the first glimpse of its new twin-turbo V8 that will make its debut in the Continental GT in 2012.

“Welcome to the new sound of Bentley — a stirring and thunderous soundtrack and the prelude to a potent new Bentley driving experience that begins in 2012,” Bentley said in a statement.

Reports suggest that the engine will have a 4.0 liter displacement and will produce around 513-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft.

Stay tuned for more details – for now, hit the jump to be teased.

- By: Omar Rana

For the 2012 model year, the Continental GTC gets a sportier look, standard 21-inch wheels, a more spacious and luxurious hand-crafted interior, 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colors with six color split combinations. Performance wise the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC gets a wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension. Looks wise, it definitely remains one of the hottest looking drop tops on the market.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GTC.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC comes from the same 6.0 liter W12 from the coupe. The engine makes a whopping 567-hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. Mated to a ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system, the new Bentley Continental GTC can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0 to 100 mph in 10.9 seconds and can keep going until 195 mph.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

The UK’s Department for Business Regional Growth Fund has approved Bentley Motors for a grant for approximately $4.8 billion. According to Bentley, the grant will “support the development of a new powertrain application which will enable Bentley to exploit new export markets.” In addition, “It will safeguard over 200 jobs and also create a small number of additional positions within the Company’s 900-strong engineering department.”

“This is a real boost for Bentley which has one of the most highly skilled automotive workforces in the country and, uniquely, has now been awarded two RGF grants,” said CEO Wolfganag Durheimer. “It shows that the Government recognises the importance of Bentley and the contribution we make to high value manufacturing and UK exports.”

This grant follows one previously issued for $2.7 billion that went towards an expansion in training and jobs at brand’s business, manufacturing and development location.

“Our customers expect the very best in terms of exclusivity, technology, quality, and engineering excellence which requires significant ongoing investment in R&D,” Durheimer said. “This grant will help safeguard those operations as we look to develop new powertrains which appeal to new markets and new customers.”

- By: Alexandra Koken

“Ferrari doesn’t play with Bentley and with Porsche, it plays in its own box,” Marchionne said in an interview.

Prior to the conceptualization of Maserati’s first ever SUV, Marchionne had considered branding their at-the-time “new luxury SUV” idea as a Ferrari. However, he didn’t feel that was suitable for Ferrari’s image. And to add, Marchionne clearly pointed out that Ferrari has no plans to launch a four-door rival to the Aston Marton Rapide as the Maserati Quattroporte is more of a suitable competitor.

“We have invested as heavily as we have in Maserati because this brand has all the elements of the proper DNA to play in that fight,” he said.

Unlike the rest of the Fiat brand, Ferrari’s growth will still be limited to an annual sales figure of just 10,000 in the mid-term, up from 7,000 last year, he continued. He also said that increasing the annual sales of Ferrari would be “dangerous” to the integrity of the brand.

“It’s absolutely crucial,” he pointed out. “The uniqueness of that brand cannot be minimized and so we are very, very careful.”

After Marchionne’s plans for Maserati set in, he hopes the brand will increase their annual sales tenfold to about 55,000-60,000 units, up from just 5,675 from last year. And to help with this goal would be Maserati’s two new four-door sedans: a replacement to the aging Quattroporte and a smaller, baby version.

“The two sedans are being industrialized and they are great, trust me,” Marchionne concluded.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

The 2012 ‘Passion Pink’ Bentley Continental GT Coupe is being auctioned off in San Diego to to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

While Bentley is taking part in the project as a good samaritan, the pink GT shows how the company is able to handle just about any custom order.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

The model will be hanging out side the W hotel in San Diego, site of the event, Friday night. Tickets to the event start at $20.

Refresher: The 2011 Bentley Continental GT 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine making 567-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters, 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. Prices start at $189,900.

- By: Omar Rana

A Bentley SUV is on the way (well, it’ll debut in 2014-2015) and the company’s CEO can’t seem to stop talking about it. In August, Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer spilled a bunch of details on the upcoming SUV, confirming that it will use a V12 gasoline engine.

“We will be first to use a 12-cylinder petrol engine in a luxury SUV. I like this idea; it makes clear whose car is the boss,” said Durheimer.

The engine is reported to be a next-generation version of today’s W12 unit used in the Continental family. Bentley apparently also has plans to use a V12 TDI engine in the USV a few years after launch. The V12 TDi will most likely be the next-generation 493-hp 6.0 liter V12 TDI from the Q7.

Bentley recently hired a new chief engineer from Porsche, Rolf Frech, to replace Ulrich Eichhorn. Frech, having worked on the Porsche Cayenne, brings a bunch of SUV knowledge to Bentley.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Check out the video after the jump.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC comes from the same 6.0 liter W12 from the coupe. The engine makes a whopping 567-hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. Mated to a ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system, the new Bentley Continental GTC can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0 to 100 mph in 10.9 seconds and can keep going until 195 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Production of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Linley will be limited to just 10 units with all going to China. Why China? Well, Bentley wants to thank China for its increasing demand and being its largest sedan market.

All Bentley Continental Flying Spur Linley models feature “Linley elements designed to appeal to customers who value pedigree and lineage, handcrafted quality and peerless design,” Bentley said in a statement. Linley took its special veneers in Santos rosewood and applied to the console, waistrail and roof console.

“Our collaboration with Linley brings a new element to the interior of one of our globally best-selling models,” said Christine Gaskell, member of the board for personnel, Bentley Motors. “The Continental Flying Spur has a unique executive style and elegance which is complemented wonderfully by the Linley veneers. We share an expertise in the use of natural materials and a commitment to superlative craftsmanship.”

Key features of the Linley for Bentley Continental Flying Spur:

• The distinctive marquetry inlaid Helix motif runs throughout the interior.
• Linley-designed box in the rear console – the humidor contains a humidification system, cigar cutter and ashtray.
• In-built fridge set behind the arm rest and rear console, with specially designed space for bottle storage.
• The picnic tables have a pop-up vanity mirror concealed within them, which is a standard option on the CFS.

- By: Omar Rana

According to Bentley’s new boss, Wolfgang Durheimer, the company will build a GT2 version of the top-selling Continental sports car next year.

The Bentley Continental will weigh 441 pounds less than the standard GT and will produce around 650-hp – a 100-hp upgraded than the regular coupe. That will allow 0 to 60 mph to come in less than 4 seconds with a top speed of more than 200 mph.

Durheimer did not say whether the Bentley Continental GT2 will use the existing V12 or a new twin-turbo V8 that’s due in 2012.

When they Bentley Continental GT2 Coupe arrives it will leave the current Continental Supersports trailing in the dust.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

“I definitely think there is room for a car with more power than the Supersport,” Durheimer said. “I also think some of what we did with the Supersport in the past wasn’t quite right. For example, it should not be a two-seater. That layout should be reserved for the top-line cars.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Bentley may be planning to put its LMP1 up against Porsche and Audi in upcoming racing plans.

While no official announcements will be made until next summer, Wolfgang Durheimer, Bentley CEO says “An LMP1 car would be a good way to go, but not the only possible way. There is nothing saying the same brands can’t compete against each other – the only important thing is that the racing activity supports fully the brand identity.”

Other possiblities include different race programes, as Durheimer sees space for the brand in both Asia and the U.S. He elaborates “The three brands of Bentley, Porsche and Audi could race in different regions and come together five or six times a year for the world sportscar championship and that once per year in France. It’s no decided, but it is possible.”

He also feels that it is crucial to keep the race team and Bentley’s Crewe base close to one another, because he is “absolutly convinced that having the racing department close to the company headquarters is key in motivating people at the factory. I am also keen that people from the road car side sample the racing side… In racing you need discipline and focus, and when people come back to road cars from that enviorment it really helps them.”

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Bentley Motors announced today that Porsche executive Rolf Frech has been named the brand’s new head of engineering. Frech, 53, succeeds Ulrich Eichhorn, who will become managing director of the VDA, which is the auto industry association in Germany.

Frech currently heads Porsche’s complete vehicle engineering and quality and will start his new post on Nov.1. Michael Steiner, 47, will fill Frech’s role at Porsche.

Frech, who joined Porsche in 1983, played a key part in the expansion of the brand’s model range – including the Cayenne and Panamera.

Steiner ‘largely responsible’ for the success of the Panamaera. He joined Porsche in 2002 as head of innovation and concepts before he took over responsibility for the Panamera in 2005.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Due to growing demand, Bentley is likely to offer an increasing number of variants of the Mulsanne sedan and the Continental coupe. CEO Wolfgang Dureimer has confirmed with AutoCar that these variants are currently under discussion.

“We can make more of the Continental line up than we have today,” he said. “I could see it developing as the 911 derivatives did; lightweight models, special models, that was a very successful strategy. With the Mulsanne we get requests all the time for a longer wheelbase model, for instance. The question is whether we do it as a special order or put it on the model line. We are evaluating it, but I have no doubt we could also sell that type of car in the US and China.”

Rumors suggest that a Mulsanne convertible and coupe are under consideration.

Obviously the move is scene as Bentley’s aim to increase sales worldwide.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar