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

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

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

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

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

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

“Despite recent economic uncertainty, sales increased year-on-year in major markets, demonstrating the incredible interest in the new Bentley model range,” Bentley said in a statement. “With the new GTC convertible set to go on sale in the last quarter, Bentley expects to deliver an overall sales increase of around 40 per cent for 2011.”

Through August, Bentley sales increased 31 percent with a total of 4,016 units delivered to customers worldwide. Sales in China are up 67 percent, up 36 percent in the Americas and up 35 percent in Europe.

Bentley said leading the growth is strong demand for the new Continental GT coupe. Just under half of all Bentley sales are GTs as it.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for Bentley. We have a strong new model line-up driving an increasing global interest in the Brand,” Bentley Motors’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Durheimer. “The new Continental GTC, which we officially reveal tomorrow, has already been previewed to some customers and their response has been extremely positive. With this, and other new models still in the pipeline, I am confident we can sustain this strong sales performance.”

- By: Omar Rana

What’s new for the 2012 model year Bentley Continental GTC? Here are some highlights:

• A sportier look based on the new Bentley Continental GT Coupe we saw last year.
• 21-inch wheels are now standard.
• More spacious and luxurious hand-crafted cabin.
• 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colors with six color split combinations.
• A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension.

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.

Prices will be announced closer to launch date.

———

Press Release:

THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC

• Bold, contemporary, sculpted design employing advanced production technology.
• Sensuous, luxurious, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.
• Coupe-like refinement with unrivalled comfort and practicality.
• More powerful 6.0-litre W12 engine with Flexfuel capability, delivering exhilarating performance.
• Uprated chassis for a more dynamic and engaging open-top driving experience.

(Crewe, England. August 2011). The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with two styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley luxury convertible.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and luxurious hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature are all provided as standard.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.” -Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GTC – AT A GLANCE

Sculpted exterior design
• Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
• Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
• More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment
• New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
• Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers
• Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
• A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
• Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
• Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability
• 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS
(567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
• FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
• 0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
• 0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
• Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).
• Overall weight saving of 70kg (154lb) versus predecessor.

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

• ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
• New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
• Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
• Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.
• 20″ ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21″ wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.

- By: Omar Rana

Imperium of the UK is a design house that received a request to tweak a Bentley Continental GT. A British entrepreneur is apparently seeking a unique version of his own Bentley, and Imperium has renderings of what is to come.

A kit will include an enhanced design on the front and rear aprons, a boot lip spoiler, and carbon exposed side skirts and rear diffuser. A set of alloy wheels will complete the visual portion of the package.

The suspension gets a drop, the ECU is tweaked, and the breaks have been upgraded. The car is also fitted with a custom exhaust system.

Inside, one can expect a completely custom interior with handmade parts and a leather selection.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

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.

Imperium Bentley Continental GT:

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

- By: Alexandra Koken

For the first time in its history, the Bentley Continental GT gets a new engine for the 2012 model year. Debuting at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012, the Continental GT V8 will be the first Continental GT equipped with a…V8.

Before hand, the Continental GT always came with the blistering twin-turbocharged 6.0L W12 engine produced by Volkswagen. The new 4.0L V8 heart is the company’s first ever all-new V8 after the infamous 6.75L, or 6 ¾-liter as some would say, that still sits in the current Arnage-replacing Mulsanne and has been around since the beginning of time.

Preceding the debut of the V8 Continental, a new GTC convertible will be unveiled first at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Other details including power ratings, performances and pricing have yet to be released, but we could expect that information to pop up as we get closer to next year’s Detroit Motor Show.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

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. A V8 will be available to order in late 2011 – technical details have yet to be released.

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: ConsumerResearch

The new Bentley Continental GT has become a pretty successful model for the premium brand. The new 2011 Continental GT is more powerful, lighter and a little bit more fuel-efficienct than the outgoing model.

However, those still looking for some fun in the sun are still waiting for the next Bentley Continental GTC Convertible to show up. When can we expect it? Reports suggest that Bentley will unveil the next-generation Bentley Continental GTC at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be joined by the next Flying Spur as well.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

Of course, while we would love to see the next-generation Continental GTC with a hardtop, Bentley will most likely keep the soft-top to keep weight low.

Note: Pictured above is the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC.

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. A V8 will be available to order in late 2011 – technical details have yet to be released.

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

While many of us may be cautiously approaching purchases, and avoiding big ticket items, some have managed to maintain their ability to indulge. Bentley, the luxury British automaker, recently announced that in closing of 2011′s first half its sales have increased by 20% worldwide. As with many other brands, 2008 was the last time numbers saw those heights.

The 2,978 units sold have had various destinations. European sales are up by 25%, with 494 cars sold there. China picked up a good portion, with 680 Bentley’s sold there, up 57% from just last year. Still, neither could top the U.S. in sales. Although we have the smallest increase, at 23%, 907 Americans drove home a new Bentley so far this year.

Sales have only declined in Japan, due to the recent crisis there, and the Middle East, which is amidst political uproar.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The 2011 Bentley Continental GT is one coupe that demands attention when it pulls up to a red light – but how do you make it demand just a little more? By adding the new Mulliner Styling Specification, a range of Bentley-designed styling options.

The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack adds a new front bumper splitter, strakes integrated into the front intake grilles, side extension blades and a rear diffuser, all which are made from high-gloss, black carbon-fiber.

Buyers can also opt for optional extras including a carbon fiber rear spoiler and door mirror cowls as well as distinctive, black-painted 21-inch ‘Elegant’ alloy wheels and dark mesh front wing vents with black carbon-fiber bezels.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

“The Mulliner Styling Specification, with its sharper lines and darker, lower appearance subtly underscores the extrovert, flamboyant nature of our new Coupe. It delivers a more personalised, sportive interpretation of a luxurious, refined GT,” said Raul Pires, Bentley’s head of exterior design.

Those interested can order the Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack starting this month for an additional $9,775. The optional extras will go on sale in autumn 2011. Door mirror cowls will cost $2,905, the rear spoiler will go for $2,905, the vented wings with carbon fiber surrounds will cost $6,174 and the 21-inch ‘Elegant’ wheels will run you back $7,700.

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.

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack:

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack:

- By: Omar Rana

The product planners at Mercedes-Benz are up to something. According to reports coming out of the UK, the company is planning a high-performance four-door model that would fit about the Mercedes-Benz CLS and give it a rival to the Bentley Continental GT and high-performance models of the Porsche Panamera lineup.

Sources say that the model will have a more dramatic scheme than the CLS and will feature AMG engines and chassis tuning to justify a premium price tag – and by premium we mean considerably higher than the CLS.

Mercedes-Benz hopes to put the model alongside the CL coupe for markets (think Middle East) that want a high-performance, ultra-expensive four door sports car.

So why not just badge it a Maybach? Apparently there is a Maybach spin-off of the car in works.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

007 Carte Blanche Bentley Special Edition

British author Ian Fleming, best known for his series of James Bond novels, has always admired Bentley vehicles and, as a result, Bond owned three Bentleys over the course of the 14 original Bond novels. To celebrate the release of Carte Blanche, the news James Bond novel by Jeffery Deaver, Bentley partnered with publisher Hodder & Stoughton to create an exclusive Bentley special edition: the ultimate luxury edition of the highly anticipated new James Bond novel.

In Carte Blanche, Deaver reunites Bond with the Bentley brand. In this version of the adventure, 007 will be behind the wheel of the new Bentley Continental GT.

Click here for more news on the Bentley Continental GT.

“The case of the Bentley special edition is inspired by the deserts of Dubai – one of the exotic locations Bond finds himself in within the new novel – and the new Bentley Continental GT, Bond’s car of choice in the book,” Bentley said in a statement.

Those interested in the limited 500 units of the Bentley special edition of the novel will have to cash out £1,000 ($1,647 USD). Buyers can pre-order the novel worldwide starting today through www.007carteblanchebentley.com. The editions will be delivered after publication date.

Refresher: The 2011 Bentley Continental GT is powered by a 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. A V8 will be available to order in late 2011. Prices start at $189,900.

007 Carte Blanche Bentley Special Edition:

2011 Bentley Continental GT:

- By: Omar Rana

Bentley Continental Supersports Coupe

Bentley currently has four models in its lineup including the Mulsanne, Brooklands, Azure T and the Continental lineup (which consists of four different versions including the Continental GT, Continental GTC, Continental Flying Spur and the Continental Supersports). The company’s bosses are now trying to beef up the lineup with some new additions. The new models will be underpinned by soon-to-be sister brand Porsche’s architecture.

First in line will be a four-door coupe version of the Continental GT that would compete with the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Mercedes-Benz CLS. It will also take on other models by the Volkswagen Group including the Audi A7 as well as the Porsche Panamera.

Bentley is also considering a crossover based on the Porsche Cayenne. Insider info suggests that Bentley may use the Cross Continental badge for the model.

Last in mind is a coupe that will fit below the Continental GT. It will be aimed at the Maserati GranTurismo and the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG.

When can you expect these new models to arrive? Sometime in 2015.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress