Diesel Bentley will be a first

That a Bentley has V8 power isn’t new, but that one of its latest will have a V8 diesel is a first for the super-luxury brand, writes Brian Byrne.

The 4.0 oilburner based on an Audi unit will be triple-charged and punch out 435hp with an astounding 900Nm of torque.

The engine will be in the the Bentayga SUV and will also be the world’s fastest diesel production car with a 0-100km/h sprint capability of 4.8sec.

In addition to giving the car a 1,000km range it will mean the lowest CO2 from any Bentley model at 210g/km.

Customer deliveries will begin in Europe early next year, with entry into Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan planned across the rest of 2017.

Bentley announces New Mulsanne Speed

Bentley say the New Mulsanne Speed is 'the pinnacle of luxury and performance'.

Bentley also claim this new flagship model, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, is the fastest, ultra-luxury driving experience in the world.

The Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver with 539bhp and 1,100Nm of torque and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand.

The powertrain features Bentley's mighty 6.75 litre twin-turbo V8 which propels the Speed to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is 305km/h. The extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13 percent gain means a range extended by 80kms. Combinued fuel consumption is 14.6 L/100km (that's 19.3mpg) and C02 emissions are 342gkm.

The signature Mulsanne has been updated for 2015. It is powered by a 505bhp, 1,020 Nm 6.3/4 litre twin-turbo V8 now 13 percent more efficient. Changes have also been made to the gearbox calibration of the Mulsanne, resulting in smoother gear changes. New paint colours, hide and veneer options are also available across the Mulsanne family.

Mulsanne Speed rear

Bentley Continental GT3-R available to order

The new Continental GT3-R is inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car, writes Trish Whelan.

Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performance-focussed luxury, limited to only 300 examples which will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley's Motorsport division.

Engineers have developed a retuned version of Bentley's race-proven, high performance 4.0 twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater GT. Developing 580hp and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. It is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint from standstill in just 3.6 seconds.

Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, says "This car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level."

Order books are open now with first deliveries later this year.

But we don't know the price .... I guess most of us will just enjoy the photos.

First glimpse of Bentley SUV

Bentley Motors has released the first picture of the Bentley SUV, due to hit roads in 2016.

It will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV on the market, setting it apart from any other SUV, true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship. Bentley say it 'will create a completely new segment in the SUV market'.

The SUV forms part of Bentley's £800 million investment in new model and facilities development in the next three years. The company anticipates selling at least 3,000 SUVs annually. Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. Bentley Motors' headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company's three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The company employs around 3,700 people at Crewe.

Bentley has reinforced its position as the world's largest producer of 12 cylinder engines after yesterday announcing its Crewe HQ will become the centre of excellence for the Volkswagen Group for all W12 engine production from the end of 2014 onwards. The W12 engine (pictured) is an advanced 12 cylinder high performance engine in a unique 'W' configuration. The engine offers high levels of power and torque.

With this decision, Bentley will export engines for the first time in its history, creating around 100 more jobs across the business.

Charles Hurst Bentley Ireland is based at Charles Hurst, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, or Charles Hurst Belfast.

Bentley Speed for reveal next week

This is the Bentley Speed to be shown for the first time at next week's Moscow Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne.

We'll do it by the numbers. A 6.0 turbocharged W12, with 625hp. There's 800Nm of torque and acceleration to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. Top speed 331km/h. Fuel consumption 14.5L/100km (19.5mpg). CO2 338g/km.

Price ... not yet, but there are Russian potential owners who won't even bother asking.

Mulsanne Convertible Concept teased

Bentley Motors have revealed first sketches of their Mulsanne Convertible Concept, based on the saloon which debuted in 2009, writes Brian Byrne.

There are few details of the vehicle, except that the company claims it will be the ultimate in 'contemporary design, prestige and exclusivity'.

The interior will also reflect that of 'high-powered powerboats'.

The engine in the current Mulsanne saloon has 505hp output from its 6.75 litre V8 petrol engine.

Bentley's New Continental GT Speed

Bentley is introducing a new performance flagship, its fastest production model ever, the Continental GT Speed coupe, writes Trish Whelan.

Orders for the new 205 mph (329 km/h) GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to start in October.

At the heart of the car is an up-rated version of the Bentley 6-0, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine which develops 616 bhp and 800 Nm of torque to deliver thunderous, supercar performance with effortless overtaking capacity. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a mere 4.0 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.2s).

The GT Speed's immense power is transmitted via a close-ratio, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission which also makes a significant contribution to an overall 12 per cent improvement in fuel economy and C02 emissions.

The car sports 21-inch Speed wheels fitted with Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres giving a sportier and more engaging driving experience with tauter handling and improved quality. Standard on all Continental models is the permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The GT Speed makes its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 28 June until 1 July.

Bentley - two debuts at Goodwood Festival

A new Bentley will make its international debut at the upcoming 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, writes Trish Whelan.

A vision of the company's future, the EXP 9 F SUV concept (above) makes its UK premier at the Festival.

The car highlights the marque's desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world.

The Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (MDS) (also pictured), a new driver-focused edition of the Bentley flagship features sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior.

The new Continental GT V8 will also be on the Bentley stand. It features an all new 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine. With 507PS and 660 Nm of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60mph in only 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds), has a top speed of 188mph (303km/h). Its fuel efficiency systems allow a range of over 500 miles on a single tank.

Ed: As a matter of interest, the EXP 9 F SUV concept shown at Geneva Motor Show last March, got our vote as the ugliest car in the show!

New Mulsanne to be shown at Geneva Motor Show

Bentley will unveil a highly distinctive and sporting interpretation of the Mulsanne in Geneva next month.

The new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification blends a range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying 'B' wing vents and Diamond Quilted leather trimmed cabin with driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of Bentley's 6.75 V8 ultra-luxury sports saloon.

The Mulsanne is a pure example of the Grand Touring Bentley combining coach-built elegance and hand crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness.

With a 0-60mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 184mph (296km/h), the 505hp Mulsanne as always offered thunderous levels of performance for an ultra-luxury saloon.

New Bentley Continental for Frankfurt

Bentley will show the second generation of its Continental GTC at Frankfurt, with a more powerful and less thirsty 6.0 W12 engine and improved chassis.

Priced at €170,000 before taxes, the new car is sharper in style than the outgoing Continental, with 21" wheels available as options. The car has a wider track and the AWD system has been refettled to provide more precise cornering at speed.

The 575hp engine offers 700Nm of torque, and the big car can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The car can run on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two fuels.

Bentley Continental GT at delivery of new Bond book

A special red Bentley Continental GT was at the core of the arrival of the new James Bond book, Carte Blanche, at St Pancras International in London today, writes Trish Whelan.

Copies of the book by American thriller writer Jeffery Deaver, and published in the UK, were delivered by Royal Marines Commandos in a display involving abseiling, a fast car (the Bentley!) and a beautiful leather clad Bond girl on a motorbike.

In a scene which could easily have been lifted from a James Bond novel, Jeffery Deaver pulled up at Europe's longest bar - The Champagne Bar at St Pancras International - in the special Bentley flanked by the Bond girl.

But the author received the first copy of his novel by air as a Royal Marine display team descended from the roof of the station with copies of the novel. 

The books were handed over to Deaver in front of members of Ian Fleming's family and invited guests before being put under lock and key until midnight tonight. We'll be able to buy one soon here too, presumably.

New Bentley Continental GT

Seven years on from the launch of its Continental GT, Bentley has brought on a new generation of the car, which at first glance might not seem all that different.

But it is essentially a completely new vehicle, with a new body, LED daylight running lights, higher levels of comfort, and with more powerful engines that don't use as much fuel as at present.

Aluminium is used extensively in the 4-seat coupe, which manages some sharper detailing in its design, and a more upright grille sets off the car in a rear-view mirror.

The W12 6.0 engine with 575hp on tap provides a 0-100km/h performance of 4.6 seconds. A new V8 coming late next year will provide an option that has 40 percent less emissions than the W12.

New Mulsanne unveiled

Bentley Motors has unveiled the Mulsanne, the company’s all-new flagship grand tourer.



The car was revealed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in Monterey, California.

The Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W O Bentley’s crowning achievement in 1930, the 8-litre. And it was W O’s own conserved company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach.

The Bentley Mulsanne will go on sale from mid 2010. It will also be displayed at the forthcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show where Bentley Motors will provide additional product information.

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Fastest Bentley ever

This is the Continental Supersports, the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever with 630hp, a 0-100 km/h sprint performance, and a 329 km/h top speed.



It is also the company's first FlexFuel performance car.

And this muscular two-seater is 110 kg lighter than the Continental GT Speed.

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Extreme Bentley for Geneva

Bentley will reveal its fastest, most powerful production car ever, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.



Delivering supercar performance, this new model is very much the extreme Bentley.

Importantly it will run on biofuel, delivering stage one of Bentley's environmental commitment. It will pioneer the use of this fuel in the luxury sector.

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