Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Bentley Motors has revealed more details of its all-new flagship motorcar, the Mulsanne, following successful debuts at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August and Frankfurt’s IAA motor show in September.
More than 1,000 private customer previews of Mulsanne have been held at the company’s factory in Crewe, England as well as a series of preview events held at dealerships across the UK, Continental Europe and the United States. Production of the new super luxurious vehicle will begin in the Spring of 2010 with the first deliveries expected in the Summer. Bentley is already reporting that early interest in the model is exceeding production forecasts for 2010.
To be priced at £220,000 in the United Kingdom, the Mulsanne has been designed and engineered by Bentley’s skilled craftsmen and engineers to combine refined performance and unparalleled levels of luxury with the coach building elegance for which the marque has long been renowned.
Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing for Bentley Motors, comments: “Even at this very early stage, the expression of interest we’ve received easily exceeds our 2010 production targets. Mulsanne’s credentials are a pure expression of Bentley design and craftsmanship, and that’s struck a chord with Bentley enthusiasts across the globe as well as many of the potential customers we have welcomed for tours in Crewe this year. We’ve been encouraged by the positive commentary, notably from our American customers as the Mulsanne was privately previewed in seven metro markets across the country.”
Production of the Mulsanne will commence at Bentley’s Crewe (England) headquarters in the second quarter of 2010. A newly constructed body production facility, dedicated to Mulsanne, is being completed where leading-edge body assembly technology, such as superforming of the aluminium front wings for superb surface definition, will complement traditional, highly skilled metalworking including hand-brazing of steel joints for a ‘hewn from solid’ appearance.
Bentley’s Mulsanne will arrive in the UK in the Summer of 2010 and will offer customers a world of plenty of choice when commissioning their cars. The luxury Bentley flagship offers a palette of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure this future classic never loses its scent. In addition, through Bentley’s bespoke service, unique colours can exactly match a customer’s vision and taste. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, the Mulsanne will take nine weeks to build.
Bentley’s legendary hand-assembled V8 engine pays homage to its predecessors but for the new Mulsanne is comprehensively re-engineered employing advanced technologies to deliver unstressed refined performance. The new Bentley V8 engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, contributing to a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Advanced technology is exquisitely packaged within the Mulsanne’s opulent cabin. Behind its heritage-inspired dials and new glass-effect switches are leading edge features including iPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM card reader, as well as a 3G MMI system. Those opting for NAIM’s premium audio system will be treated to the world’s most powerful system fitted to a production vehicle – a 20-channel 2,200-watt sound experience.
Bentley Motors will announce further pricing news for international markets in the near future as well as further information about the extensive range of additional options with which the Mulsanne can be specified.
Founder W.O. Bentley had a vision of building “a good car, a fast car, the best in its class.” 90 years later, Bentley’s new flagship Mulsanne will be positioned at the pinnacle of the premium segment.
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
For the Continental Supersports, Bentley engineers have created the most powerful engine in the company’s 90-year history.
Bentley’s renowned 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared with the Continental GT Speed. Maximum torque of 800 Nm (590 lb ft), up by 6.7 per cent, is achieved from 1700 rev/min across virtually the entire rev range for effortless power delivery.
The extra power and torque resulting from the increased turbocharger boost necessitated a 10 per cent increase in air flow to the intercoolers and radiators following an extensive programme of Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Dramatically-styled front air intakes feed the intercoolers behind, while twin bonnet vents ensure positive extraction of hot air above the engine.
These changes also help to increase downforce at the front, balanced by the addition of a re-profiled spoiler on the rear aerofoil with a raised rear edge.
The new ‘Quickshift’ version of the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission is engineered exclusively for the Continental Supersports. Shift time has been cut by 50 per cent and the revised transmission also helps double downshifts (e.g. 6th down to 4th)
During upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability. Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun. This replicates manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching and helps double downshifts for enhanced response.
Acceleration times are improved, response times throughout the whole gear range are enhanced and engine braking can be better exploited during enthusiastic driving. The result is a driving experience with a sportier feel and sound.
To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the ZF transmission is also strengthened.
The increased power and torque, ‘Quickshift’ transmission and a 110 kg reduction in weight endow the Supersports with a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h) and a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3.7 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 3.9 seconds). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in just 8.9 seconds.
Engineering Bentley’s first ‘FlexFuel’ engine
At the 2008 Geneva Auto Salon, Bentley announced a far-reaching environmental programme to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy across its model range.
An important element of this strategy is by 2012 to make the entire Bentley fleet capable of running on renewable fuel through the introduction of FlexFuel technology, where engines are capable of running seamlessly on bioethanol, petrol or any mix of the two.
At the same time Bentley declared that this would be achieved without sacrificing its well-known performance and luxury.
This statement of intent has taken shape in the Continental Supersports – a car that balances extreme potency with the pioneering use of biofuel technology in the luxury sector.
The result is a net CO2 reduction of up to 70 per cent on a well-to-wheel-basis, the measurement of CO2 release of a fuel from its production (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel).
Bioethanol can be derived responsibly from crops such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane and switchgrass. Second generation bioethanol uses the non-food fibres of the plant (biomass), as well as agricultural waste and forestry residues. These are collected and refined into cellulose ethanol.
CO2 is absorbed by plants as part of the photosynthesis process, and cars using biofuel then release that CO2 back into the atmosphere, thus creating an unbroken energy cycle. In addition, biofuels are not derived from fossil fuels, making them a renewable resource ensuring a secure supply into the future.
Bioethanol is often blended with petrol in a variety of percentages ranging from E10 (10% bioethanol) to the most widely known, E85, blended to a ratio of 85 per cent bioethanol to 15 per cent petrol to ensure cold-start capability.
Bioethanol presents unique engineering challenges compared with petrol, due to its chemical composition and characteristics. E85 biofuel has a very high octane rating of 105 but a lower energy content that requires a 30 per cent increase in the engine fuel flow rate.
This necessitated a complete review of the fuel system to identify, and if required replace, components deemed to be insufficiently resistant to the corrosive properties of ethanol.
For the fuel system all O-rings, seals, gaskets and pipes are new. In addition, increased fuel flow is achieved through a returnless fuel system and twin variable flow fuel pumps for the engine. The use of bioethanol also requires new valve coatings and hardened valve seat material for additional lubrication, a new closed‑loop fuel rail design with pressure sensor for higher fuel flow rates and new spark plugs with a wider heat range for slower combustion.
The W12 6-litre power unit has the technology to run on petrol, E85 or any mix of these two fuels.
A new Fuel Quality Sensor in the fuel supply circuit detects the current mix of petrol and bioethanol in real time. The engine control unit instantly initiates the correct engine mapping to ensure all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent. Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to bioethanol.
Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering:
“The W12 has been re-engineered to run on petrol or a mix of petrol and bioethanol. A sophisticated fuel sensing system ensures that power and torque remain constant irrespective of the fuel ratio to deliver seamless power delivery in the Bentley tradition.”
A highly focused driving experience
The Supersports’ high performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements and weight reductions to deliver a highly focused driving experience with the emphasis on grip, agility and response.
The complex, four-link front suspension features not only high stiffness aluminium uprights, but now lightweight aluminium forward levers (saving 4 kg/8.8 lb). New double-stiffened bushes are fitted at the inboard mounting point to improve steering response and feedback.
A new hydraulic bush for the trailing link is 33 per cent stiffer to improve response and has a revised damping peak for better control of fore-aft wheel movement.
The anti-roll bar geometry is retuned for improved roll stiffness, while the Servotronic speed-sensitive steering system is tuned for sharper turn-in, improved feel and linearity.
The front and rear suspensions benefit from changes to the electronic control strategy of the Continous Damping Control (CDC) system that improve body control.
In common with the GT Speed, the Supersports’ suspension is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 inches) at the front and 15 mm (0.6 inches) at the rear for optimal handling. Agility is further sharpened by a revision to the continuous all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction in all weathers. As before, the drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a highly sensitive Torsen centre differential which automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.
For the Supersports, the standard 50/50 front/rear torque split is replaced by 40/60 split with a rear-bias. This provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’ as well as neutral acceleration out of bends.
The Supersports is fitted with unique, lightweight 9.5J x 20-inch forged alloy wheels, offering a total weight saving of 10 kg (22 lb) per car. These reduce both unsprung and rotating mass while the open 10-spoke design offers superior brake cooling. The rear wheels have a 25 mm (I inch) greater offset resulting in a 50 mm (2 inches) increase in the rear track, further benefiting handling and stability.
The new wheels are fitted with 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra-High Performance tyres, shared with the Continental GT Speed and provide excellent steering response. The wider rear track further enhances the already high level of grip.
To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds of up to 204 mph (329 km/h) the Supersports is fitted with a re-profiled automatic spoiler which deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h).
The Supersports is fitted with Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes as standard – the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a production car. The large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness and a precise pressure point.
The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.
The Supersports features an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP) that exploits the potential of the more powerful engine and enhanced chassis, improving driver interaction and control. The new ESP also provides faster reinstatement of engine torque after intervention for improved agility. The target slip is increased at greater than 90 per cent throttle to utilise all available longitudinal grip. Corner exit agility is thereby enhanced for increased driver involvement.
Brian Gush, Director of Chassis and Powertrain Engineering comments:
“The Supersports is an immensely capable real-world supercar with agility and traction in all driving situations. The new rear-bias all-wheel drive and retuned ESP systems allow the driver to fully exploit the potential of the W12 engine and optimised chassis.”
Muscular styling: form follows function
The Bentley Continental Supersports was not born of market research. It started out as a kind of ‘under the radar’ project with a team of four engineers investigating the additional performance potential of a lighter weight Continental GT.
Driven by this small, highly-motivated group of Bentley engineers the project gathered momentum. The team sought to create a rear-bias for the power delivery and also raise that power to create the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. The design team was then briefed to make the new car ‘extreme’.
The evolution of the Supersports’ design was a clear case of form following function, the purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering revisions beneath the skin.
At the front, Supersports has a simple ‘letter box’ centre air intake flanked by two vertical grilles which give the car dramatic differentiation, making it seem wider (and therefore lower) while feeding a larger volume of cooling air to the intercoolers. Two new bonnet vents extract hot air from the engine bay.
At the rear, the subtly curved wheel arches are extended by 25 mm (I inch) each side, necessitating newly tooled panels, to accommodate the increased track of the uprated chassis. They provide the Supersports with a truly muscular stance, complemented by the new lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. The very open design allows a clear view of the carbon ceramic brake discs and callipers.
A new bumper with a black finish to the lower valance, houses larger (+ 40 mm/1.6 inches), unique elliptical exhaust pipes with a discreet vertical divider.
The Supersports is further distinguished by a unique dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior ‘brightware’, including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. A complex ‘Physical Vapour Deposition’ process is applied to all stainless steel components to give a lustrous and highly durable finish. A car industry first, this process is normally used as a decorative coating on watches and machine tools.
Four new exterior colours are available exclusively for the Supersports – pearlescent Ice and Quartzite and a first for Bentley, two matt finish colours, Light Grey Satin and Dark Grey Satin. Supersports customers will also have a choice of the 17 ‘standard’ paint colours.
The new Continental Supersports will feature subtle external model badges incorporated in the smoked steel trim strip behind each wheel on the lower front wings.
Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering:
“The Supersports was driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of designers and engineers. Their aim was simple: to create a performance car exuding adrenaline and potency, where form follows function.”
A unique driver-focused cabin
Fully embracing the extreme spirit of Supersports, Bentley’s designers have created a unique ambience for the interior of this most ‘driver focused’ of Bentley cars. They have crafted a dedicated two-seat cabin that blends traditional leather hide with three new materials for Bentley – carbon fibre, AlcantaraTM and ‘Soft‑Touch’ leather. Traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing is retained but given a very different interpretation.
Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design and Styling explains:
“Our challenge was to create a driver-focused cabin that complements the extreme character of the exterior, using non-traditional materials whilst maintaining Bentley’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.”
Light weight carbon fibre replaces wood veneer on the fascia and centre console, while the new lightweight front sports seats also feature a carbon fibre clamshell back. The rear seats are replaced by a stowage deck area with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.
A visible weave in all the carbon fibre components has a ‘Bentley-specific’ density and all the parts are finished at the company’s Crewe wood shop.
The all-new lightweight sports seat frames are manufactured to a Bentley specification and assembled and trimmed at Crewe. The cushion angle is fixed but the seat can be raised/lowered by 40 mm (1.6 inches) by the dealer who will tailor each car to its owner’s stature. The new seats have regular fore/aft movement, backrest recline adjustment and a heated cushion and backrest which tips forwards to provide access to the rear compartment. The new seat makes a significant contribution to the weight reduction target by saving a total of 45 kg (99 lb) versus the Continental GT Speed.
As the new sports seats do not have integrated belts, the top seatbelt anchorage was moved to the B-post. The Continental GT’s twin centre armrests were replaced by a wider, single armrest above an enlarged centre console storage unit.
The headlining, rear compartment and the seat centre panels are finished in AlcantaraTM, a high quality suede-like material.
The AlcantaraTM applied to the rear compartment and seat facings is quilted and in the Supersports marks the return of the much smaller ‘diamond’ upholstery pattern from Bentleys of old.
To further highlight the car’s sporty nature, the steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed in a new ‘Soft‑Touch’ leather with extra grip for a racing car feel.
The predominant interior colour is black with Beluga secondary hide and Anthracite AlcantaraTM. Customers however can personalise their interior by choosing between Single and Duo Tone themes.
Single Tone interiors feature primary and secondary hides in Beluga (black) and can be tailored to customer preference with a choice of contrasting stitching and piping (defining the seat edges) in seven colours – Newmarket Tan, Hotspur, Saffron, Linen, Portland, Porpoise or Beluga.
Duo Tone interiors offer a choice of three colour combinations with the primary hide in Newmarket Tan, Porpoise (grey) or Hotspur (red), the secondary hide in Beluga and the rear compartment and seats faces trimmed in Anthracite AlcantaraTM – as they are in the Single Tone cars.
These innovations are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and ‘Supersports’ logos to the polished treadplates.
Conclusion
Commenting on the most extreme Bentley, Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing said:
“The Supersports will appeal not only to existing Bentley customers but will extend the brand’s appeal to enthusiasts who value extreme performance and distinctive styling in a luxury car that is fuelled for the future.”
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling.
Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s.
The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.
For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.
The GTC’s chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h).
The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.
The GTC Speed’s 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.
The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).
The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production.
Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed:
“The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.”
RoadTestReports.co.uk gives the Bentley Continental GTC four and a half stars. Have you driven one? Let us know what you think by submitting your review here.
Search SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk for offers on the Continental GTC.
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Bentley will host an extraordinary driving experience in February and March 2009 …with the remote snowscape of Finland as a backdrop.