2018 Bentley Continental GT (3rd Generation)

Bentley brings back some of its oldest colours including one from the 1930s - Motor Authority

1633451901115.png
2022 Bentley Continental GT Convertible in Dove Gray Heritage Paint

1633452241835.png
2022 Bentley Flying Spur in Sage Green Heritage Paint
Bentley is celebrating 70 years of its in-house design team by bringing back some of its oldest paint options.

The automaker's Mulliner personalization department has gone through the company archives to identify some of the oldest colors used and then recreate them with modern pigments.

More than 15 colours have been recreated, forming what's known as Heritage Paints. The oldest of these, Dove Grey, dates back to the 1930s.

Dove Grey together with Claret, Old English White, and Oxford Blue are the first of the Heritage Paints colours to be offered. Another that we know will form part of the collection is Sage Green.

Incidentally, Claret is the same colour used for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Bentley state limo built in 2002. The colour is similar to the original Royal Claret that has been used on Royal Bentleys since the 1940s.

Bentley customers can select the Heritage Paints colours via the Mulliner personalization service.

 
Southern comfort: Bentley Continental on the English Riviera

When we proposed a Continental road trip to the Riviera, Andrew Frankel immediately said ‘oui’. He might not have expected what was to come…

I remember this. Playing on the beach under Paignton Pier. Granny had retired to Torquay and my mother got to offload her idiot offspring on her mother for one excruciating weekend per year for all concerned.

We were never allowed onto the pier, of course, for it was a place for the down at heel, the dissolute and practitioners of all seven known deadly sins and a few more besides. So of course getting onto Paignton Pier became not so much an ambition as a life goal. And we made it.

We came to find the Riviera – not the one in France (because that would involve a navigational error that not even my desperate sense of direction could excuse) but England’s equivalent (because overseas travel is somewhat sub-optimal at present). And it really exists, not just as some abstract construct in the increasingly addled brain of an ageing hack but as a real place – a Unesco Global Geopark, no less, alongside those in Tuscany and Provence, not to mention the Ngorongoro volcano in Tanzania.


71CDFBD8-A02B-4002-9308-9509B21F7206.jpegAEB275CD-0A3F-43F8-A687-C1D46CF4C75E.jpeg7B4446B0-076A-497C-95DD-810A948C67B1.jpegDE411126-9117-4F2A-B189-DBA2C3EF0BAD.jpeg036D5AF5-9B27-4CD0-A427-C1B834F9D2EA.jpeg
 
Bentley GT Mulliner Blackline introduced as sleek and dark trim

The Bentley GT Mulliner Blackline package has been unveiled as an option that owners can spec to give their cars a more distinctive and dynamic look. The package is offered as an option across the full Bentley range.

Created by the craftsmen at Mulliner, the Bentley GT Mulliner Blackline features a host of exterior changes in comparison to the current GT and GT Convertible Mulliner derivatives, delivering an additional contemporary twist to its GT models. The new option is in response to the increasing demand for black versions of brightware, with 38 per cent of Continental GT family orders globally now including this option.


A7BFB4C0-6748-4A66-9384-6D0F3C3CD9EC.jpeg310CD85B-93C8-4671-864D-92049218692C.jpeg4C29699F-C568-4798-842F-5B8B4D0F498F.jpeg91A263E8-2B77-420A-8EAB-398BEF0B9DF6.jpeg
 
Bentley opens state-of-art test facility in Crewe

New £12.5m site brings emissions and electric-range testing in-house as brand readies for electrification

Bentley has taken a significant step in its plans to electrify all of its models from 2024, having officially opened its new engineering test centre at its headquarters in Crewe.

The £12.5 million site, which is a two-storey, 4600-square-metre facility, will begin testing immediately after receiving official approval from the UK's Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

It means Bentley can now carry out in-house emissions, fuel economy and electric range testing, including the latest WLTP fuel consumption and efficiency test procedures, and ensures testing can be undertaken more swiftly than using a third-party site.

The Volkswagen Group-owned brand currently has two plug-in hybrids on sale, variants of the Bentayga and Flying Spur, and will launch its first EV in 2025 before becoming an electric-only brand from 2030.

Bentley engineering board member Matthias Rabe said: “Today’s announcement is another key landmark in Bentley’s ongoing modernisation programme. It will give us the independence to test our own engines and further enhance our industry-leading manufacturing plant in Crewe as we move towards offering electric or hybrid versions of all our models by 2024.


Bentley 1.jpegBentley 2.jpegBentley 3.jpegBentley 4.jpegBentley 5.jpegBentley 6.jpeg
 

Bentley Plans Its W12 Retirement: Report - Jalopnik​

A new car for 2023 will use the W12 but it's probably the last, according to a new report

b7e15adea41e5ac221e6e5dd67b1bc71.jpg

Volkswagen has made a W12 for some Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen cars since 2001, but the end for the W12 is in sight, according to a new report.

It will be used in a new Bentley Mulliner based on the Continental GT for 2023, but, after that, that might be that.

Bentley is the only brand to still use the 6.0-liter engine, which it does in the Continental GT, but Autocar says that, as Bentley goes electric, so the W12 will go with it.

But not before one last Mulliner bang.

[The W12] ... will be retired shortly after the launch of the next Mulliner car as Bentley moves towards an all-electric future.

According to a source at the Crewe firm, the new creation will be based on the Continental GT Coupé (its predecessor, the Bacalar, was based on the Convertible) but will feature bespoke styling in line with its far more exclusive build run, a unique technical make-up, heightened levels of personalisation and a far higher list price than that of the standard car.

The new model is being designed and engineered in line with the expansion of the Mulliner division, which will launch the finished product in 2023, 80 years on from the start of the coachbuilder’s relationship with Bentley.


It is believed that high demand for the £1.5 million Bacalar (all 12 examples of which sold out even before the first was completed) has prompted Bentley to up the build run for its hard-top successor, 25 of which will be built.

It will be priced from between £1.5m and £2m, but the extent of Mulliner’s personalisation offering means that most, if not all, examples will sell for more than £2m, making this Bentley’s most expensive creation yet.

Autocar also gives some provisional numbers, including 650 brake horsepower and zero-to-62 mph in under four seconds, and some other specifications, like four-wheel turning, a suspension that is stiffer, “record-breaking” 440 mm disc brakes, LED lights, and styling that is described as more angular, styling that you can also expect in Bentley’s future all-electric offerings.

The whole thing is being overseen by Andreas Mindt, who used to work at Audi and designed the E-Tron.

Because this is Bentley, here’s what Autocar has to say about the interior:

His radical overhaul of Bentley’s characteristic design cues will be matched by an equally outlandish interior treatment drawing on the themes of sustainability and exclusivity showcased by the Bacalar, which itself shares only its door handles and steering wheel centre with the Continental. As such, the second Mulliner car is likely to adopt a wraparound-style dashboard, drop its back seats in favour of an optional, bespoke luggage set and be trimmed with unique materials including 5500-year-old British riverwood, Scottish tweed and natural wool.

Bentley seems intent on continuing its rivalry with Rolls for the title of most needlessly ridiculous, and for that we can be thankful.

 
Bentley Plans Its W12 Retirement: Report

A new car for 2023 will use the W12 but it's probably the last, according to a new report

Volkswagen has made a W12 for some Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen cars since 2001, but the end for the W12 is in sight, according to a new report. It will be used in a new Bentley Mulliner based on the Continental GT for 2023, but, after that, that might be that.

Bentley is the only brand to still use the 6.0-liter engine, which it does in the Continental GT, but Autocar says that, as Bentley goes electric, so the W12 will go with it. But not before one last Mulliner bang.

[The W12] ... will be retired shortly after the launch of the next Mulliner car as Bentley moves towards an all-electric future.

According to a source at the Crewe firm, the new creation will be based on the Continental GT Coupé (its predecessor, the Bacalar, was based on the Convertible) but will feature bespoke styling in line with its far more exclusive build run, a unique technical make-up, heightened levels of personalisation and a far higher list price than that of the standard car. The new model is being designed and engineered in line with the expansion of the Mulliner division, which will launch the finished product in 2023, 80 years on from the start of the coachbuilder’s relationship with Bentley.

It is believed that high demand for the £1.5 million Bacalar (all 12 examples of which sold out even before the first was completed) has prompted Bentley to up the build run for its hard-top successor, 25 of which will be built. It will be priced from between £1.5m and £2m, but the extent of Mulliner’s personalisation offering means that most, if not all, examples will sell for more than £2m, making this Bentley’s most expensive creation yet.

Autocar also gives some provisional numbers, including 650 brake horsepower and zero-to-62 mph in under four seconds, and some other specifications, like four-wheel turning, a suspension that is stiffer, “record-breaking” 440 mm disc brakes, LED lights, and styling that is described as more angular, styling that you can also expect in Bentley’s future all-electric offerings. The whole thing is being overseen by Andreas Mindt, who used to work at Audi and designed the E-Tron.


Bentley.jpeg
 
Bentley Continental R

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“A luxury coupe from the grand old days when they didn't try to be sports cars”


New, this Continental R was among the world’s most expensive cars at £200,000 (plus). Or, once you’ve processed it through an inflation calculator, nearly £400k in today’s cash. Which looks as intimidatingly oversized as the car itself when the latest Conti GT is £152k before options. VW influence may have softened some of Bentley’s edges, but it helpfully softened its prices, too.

But you certainly can't argue against the sheer materials provided for such money. The R still feels leviathan, which is great news for roominess in the back seats, but less good for scalpel-sharp handling. But with an absolute mountain of torque from tiny revs, this isn't about frenetic progress. It's about swishing around in near silence marvelling at the world outside its massive windows. And what a wonderful time you'll have doing so.


Bentley 1.jpegBentley 2.jpegBentley 3.jpegBentley 4.jpegBentley 5.jpeg
 
Bentley achieves another record year in 2021 with 30% growth

Luxury British firm topped 2020, its previous best sales year, thanks to model introductions and hybrid variants

Bentley recorded its second consecutive year of record sales in 2021, despite the lingering impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing semiconductor shortage.

The luxury British firm sold 14,659 cars in 2021 - an increase of 31% compared with 2020, when it sold 11,206 cars despite being gripped by pandemic-enforced shutdowns.

Bentley has attributed the growth to new model introductions and demand for its new hybrid variants. It launched 11 new derivatives last year, including the 650bhp Continental GT Speed.

The Bentayga SUV, which is now offered with a hybrid powertrain, was Bentley's best-selling car and had its most successful year. One in five Bentayga sales – which made up 40% of Bentley orders overall – were hybrids.

The Continental GT, meanwhile, accounted for 33% of the firm’s sales figures, split 60% coupé and 40% convertible. The closely related Flying Spur put in a strong performance in its first full year on sale, making up 27% of sales. Bentley expects the model to bring further success in 2022 with the introduction of a new hybrid variant.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley chairman and CEO, said: “This is our second record sales year in successive years and is a positive sign of our brand strength, operational excellence, strong global demand and affirmation of our strategic priorities.


Bentley.jpeg
 
DRIVEN: Bentley Continental GT Speed

In Sport mode the AWD system sends most of the power to the rear – some 70 precent – which, the PR folk suggest, means you now get to play rear wheel hero in your Conti, drift like a champion and frighten the children. In truth that’s unlikely, except on a track, the car’s limits way beyond the skill or bravery of most regulation Bentley buyers. What is does mean is that the Conti GT Speed is now even easier to drive quickly, that tweaked active suspension a real boon, especially in the twisties. Easy and satisfying. Which, after all, is what a Grand Tourer should be all about. Splendid toy, Bentley.

Fast facts
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Price:` R5 045 000
Engine: front mounted, twin turbo, 6 000cc, four-bank W12
Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch
Power: 485 kW @ 5 000 – 6 000 rpm
Torque: 900 N.m @ 1 500 rpm
Driven wheels: AWD
0-100 km/h: 3,6 seconds
Top speed: 335 km/h
Fuel consumption: 13,5 l/100km (combined)
CO2 emissions: 311 g/km
Rivals: Aston Martin DBS, Ferrari Roma, McLaren GT, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lexus LC 500 coupe


1BEED5B8-3EB8-4F94-920B-81E5F10DA617.jpeg0B050E97-65BA-4616-B96E-739E14B208A3.jpegF8DAE0A2-B7A9-4076-B5CA-CBD0EDE1CE39.jpegA05F94C0-CA23-4475-BF95-475919F62DAE.jpeg158F06D7-4DC2-4C8C-A433-D63DB65404D4.jpeg
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X