Report Insists that Future SUV is the First of Many Hybrid Bentleys

There are reports on the web that bestow the future Bentley SUV with an electric motor to help its large gas-guzzling engine provide swifter yet more efficient progress.

According to UK magazine Autoexpress, the VW-owned manufacturer has already confirmed that it is indeed the case, adding that a plug-in hybrid variant of the new utility vehicle could hit the market in 2017; precisely one year after the regular one, previewed by the EXP 9 Concept, makes its debut.

It goes on to predict that it won’t be the sole Bentley hybrid, and that it is, in fact, a sign of things to come. From what we understand, the entire range bar the Mulsanne will follow suite.

The tech used would be similar to that used by another of the group’s luxury brands, Porsche, in the Panamera and Cayenne hybrid models.

This rumor seems very likely, but we won’t know for sure until the SUV makes its debut sometime next year, before going on sale one year later. Hopefully, they can at least get the design right this time…

By Andrei Nedelea

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Flying Spur, Wraith Make 2013 Best-Ever Year for Bentley and Rolls-Royce

Last year was good was a good one for British super luxury brands. In fact, that’s an understatement, as both Rolls-Royce and Bentley announced their best-ever annual sales results in 2013.

Rolls-Royce said it delivered 3,630 cars in 2013, the fourth consecutive record year and the highest in the brand’s history. The result makes Rolls-Royce the world’s leading super-luxury brand, which is a term coined by the BMW Group company to designate makers of luxury vehicles selling above €200,000 ($272,180) net.

The biggest growth was reported in the Middle East (+17 percent), as well as in China (+11 percent), with other countries including Germany, Japan, Qatar and Canada seeing strong sales too. In terms of volume, China and the United States remained Rolls-Royce’s largest individual markets, followed by the Middle East.

Rolls-Royce said 2013 was a good year for its Bespoke personalization program as well, with nearly every Phantom family model, and three out of every four Ghosts leaving the factory in customized form. Launched in March 2013, Wraith has a strong order book.

Rolls-Royce’s archrival Bentley also had a record year in 2013, delivering 10,120 cars, an increase of 19 percent over 2012, when it sold 8,510 cars. The No. 1 market for the brand was The Americas region (3,140 units/+28 percent), while Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe (particularly Germany and the UK), posted significant gains over 2012.

The new Bentley Flying Spur had a big contribution to the success, with 2,005 units being delivered in the final four months of 2013. That’s an impressive achievement, considering the average yearly sales of 2,700 cars of its predecessor, the Continental Flying Spur, during its seven-year career.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Bentley Reveals Europe-Exclusive Mulsanne Birkin Edition

Bentley has just revealed a unique version of its Mulsanne flagship, one that is aimed specifically for the European market. Taking its name from one of the original Bentley Boys, Tim Birkin, the Mulsanne Birkin is a limited edition model of which only 22 will ever be built.

It’s available in three color variants called Ghost White, Damson and a two-tone combination of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire.

Naturally, this will not be the only aspect that sets this apart from regular Mulsannes and the first thing that comes to mind here are the unique numbered plaques on the door sills, special 21-inch rims that bear a strong resemblance to the original concept car, plus 3D Flying B logos embossed in the headrests and some of the wood trim of the front fascia; the rear wooden picnic tables get it too…

Bentley will also throw in a custom luggage set with each of the 22 cars, though, to be fair, while it does look good and is perfectly designed to occupy all of the trunk space available, you might come off as a bit of a pompous snob if you actually use them…

In terms of tech and gadgets, Bentley's release reads: “The Entertainment Specification offers a luxurious and comfortable space to work or relax (in the back) while on the move.  Each car features exquisitely-packaged twin 8" LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.”

By Andrei Nedelea

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Bentley Confirms North American Debut of New Continental GT V8 S

As a niche luxury firm with a limited lineup, Bentley feels no need to debut a brand new car or concept at every international motor show. As such, the only news it will have for 2014 Detroit motor show goers is the North American premiere of the Continental GT V8 S range with a more potent 4.0-liter turbocharged mill.

First displayed at last September's Frankfurt motor show, the Continental GT V8 S represents a step up from the base GT V8, in terms of performance, handling and features.

The "S" model is fitted with an uprated twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 521 hp (528PS) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque, or 27hp/ps and 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) respectively more than the standard Continental GT V8. The package is complemented with an 8-speed automatic transmission upgraded with an S mode, tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and new exterior and interior trim bits.

Bentley claims the GT V8 S coupe dispatches the 0-60 mph (96km/h) sprint in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) before reaching a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h).

Joining the Continental GT V8 S at Bentley's Cobo Center display will be the latest model year versions of the Flying Spur and the Mulsanne luxury sedans.

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