Bentley reveals a suite of luxury specification upgrades to its Continental family of grand touring machines 2014 Salon International De L’Auto. This is headlined by improvements to the performance, torque, power and styling of the flagship model, the Bentley Continental GT Speed (W12 6.0 liter) that makes its global debut at the show in both convertible and coupe forms.
Mulsanne flagship adds even more in-car technology and comfort
New Flying Spur luxury saloon attracts new customers with V8 power
Inspired new technology, comfort and styling specifications for Continental family
Even greater performance for Continental GT Speed; the fastest production Bentley ever
Also being introduced in Geneva for the first time is the Bentley Flying Spur V8. The automaker is now offering this luxury saloon with its notorious twin turbocharged V8 4.0 liter powerplant, introducing the appeal of this acclaimed sedan to a wider premium audience. A strong presence at Geneva Auto Show is completed by the launch of 2 new specifications for flagship Bentley Mulsanne that offers even more sophisticated in-car infotainment options and comfort. Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Bentley Motors said making its international debut at Geneva Motor Show; the Bentley Continental GT Speed is an ultimate expression of contemporary Bentley GT. This one car effortlessly fuses exemplary standards of refinement, individuality and luxury with immense, dramatic levels of performance our company is renowned for.
The capabilities of the company’s flagship GT, the Bentley Continental GT Speed are dramatically underlined this year with improvements to its distinctive combination of unrivalled refinement and supercar performance. The automaker’s iconic twin turbocharged 6.0 liter W12 powerplant is now even more powerful and churns out 626 horsepower (467 kW / 635 PS) with record-breaking 820 newton meters of torque. The ultimate new Bentley GT Speed coupe reaches a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph – the fastest production Bentley ever; alternatively the convertible reaches 327 km/h (203 mph). The extra dynamic performance to the Continental flagship model is complemented by even more unique road presence. The discreet side skirts, elegant rear diffuser and sharp front splitter of Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint color and dark tint finish applied to 21 inch Speed headlamps, tail lamps and wheel design.
The new appearance is further complemented by stylish chrome Speed badge fitted to front fenders and red painted brake calipers; whereas inside the luxurious cockpit there is a completely new color split reserved exclusively for Speed models. The 2014 Geneva Motor Show also sees the launch of 7 unique packages for Continental family. Each option, true to Bentley ethos, allows customers to shape their vehicle to their needs by putting an added accent on comfort, styling and sporting features. For instance, the Premier Specification, which improves the cabin of Continental GT with additional comfort and technology whilst the Interior Style Specification uses the very best of Bentley hand craftsmanship for the ultimate tailored cabin.
Deliveries of the new Continental family models commence in the summer.
The new V8, an introduction to the world’s best luxury saloon
A new V8 engine is introduced to Bentley Flying Spur, giving buyers the option of a new interpretation of this luxury sedan.
Complementing the Bentley Flying Spur flagship W12 model, the V8 sedan offers the opportunity to experience the Flying Spur’s unique blend of exquisite craftsmanship, sophisticated onboard technology and sleek, sculpted coachwork. The Flying Spur V8 will draw new customers to Bentley, looking to upgrade from a premium sedan. The company’s twin turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 powerplant is good for pumping out 500 horsepower (507 PS / 373 kW) with 660 newton meters of torque, powering the Flying Spur V8 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.2 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). This impressive performance comes with a fuel range of 840 km (520 miles). Subtle styling differentiates the Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of 8 chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, whereas the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine.
Customer deliveries of the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 will commence this spring.
Pinnacle specifications for Mulsanne flagship
The Bentley Mulsanne flagship showcases its impressive luxury credentials with an array of communication, entertainment and comfort options at 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The Comfort Specification, including comfortable footrests, soft duck down filled loose cushions and cosseting headrests has been introduced to reaffirm Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand touring machine.
In the meantime, the Entertainment Specification transforms the rear cockpit into a cinema or luxurious office, complete with picnic tables designed for a wireless keyboard and iPad, and an on-board Wi-Fi router. Further enhancements include dual, 8-inch LCD headrest displays, which incorporate a DVD player and 20 GB hard drive, played through a Naim for Bentley premium surround sound stereo system.
Bentley Motors’ headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including research & development, design, production and engineering of the company’s 3 model lines, Flying Spur, Mulsanne and Continental. The combination of using skills which have been handed down through generations, fine craftsmanship, in addition to cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise is unique to United Kingdom luxury automotive brands like Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 3700 people at Crewe.
