Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012.

The new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180mph (290km/h).

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of traveling over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel. Full and official figures will be released in early 2012.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new power-train that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The instantly recognizable growl of the new 4.0 liter V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stablemates.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ boot-lid badge emphasize the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

Both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather color split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.

The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 liter,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631bhp (640PS).

Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering strength.

Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said:

“With the new 4.0 liter V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative power-train technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”

The New Continental V8 Models

Distinctive sporting style

Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider
Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-colored dividers
Dark rear lower valance
Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the boot-lid and wheel centers
7 exterior colors offered in standard range

Sporty, contemporary interior

New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models
Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim
Short centre console in place of W12 through-console
4 hide colors offered in standard range
Unique two-tone leather color split
3 hood colors (Continental GTC)

Exhilarating, efficient new 4.0 liter V8 engine

Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio reflecting engine efficiency
Variable displacement (a technology first proven on the Mulsanne) imperceptibly cuts 4 cylinders on cruise and light throttle
Switchable engine mounts ensure refinement
Engine optimisation technologies boost efficiency
New, close-ratio, 8-speed transmission offers 6 per cent efficiency gain with ultra-fast shifts
Turbochargers mounted within ‘V’ for efficiency and fast response
Over 500 miles (800km) range on one tank of fuel
Distinctive V8 growl
All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split

- Bentley Motors

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While Cool Hunting was hanging out in England they were invited to tour the Bentley factory in Crewe. After years of negotiations with BMW, Volkswagen would finally produce it first Bentley in 2003. Bentley is one of the most sought after automobiles in the world with exquisite details and supercar-like engines. Just check out their new V8′s. Maybe it has something to do with their motorsport heritage.

The hands-on plant offered a wildly different experience than other car manufacturing processes we have seen and, by relying on a level of manual precision machines can’t always replicate, provided a fascinating example of the merge of technology and craftsmanship in creating truly luxurious custom automobiles.

- Cool Hunting

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Inspired by Juha Kankkunen’s world-record breaking exploits on the ice, Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss tradition to create a limited edition chronograph to mark this grand achievement.

Bentley’s most potent and radically-styled convertible ever – the 202mph (325km/h) Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible – is a celebration of the world ice speed record set by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

The ISR Supersports convertible – just 100 cars will be produced – provides the inspiration for the new timepiece. The Supersports Ice Speed Record commemorative watch is the perfect embodiment of the two companies’ shared passion for prestige and performance. This remarkable combination of handcrafted technology and striking aesthetics is also restricted to 100 and is only available without charge to those who buy the car.

Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.

Look closer, and you’ll see the watch shares many of the same design cues as the limited edition extreme Bentley. The distinctive red detailing. The carbon fibre fascia with dashboard-style dial. The classically knurled finish on the control buttons. Even the carbon fibre presentation box. All combine to create a unique and original timepiece like no other.

Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”

It is no coincidence that both watch and car are personalized with the same engraved number, upholding the renowned and time-honored tradition of genuine exclusivity of both Breitling and Bentley. Highly sought. Pure Bentley and Breitling through and through.

Limited edition Supersports Ice Speed Record chronograph specification

Movement:

• Breitling Calibre 27B • Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC • Self-winding • High-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour) • 38 jewels • 1/4th of a second chronograph • Central 60-minute totaliser • Combined 60-minute and 12-hour totaliser • Calendar

Case:

• Titanium case with special engraving on reverse • Dial with carbon fibre weave • Water resistant to 100m • Bidirectional rotating pinion bezel with variable tachometer (circular slide rule) • Cambered sapphire crystal face, glare proofed on both sides • Screw-locked crown • Diameter: 49mm

Strap:

• Highly durable rubber

Presentation Box:

• Premium carbon fibre presentation box with a unique identification plaque

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Bentley Motors today showed the diversity of career paths on offer in the automotive manufacturing sector. Children from surrounding schools were invited to the Company’s Crewe headquarters to experience some of the skills and craftsmanship necessary in the creation of the world’s finest motor cars. The event formed part of a combined Government-industry initiative, ‘See Inside Manufacturing’, which aims to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers in manufacturing, especially within the automotive sector.

Business Secretary, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, said:

“For too many young people the word manufacturing is a turn off. A worrying poll out last week found that only one out of ten children aged 11 to 14 thought that engineering was an important job and even ranked being a politician as a better choice of career!

“We are determined to shake up old fashioned views of manufacturing. Through the Government’s See Inside Manufacturing campaign and Bentley’s event at Crewe, we will give young people the chance to see the exciting face of modern manufacturing which is highly skilled, high tech and highly paid.”

110 pupils aged between 10 and 15 tried their hand at different skills used by Bentley. Five ‘Have a Go’ areas were created where children could try activities such as stitching a steering wheel, assembling a Bentley V8 engine rocker shaft, CAD drawing and clay modeling an alloy wheel in the same fashion as Bentley’s own design team.

Together with their teachers, the pupils were then given a tour of the facilities where they were able to see for themselves how cars such as the new Continental GT and the unique Mulsanne are created, with their unparalleled levels of quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence. The children were also able to see how technology has evolved in the automotive sector by comparing the latest products from the luxury British marque with two heritage cars – including W. O. Bentley’s own 8 Litre – all of which were on display in front of the main entrance.

Speaking about the event, Member of the Board for Personnel, Christine Gaskell, said:

“The automotive sector is a fantastic industry in which to pursue a career. The diversity of job opportunities is incredible and the support available to young people considering this option is now significant. The UK is home to most of the world’s high luxury car manufacturers as the skill levels we demand are unmatched. We want to ensure those skills are passed on to a new generation and hope initiatives such as “See Inside” will help inspire the young people we will need”.

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Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminum front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

• Bold, contemporary, sculpted design employing advanced production technology.
• Sensuous, luxurious, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.
• Coupe-like refinement with unrivaled comfort and practicality.
• More powerful 6.0-liter W12 engine with FlexFuel capability, delivering exhilarating performance.
• Uprated chassis for a more dynamic and engaging open-top driving experience.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colors with six color split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimizing understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.”

Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

Pricing Information

• Pounds Sterling inclusive of 20% VAT.
• Euro price does not include individual market taxation rates.
• US Dollar pricing is exclusive of individual state taxes.

The New Continental Gtc – At A Glance

Sculpted exterior design

• Advanced production techniques such as aluminum Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
• Unique jeweled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
• More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

• New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
• Choice of 17 hide colors, six color split combinations and seven veneers.
• Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
• A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
• Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
• Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-liter W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

• 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
• FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
• 0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
• 0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
• Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

• ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
• New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
• Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
• Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.
• 20” ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21” wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.

Technical Specification

Engine
Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

Transmission
ZF 6-speed automatic with Quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios:
1st. 4.17
2nd. 2.34
3rd. 1.52
4th. 1.14
5th. 0.87
6th 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

Body Construction
Steel monocoque

Brakes
Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

Wheels And Tires
9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21)

Steering
Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

Suspension
Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-leveling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 2746mm
Overall Length: 4806mm
Width (across body): 1943mm
Width (including mirrors): 2227mm
Overall Height: 1403mm
Fuel Tank: 90 litres
Boot Volume: 260 litres
Kerb Weight (EU): 2495 kg / 5501 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2900 kg / 6393 lb

Performance
Top Speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.5 secs (0 – 100 km/h: 4.8 secs)
0 – 100 mph: 10.9 secs (0 – 160 km/h: 10.9 secs)
30 – 50 mph: 2.0 secs (60 – 100 km/h: 2.5 secs)
50 – 70 mph: 2.4 secs (80 – 120 km/h: 3.1 secs)

Fuel Consumption (Eu Cycle) *
Urban: 11.1 mpg (25.4 l/100km)
Extra Urban: 24.9 mpg (11.4 l/100km)
Combined: 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km)
CO2 emissions: 384g/km
* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval

Fuel Consumption (Epa Cycle) **
City Driving: 11 mpg (US)
Highway Driving: 19 mpg (US)
Combined: 14 mpg (US)
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

Emissions Controls
EU 5 and US LEV 11

- Bentley Motors

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Bentley Motors Ltd., whose customers include Queen Elizabeth II and the Sultan of Brunei, may expand its line-up with a sport-utility vehicle to satisfy appetite for bigger luxury models, two people familiar with the matter said.
Bentley Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Duerheimer, who as Porsche development chief oversaw the sports-car maker’s push into SUVs in 2002, wants the 92-year-old British manufacturer to build an off-road model and has already discussed his plan with executives at parent Volkswagen AG (VOW), the people said, on condition they not be identified because the matter is private.

“The traditional perception of brands — Bentley as the maker of large, luxurious sedans — is open to expansion,” said Michael Tyndall, an analyst at Barclays Capital in London, adding that Bentley might be able to fetch a price of more than 120,000 euros for an SUV. “There appears to be customers out there who are willing to spend that much on a luxury SUV.”

Porsche AG, once best known for sports cars like the 911, now relies on the Cayenne SUV for half its deliveries. Porsche will add a second SUV in 2013 to capitalize on the model’s success, while Jaguar Land Rover is mulling a crossover vehicle. Aston Martin also says it’s not ruling out an SUV-type car.

Production of luxury SUVs, including the 58,000-euro ($83,000) Cayenne, the 75,000-euro Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and the 56,000-euro Range Rover Sport, is set to expand 15 percent to 481,000 vehicles in 2015 from 417,000 last year, according to research firm IHS Automotive. Automakers built 298,654 luxury SUVs in 2005, IHS said.

‘No Limits’

“The margins for these vehicles continue to be very high and may attract more players to the segment,” said Henner Lehne, a Frankfurt-based IHS analyst. “Customers in China and Russia usually opt for the specially-equipped versions, they’re under no limits.”

Crewe, England-based Bentley, part of Volkswagen’s stable of ultra-luxury brands including Lamborghini SpA and Bugatti, posted a 57 percent surge in six-month China sales to 680 cars. Duerheimer is keen for the carmaker to tap growing demand for SUVs in the U.S., China and U.K., Bentley’s three biggest markets, to further propel growth, the people said.

Bentley spokeswoman Benita von Maltzahn said there are “no concrete plans” for an SUV, declining to elaborate. VW spokesman Michael Brendel declined to comment.

The U.K. brand, which makes sedans, convertibles and coupes based on the Mulsanne and Continental model lines, says on its website that it takes 150 hours to build a Continental GT by hand and 400 hours to make an Arnage, predecessor of the flagship Mulsanne sedan. Steering wheels are double-stitched using two needles, with 15 hours needed to create one wheel. Every piece of glass in a Bentley is given its final polish with finely powdered pumice normally used to polish optical lenses.

‘Finest Handicraft’

“Bentleys are known for the finest handicraft,” said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany. “They’ll have to aim for an absolute top-end SUV to be true to their heritage.”

The Cayenne, Porsche’s best-selling model, accounted for half the Stuttgart, Germany-based carmaker’s 10,670 deliveries last month. Chinese customers wait an average of 15 months for delivery of the version with a 3.0-liter engine.

Porsche, which charges 121,000 euros for the 500-horsepower Turbo version of the Cayenne, is planning to increase production of the model by 10 percent to 20 percent starting next year to try and meet demand, sales chief Bernhard Maier said on July 10.

Cayenne Popularity

“Porsche is very much a sports-car maker but many people would argue that the Cayenne has been the making of the company,” Tyndall said.

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), the world’s largest maker of luxury vehicles, is adding assembly of the X3 model to a factory in Chennai, India, while Daimler AG (DAI) is spending more than $2 billion to boost capacity at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where M-, R- and GL-Class SUVs are made.

Volkswagen’s Audi division, which started selling the Q3 compact SUV last month, may add a fourth variant to its Q3, Q5 and Q7 lineup, sales chief Peter Schwarzenbauer said in a July 8 interview. Audi suspended summer holidays at its main Ingolstadt, Germany-based factory to maintain output of the Q5, and has extended around-the-clock production of its Q7 model at a VW plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, until the end of the year.

“We firmly expect this boom to continue and have a lot of creative ideas for the future,” Schwarzenbauer said. “The potential of the SUV market is huge.”

- Bloomberg

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Bentley today confirmed that its global sales for the first half of 2011 have increased by 20% on the same period last year. 2978 cars were delivered to customers in the first six months, the best start to a year by Bentley since 2008.

The surge in sales has been led by demand for Bentley’s newly launched Continental GT and the popularity of the brand in China, where sales have increased by 57% on last year’s figures. 680 cars have been sold in China, a new record for Bentley’s fastest growing market.

Europe and the Americas have also performed strongly. Europe has increased its sales by a quarter to 494 and the Americas up by 23% with 907 cars sold in the first half of 2011. The UK has continued its steady growth, up 6% with 533 cars sold, growth held back only by continuing low consumer confidence. However, Bentley continues to increase its market share in its home market.

Other regions have presented a more mixed picture with Asia-Pacific region down marginally – predominantly due to the decline in the Japanese market as a result of the recent tragic natural disaster – and the Middle East which has also declined slightly as a result of the ongoing political unrest.

The new Continental GT is the latest iteration of Bentley’s iconic Continental design and its new exterior and powerful new engines are setting even higher standards of design, engineering, craftsmanship and dynamic driving. Its success is reenergizing the brand and attracting a new era of Bentley customers. At the same time demand for Bentley’s flagship model the Mulsanne is also extremely strong and the wider Continental range continues to perform well.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chief Executive said:

“Interest in our product range is increasing and with our largest markets achieving significant growth we are on track to meet our targets for the full year.

“It’s an exciting time for Bentley as we continue to invest in new product development, the results of which will be seen for months to come. With more new model launches later this year we foresee this growth continuing into 2012 and beyond.”

Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing said:

“Following last year’s 11% increase in sales, our half-year figures show that Bentley sales are rebounding. Confidence is returning to many markets and we expect this growth to continue as customers around the world take delivery of the new Continental GT.”

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Juha Kankunnen, the four-time world rally champion, turned up the heat at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed when he was reunited with his world ice-speed record breaking Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

The muscular 6.0 litre, 12-cylinder Bentley with its distinctive black and bright red livery proved to be one of the real head-turners in Goodwood’s famous Supercar Paddock.

Earlier this year, Kankunnen and the all-wheel drive Continental Supersports convertible set a new world best of 205.48mph (330.695km/h) on a 16.5km long ice track on a 70cm-thick layer of Baltic Sea ice, off the coast of Finland.

Goodwood’s famous Hill Climb and three days of hot, summer sunshine did not present Kankunnen with the extreme challenge he faced on the ice track. That did not stop him however from delivering for the large Festival crowds a series of typically blistering runs with the 640PS (631bhp) Supersports, the world’s fastest production convertible road car,

“Driving this very special Bentley Continental in front of the packed Goodwood grandstands was a special experience for me,” Juha explained.

“Driving on a frozen sea was a unique challenge and only a few Bentley engineers and my support crew were there to witness the new world record. So it was a pleasure to provide a glimpse of the capabilities of this Bentley to a huge audience of motorsport enthusiasts on a beautiful summer’s day.”

Kankunnen was joined in the Bentley ‘corner’ of the Supercar Paddock by five-time Le Mans winner, Derek Bell and the new Bentley Continental GT.

Bell, who has worked with Bentley for over a decade as a professional driving consultant for the company’s road car program as well as helping to guide the Company’s victorious Le Mans campaign in 2003, was also formidably quick up the hill.

“Driving the GT at Goodwood was a lot of fun. The new car maintains all the luxury and refinement for which Bentley is renowned, but is even quicker, dynamically sharper and more powerful than its predecessor.”

- Bentley Motors

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Bentley Motors today rolled out the red carpet to welcome over a hundred members of the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) – and their fifty Bentleys – to its headquarters in Crewe.

The visit is part of the “Britain by Bentley” tour which celebrates the club’s 75th anniversary by emulating the tradition of the grand tour and traversing some 3,000 miles of UK roads in a range of models that span 80 years of Bentley’s history.

Drivers have travelled from around the world to take part in the event: Syd and Nikki Reinhardt have travelled from Australia with their 1927 6.5-litre Mulsanne whilst others like Jenny Ford and her Blower Bentley are already based in the UK.

The drivers arrived at Crewe Hall on Monday evening for a gala dinner with executive members from Bentley Motors. They then travelled to Bentley’s Pyms Lane site under an honorary police escort this morning for a tour of the factory where new models such as the Mulsanne and new Continental GT are now in full production.

Richard Charlesworth, Bentley’s Director of Royal and VIP Relations, who hosted the visit said:

“No grand tour of Britain by Bentley would be complete without a visit to our headquarters here in Crewe”.

“We are delighted to welcome so many members of the Bentley Drivers Club and their vehicles today. It is a unique and very special occasion to have so many rare and historic Bentleys gathered here in Crewe.”

“Bentley and its drivers have always enjoyed a unique friendship which very few other motoring marques have been able to emulate. We hope that our visitors will also enjoy the factory tour and the opportunity to see the next generation of our cars which will create a new and exciting chapter for Bentley.

Jenny Ford, Chair of the Bentley Drivers Club said:

“The Bentley Drivers Club was set up 75 years ago by Bentley owners who reveled in driving their cars. We are proud to maintain that tradition today and have greatly enjoyed the warm welcome extended to us and the opportunity to see the Bentley factory flourishing.

- Bentley Motors

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Bentley Motors this week announced that it had sold a record 396 cars in Mainland China in the first four months of 2011. This shattered the previous record – which was set only last year – by a staggering 66%.

In 2010, Bentley sold just under a thousand cars in China – nearly double the previous year’s performance – making it the third most important single market for Bentley. But, after the first four months of 2011, China had outsold the UK for the first time making it the second most important market after the United States. Around one in four Bentleys sold globally, is now sold in China.

The result is all the more impressive considering the sales record has largely been achieved before the arrival of the new Continental GT and new Mulsanne – two new models that are already building large order books in the rest of the world. Sales expectations for the full year are therefore that this growth will accelerate as the new models land.

In recognition of the importance of China to Bentley, the Company is this week hosting its Worldwide Dealer Conference in Beijing. This is the first time that Bentley has held such an important global event in Asia and it will give all its dealers the chance to see just how rapidly this vibrant country is changing. The Dealer Conference is taking place at locations across the city ranging from the spectacular Bird’s Nest stadium to the ancient Tai Miao in the Forbidden City.

Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing, Alasdair Stewart said:

“China is the perfect venue for Bentley’s Dealer Conference: it contains such a vibrant mix of the traditional and the modern and it is now one of our most significant markets.

“Our Chinese customers, like the rest of the world, value Bentley’s history and our emphasis on the finest luxury, craftsmanship and automotive excellence. Although China has traditionally been a market for four-door cars such as the Mulsanne and the Continental Flying Spur, there is growing interest in the excitement, adrenalin and sheer fun of driving high performance sports car. This was clear from the recent Shanghai Auto Show where half of the 50 cars sold were new Continental GTs – and it is a key reason we are so confident about our future here.”

Bentley expects this growth to continue and plans to expand its Chinese dealer network by one third in 2011 alone. However, the standards of service and quality that are the hallmarks of Bentley will be assured following the recent opening of a Training Academy in China – another sign of the investment and commitment being made to this exciting new market.

- Bentley Motors

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