After attenting auto shows for years and watching many vehicle debuts I have always thought that things should be a bit more theatric. We all love seeing the curtain pulled off a new car but I felt that there had to be a more exciting and impactful way to introduce a new vehicle to the world. Judging by the video below it looks like Bentley feels the same way. They decided to introduce the new Bentley Continental GT V8 to a select group of 300 VIPs by lifting the car with a helicopter and touching it down on a rooftop in the middle of downtown Munich. That my friends, is how you make an entrance. Watch the video below.
Just a few days after the official debut of the sportier Bentley Continental GT, Vorsteiner has pulled the wraps off their new BR-10 tuning package for the new Bentley Continental GT coupe! The BR-10 package includes a 5 piece (front spoiler, two side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler) aero kit made from pre-preg autoclaved carbon fiber and the package is finished off with a set of 22 inch VS-130 forged monoblock wheels. The wheels are actually optional but if you spring for them Vorsteiner can powder-coat the wheels in any shade that you desire. I am really loving the look that BR-10 adds to the GT and the fact that all the aero pieces are made from carbon fiber means customers can spare themselves the guilt of adding weight for the sake of vanity. I would have liked to see Vorsteiner produce an exhaust system to go with the package but I can imagine they probably have one coming down the pipe (no pun intended) in the near future. To see the new BR-10 package from all angles check out the video and pictures below.
Vorsteiner BR-10 for the New Bentley Continental Coupe
The BR-10 edition, birthed from the New Bentley Continental GT Series, consists of a 5-piece lightweight carbon fiber aerodynamic package constructed with our state-of-the-art pre-preg autoclave technology.
Our designers & engineers worked meticulously to create a masterpiece nothing short of a magnum opus for this timeless coupe: a highly exclusive and most elite aerodynamic body and wheel package with nothing to detract and everything to enhance the beautiful purity of the factory body.
Firstly, our designers start with an alluring and tasteful 2-piece add-on front spoiler that improves the down force of the front end while directing cool air into the radiators. This cutting-edge front spoiler supplies the perfect touch of elegance and sportiness to the nose of the car while maintaining functional aerodynamic contours with an add-on central carbon splitter, further improving the down force with a GT race car focus. This all-new BR-10 front spoiler sits 40mm lower than the original factory bumper and confidently exudes a powerful presence on the road.
In partnership with this new lower clearance of the BR-10 front spoiler, a full length 2-piece add-on side skirt element utilizing a carbon fiber sill extension was carefully crafted, improving aerodynamics and downforce at high speeds.
The BR-10 carbon fiber replacement rear diffuser element fits seamlessly into the original factory rear bumper and accentuates its characteristic aggressive sports car like disposition. Additionally, the BR-10 lightweight rear carbon diffuser houses dual aerodynamic fin extensions all while retaining the original rear brake light housing, adding a remarkable muscular and technical detail to the rear.
Maintaining the precise balance of the new additional down force created by the front end, a sporty add-on gurney deck lid spoiler sits on the factory boot lid made of our token pre-preg autoclave technology.
Finally, the absolutely stunning VS-130 series wheel, a 22-inch 5-spoke Forged Aluminum Monoblock, is offered alongside Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires. The wheels are an optional add-on to the BR-10 aero package and are always custom powder coated or painted to the clients’ desired finish specifications.
The 2012 North American International Auto Show AKA NAIAS AKA Detroit Auto Show is in full swing and the first big debut from the European set is the new 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8. Up until now we have always known Continental GT’s to sport twin-turbo V12 engines but with Bentley’s new push to make the Continental GT more of a sport car they have shaved weight by removing four cylinders (but keeping the twin turbos) while increasing efficiency and providing grunt-worthy power. Bentley’s new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 500 horsepower and 487 ft-lbs of torque to all four wheels via an 8-speed paddle shifted transmission. While the overall package still comes in over 5000lbs, it is still a significant power-to-weight improvement over the V12 model. However if you still just need to have all those pistons, the 12 cylinder model will continued to be offered. Another noteworthy change is a subtle but impactful styling update. Some of the softness has been taken away and replaced with some more sharply sculpted lines which is especially noticeable in the front of the car. You may also notice the new red background “winged B” emblem which I think is a nice touch. All of this German-sourced British fun has not been given a price for the U.S. market yet but expect it to come in around $173k to start. If the price is too rich for your blood then feel free to enjoy the video and pictures below to fuel your daydreams. That’s the route I am taking…
New Continental GT and GTC V8 models will debut at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (January 2012)
Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio combined with classic Bentley power and torque from new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine
Fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to a new powertrain delivering a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions
Advanced technologies include direct injection, variable displacement, and new close-ratio 8-speed transmission and all wheel-drive
New Continental V8 model range complements the flagship 6.0 litre W12 GT and GTC
Other optional packages include the Driving Specification, Mulliner Styling Specification, Touring Specification and Convenience Specification. Many, however, will prefer the sporting, focused simplicity of the single-colour interior with its contemporary, clean Fiddleback Eucalyptus trim and Eliade cloth headlining.
However, owners wishing to access the full palette of 17 exterior finishes, 17 hide colours, up to seven interior duotone colour ‘splits’ and eight hood colours available on the Continental W12, can take this option. This also brings access to the full Bentley range of veneers and a new sporty duotone seat design.
Both the coupe and convertible will be offered with a choice of four single-tone interior hide colours, seven exterior finishes and (in the case of the GTC) three hood colours.
(Crewe and Detroit. 9 January, 2012) 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 litre, 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 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (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 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds for the GT coupe (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).
At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel.
The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain 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 recognisable growl of the new 4.0 litre 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-coloured strakes.
At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge emphasise 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 colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.
The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre, 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 631 bhp (640 PS).
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 Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said:
“With the new 4.0 litre 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 powertrain 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-coloured dividers
Dark rear lower valance
Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres
7 exterior colours 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 colours offered in standard range
Unique two-tone leather colour split
3 hood colours (Continental GTC)
Exhilarating, efficient new 4.0 litre 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 (800 km) range on one tank of fuel
Distinctive V8 growl
All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split
Contemporary, sporting design character
“With the new V8 models, we are taking the opportunity to further widen the appeal of the Continental range. They have a lean, sporty character that’s entirely in keeping with the exhilarating new engine’s nature. Unique design motifs like the red winged ‘B’ and figure-eight exhaust tailpipes are subtle details that owners will appreciate.”
Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, Bentley Motors
Red enamel winged ‘B’ badge
Black gloss grille edged with bright chrome
Black three-segment lower bumper and air intakes
Dark rear lower valance
‘Figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes
New engine cover design created
Unique 21” wheel options at launch
The new Continental V8 models have all the sculpted, muscular elegance of their W12 stablemates, with their distinctive wide rear track, super formed aluminium wings, powerful haunches and low, poised stance. But a number of key differences distinguish these branches of the Continental family.
One of the most significant differences is also one of the smallest. When it appears on the Mulsanne and the 6.0 W12 Continental models the winged ‘B’ emblem above the radiator grille has a black enamel background.
On the Continental V8, the enamel is red. It’s a distinction that dates right back to the 1920s, where the ‘red label’ badge appeared upon the company’s smaller cars, such as the short-chassis 3 Litre, while black badges were usually reserved for larger-engined models.
Other external distinguishing features are more striking. The radiator grille of the V8 models features gloss black mesh, bordered by a fine chrome surround, in place of the W12 Continental GT’s brightwork.
Underneath the grille the lower bumper also features black mesh and is divided by strakes into three distinct segments. The effect, both literally and figuratively, is a Bentley with a darker side to its character; potent, muscular and challenging.
At the rear two eye-catching ‘figure eight’ exhaust pipes, one each side of a dark lower rear valance, tell those in the know that this Bentley is powered by the advanced, exhilarating and efficient new 4.0 litre V8.
Both the coupe and convertible will be launched with 20-inch wheels as standard and customers will also be able to select from two 21-inch wheel designs especially created for the Continental V8 models. Both these options feature a six-spoke alloy with a strong, sporting theme and are finished in either Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver. Each Bentley ‘B’ emblem featured on the wheel centre caps is also finished in red.
The cockpit of the two Continental V8 models has a correspondingly sporty ambience, featuring a new veneer, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, for the fascia and trim. Both the coupe and convertible feature a technical finish Eliade cloth headlining, rather than the leather that is standard in their W12-engined counterparts.
Unlike the full through-console of the W12, the centre console simply separates driver and front passenger seats, underscoring the sporting, lean and weight-conscious ethos of the V8 models.
After working on new packages for Ferrari and BMW Vorsteiner has turned their sights towards the Bentley Continental GT. So far all we have to go on for the new “BR-10” package is this teaser pic that Vorsteiner released but we can probably guess that the package will include a full aero package from Vorsteiner’s signature carbon fiber, a set of forged wheels, and a few interior goodies. For now we will just have to guess as the BR-10 wont make its official debut until the new year. We’ll keep you posted when Vorsteiner releases the BR-10 in all its glory.
Here in southern California Bentley’s are somewhat common depending on the neighborhood you’re in but for some reason we can’t help but be attracted to them. Maybe its their British-ness, although internally they are as German as you can get. Either way the Bentley continues to exude British class which is why we’re hyped to see the new Bentley Continental GTC. Yes, its a convertible but its a Bentley convertible! That B word in front of convertible makes it worlds apart from any other convertible that you may feel inclined to rip on. First off the GTC has a beefy twin-turbo V12 that makes just under 570hp! That fact is enough to make me want it no matter what the configuration is. Throw in all of the luxury that Bentley is known for and we’re beyond sold. It’s just too bad that we couldn’t afford one anyway… Maybe you can if you happen to have a spare $212k laying around and if you do….are you hiring? Ok joking aside if you want to get a better look then just scroll below for pics and video.
Bold, contemporary, sculpted design employing advanced production technology.
Sensuous, luxurious, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.
Coupe-like refinement with unrivalled comfort and practicality.
More powerful 6.0-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability, delivering exhilarating performance.
Uprated chassis for a more dynamic and engaging open-top driving experience.
(Crewe, England. 24 August 2011). The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.
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 aluminium 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.
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 colours with six colour 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) minimising 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-litre, 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 Dürheimer, 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
£149,350
US DOLLAR
$212,800 MSRP
EURO
€170,060
RENMINBI
RMB 3,838,000
YEN
¥26,400,000
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 aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
Unique jewelled 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 colours, six colour 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-litre 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.
Do you read books? Me neither. Despite this, there are still other people in the world who read printed words off tangible pages! Crazy huh? What’s crazier is the fact that James Bond actually originated from a book! Not the epic films featuring the likes of Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan! I know it all sounds like insanity but it is true. James Bond started as a fictional character in a book and actually continues to be so. In fact a new James Bond book “Carte Blanche” was just released. In the latest adventure Mr. Bond takes a break from BMW and Aston Martin, instead wheeling a new Bentley Continental GT. How do we know this to be true? It’s apparently written in the book some where and they expect us to use our imaginations to envision it as we read! Balderdash!
Anyhow, to celebrate their imaginative product placement in the new James Bond story Bentley has released their own special edition of the Carte Blanche book which will be housed in a Bentley Continental GT shaped aluminum case. The book itself will be bound in nappa leather, which is the same leather Bentley uses in the interior of the Continental GT. To really drive the “special edition” point home, all the pages will have a die-cut bullet hole in them and an actual 9mm bullet will be hidden in the book. The polished bullet will have the book’s production number engraved on it. This is important since only 500 Bentley special editions of the book will be produced and will set you back a cool 1,000 British Pounds or just shy of 1,700 American Dollars! Pretty pricey for an outdated way of reading a story isn’t it? I’d still buy it if I had that kind of cash to blow though. If you do have the cash it will be available for pre-order by the time you read this. I say it’s totally worth it. I mean, it comes with a freakin’ bullet! How cool is that??
Press Release:
For immediate release, Tuesday 26 April 2011
Bentley Motors creates a luxury limited edition of the new
(CREWE, ENGLAND April 26) To celebrate the release of Carte Blanche, the new James Bond book by Jeffery Deaver, on May 26 2011, publisher Hodder & Stoughton has partnered with Bentley Motors to create an exclusive Bentley special edition: the ultimate luxury edition of the highly anticipated new James Bond adventure. The 500 limited edition copies are available for pre-order from today, Tuesday 26 April 2011, exactly a month before publication date. Huge worldwide demand is anticipated for this new special edition after Bentley’s collaborative bespoke book for the previous Bond novel, Devil May Care, by Sebastian Faulks, sold out within days.
Ian Fleming always admired the stately beauty of the Bentley and, as a result, James Bond owned three Bentleys over the course of the 14 original Bond novels. In Carte Blanche, award-winning thriller writer Jeffery Deaver reunites Bond with this classic marque. In this contemporary adventure, the agent will be behind the wheel of the beautifully sculpted and sophisticated new Bentley Continental GT.
The design team at Bentley worked closely with Hodder & Stoughton to capture the spirit of Bond and Bentley. A team of seven designers submitted proposals for the edition and the final design came from Bentley Senior Designer Brett Boydell. He comments: “As a designer it doesn’t get much better than a brief of ‘Carte Blanche’! The design features radical concepts that we feel reflect the name of the book, the ideas inherent in the Bond legacy, and the design principles we are passionate about.”
This special edition links the legendary hero with the iconic automobile in the most spectacular way. Each copy of the special edition is custom-produced to Bentley’s exacting standards and arrives inside a stunning metal case. The result is a striking and unique collector’s item. The special edition is strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide at a price of £1,000 each. They will be available to pre-order worldwide through www.007carteblanchebentley.com. The editions will be delivered after publication date.
The Design:
The case of the Bentley special edition is inspired by the deserts of Dubai – one of the exotic locations Bond finds himself in within the new novel – and the new Bentley Continental GT, Bond’s car of choice in the book.
Like the exterior of the GT, the case is made from polished aluminium, giving it a seamless and aerodynamic shape. More sculpture than car, it evokes the GT’s signature outline, its metal skin making it look like the car has risen from the desert sand. To ensure the finished case meet Bentley’s renowned standards of quality, an automotive supplier was employed to create the case to automotive standards using a specially commissioned machine.
In deference to the title Carte Blanche, the book itself is bound in white Nappa leather, the same outstanding grade of leather used in a Bentley’s interior, mimicking the interior of the GT with its contrast of white leather trim and Pillar Box red edging. The title, author’s name and the familiar wings of the Bentley logo are carefully embossed into the front and foil-blocked onto the spine. The text is printed in two colours, black and red, on sumptuous ivory paper, with endpapers of a matching red leather. The pages are expertly cut and trimmed to reflect the handcrafted techniques of the Bentley construction process. As with the other details of the special edition, the colours are carefully selected from the Bentley range. The book sits on a base of black anodised aluminium, chosen not to mark the white leather.
In one last twist, playing on the idea of an agent being given Carte Blanche, is one of the most dramatic features of the design: a die-cut bullet hole that pierces pages of the book. Hidden within the pages is a single polished 9mm bullet, individually marked with a number distinct to each copy, making the edition truly unique.
Brett Boydell adds: “Bond destroys as well as he creates and saves. It was this element I needed to convey in my design. The reader has the excitement of finding the bullet housed in the centre of the pages with the text positioned so that the reading experience is undisturbed. I hope they find the book as exciting to hold and look at as the unfolding drama itself.”
To celebrate the Bentley Supersport convertible breaking the ice speed record, watch maker Breitling has released a special edition chronograph to honor the achievement. The color scheme of the watch will match the production version of the special edition convertible that will be released everywhere but here probably. Even if they don’t bring the special edition Bentley convertible here I’m sure you’ll be able to get your hands on this chronograph, if you have a ton of money to spend on a time piece, which I don’t. You know what? I’ll just admire it in these pictures…
Breitling for Bentley’s new super-sporty titanium model is revealed today (NB: Geneva Motor Show March 1) to celebrate the ice speed record set two weeks ago by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible.
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.
Both the new Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible and Juha’s record-breaking Supersports will be on display on the Bentley stand at the Geneva Show from today (March 1). The new model will be limited to just 100 cars worldwide.
The dramatically styled new convertible will be built at Bentley’s Crewe factory. The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ car is distinguished by its vibrant and muscular styling, cues that reinforce the uncompromising performance credentials of this extreme Bentley convertible.
Bentley’s designers have selected three ‘stand-out’ exterior paint colours for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and, fittingly, Arctica White, all with red-accented detailing. These colours are complemented by a Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley’s refined’ three-ply composite construction. The unique appearance of the soft top is created in the outer layer by a ‘grey’ acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent ‘metallic look’ in a twill weave construction.
Unique to the ‘Ice Speed Record’ car, the high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features a unique red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box red piping to seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.
The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered ‘Supersports’ legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.
The new Breitling for Bentley watch powerfully complements the design of the Supersports convertible. With its light and sturdy titanium chassis, its “dashboard-style” dial enhanced by three ringed counters and its bezel with a typically Bentley-style raised knurled motif, the Supersports Light Body limited series evokes a sophisticated high-powered coupé car.
In tribute to its sporting qualities, Breitling has equipped it with an extremely intelligent and exclusive double-counter system, featuring a central minute hand and a twin-handed totaliser enabling one to read the elapsed hours and minutes at a glance just as one usually reads standard time on a watch.
Technical specifications
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 totalizer, combined 60-minute and 12-hour totaliser.
Calendar. Case: titanium, 1,000-piece limited edition. Water-resistant to 100 m. Screw-locked crown. Bidirectional rotating pinion bezel with variable tachometer (circular slide rule). Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides.
Diameter: 49 mm. Dial: Royal Ebony. Strap: Rubber.
If you’re wealthy enough to buy a $190k Bentley then you probably already have an iPad. So if you’re on the fence if you should drop the coin on the new Continental GT or not then Bentley has created an iPad app to aid your decision. The app has a ton of exclusive pics, and behind the scenes videos of the new Continental GT’s development. Even if you aren’t on the verge of dropping six figures on a super luxury car this iPad app may be entertaining nonetheless. You can download it at the iTunes store.
The new Bentley Continental GT will cost just under $190k when it comes out. If you’re willing to spend that kind of scratch on a car then you would probably be willing to represent the badge in more ways than one. So if you’re on the reserve list for the new GT and you really want to represent, you might want to consider Estede’s Sunglasses collaboration with Bentley.
You can get the frames in various precious metals including 18 carat gold ($5,648), platinum ($15,800), or silver palladium ($1,928). Palladium people! That’s what Tony Stark’s arc reactor is powered on! And of course Bentley’s famous “B” insignia is very prominent on both sides of the frame. There will be no mistake as to what you push when you’re wearing these bad boys. Or you could just spend a lot of money to front! Whatever floats your boat!
The latest developments in the exciting collaboration between Bentley and Austrian eyewear manufacturer, Estede, are also on display this year.
Working with Crewe design teams, Estede has produced a limited edition, high-end range of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames under licence for Bentley.
Estede is a family-owned company experienced in the luxury eyewear sector. Previous clients include Porsche Design, Chopard, S.T. Dupont, Fabergé and Girard-Perregaux. Estede’s focus has always been on sophistication, understatement and elegance and these cues are evident in the new “Estede for Bentley” Collection.
Presented as a Limited Edition Collection, the frames are available in two different sizes. What sets the “Estede for Bentley” collection apart from others is the use of precious metals and innovative surface treatments: silver palladium, 18 carat gold and platinum are the components of this exquisite range. In particular, platinum is considered to be the rarest of all precious metals and never before used in eyewear – hence the new Bentley range will establish a precedent in the eyewear sector.
Offered in a presentation box containing spare/different lenses for varying activities, each pair of frames will be individually numbered and can also be engraved with owner’s name or car details.
I’m a little late on this but over the weekend the first round of the triple crown Targa Trophy road rally series started in LA. A group of exotic cars met up at the W. Hotel in Hollywood before taking a trek all the way down to the W. Hotel in San Diego making stops at undisclosed destinations along the way. It definitely sounds like an awesome way to spend a weekend with your car (especially if you’re lucky enough to own an exotic!). Check out some of the pictures from the starting line in Hollywood below.
[Photos: Mo Satarzadeh | The ID Agency | TargaTrophy.com]
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