12 Bentley Continental Gt Coupe Silver Only 8k on 2040-cars

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EVs still burning aboard ship carrying luxury cars near Azores

LISBON — Heavy tug boats on Tuesday sprayed water on a burning ship carrying thousands of Porsches and Bentleys adrift off the coast of Portugal's Azores islands, the ship's manager said in a statement. The Felicity Ace, carrying around 4,000 vehicles including Porsches, Audis and Bentleys, some with lithium-ion batteries, caught fire on Wednesday last week. The 22 crew members on board were evacuated the same day. Ship manager Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL) said in a statement the vessel was still on fire but stable, and that no oil leak had been reported so far. It also said the ship was drifting further from the Azores islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Two large tug boats equipped with firefighting gear arrived from Gibraltar on Monday, and were working with another patrol boat to spray water at the Felicity Ace and cool it down, MOL said. The arrival of two other tug boats with more firefighting equipment is scheduled for Feb. 23 and Feb. 26. "Together with the all relevant parties, MOL is making every effort to contain the damage and resolve the situation as soon as possible," MOL said. Joao Mendes Cabecas, the captain of the nearest port on the Azorean island of Faial, said on Sunday the fire had lost its intensity, probably because there was little left to burn. Cabecas said as the fire subsides and the structure cools down, firefighting teams and technicians might be able to board the vessel to prepare to tow it either to Europe or the Bahamas. "When conditions are safe the salvage team will board the Felicity Ace for an initial assessment," MOL added. Cabecas told Reuters over the weekend the lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicles were "keeping the fire alive." It was not clear whether the batteries had caused the fire. MOL did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the cause of the fire. Volkswagen, which owns the car brands, said on Monday it did not have any further information to share. Green Bentley Porsche Volkswagen Electric Luxury ev fire

Bentley collectors upset about planned run of 12 continuation cars

Bentley's grandiose plan to recreate one of its oldest and most emblematic race cars has summoned a dark cloud of disapproval from a group of wealthy collectors, including some who own the real thing. Several high-profile enthusiasts, like Ralph Lauren, jointly sent company boss Adrian Hallmark a letter to voice their concerns. The project started in 2019, when Bentley announced it would make 12 replicas of the four 1929 Team Blower models built and raced by Sir Tim Birkin. The dozen racers were spoken for in record time, and owners-to-be are currently working with the company's Mulliner division to configure their car. Bentley isn't the only carmaker dabbling in continuation cars — Jaguar and Aston Martin have notably brought back classics in recent years — but its project is the only one that has generated strong, vocal opposition from the enthusiast community. The recreation cars threaten to "dilute that special admiration and awe that can only come from viewing and embracing the genuine article," according to the letter sent from Hallmark. It was signed by Lord Bamford, Evert Louwman, and William Connor, among other collectors. Simon Kidston, a classic car specialist whose uncle won the 1930 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of a Bentley Speed Six, opined the recreations will devalue the real cars they're modeled after. He also accused Bentley of turning into a poacher. Bentley isn't overly worried about the complaints. "After much research and discussion with a number of the stakeholders (vintage Bentley owners, restorers, specialists, plus a selection Bentley Drivers Club and Benjafield Club members), we tested the idea of making an official Continuation Series based on our plans for a sole recreation, and were overwhelmed with the positivity of the response. While we heard some similar concerns to those expressed in the letter, the vast majority of feedback was hugely supportive of the project," a company spokesperson told Autoblog. The firm added the continuation cars will not be painted in the same color combinations as the four original racers so they'll be instantly recognizable as replicas. Production and deliveries will carry on as planned, then. Related Video:

Bentley is recalling just 88 Bentaygas for loose screws

The Basics: Bentley is recalling just 88 2017 Bentaygas for loose screws. That may seem like a small number, but it's a sizable portion of the 378 possibly affected vehicles. The vehicle has only been on sale for a very short while. The Problem: According to Bentley and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some Bentaygas left the factory with seat and instrument panel joints improperly tightened. Essentially, the big, expensive SUV has a few screws loose. This was discovered when a routine systems check revealed missing torque data for 88 vehicles. The improperly tightened parts can work themselves free over time, increasing the risk of injury. Injuries/Deaths: The Bentayga hasn't been on sale long enough for these improperly tightened parts to be a threat, so no injuries or deaths have been reported. The Fix: Bentley will notify affected customers starting this month. Owners can take their Bentayga to a Bentley service center where a technician will inspect and adjust the parts free of charge. Concerned owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for the recall is RE16/32. If you own one: Sit tight, or as tightly as you can on your loose seat. Your Bentayga hasn't been on the road long enough for the parts to work themselves free. Wait for Bentley to issue you the recall, then go take your quarter-million-dollar SUV to your local dealer. Ask nicely, and Bentley will probably come pick it up. Related Video: Recalls Bentley Ownership Safety SUV Luxury bentley bentayga