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Bentley Bentayga gets its first big update with new design and improved tech

The 2021 Bentley Bentayga is subject to the model’s first significant refresh since the ultra-luxe SUV was introduced for the 2016 model year. In the meantime, Bentley has rolled through a few variants, but now weÂ’re getting design changes, tech enhancements and new equipment. For starters, the V8 is now the standard car (and will be the only one available initially), with the W12 engine reserved for an upcoming Bentayga Speed coming in 2021 — a model the brand expects to continue to be in high demand in America. Bentley also says there will be an updated plug-in hybrid model to follow later this year, but it wonÂ’t be available right away like the V8 is. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will make the same power as before, sitting at 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque — thatÂ’s good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. This BentaygaÂ’s most significant mechanical change underneath is a 0.78-inch wider rear track. Bentley claims this reduces steering effort and improves response linearity. Some of the bigger changes come in the design. Bentley says the adjustments are inspired by the new Continental GT and Flying Spur, as every panel in the front and rear have been redone. It gets a larger “matrix” grille, new headlights featuring BentleyÂ’s “cut crystal glassware” design (trust us, itÂ’s very cool), and a more aggressive front bumper with even more venting. Its hood has also been lifted up by 30 mm to make the whole front end appear more imposing. The sides of the SUV get new molding and a new V8 badge, while the back has gone through even more significant changes. ThereÂ’s a new tailgate design that stretches the full width of the rear and also encapsulates the new and bejeweled oval rear taillights. The design change has seriously widened the look from the rear and makes a huge difference to the Bentayga's style. The license plate has been moved down, and the wider rear track gives the Bentayga a more appealing stance. Larger, oval-shaped tailpipes mimic the new taillight design, and Bentley has added a longer roof spoiler to make the car look even more elegant and sporty. A new 22-inch wheel design (available in two finishes) joins the cavalry, as do two new paint colors: Viridian (dark green) and Patina (mid-tone off-white). Of course, the interior is arguably the most important part of a Bentley. The center stack gets a new look; Bentley has provided a new steering wheel, new door trims and completely new seats.

Bentley spreads its wings, hires jets to fly car bodies to Britain under Brexit

FRANKFURT — Bentley, the luxury carmaker owned by Volkswagen, has booked five Antonov cargo jets to help overcome potential supply bottlenecks in the event of a disorderly exit of Britain from the European Union, the carmaker said on Wednesday. Car manufacturers are securing additional supply routes as policymakers in Brussels and Westminster seek to strike a deal to determine the future trading relationship with continental Europe after Britain exits the European Union. Bentley, which makes high end sports cars, buys 90% of its components from continental Europe, and sells around 24% of its cars into Europe, Chief Executive Adrian Hallmark told the Financial Times' Future of the Car summit. "We have spent two years planning. We have five Antonovs that we have on reserve to fly bodies to Manchester," Hallmark said, adding that in addition to shifting car bodies by air, Bentley has hiked the level of spare parts stored for production. "We used to run just-in-time with two days stock. Now we have 14 days stock. That's 14 working days, so that's three weeks of stock," he said. The company has booked additional warehouses and planned new logistics routes in case traditional supply methods are hampered by bottlenecks. If Britain fails to secure a negotiated trade agreement with European policymakers, Bentley would be able to absorb 10% import tariffs by raising prices and cutting costs. This would be less damaging than supply disruptions. "It is not existential as long as everything flows. Stopping flows is far more dangerous than Brexit tariffs," Hallmark said, referring to supply bottlenecks. This year Bentley expects to sell more than 10,000 luxury cars and to reach breakeven, mainly thanks to a rebound in demand in China, Hallmark said. China sales are up 35% when compared with before the COVID-19 crisis. Sales in Europe and the United States up 15% Hallmark said. "Overall we are in a position where we will do well over 10,000 sales this year," he said via Webcast. "We are on the cusp of going beyond breakeven."

Volkswagen profit jumps as it warns of a cooling auto market

FRANKFURT, Germany — Volkswagen says its profits jumped 44% in the third quarter thanks to a more profitable mix of vehicles in its lineup but warned that global car markets are slowing more than expected and lowered its forecast for annual sales. After-tax profit rose to $4.42 billion (3.98 billion euros) as revenues rose 11% to $68.27 billion (61.42 billion euros). The sales margin of 7.8% exceeded the goal of 6.5-7.5% as vehicles bringing higher profits took a larger share of sales. The Wolfsburg-based automaker pointed to the headwinds facing the industry by saying that it expects "vehicle markets will contract faster than previously anticipated in many regions of the world." It said sales would be "on a level" with last year's record of 10.8 million vehicles. Previously it had expected a slight increase. The company said its profits would be in the lower end of its forecast range. Global automakers are facing a slowdown in sales amid disputes over trade and from pressure in the European Union and China to develop and sell low-emission vehicles that require heavy investment in new technology. Ford and Renault have issued profit warnings in recent days, while Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, lost money in the second quarter and is expected to outline a cost-cutting strategy for investors on Nov. 14. Volkswagen is leading the push into electric vehicles in Europe by launching its ID.3 battery-powered compact car at prices it says will make zero local emission vehicles a mass phenomenon. The company was able to increase earnings in the quarter despite an 18% rise in spending on research and development.