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Bentley rolls out updates across Continental range [w/videos]

Hard as it may be to believe, it's been a dozen years now since Bentley first introduced the Continental GT. After a proliferation of engine variants and body styles, a substantially updated range was launched in 2011, but even that was four years ago. Little wonder, then, that the British automaker has announced a raft of updates for its most successful model line. For the 2016 model year, first of all, the Continental range benefits from some updated styling. There's a revised front bumper and grille, reprofiled fenders with a metallic B vent, a character line running towards the rear fender, a more sculpted trunk lid, a new rear diffuser for the performance-oriented V8 S and GT Speed models, and an array of new 20- and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Continental has been fitted with new seats – straight-fluted on standard models, diamond-quilted on Mulliner and GT Speed models – as well as new controls and trim. The crew from Crewe has also revised the marque's signature 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, increasing output from 567 horsepower to 582 and from 516 pound-feet to 531. Bentley's not saying what performance advantage the enhanced twelve-cylinder engine will net, but it doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy: in fact, with a new cylinder deactivation feature, fuel consumption is cut by five percent despite the power boost. Finally the four-door Flying Spur gets some new equipment including wheels, steering wheel, instruments and trim, with the W12 engine (shared with the GT Speed) benefiting from the same cylinder deactivation system to improve its environmental credentials. Look for the updated 2016 model range to be presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, now just weeks away. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. NEW STYLE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR LUXURY GRAND TOURING - A suite of design upgrades and features for Continental GT family - Continental GT W12 increases to 590 PS and 720 Nm, improving performance and efficiency - Flying Spur offers even more bespoke four door luxury (Crewe, 17th February 2015) Bentley Motors is building on the global demand for the Continental GT family with a suite of contemporary design updates and new exquisite features for its most successful model.

Wolfgang D?rheimer retakes the reins at Bentley and Bugatti

Wolfgang Dürheimer is still in play, with Bentley Motors announcing that he will return to the Chairman and CEO slot of the English company and French division Bugatti on June 1, 2014. He'll probably remember those chairs from the last time he filled them, since he was promoted to both positions in 2010 and remained there until September 2012, when he was installed as the head of R&D at Audi. That job only lasted until June of 2013, his nine-month tenure reported to be full of corporate drama that lead to his dismissal from the position.
But as if on gardening leave, he's been in the low-profile position of General Representative of the Volkswagen Group responsible for motorsport. Once back at Bentley, he will take over as the company works on getting its SUV to market and expanding its range. Both of those briefs Dürheimer will know well, having proved his ability at Porsche in the first decade of the new millennium. And even though no longer at Audi, his hybrid days don't appear to be over, as Bentley recently announced that it will hybridize of 90 percent of its lineup.
Dürheimer will also take on a third position, joining a VW Group committee focused on the US and Chinese markets. His successor at Bentley and Bugatti, Wolfgang Schreiber, has been promoted to "a leading position within the Volkswagen Group." There's a brief press release below with the official words.

The next Bentley Mulsanne could go all-electric

How many Bentleys are sold in China, anyway?* That's a question worth asking after the company said it will consider switching the powertrain of its uber-luxe sedan Mulsanne to all-electric from its current gas-guzzling V8 setup. Such a switch would be in the name of adhering to stricter greenhouse-gas emissions limits, especially in countries like China. Bentley executive Hans Holzgartner told Autocar that the company may soon have problems selling a V8-powered Mulsanne in China because government regulators are attempting to push for more zero-emissions vehicles to combat smog problems in the country's largest cities. Oddly, Holzgartner said an electric powertrain is "better suited" to heavier luxury cars than lighter sports cars because of an electric motor's smooth, instant delivery of torque. With the Mulsanne already priced north of $300,000 in the US, passing on the costs of such a huge battery pack will probably be less of an issue than for more typically-priced models. Of course, there would be a ton (almost literally) of battery cells involved. The Mulsanne tips the scales at almost 6,000 pounds, or almost twice the weight of a Nissan Leaf and about 25 percent more than a Tesla Model S. For those curious how the one-percenters live, take a look at Autoblog's recent drive of a Mulsanne Speed. Since this is just being studied at this point, it's possible the next Mulsanne could get a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid version for certain markets, while others would retain a gas engine or offer a choice. Assuming it keeps the gas option, the next Mulsanne will reportedly to switch to a twelve-cylinder engine, likely a version of the Volkswagen Group's W12. As for green cred, let's just say the Mulsanne's couldn't be much worse. Earlier this year, the Mulsanne showed up on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) annual list of "meanest" vehicles when it came to environmental sustainability. The Bentley was rated the fourth-meanest vehicle sold in the US, following the Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG, the Chevrolet G2500 Express/GMC Savana, and the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. The EPA rates the Mulsanne's fuel efficiency at an absolutely gasoline-swilling 13 miles per gallon combined. * If you're curious, Bentley sold 1,615 cars in China last year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Bentley Mulsanne: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Autocar via Hybrid CarsImage Credit: Drew Phillips Green Bentley Electric