2008 Bentley Continental Gt on 2040-cars

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Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game?

Bentley may be all hot and bothered with plans for its finally approved ultra-lux SUV, but the marque's attentions may not solely be limited to a two-box range expansion. That's according to AutoExpress, which quotes company CEO Wolfgang Schreiber as being interested in launching a 'four-door coupe' variant of its popular Continental range (pictured). According to Schrieber, "I definitely wouldn't say no to the idea... with the new Flying Spur, we have a model that supports the Mulsanne, and a coupe with four doors could sit below that."
The more rakish sedan isn't tipped to launch before 2016 - the brand will be too busy launching the Flying Spur and furthering work on the as-yet-unnamed SUV to pull ahead the project. The plan would appear to make a lot of sense, as the additional bodystyle on the back of the Continental platform would likely command more money than the rest of the line (see also: Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe) while basically just being a new top hat on an existing architecture. This isn't the first time AutoExpress has promulgated this Bentley 4DC idea, however. Back in 2010, it offered a similar report, but at that point, it anticipated the model would be cheaper than the Continental, suggesting it would be based on a platform shared with the Audi A7.
AutoExpress notes the additional model would help Bentley achieve its ambitious sales targets to drive from last year's 8,510 units sold to 15,000 by 2018, though most of that volume still figures to come from the new utility vehicle.

2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible puts 208 mph of wind in your hair

The Bentley Continental GT is once again merging the higher-performance capabilities of its Speed trim level with the open-top convertible body style in the new 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed convertible. The GT Speed convertible's upgrades largely mirror those of the recently unveiled 2022 GT Speed coupe. They start with increased output from Bentley's W12 engine, which has been turned up to 650 horsepower from 626 horsepower in the non-Speed W12 (torque remains unchanged at 664 lb-ft) and given a more characterful exhaust note. The W12 here again pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although both have been recalibrated for Speed duty. The transmission spends more time in lower gears, while the all-wheel-drive system has a more rearward torque bias in the various drive modes. The combination is good for a factory-stated 0-to-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. That's 0.1 second and quicker than the standard W12 convertible and 1 mph faster, thus earning the Speed its name. The Speed's chassis also has been upgraded, with four-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and optional carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 10-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. They join existing Continental GT chassis technologies that include active air suspension, adaptive dampers, and active anti-roll bars powered by a specific 48-volt electric system. Speed-specific 22-inch wheels are offered in a dark-tint finish to match the mesh grille or, alternately, bright silver or gloss black. Special side gills and discrete "Speed" badging complete the modest exterior makeover. The convertible top is offered in a choice of seven colors including an oh-so-British tweed, and there are eight headliner colors. The fully automated roof can be stowed or raised in 19 seconds. The cabin features Alcantara microsuede accents and two-tone leather and Alcantara seating surfaces with diamond-in-diamond pattern stitching and "Speed" logos stitched into the headrests. Piano black trim is standard, but numerous wood veneers can be specced. There are also metal-trimmed pedals. Heated and ventilated seats are on hand, along with a heated steering wheel and heated armrests to maximize the top-down driving season. There's also a standard neck-warmer that is said to be more powerful and also quieter than before.

Bentley marks 95th anniversary with special Mulsanne

The top end of the new car market seldom seems to need much justification for rolling out a new special edition - other than bringing in a few extra bucks and making its customers feel extra special in the process. Bentley, for its part, is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion has released a special edition of its top-of-the-line Mulsanne saloon.
Called the Mulsanne 95, the limited-edition limo gets three very British color options, dark-tint finish for the Flying B hood ornament and special 21-inch wheels. Step inside and you'll find two-tone blue and white leather with red top-stitching, with a 95 motif embroidered into the seats and special illuminated treadplates, all offset by special Fulbeck Walnut panels that come from a single, giant walnut tree some 300 to 400 years old that came down in a storm in Lincolnshire in 2007.
Buyers will be able to choose between Britania Blue, Empire Red or Oxford White, but only 15 examples will be made available, and all exclusively in Bentley's home UK market.