Bently

Dec 12 2011

Bentley bringing 500-hp, twin-turbo V8 Continental

Bentley bringing 500 hp, twin turbo V8 Continental
The Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8 has been unwrapped and it’s a kinder, gentler bulldog that makes do with “just” 500 horsepower and 481 pound-feet from its 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8. That is down 20 horsepower and up just 8 pound-feet from the output of the Audi S8, with which it shares the innovatively-packaged, cylinder-deactivating V8. We’re going to guess that’s to leave unquestionable space between it and the 631-hp Continental GT, and so Bentley could reach its 40 percent improvement goal with respect to emissions and gas mileage.

Specific numbers aren’t divulged just yet, but it will get from standstill to 60 mph in under five seconds and will go more than 500 miles on a tank. Unless the tank size has changed from the 24-gallon receptacle in the big daddy W12, which we doubt, that means the V8 is good for at least 21 miles per gallon.

Source: Bentley

First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

Oct 19 2010

First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

Long before the segment-bending X6, BMW’s crossover strategy was simple: offer the utility of a traditional SUV but in a package that’s not only luxurious, but fun to drive. The original X5 Sport Utility Activity Vehicle kicked things off in 1999, and only a few years later, the smaller X3 arrived.

Now, luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, and automakers are clamoring to be a part of the small CUV segment. In just the past few years, we’ve been introduced to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 and Infiniti EX35, among others. But as the X3 aged, its unusually harsh suspension and not-so-great interior plagued sales. In 2004, BMW moved roughly 35,000 X3s off dealer lots, and just last year, that number dropped to less than 10,000. Things aren’t looking good for 2010, either.

Instead of trying to reinvent the formula, BMW has improved on the X3′s original idea by offering more refinement, top-notch driving dynamics and heaps of technology focused on efficiency and connectivity. The end result is a compact crossover ready to regain its spot at the head of the class.

[Source: AutoBlog ]

MT compares the Bentley Mulsanne to… the Hyundai Equus

Oct 7 2010

MT compares the Bentley Mulsanne to… the Hyundai Equus


With the launch of the all-new Equus, Hyundai has taken another step towards the deep end of the luxury car segment. However, Bentley has a touch more experience in this arena and its new Mulsanne is decadence on wheels. The two companies sit on opposite ends of the automotive spectrum, but Motor Trend seems to think they warrant a comparison. We suspect Bentley will not be pleased…

[Source: Motor Trend]

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