AutoShortNews » Bently

Bentley bringing 500-hp, twin-turbo V8 Continental

Admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:53:04 +0000

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

Admin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:09:38 +0000

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

Admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:00:38 +0000

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]

2011 Bentley Continental GT out on the road

Admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:11:51 +0000

The all-new 2011 Bentley Continental GT was recently revealed online. Initially we only had pretty pictures to look at, but information comes fast and furious on the world wide web. We have gotten our hands on a video of the luxurious grand tourer doing what it does best.

First Drive: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

Admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:38:51 +0000

If you keep the throttle mashed, you can hit 140+ on Monticello Motor Club’s long straight. Massive carbon-ceramic front rotors bleed off speed, and you’ll flick the downshift paddle numerous times in preparation for the (relatively) low-speed first corner. Aluminum suspension components and sticky Pirelli’s bite hard, and once past the apex, you’ll press the twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine’s 590 pound-feet of torque back into the New York track’s surface.

Source: MotorTrend

Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Vitesse Rose is anything but pretty in pink

Admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:21:20 +0000

Opinions in the Autoblog media room here in Frankfurt are divided once again. Some of us think the Mansory Vitesse Rose is the ugliest thing on wheels, the most heinous thing ever done to a Bentley, while Lieberman just has no taste. Either way, we had trouble keeping it down while snapping the photos. Fortunately, there was some left-over Pepto hanging around the Mansory show stand for quick touch-ups.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog

Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain’t so bad under the lights

Admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:50:58 +0000

When we walked up to the Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 resting on the hardwood floor of the Bentley stand, it immediately had us thinking a familiar thought. Just to make sure, we asked our colleagues if they had been experiencing the same thing, and that turned into a spirited discussion about car design and CAD-drawn vs. hand-drawn bodywork.

Source: AutoBlog

Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne looks better in blue

Admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:31:55 +0000

So far, we’ve only seen the one champagne-colored Bentley Mulsanne. While not our first choice, it’s the shade Bentley thought would drum up the most interest amongst potential customers. Not knowing too much about how the mega-wealthy think, we’ll trust Bentley.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Mulsanne makes 752 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. ‘Nuff said

Admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:46:35 +0000

We warned you the specs would be “staggering.” And really that’s all you need to know. Fine, we’ll tell you a little more. First of all, despite the gumption, it’s not a diesel. The Mulsanne generates all that thrust barely off-idle from a gasoline-powered 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. 505 horsepower, too. The engine is all new, made from aluminum and lightweight internals including a forged crankshaft.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog

Mansory Bentley Vitesse Rose isn’t really all that rosy

Admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:38:56 +0000

German luxury tuner Mansory is full of surprises. According to Mansory this is their latest program for the Bentley Continental GT Speed and will be built in a very limited edition of just three cars and will be premiered at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

Q Full article, Source: Diesel Station