FRANKFURT - Bentley débuts the new Bentayga, accessories range and upgrades for Mulsanne and Continental.

• Bentley unveils the Bentayga: the most powerful, most luxurious, most exclusive and fastest SUV in the world
• Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with sporting ability, off-road performance and everyday usability
• Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, UK, this sector-defining SUV takes Bentley luxury to new places
• Continental GT displays refined Grand Touring luxury
• Bentley Mulsanne Speed – the pinnacle of luxury and performance
• GT3 racecar takes break from 2015 season to join model range
• Next generation Inspirator configurator app
• Bentley’s luxury goods collection reimagined for 2016

Bentley Motors unveils its pinnacle, sector-defining Bentayga SUV at the 66^th IAA in Frankfurt. 

The Bentley Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless performance and everyday usability. With an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 powertrain, the Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. It offers a true Bentley driving experience and showcases a range of innovative technology features.

Its modern luxury interior is handcrafted in Britain, the Bentayga boasts the world’s finest automotive cabin, with unrivalled levels of precision. The detailing in metal, wood and leather – including meticulous tolerances between elements of trim – sets a new standard in automotive design. This level of perfection is only achievable thanks to the exceptional skill of Bentley’s colleagues in Crewe.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

The World’s Finest Grand Tourer

Joining the Bentayga on stand is the recently refreshed Continental GT Speed Convertible. New exterior styling including more pronounced fenders lend a more assertive and confident stance to the front of the car. Enhancing the GT’s iconic silhouette further, three new paint colours are available.

The upgrades continue inside the luxury cabin of the Continental range with a new style seat detailing, brightware elements, driver instruments, steering wheel and gear paddles. New material options and hide colours complete the refresh. Onboard WiFi, providing connectivity to all handheld devices in the car is also now available across the Continental family.

The mighty 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine receives a power and torque increase, from 575 PS (567 bhp / 423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) to 590 PS (582 bhp / 434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb.ft), to maintain the model’s reputation of effortless performance. The power upgrade is accompanied by improvements to fuel economy and efficiency. 

Unrivalled, Effortless Speed

The Mulsanne Speed completes Bentley’s production-model line-up at Frankfurt. Tailored for the driver, the Mulsanne Speed delivers the fastest handcrafted luxury driving experience in the world.

Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h), whilst modern exterior and interior bespoke styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury.

Bentley GT3

Bentley’s Continental GT3 takes a break from the 2015 racing season to join the Bentley model range at the IAA. The racecar explores the potential of the Continental GT in its most extreme form, exploiting the performance and endurance DNA in every road-going Bentley.

The 2015 season has seen the continued growth of the Bentley international motorsport programme, with Works-supported teams racing in six different series across four continents and customers taking their Continental GT3s to an ever-expanding selection of new countries and GT races.

Bentley Inspirator: A Journey Through Personalisation

Inspiration can now be transformed into recommendation, via Bentley’s latest innovation: The Inspirator.

Using a device’s camera function, the application’s facial and emotion recognition software measures expressions on the user’s face as they react to a variety of emotional and evocative imagery. 

These reactions are then interpreted by the app and a bespoke Bentley for that customer is configured, providing ideas and suggestions for tailored options based on their needs, tastes and preferences.

The Bentley Collection

Bentley Motors is announcing a new look Bentley Collection which will also debut at Frankfurt Motorshow. Over 100 new items embody the essence of the Bentley brand, with their unparalleled craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail.

The range comprises six distinct collections: Style, Business, Home, Heritage, Colour, and Bentley.

Famous Bentley 'Blue Train' heritage model wins four prizes at prestigious concours event

• Famous heritage model wins four prizes at prestigious concours event
• 2015 marks 85^th anniversary of Cannes to London ‘Blue Train’ race
• Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition by Mulliner available

Some 85 years after the famous victory that made its name, the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ is still enjoying winning ways, picking up four prestigious awards at the Schloss Bensberg Classics event in Germany.

The Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ coupe, owned by Mr Bruce McCaw, dominated the field at the invitation-only event, which is one of Europe’s premier classic concours shows. It was named ‘Best in Class: The Style of Speed’; ‘Best of Show: Public Vote’; ‘Best of Show: Jury Vote’; and ‘Best in Special Category: Pre-War Closed Models.

There was also a category win for the Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur (1958), which took the ‘Driving out in Style: Four-door Luxury Sports Saloons (Post-War)’ title.

Robert Engstler, Regional Director Bentley Europe, commented: “The four awards won by the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ at this prestigious event prove once again that this car is one of the most legendary vehicles of all times.”

The ‘Blue Train’ Bentley

It was 85 years ago that Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel.

He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since. The car that was believed to have accomplished the feat was the iconic Gurney Nutting two-door fastback coupe.

In recent years evidence has emerged to suggest Barnato drove his Mulliner saloon-bodied Speed 6, however, it is the coupe that will forever be known as the Blue Train car.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition

To commemorate this historic feat, Bentley Motors has produced a Limited Edition – the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’.

The ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition is produced by the skilled craftsmen and women of Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. Each features a number of delightful historical references and modern interpretations of design details from the original Speed Six.

For example, the fluting pattern in the door panels and the rear quarter inserts echo the interior of Barnato’s original car. The dashboard facia features an expertly crafted veneer image of the original Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six. Meanwhile, the treadplate plaques bear the wording ‘Blue Train 85 Years’ and the front grille features a square mesh design inspired by original Speed Six.

Schloss Bensberg Classics

The 2015 Concours d’Elégance at the Schloss Bensberg Classics is a FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) A-rated event, the highest rating FIVA bestows. The grounds of Bensberg Palace outside Cologne provide the perfect setting for the line-up of weekend activities, which see some of the world’s finest and rarest classic cars on display.

Bentley to star at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power from Tomorrow.

• Luxury and performance from across the ages on stand and track
• Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8 S to perform on circuit
• EXP2 from 1920, famous Bentley Blower and Blue Train car on display
• Bentley is a proud sponsor of Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Bentley is attending this year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power in Cheshire (12-14 June) with an extensive array of cars. Prominent models from the brand’s history and current line-up will be on hand, with a pair of Continental GTs in action on the famous track.

With 635 PS (626 bhp) and 528 PS (521 bhp) respectively, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8 S Grand Tourers will set a blistering pace around Cholmondeley’s narrow, twisting circuit. The Continental GT Speed coupe is Bentley’s fastest production car ever. Its Crewe-built, twin-turbo W12 engine produces a mighty 820Nm, which helps propel the car to its top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph).

Visitors will also find the Mulsanne Speed and Flying Spur – two of the world’s finest four-door saloons – on the Bentley stand. Hand-built at the home of Bentley in Crewe, the flagship Mulsanne Speed combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. It takes over 400 hours for the dedicated team of 298 skilled craftspeople and artisans to build each car.

The origins of Bentley’s celebrated story will be on display at the event, held on the grounds of the Cholmondeley estate. The EXP2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. Built in 1920, the 3-litre 4-cylinder car has a top speed of 80mph, so it’s unsurprising that it was a successful racer in its day – claiming the brand’s first ever victory. The famous Bentley Blower will join its forebear at Cholmondeley. Featuring the legendary supercharger installation developed by Amherst Villiers, the Blower is arguably the most famous model from Bentley’s illustrious past.

This year is the 85th anniversary of that most famous Bentley Boy adventure – the Blue Train race. The car that (probably) accomplished the feat will also be at the event.

In 1930 Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel. He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since.

Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal Relations & Heritage, said: “The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is a local event for us – just 13 miles from Crewe and the home of Bentley. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship and skills of our 3,800-strong workforce, and the great heritage of our famous brand.”

Historic ‘Blue Train’ race commemorated with 85th anniversary Mulsanne Mulliner Limited Edition

• Historic ‘Blue Train’ race commemorated with 85^th anniversary Mulliner Limited Edition
• Mulliner artisans pay homage to famous 1930 Speed Six with bespoke features and intricate historical references
• Total of four examples to be hand-crafted in Crewe for continental European customers
• Mulsanne Speed is world’s fastest ultra-luxury driving experience

Bentley Motors is commemorating the historic ‘Blue Train’ race won by the Bentley Speed Six in 1930 with a Mulliner Limited Edition – the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’.

Debuting this week at the Techno-Classica show in Essen, Germany, just four examples will be hand-crafted in Crewe for customers in continental Europe.

85 years ago, Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors and pioneering ‘Bentley Boy’, was staying in Cannes at the Carlton Hotel. 

He accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express or ‘Blue Train’ back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel.

He was, and the remarkable victory has been talked about ever since.

The ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition is produced by the skilled craftsmen and women of Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. Each features a number of delightful historical references and modern interpretations of  design details from the original Speed Six.

For example, the fluting pattern in the door panels and the rear quarter inserts echo the interior of Barnato’s original car. The dashboard facia features an expertly crafted veneer image of the original Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six. 

Meanwhile, the treadplate plaques bear the wording ‘Blue Train 85 Years’ and the front grille features a square mesh design inspired by original Speed Six.

Richard Charlesworth, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, comments: “The Blue Train is one of the most famous and celebrated cars in the world, and it perfectly embodies the racing spirit of the Bentley. 

Woolf Barnato was a three-time Le Mans victor, but winning the Blue Train race captured the public’s imagination, and fuelled the legend of the Bentley Boys. By beating the Calais-Mediterranée Express he forever guaranteed the Speed Six’s place in automotive history.”

The first ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition delivered will also feature a personalised hamper, trimmed with Burnt Oak and Camel hide to perfectly match the interior of the car. 

Mulliner has crafted beautiful leather cutlery holders and a leather rug wrap-around, both featuring ‘Blue Train’ embroidery. The hamper contains exclusive Robbe & Berking silver plated cutlery, Haviland Limoges porcelain crockery, LINLEY crystal champagne flutes and a 100 percent Angora picnic rug, woven in Scotland.

Robert Engstler, Regional Director Europe, added: “The fact that we are producing just four of these Limited Editions is highly significant, as Barnato famously made it to the club in London four minutes before the train arrived in Calais. The unique design elements bring back nostalgic memories of one of the most legendary Bentleys of all times.”

The Mulsanne Speed Blue Train by Mulliner can be seen at the Techno-Classica Show in Essen (Hall 7). from the 15^th to the 19^th of April 2015.

Mulliner – Rare by design

Mulliner exists to respond to the requirements of Bentley’s most discerning customers. Mulliner Limited Editions reflect carefully chosen and inspirational themes. Individually these might have special significance for customers in specific markets, but what they all share is the highest standards of Mulliner craftsmanship – taking the concept of Bentley luxury and pushing it even further.

Mulliner Limited Editions are rare by design and, as a result, they all have the potential to become instant classics, desired by many but driven only by a fortunate few.