Bentley brings all the cars including Le Mans and GT3 to this years Goodwood Festival of Speed.

• Continental Supersports debuts in the UK, piloted by Derek Bell
• Continental GT3 and Bentayga take on the famous hillclimb
• Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, Bentayga Diesel, Flying Spur V8 S
  and Continental Supersports on display
• Speed 8 Le Mans Prototype on special display in the paddock,
  as a celebration of legendary racing driver Tom Kristensen
• Bentley craftsmanship demonstrations and Forza competitions
  on the stand

Bentley Motors returns to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this month, with the UK debut of the Continental Supersports alongside a powerful display of new Bentley models for the road and track.

The Festival of Speed – known as the world’s most glamorous motorsport garden party – will form the backdrop for an impressive line-up of award-winning new Bentley models. The festival runs from June 29 to July 2.

Bentley Challenges the Famous Hillclimb

The exciting new Continental Supersports captures this year’s Festival of Speed theme, “Peaks of Performance”, perfectly. The model will be shown for the first time in the UK at Goodwood where it will be driven up the historic hillclimb by Derek Bell, renowned Le Mans champion and Bentley Boy. With its purposeful appearance, the world’s fastest four-seat car – and Bentley’s most powerful production car yet – is a true game changer, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

The Bentley Continental GT3 race car will also grace the hillclimb driven by Bentley Boy, Andy Soucek, the Blancpain GT Series racing driver. The Continental GT3 has competed in 360 races so far, claiming 74 podiums and 29 wins.

Also going up the hillclimb will be the Bentaya, the world’s most powerful and most exclusive luxury SUV.

Bentley’s Finest Models on Display

Joining a second Continental Supersports on Bentley’s stand at the Festival of Speed will be the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase. Designed for customers with a preference for being driven, the Extended Wheelbase offers a first-class air-travel experience for the road.

The 250 mm extension of the Mulsanne’s wheelbase is entirely to the benefit of rear-seat passenger legroom. To make the best use of the additional rear legroom, Bentley has developed airline-style electronic leg rests which are integrated into the bases of the two rear seats. These extend outward and pivot, affording rear-seat passengers the luxury of choice between upright, relaxed and reclined seating positions.

The new Bentayga Diesel will also be on display, with its combination of go-anywhere four-wheel drive, luxurious handcrafted cabin and new, triple-charged 4.0-litre diesel-powered V8 engine.

It will be joined by the Flying Spur V8 S, a more performance-orientated version of the Flying Spur, with an uprated twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 528 PS (521 bhp).

Tom Kristensen Speed 8 Celebration

Away from Bentley’s main stand, the victorious Speed 8 Prototype race car will be on display in the paddock area. This car debuted at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2001, winning the famous endurance race in 2003 with Tom Kristensen behind the wheel.

As well as offering a fantastic spectacle, the car that marked Bentley's return to racing after a 73-year absence will form a celebration of 20 years of racing at Le Mans for Kristensen, as well as a nod to the legendary driver’s 50th birthday.

New Forza Game Challenge for Visitors

Guests are invited to take part in the new Forza game on a simulator; players on the stand will take part in an exclusive pre-release version of the game before its general release in September. A Bentley Boy will set the fastest lap on Forza before the festival begins, and a competition to beat the fastest lap will be run over the four days of the festival.

Live Craftsmanship Displays on Stand

Visitors to Bentley’s stand over the Festival of Speed weekend will also be invited to watch demonstrations by the craftsmen from Crewe. As well as an introduction to Mulliner, the Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division, guests will be able to observe craftsmen from the woodshop and trim departments, designing and making interior elements, using the finest quality leathers and woods.

USA - Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase and Flying Spur V8 S make US show debuts at Monterey Auto Week.

• Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase and Flying Spur V8 S make US show debuts at Monterey Auto Week
• Luxurious saloons joined by most powerful production Bentley ever – the Continental GT Speed Black Edition
• Bentayga showcases new luxury lifestyle feature, towing a Bowlus Road Chief – Limited Edition Lithium+

The most luxurious Bentley model ever, – the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, makes its US debut at the Monterey Auto Week.

The pinnacle luxury limousine is designed for those who prefer to be driven, and provides a first class air-travel experience for the road. The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase will be appearing at the Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 19 August, and will also be in position on the Concept Lawn at The Lodge on Sunday 21 August.

The newly launched Flying Spur V8 S also makes its US debut at Pebble Beach. Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and flagship W12 in the range, the V8 S is tuned for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension offering a more focused, precise driving experience.

The most powerful production Bentley ever, the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, will also be in attendance throughout the event. The revised Continental GT Speed raises the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance, delivering a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h) and even more power and torque.

Drawing a Luxury Lifestyle

For the first time in Bentley’s 97-year history a tow bar has been created as a lifestyle option for the Bentayga and will be in action at Monterey Auto Week.

A Bentayga will ‘draw’ a Bowlus Road Chief to Turn 10 at the Laguna Seca circuit, where the Bentayga-Bowlus tandem will be the feature of a brand display. Bowlus Road Chief is a California-based company which specializes in hand-crafted, light-weight luxury trailers.

The Bentayga will also be partnered with the Bowlus Road Chief – Limited Edition Lithium+ trailer at the Quail and at the British brand’s Pebble Beach Signature Party on Saturday night.

Michael Winkler, President and CEO, Bentley Motors, Inc. said: “The Monterey Auto Week always sees a remarkable gathering of Bentley customers and enthusiasts, and is a great occasion to celebrate the past and present of this iconic brand. We are fast approaching our centenary in 2019, and our newest vehicles on display at Pebble Beach this year point to an extraordinary future.”

Heritage on Display at Prestigious Auctions

Bentley’s illustrious heritage will be on display during the various auctions at Pebble Beach and on the lawn at the Concours d’Elegance.

Several auctions held during the event feature vintage Bentley vehicles, including two with pre-auction estimates reaching more than $1.3 million

RM Sotheby’s Auctions

• 1926 Bentley 3-4½-Litre Tourer; in the style of Vanden Plas, built in the style of ‘Old Mother Gun’ on the Bentley 3-Litre chassis number 911. Pre-auction estimate: $600,000 - $750,000.
• 1932 Bentley 8-Litre Tourer by Vanden Plas; this example was the eighth from last 8-Litre built, and one of just 35 on the 12-foot ‘Short Chassis’. Pre-auction estimate: $2,500,000 - $3,000,000.
• 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Coupe ‘Honeymoon Express’ by Park Ward; claimed a third in class at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2015. Pre-auction estimate: $750,000 - $900,000.
• 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner; this is a rare factory left-hand-drive, automatic-gearbox example. Pre-auction estimate: $1,300,000 - $1,700,000.

Gooding & Company

• 1927 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Sports Tourer; a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class winner in 2001. Pre-auction estimate: $650,000 - $800,000.

Russo and Steele

• 1965 Bentley Exhibition Chassis Club Racer; chassis #2 S.S.S. C-2, a conversion from prototype chassis to a finished, alloy-bodied race car.

World’s most refined V8 performance sedan gets even more power and torque, that will be the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 S.

• World’s most refined V8 performance sedan gets even more power and torque
• Outputs increase to 528 PS and 680 Nm; 0-100 km/h time just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 306 km/h
• Revised suspension offers improved body control and handling without sacrificing comfort
• Black radiator grille, rear diffuser and new grille insert give V8 S a dramatic and purposeful appearance
• Unique exterior colours and interior trim options
• New Flying Spur V8 S makes debut at Geneva International Motor Show, 1 to 13 March

Bentley Motors is today announcing the introduction of a new model to its range – the Flying Spur V8 S. Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and family flagship W12, the V8 S is tuned for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension offering a more focused, precise driving experience.

The Flying Spur V8 S features a number of sporting styling cues which hint at its new and improved sporting capabilities. A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Flying Spur remains unrivalled in its ability to combine class-leading comfort with remarkable dynamic ability. It’s the perfect choice for the customer who wants ultimate refinement as well as an exhilarating, spirited drive.”

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show between 1 and 13 March 2016. First customer deliveries begin in the summer.

More Power, Sharper Handling, Same Class-Leading Comfort

Tuned for power, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S engine develops an additional 21 PS, delivering 528 PS (521 bhp / 388 kW) compared to its V8 sibling’s 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW). A mighty 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 S to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6seconds), shaving 0.3 seconds from the V8’s already athletic sprint time. Top speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).

The increased performance is achieved without detriment to the V8 engine’s impressive fuel economy and CO₂ emissions, or its ability to cover more than 837 km (520 miles) between fill-ups. The new Flying Spur V8 S returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 10.9 L/100km (25.9 mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 254 g/km.

This combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine. Variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders shut down when cruising, reduces fuel consumption without any loss of refinement. When more power is required, the engine switches back automatically and seamlessly to the full eight cylinders.

The high-technology V8 engine also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, advanced thermal management, energy recuperation via the electrical charging system and innovative turbocharger packaging for greater efficiency.

Revisions made to both the engine and transmission calibrations have sharpened throttle response and made the Flying Spur V8 S’s power accessible lower down the rev range. In ‘S’ mode, drivers will find a sharper-still throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Eighth gear is locked out when ‘S’ mode is engaged and the knurled paddle shifters are harmonized with the car’s new, sportier side.

In modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Complementing these power upgrades, a new responsive suspension tuning for the Flying Spur V8 S improves handling and body control, while the aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control ensure that the Flying Spur’s legendary refinement is maintained.

Careful recalibration of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system helps improve handling performance and ensures minimal degradation in ride comfort.

The Electronic Stability Control is also optimised for the Flying Spur V8 S. The retuned system allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. This provides the spirited driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the uprated chassis and increased power. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or black painted calipers.

However, despite these performance-focussed chassis revisions, the Flying Spur V8 S retains its luxurious, limousine-smooth ride and legendary ability to transport passengers in unrivalled comfort.

Sporting Styling Cues Signal Performance Intent

The Flying Spur V8 S receives dark and sporting exterior highlights. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille is black as standard and together with a Beluga gloss rear diffuser give the Flying Spur V8 S a dramatic on-road presence.

The V8 S is clearly defined with a new and exclusive front grille treatment; a combination of black grille with a body-coloured insert. V8 S badging on the rear haunch, V8 S treadplates and 20” open-spoke painted wheels further reveal the model’s identity, mirroring those of its Continental GT V8 S stablemate.

For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint lights (front and rear), black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.

Inside the cabin, changes are perfectly matched to the sporting exterior. Piano-black wood veneers and a three-spoke sports steering wheel are standard, while a knurled gear lever and gear shift paddles add tactility to the driving experience. A colour split unique to the V8 S features stunning two-tone seats with a contrasting roof centre bow. V8 S headrest stitching is also offered.

Customer Choice Extended for Flying Spur in 2016

To make the Flying Spur even more attractive to customers, Bentley has added an array of exceptional optional features.

A semi-aniline hide option is now available in W12 and V8 S models. The highest quality hide available in the automotive industry, it gives the cabin an even more comfortable, luxurious and natural feel.

Contemporary new straight-fluting on the leather seats adds visual impact, while the Mulliner Driving Specification gains a small-diamond quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket.

Flying Spur – Exquisite, Powerful and Individual

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite craftsmanship and onboard technology, the Flying Spur rightly lays claim to being the world’s finest luxury sedan.

Bentley’s design team has developed an athletic vehicle that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, subtle brightware elements and a choice of stylish alloy wheels afford the Flying Spur a modern, contemporary feel.

On the inside, Bentley has created a luxurious, spacious cabin that encases advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

The Flying Spur comes complete with a suite of onboard technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.

The Flying Spur is available with a WiFi hotspot for connectivity while travelling – confirming the Flying Spur as the ultimate car for work and relaxation.

Bentley launches upgraded Continental GT and Flying Spur, now, even more beautiful.

• 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

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. Bentley’s luxurious and powerful Flying Spur also receives a set of features for 2015, focusing on powertrain development, on-board technology and interior comfort.

The new models will be unveiled and displayed at the Geneva Motor Show from Tuesday 3^rd March, with deliveries starting this summer.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, comments:

“Bentley offers uncompromised luxury and performance with ultimate comfort for grand touring and our new 2015 features extend the appeal of our family. We listen carefully to our customers, and with these new evolutions we’re making our cars even more stylish, efficient, connected and useable every day.”

Exterior Evolution for the Continental GT

The Bentley Continental GT is refreshed with a complement of new exterior design features, aimed at sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand Tourer. A new front bumper combines with a smaller radiator shell and new, more pronounced fenders to lend a more assertive and confident stance to the front of the car. 

The fenders now feature a new vent, complete with a graceful metallic “B” adornment, which serve to emphasise and enhance the renowned Bentley “power line” that flows rearwards from the front arches. New bright chrome fender badges for the V8 S and W12 models now match those applied to the GT Speed.

At the rear of the car, the boot lid is now more sculpted, with a pronounced aerodynamic profile to the trailing edge. The rear bumper has been reshaped and widened for an added sense of power, and now features full-width brightware. The V8 S and GT Speed also gain a new rear diffuser design to further differentiate the performance-focused members of the Continental family.

The revisions to the exterior aesthetic are completed with the addition of new wheels to the range of 20” and 21” designs available. The standard wheel for the GT V8 and GT W12 becomes a new 20”, six-tri-spoke wheel, in painted finish for the V8 and bright machined for the W12. The Mulliner Driving Specification wheel changes to a new 21” seven-twin-spoke design, finished in Graphite grey with bright machined spokes. Finally, a new 21” five-spoke directional sports wheel joins the existing 21” design available for the V8 S and GT Speed.

Enhancing the GT’s iconic silhouette further, three new paint colours are available: Marlin (a rich metallic blue), Camel (a soft golden tone) and Jetstream (a light, bright metallic blue).

Modern Refinements to an Unrivalled Cabin

The visual upgrades continue inside the luxury cabin of the Continental range. A new and contemporary straight-fluting pattern adorns the four generous seats, while the Mulliner Driving Specification (standard on GT Speed) gains a tightened, “small-diamond” quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket. Driver controls are all-new, with an optional, more ergonomic and sports-orientated steering wheel and larger gear-shift paddles incorporating tactile knurled metal embellishers.

Brightware elements across the console are updated, the driver’s instrument panel receives new dials and graphics for a refreshed, more contemporary look, and the beauty of the new interior is now illuminated by LEDs. The centre console also features a new black gear lever surround, unifying the style of all driver controls. For V8 and V8 S coupe models, a new hidden storage compartment is fitted between the rear seats, capable of accommodating and charging electronic devices including iPads.

In addition to the changes to the standard specification, a new range of optional interior features has been developed.

GT W12 and GT Speed models can now be specified with new, softer semi-aniline hide for the seat cushions and backrests, represent the highest quality of leather available in the automotive market and giving an even more comfortable, luxurious and natural feel. Two new leather colours join the Continental range for 2015 - Shortbread and Camel.

Furthermore, the headlining of GT V8 S, GT W12 and Speed coupe models is now available in Alcantara^®, colour matched to all 17 of the available interior hide colours.

Onboard WiFi, providing connectivity to all handheld devices in the car is also now available across the Continental family.

W12 Performance and Efficiency Continues

Under the revised skin of the Continental GT W12 lie three changes to the mighty 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 powertrain. Firstly, the 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 of up to 5%. The GT W12 now includes a variable displacement system and the new evolution is able to run at part throttle on six of its 12 cylinders to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing refinement and offers lower CO₂ emissions of 329 g/km and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg (14.1 litres/100 km).

Luxury of choice extended on Flying Spur

Bentley’s four-door luxury sedan, the Flying Spur, continues to appeal to the discerning, successful individual and additional features for 2015 offer even more bespoke choice.

A new 20” six-tri-spoke wheel is available for both V8 and W12 powered Flying Spurs, in three different finishes, while a 21” seven-twin-spoke design is offered on the Flying Spur W12 Mulliner in polished or Graphite painted with bright machining finishes.

The exquisite cabin of the Flying Spur also gains modern and tactile new features to maintain Bentley’s reputation for interior style and usability. The driver instruments are updated with contemporary graphics, while the steering wheel receives a new more sporting design. 

A knurled metal finisher adorns the optional gear shift paddles, and the Flying Spur receives the same onboard WiFi hotspot system as the updated Continental family for ultimate connectivity while travelling – keeping the Flying Spur as the ultimate car for work or relaxation.

Complementing the feature upgrades are new paint colours in the hues of Marlin, Camel and Jetstream – as per the Continental GT – and the addition of Shortbread and Camel hides to the extensive range of leathers.

The 625 PS (616 bhp / 460 kw) / 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) Flying Spur W12 engine gains efficiencies and even greater grand touring capability thanks to the variable displacement system now included on the Continental GT W12, for lower fuel consumption, increased range and lower emissions of 333 g/km CO₂.