The All-New Bentley Continental GT is launched with a First Edition model, I want one.

• Exclusive First Edition model is the ultimate expression of legendary Grand Tourer
• Specification curated by the award-winning Bentley design team
• High specification includes Bentley Rotating Display
• Unique Dual Veneers available as standard, including exclusive Grand Black
• Mulliner Driving Specification, City Specification and Touring Specification help create the most luxurious Grand Tourer ever

Bentley Motors has created an exclusive First Edition of the all-new Continental GT. This ultimate expression of the Grand Tourer represents the pinnacle of Bentley craftsmanship, handcrafted and designed in Great Britain.

Exquisitely appointed, the interior specification of the Bentley Continental GT First Edition has been painstakingly curated by the Bentley design team. The new model combines all the finest features available on the third generation Continental GT, brought together to create the most luxurious Grand Tourer ever produced.

A stunning showcase of technology and design, the First Edition includes the unique Bentley Rotating Display. This system enables the driver to seamlessly switch between three different fascia panels to suit the mood of the cabin. 

The default 12.3” touchscreen can be substituted with a more classically styled instrument display if preferred; one that features three analogue dials. When the engine is off, the third veneer-only face is displayed for an uninterrupted flow of wood right across the dashboard.

Customers can choose from one of four unique Dual Veneers for the dashboard fascia. These beautiful wood options include Tamo Ash, Liquid Amber, Dark Stained Madrona and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, always combined with Grand Black, which is exclusive to the First Edition.

These exceptional finishes help create the impression of even more space inside an already sumptuous cabin, and complement a striking interior design that is beautifully enhanced by mood lighting and illuminated sills emblazoned with ‘Bentley’, visible when opening the doors.

Mirroring the performance of the new Grand Tourer’s 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged W12 TSI engine; the Mulliner Driving Specification is also included with the First Edition. This driver-focused collection adds drilled alloy foot pedals, jewel-finish oil and filler caps, and unique, 22” wheels, available in bright paint, black and hand polished or fully polished finishes.

The specification is complemented by diamond-in-diamond quilt pattern on seats, door panels and rear quarter panels, all featuring a unique contrast stitch only available with the First Edition.

Other key additions to the ultimate list of standard equipment include the City Specification and Touring Specification, with features such as park assist, pedestrian warning and traffic sign recognition. The Bentley 650 watts audio system can be upgraded with either the Bang & Olufsen system of 1500 watts, or for the true audiophile the top-of-the-range Naim audio system with 2200 watts.

Discreet Union Flag First Edition badging throughout the interior and exterior of the Continental GT identify the car’s exceptional credentials, in addition to a unique Union Flag tread plate plaque.

Bentley;s latest batch of apprentices will renovate a 1965 T-Series, putting it back into factory new condition.

• Trainees start apprenticeships at Bentley Motors
• Apprentices will develop new skills to renovate 1965 Bentley T-Series
• Restoration project forms part of learning programme for apprentices

Over half a century after its initial assembly, a 1965 Bentley T-Series has returned to the company’s headquarters in Crewe to be restored by Bentley apprentices to its original factory specification.  

The renovation project forms a key part of the Bentley apprenticeship learning programme.     

The new apprentices will complete and assemble the trim section and restore the car’s body, paint and engine, putting into practice the modern skills they will gain during their apprenticeship while becoming familiar with traditional techniques. 

Post completion, the classic car will join Bentley’s celebrated heritage fleet where it will attend car events across the world. 

Commenting on Bentley’s commitment to skills development, Marlies Rogait, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Human Resources, says: 

“Bentley’s apprenticeship scheme offers a solid foundation to enable our trainees to learn and grow. Working on one of the most iconic Bentleys from our illustrious past is a truly unique experience, and one which will enhance their skills and knowledge and help them become experts in their chosen field.”    

The Bentley T-Series - which the manufacturing apprentices will work on - was assembled  between the years of 1965 and 1970, and featured the first monocoque chassis seen in a Bentley. In this five year period, 1,004 T-Series models were produced. With a maximum speed of 115mph and capable of achieving 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, it contained an early version of the 6¾ litre V8 engine found in Bentley’s present day flagship; the Mulsanne.

Bentley Master Trainer, Colin Jackson, who is leading the project, said “This is something everyone involved in can feel very proud of. Having the opportunity to bring back to life such an iconic Bentley doesn’t happen very often.  The challenge of restoring this car means that our apprentices will develop the traditional skills that Bentley is so famous for, and sets them up for their careers building Bentleys of the future.”

Over half of the new intake of apprentices (19) are undertaking a three year manufacturing apprenticeship programme. The curriculum is designed and delivered by Bentley Master Trainers, during which apprentices will develop skills in areas such as coach trimming, wood, paint, mechatronics and production maintenance as well as developing know-how in production technologies of the future.

The apprenticeship scheme has been running for more than 40 years and offers an invaluable way of gaining nationally recognised academic and vocational qualifications, while undertaking tailored development at Bentley.  The other 17 apprentices will be based in business areas at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, including Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Purchasing and Human Resources.

In addition to the 36 new apprentices Bentley has also recently welcomed 40 undergraduates and next month 23 graduates will join the business.  Last month Bentley received a Princess Royal Training Award in recognition of their outstanding training and skills development programmes.

To further enhance the company’s future investment in its employees and the community, Bentley is also playing a pivotal role in supporting the recently opened University Technical College in Crewe.  The new school which will focus on Engineering and Design, will provide an aspirational learning environment, incorporating the latest technology and equipment to give students a head start within industry and academia.

Harrods and caterham collaborate for a special edition model designed by the store and available in many variants.

British car manufacturer Caterham has launched its first personalisation programme – Caterham Signature – with a special edition Seven designed by world-famous department store, Harrods.

The Harrods special edition car is now on sale exclusively in store and includes a host of special features which demonstrate the breadth of options new Caterham buyers can add to their vehicles.

These include paint colours and designs, dashboard and interior styling, embroidery and even the colour of the chassis.

The £59,999 Harrods special edition is on display in the famous London store throughout October for Harrods Man month, starting from Friday October 7. The special edition Harrods Seven – a 420S under the skin – is painted in Harrods green, with a custom white stripe and gold pinstripe while, beneath the bodywork, the chassis has been powder-coated in gold.

Inside the cockpit, the butterscotch leather upholstery also reflects Harrods’ colour scheme, while the store name is embroidered on the seat backs and the Harrods ‘H’ adorns the gear knob.

The car’s styling was created in conjunction with Harrods and its design team and buyers can pick one up in store along with their fashion and luxury items.

Caterham’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “The Caterham Seven has always been one of the easiest cars on the road to personalise, because every car is hand-built and bespoke for each customer.

“But now we’ve formalised the personalisation options available to our customers into the Caterham Signature programme, which will outline the almost infinite combinations of options you can select. You can even have your name stitched into the seat.

“A Caterham Seven isn’t a car you need to buy, it’s a car you buy because you want it. As such, we believe you should make it your own in every way.

“Harrods is a global brand as proudly British as Caterham so it makes perfect sense that the very first Caterham Signature car has been created in partnership.”

Guy Cheston, Media Director of Harrods, said: “Caterham is one of Great Britain’s most famous and instantly recognisable motoring brands and it has been a pleasure to partner with the team there to create this Harrods special edition of the legendary Seven.

“We wanted to make our Harrods car a real object of desire, so our Harrods touches are subtle and understated and, at the same time, reflect genuine quality.”

The Harrods Seven is on sale exclusively in the Knightsbridge store, while the Caterham Signature programme is available now to new customers looking to place their orders.

Bentley opens first dealer in Hanoi, Vietnam.

• Bentley Hanoi dealership starts new future in Vietnam
• British brand increases presence in dynamic Asia Pacific region
• CT-Wearnes Vietnam Co Ltd announced as authorised partner

Bentley Motors launches its first dealership in Vietnam next month. The new operation is situated in Vietnam’s commercially dynamic and fast-growing capital city of Hanoi. The new dealership will offer customers the full Bentley model range as well as aftersales service and the company’s branded luxury goods.

Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, and with a metropolitan area population of over 6.2 million people, Hanoi has established itself as an important international centre for culture, finance and manufacturing. The dealership is located in the new district of Nam Tu Liem – a new commercial and financial centre in the city. Kevin Rose, Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales for Bentley Motors, comments: 

“We look forward to working in Hanoi and the already high levels of enthusiasm for Bentley from potential customers is an encouraging starting point. We have a strong partner in CT-Wearnes Vietnam who combines an in-depth knowledge of business in Vietnam with a long and successful track record of luxury automotive retailing in the region, notably with Bentley.

“Bentley is making strong progress in the key Asia Pacific region with a 49% rise in customer deliveries achieved in the first nine months of 2014 and we’re confident Bentley Hanoi will contribute to this positive performance.”

Bentley Motors now has 14 authorised dealers in the Asia Pacific region and 194 worldwide operating in 55 countries. At the quarter three point of 2014, global deliveries increased by 19%, to 7,786 cars, up from 6,516 cars in the first nine months of 2013.

For further information about Bentley Vietnam, please go to www.hanoi.bentleymotors.com

Rolls Royce anounces new Phantom Metropolitan collection at Paris.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present the latest showcase of the marque’s pinnacle Bespoke offering.

The Phantom Metropolitan Collection, unveiled today at the Mondial de L’Automobile in Paris, features exquisite hand-crafted design inspired by the modern metropolis. Just 20 of these beautifully crafted motor cars will be available to commission.

Phantom’s launch in 2003 emphatically heralded the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars by affording the world’s most discerning and successful men and women the consummate super-luxury experience. Central to the allure of its unique promise is an interior furnished in the very finest materials; expertly hand-applied by the master craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. It presents a space that cossets occupants and provides the ultimate sanctuary in which to traverse and observe the city in supreme comfort.

The Phantom Metropolitan Collection pays homage to the world’s great metropolises through the meticulous application of marquetry – the art of inlaying small pieces of wood veneer to form decorative motifs. When open, Phantom’s signature picnic table presents occupants with an elevated view of the city, created through the expert application of 500 individual wood veneer pieces. Indeed, the process of hand-cutting, colouring, shaping and applying is so complex these unique objects d’art take an expert wood craftsperson several days to complete. On closing the tables, a different perspective of the cityscape is offered – reflecting the view one gets when effortlessly travelling in the rear of a Phantom.

“I can think of no more fitting location than Paris to debut this remarkable new motor car. This is a city that echoes Rolls-Royce’s very special brand promise in perfectly combining the timeless and modern in a manner that celebrates the art of the master craftsperson,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Our customers across the globe delight in challenging our designers and craftspeople to create true, one-of-a-kind pieces of automotive art. This latest Collection serves to showcase the extraordinary scope for Bespoke personalisation afforded to every patron of the marque.”

Meticulous care is taken when selecting the individual wood veneers. Minute imperfections such as knots and flecks lead to instant rejection. Adjustments to the colour of each piece are made through the traditional hand-process of hot-sand shading before a final inspection under magnification on a light box to ensure perfection.

The cityscape theme extends beyond Phantom’s many wood surfaces. A specially developed Aetherius Greyleather colour was created to echo the colour palette of the modern city whilst 6,800 two-tone stitches to the central rear seat flutes depict an abstract image of a skyscraper. A specially developed Bespoke clock extends the theme to the front of the car. For the first time in the marque’s history, a rotating bezel expressing 24 of the great cities of the world and their time zones – Paris included – adorns the central console of a Rolls-Royce motor car.

An exterior hue, Darkest Tungsten, inspired by city skylines finishes the exterior surfaces of the motor car on display in Paris. However, as afforded to any Rolls-Royce customer, the full palette of 44,000 colours is available to those commissioning a Phantom Metropolitan Collection motor car.  Should that not be enough, the marque’s Bespoke craftspeople will create a perfect match of any colour or object a customer may wish to replicate. The exterior is completed with a hand-applied coachline that depicts an abstract silhouette of modern skyscrapers.

This is the latest in a line of remarkable, individual Bespoke masterpieces. 2014 has seen such highlights as the Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection that paid tribute to Sir Donald Campbell’s record-breaking achievements and the Pinnacle Travel Phantom that made its debut at the Beijing Auto Show. These limited Collections serve to inspire customers, with record levels of Bespoke demand reported in September 2014. Nearly every Phantom across the globe, 90% of Wraith and 80% of Ghost family motor cars were commissioned by customers with some element of Bespoke design. Bespoke is Rolls-Royce.