Bentley at the North American International Auto Show 2015, debuting the Mulsanne Speed.

• 9% global sales increase makes 2014 a record year
• The Americas is number one market
• Newly launched Mulsanne Speed on display at Detroit
• Continental GT Speed Convertible and Flying Spur complete NAIAS line up 

In Bentley’s most successful market, the company showcases its new flagship model, the Mulsanne Speed, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) alongside the Continental GT Speed Convertible and the Flying Spur. 

Bentley Motors has firmly reinforced its position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world after announcing a 9% increase in global deliveries in 2014. 11,020 cars were delivered, the highest figure in Bentley’s history, against 10,120 cars in 2013. The Americas remained the number one market with a 29% share of global deliveries, accounting for 3,186 cars.

New models launched in 2014 were critical to this success including the Continental GT V8 S, Flying Spur V8 and the fastest production Bentley ever, the Continental GT Speed. Customer deliveries of the new Mulsanne Speed begin in early 2015.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “We are starting this year in a strong position and I am delighted to showcase our latest models at the Detroit auto show. The US remains our largest market, accounting for nearly 30% of our business but we have seen an increase in customers all over the world last year, growing by 9% overall. 2015 is a landmark year for Bentley as we launch our greatly anticipated luxury SUV. Bentley is already the world’s most sought after luxury car brand and our future plans will only strengthen this desirability further.”           

           

Unrivalled, effortless Speed

The Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver, with 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. The reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8, 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). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain means a range extended by 50 miles (80 km).

New and contemporary styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. Dark tint accents to exterior detailing hint to the Speed’s powerful character, while on-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and handcrafted details.

Enhanced power and style for Continental GT Speed       

The Continental GT Speed Convertible joins the Mulsanne Speed at Detroit. The capabilities of Bentley’s flagship grand tourer, the Continental GT Speed are dramatically underlined with enhancements to its unique combination of supercar performance and unrivalled refinement.

Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine is now even more potent and develops 635 PS (626 bhp / 467 kW) and a record 820 Nm torque. The ultimate new Bentley GT Speed coupe reaches a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h) – the fastest production Bentley ever – while the convertible reaches 203 mph (327 km/h).

The extra dynamic performance to the Continental flagship model is complemented by an even more distinctive road presence. The sharp front splitter, discreet side skirts and elegant rear diffuser of the Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint colour and a dark tint finish applied to the 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps. 

The new appearance is further complemented by red-painted brake calipers and a stylish chrome “Speed” badge fitted to the front fenders and inside the luxurious cabin there is a completely new colour split reserved exclusively for the Speed models.

Luxury performance sedan  

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the Flying Spur completes the stand line-up at Detroit.   

Behind the athletic exterior design and immaculate interior application of luxurious leather and wood lie a host of advanced acoustic and electronic technologies. A bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. With an optional Rear Seat Entertainment suite including two 10” LCD screens, DVD players, wireless headphones and an on-board hard-drive jukebox, plus the options of full Wi-Fi connectivity and an 1100W Naim for Bentley premium sound system, the new Flying Spur is the perfect place for work or relaxation on the move.    

Powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history with 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque. A 14% improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation Flying Spur ensures a remarkable 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

M-Sport Bentleys make a great start to the season.

• 2014 Blancpain Endurance Series underway after opening round
• Continental GT3s finish a hard-fought 7^th and 8^th at Monza
• Great foundation to build on over the season

Team M-Sport Bentley open their 2014 racing account with a strong performance at the first race of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Monza, Italy. After three hours of racing in sunny and warm conditions at the famous circuit, the two Continental GT3s finished line astern in 7^th and 8^th positions. Car 8, driven by Antoine Leclerc, Jérôme D’Ambrosio and Duncan Tappy moved from 13^th on the grid to finish 7^th, just ahead of Car 7 piloted by Andy Meyrick, Guy Smith and Steven Kane. 

While the racing was challenging in itself, the really hard work started after the Saturday qualifying session. With Steven Kane having set the fourth fastest lap time, on his final lap just before the end of the session he carried too much speed in to the Ascari chicane and hit the wall nose-first. Fortunately, a combination of the strength of the Continental GT body from which the GT3 is built and the skill of the mechanics from M-Sport Bentley meant an overnight rebuild was possible, and by 10am on Sunday morning the car was ready to race. 

Brian Gush, Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, comments:
“This weekend has been a very good opening test of our cars and team. We’ve learnt a great deal and have many areas where we can make small improvements, but the whole team worked extremely hard and we’re very pleased with two top ten finishes in our first competition race. During the race the cars were strong and our drivers put in great performances, and I’m looking forward to being able to build from here at the next race at Silverstone.” 

Steven Kane drove the final stint of the race in Car 7. He comments:
“I’m really pleased with our performance here this weekend. Fortunately my pride was damaged more than the car after the crash on Saturday afternoon, and the mechanics did an amazing job overnight to have our car ready. In the race, Andy and Guy put in two very good stints to mean I could focus on bringing the car home safely. This is good start to our season and I already can’t wait to be back behind the wheel in a few weeks for the next round.”

Car 8 had an even better race, after Jérôme D’Ambrosio drove a superb stint that brought the car from 12^th to 6^th. He says:
“Before this weekend I’d only driven the Continental GT3 once, so to be able to get in this weekend and be straight on the pace shows how well balanced the car is. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint, and I was able to lean on the car and make up a few places. We’ve learnt a lot about our car and our competition, and despite our good finish I know there’s more to come.” 

The story of the race

Car 7 started the race in 4^th, with opening driver Andy Meyrick able to overtake two Ferrari 458s off the line to lie 2^nd after the opening lap. He then held off the same two Ferraris for 15 laps, despite repeated contact from one, before eventually needing to manage his rear tyres and ceding the place. When two cars ahead of him touched on lap 28 and dropped oil, Andy lost time but managed to stay on the track. He pitted from 7^thplace on lap 32, when Guy Smith took over. Traffic in the pit lane and a failed wheel nut meant a slow stop, and Guy resumed in 15^th. Guy’s racing experience then shone through, and over the 34 laps of his stint he made up five places to bring the car in on lap 66 in 10^th place to hand over to Steven Kane with a quick and efficient pit stop. After the rest of the field had pitted, Steven was in 9^th and immediately among the quickest cars on the track. He made up one place over his 30 laps to finish 8^th, just behind the sister Continental GT3. 

Car 8 started further back on the grid in 13^th, despite setting a qualifying time just 0.3 secs slower than that of Car 7. Antoine Leclerc started the race, also passing two cars on the opening lap. By the time he entered the pits to hand the car to Jérôme D’Ambrosio, he’d progressed to 8^th place. After the field had stopped Jérôme found himself 12^th, but then went on a charge – taking six places to then pit on lap 64 in 6^th place. Duncan Tappy emerged from the pit stop window in 7^th after a very fast service from the pit crew, and despite chasing down the ROAL BMW over the course of his 32 lap stint he settled for a 7^th place finish at the chequered flag.

Looking forward

With an encouraging result from their first race, M-Sport Bentley is looking forward to the next race and the rest of the Blancpain Endurance Series. The next race is the British round, at the internationally renowned Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire over the weekend of 24^th-25^th May.

Bentley at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

• Continental GT3 race car primed for Goodwood Hill
• Debuts for Continental GT V8 S and new Flying Spur V8
• Rare reunion of great Bentley Le Mans cars confirmed

Bentley announces an exciting line-up of cars today for the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 26-29) and offers a unique display of the best in British luxury and performance. 

Power and dramatic speed will be showcased by the new Bentley Continental GT3 race car on Goodwood’s famous hill run throughout the three day Festival. The 600 bhp GT3, powered by a race-going version of Bentley’s powerful and efficient 4.0 litre V8 engine, is primed to spearhead the company’s return to top-level motorsport in the Blancpain Endurance Series in Europe this summer. 

In the Supercar paddock, the new Bentley Continental GT V8 S will make its Goodwood debut. Also powered by Bentley’s acclaimed twin-turbo 4.0 litre engine; this 192 mph GT is sleeker, faster and more responsive - and has a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 4.3 seconds.

Bentley’s new Continental GT V8 S features lowered, stiffened suspension and signature sporting styling for an even sleeker, more purposeful stance.  Clearly identified by its distinctive ‘figure of eight’ exhaust tail pipes, the crowds will also be able to enjoy this model’s distinctive V8 full throttle soundtrack during the twice daily Supercar runs. 

Legendary Bentley performance from another era comes in the form of a car affectionately known as ‘Old Number 1’. The Speed Six Bentley won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 with Woolf Barnato partnering Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin (1929) and Glen Kidston (1930) as well as winning at Brooklands.

This unique racing car will be joined by two more Speed Six Bentleys. ‘Old Number 2’ and ‘Old Number 3’ are both in their original form and raced alongside Old No.1 at Le Mans in 1930. Only rarely seen together since their racing days, these three fabled Bentleys will be reunited at Goodwood.

Bentley’s new car presence continues on the Bentley stand, where the new Flying Spur V8 sedan will make its Goodwood debut.

Combining a luxurious and spacious cabin featuring handcrafted wood veneers and leather as well as a suite of on-board technology to make this Bentley the ideal place for work or relaxation on the move; the Flying Spur V8 nevertheless maintains a performance edge, with a top speed of 183 mph and 0-60 mph covered in less than 5 seconds.

Further details of Bentley’s presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will be released in due course.