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.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce roadster makes global debut in California at The Quail.

Automobili Lamborghini unveils the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster in occasion of the Monterey Car week in California. 

The Roadster, presented at the famous event ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, is available in a limited series of 500 units worldwide and is the first series produced, open-top Lamborghini to bear the name Superveloce.

‘‘The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. 

The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,’’ Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said during the press conference at The Quail.

As a member of Lamborghini’s storied Superveloce family, the car offers greater performance with a power increase of 50 hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575 kg (3,472 lb), that is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster. This leads to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 2,1 kg/hp (4,6 lb/hp).

The Roadster maintains the coupe’s breathtaking acceleration, sheer power and handling prowess. In an enhancement to the Superveloce coupé experience, the Superveloce Roadster’s features a power rear window that allows the free-flowing engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving.

The naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 produces 552 kW (750 hp) at 8,400 rpm and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) happens in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (> 217 mph).

Lamborghini’s highly innovative 7-speed ISR transmission delivers an incomparably emotional gear shift and transfers the engine’s power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system. Of course, as in the SV coupé the car takes advantage of adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for improved driving dynamics.

And as with the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Roadster comes with a two-piece hardtop made from carbon fibre featuring technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®, which deliver a perfect surface finish, allow complex design shapes and the highest possible component stiffness combined with extremely low weight. 

Thus, the two roof parts each weigh less than six kilograms (13.2 lb) and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They provide the perfect complement to the monocoque, which is entirely made from carbon fiber.

Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Rodster begin in early 2016 with base pricing of 357,000.00 Euros (excl. VAT) or USD 530,075.00 MSRP.

British Sports car brand BAC showcases its "MONO" 2016 model at Pebble Beach.

• BAC appeared at the highly exclusive Pebble Beach and The Quail motoring events as a sponsor, showcasing the Model Year 2016 Mono
• The Model Year 2016 Mono appeared on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, alongside Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche
• New BAC factory in Liverpool builds one Mono per month, with strong global demand from markets like the US, South America, Asia and Europe

BAC cemented its status as a unique British brand in the top tier of the luxury market with appearances at the most exclusive motoring events in the world: Pebble Beach and The Quail.

As a sponsor of The Quail Rally, – an invitation-only three-day event – The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, BAC proudly sits with some of the most recognized luxury brands in the world.

Having introduced the 2016 Model Year Mono at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month – where it unofficially broke the course record – BAC showcased the Mono on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

BAC’s appearances on the West Coast of America this week are an indication of the worldwide growth the company has seen in the last couple of years, rising from British track car manufacturer to global luxury player. 

At its new factory in Liverpool, BAC builds one car per month, with strong demand from customers in the US, Europe, South America and Asia.

Andrew Whitney, Director of Strategy and Corporate Development, said: "The Mono is much more than a track car – it’s a scrupulously engineered luxury product that uses the best materials and the best minds to create something that truly stands in a league all of its own. 

We believe that Pebble Beach and The Quail are the best events of their kind in the world and that’s why we’re here. We want driving enthusiasts around the world to experience the unique thrill of the Mono, and these events are quite simply the best places we can do that."

Andrew was pleased to welcome Andy Palmer to the BAC stand at Pebble Beach, saying: "We were delighted to have Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, visit us at The Quail. Aston Martin is a great British company and he was hugely supportive of our product and plans."

The BAC 2016 Model Year Mono features an all-new 2.5-litre Mountune four-cylinder engine producing 305bhp – that’s up 25bhp on the previous 2.3-litre Cosworth engine. The revised car weighs in at just 580kg giving an incredible 526bhp per tonne. 

The new 2016 Model Year Mono also includes a drive-by-wire throttle as well as a bespoke driver fitment culminating in a custom steering wheel and seat tailor-made for the owner. 

Rolls joins the fun at Pebble Beach with Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed collection.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection, which was conceived to celebrate Sir Malcolm Campbell’s act of setting a new world water-speed record in 1937, has made its North American debut following its presentation at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Event this morning. On Sunday, it will appear by the water at the Concours D’Elégance at Pebble Beach – the world’s premier celebration of the automobile and a fitting backdrop to the latest Collection car from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

It was on the morning of 1 September 1937 that Campbell established his legend, setting a world-record speed of 126.33mph on Italy’s Lake Maggiore in the famous Bluebird K3 boat powered by a Rolls-Royce R-Engine. The following day he went one better, piloting his craft to 129.5mph, emphatically breaking the United States’ five-year stranglehold on the world water-speed record. Campbell’s momentous achievement captured the world’s attention and reaffirmed the Rolls-Royce R-Engine’s record-breaking superiority after triumphs on land and in the air.

To celebrate this incredible act of British heroism, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke Department created the Waterspeed Collection, 35 specially designed Phantom Drophead Coupés. One of these superlative motor cars was displayed at The Quail on 15 August and will appear on the concept car lawn at Pebble Beach on 17 August.

Echoing the cutting-edge technology employed in the construction of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird K3 craft, only the finest contemporary materials furnish the Waterspeed Collection. Brushed steel perfectly complements an exclusively developed ‘Maggiore Blue’ colour scheme, whilst hand-crafted Abachi wood inlays evoke the sense of a boat effortlessly gliding through water at pace. The exterior coachline and laser etchings inside the car bring Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ motif back to life.

At the North American debut of Waterspeed at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Sir Malcolm Campbell’s successful pursuit of world-speed records on land and water were the result of his commitment to the most exacting standards of British design and engineering excellence. Such attributes are hallmarks of every Rolls-Royce motor car. This special Collection serves to display the breadth of Bespoke personalisation available to every Rolls-Royce customer. We are thrilled to celebrate excellence in automotive design and showcase the Collection at the crown jewel of automotive events here at Pebble Beach.”

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection:

The Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection features a number of exclusive Bespoke design and engineering features, perfectly executed to create a thoroughly contemporary tribute to Campbell’s famous craft.  

A specially created ‘Maggiore Blue’ colour scheme flows like water over all the surfaces of Waterspeed, outside and in. Nine layers of paint are applied before an exhaustive process of hand-sanding and the application of a cutting-edge powdered lacquer is undertaken to ensure an impeccable finish. For the first time in Rolls-Royce history, the exterior finish extends to the engine, creating a visually striking homage to the power behind Campbell’s records. The finish also adorns the car’s specially developed, fully-polished eleven-spoke wheels, providing a subtle decorative accent. The exterior is completed with a hand-painted coachline that culminates in a Bluebird motif with the design taking Rolls-Royce’s master coachline painter four hours to apply by hand.

Phantom Drophead Coupé’s traditional teak decking to the rear makes way for brushed steel, with each piece of material individually beaten by hand for 70 hours and then hand-brushed for a further 10.

The car’s exterior finish is subtly echoed via accents on the dashboard that perfectly complement the ‘Windchill Grey’ interior leather scheme. The marque’s hallmark attention-to-detail extends to the application of laser-engraved door armrest tunnel caps featuring a new interpretation of Campbell’s famous Bluebird motif.

Abachi wood also makes its Rolls-Royce debut in Waterspeed. By nature, the material is cool to the touch with a satin-like tactility, and is bookmatched at an angle to echo the wake left by a boat moving at speed.

Further reference to Campbell’s craft is made via a new interpretation of the famous ‘power reserve’ dial. As the driver presses on, the dial moves backwards towards a yellow and blue zone, echoing Campbell’s original K3 boat’s ‘going into the blue’ at maximum engine revolutions. A Bespoke clock adorned with Bluebird’s infinity symbol and dials hewn from a billet of aluminum further evoke K3.

Direct tribute to the records is paid in the glove compartment, with a debossed panel expressing the records Campbell achieved on Lake Maggiore and on Coniston Water. Finally, the steering wheel is presented in two-tone for the very first time, with ‘Maggiore Blue’ accents balancing perfectly with traditional black leather to complete a beautifully conceived interior design scheme.

“This very special motor car serves to pay a perfect homage to my grandfather’s remarkable acts of British daring and endeavour,” said Donald Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell. “The extraordinary attention-to-detail and commitment to engineering excellence so evident in these motor cars perfectly echoes the lengths my grandfather and his colleagues went to in their pursuit of the water speed records.” 

Further Rolls-Royce Bespoke presentations at Pebble Beach: 

In addition to the unveil of Waterspeed today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was pleased to present Mr. Michael Fux with the keys to the latest addition to his collection, a 2014 Wraith. Mr. Fux, one of Rolls-Royce’s most prolific Bespoke customers, received his car today at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Event.  

The two-tone car is presented in two specially developed colours; Aequus Green and Cornish White with Jade Pearl accents. Once inside, the vibrant colour theme continues with matching green across the interior, including leather seats, floor mats and carpets, leather covered stalks and steering wheel, with veneer parts complementing in Pearl Green. In true Michael Fux style, attention has been paid to even the smallest details with the speakers, front and rear vents and rear view mirror casing finished in the car’s unique green hue.

“I look forward to Pebble Beach every year,” said Michael Fux. “It’s such a great honour to be receiving my new bespoke Rolls-Royce at such a special place. This year is no different; I’m very excited about this new addition to my collection and look forward to designing more creations with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke team in the future.”