GLOBAL DEBUT AND BUSINESS SUCCESS AS BENTLEY STARS AT DETROIT

New Bentley GT Speed Convertible

•     Debut for world’s fastest four-seat convertible, GT Speed Convertible
•     Global 22 per cent sales increase, US maintaining number one status
•     Luxury flagship Mulsanne with Mulliner Driving Specification and high-efficiency Continental GT V8 also on stand

Bentley has unveiled its new open-top performance flagship, the Continental GT Speed Convertible, at the North American International Auto Show, at the same time as the business announces a 22 per cent global sales increase, with the Americas region maintaining its position as Bentley’s number one market.

Commenting during the Bentley press conference at the Detroit Auto Show, Dr.Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

“The new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is a truly breath-taking Grand Tourer, promising supercar performance and high end luxury, with the added thrill of open top motoring. This unveiling maintains our position as the largest producer of high luxury cars in the world, with our market share continuing to grow.

“2012 has been an excellent year for Bentley, with a 22 per cent increase in global sales with 8,510 cars delivered to customers. The US remains our number one market, seeing a 23 per cent growth last year with deliveries of 2,315 cars. We expect the luxury market in 2013 to be challenging but we will continue to operate a sustainable business as we look to maintain double-digit growth.”
Thrill of the open road
The new GT Speed Convertible combines the sensory pleasures of roof-down luxury touring with the shattering performance of a 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12, while delivering a 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. The close-ratio eight-speed transmission, uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfort of Bentley’s Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions.

Taking its place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental range, the new GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and in true Bentley style, no compromises have been made in craftsmanship, luxury or refinement to deliver this unrivalled performance.

Subtle sporting design cues include exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes. Inside its handcrafted cabin, the GT Speed Convertible features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, blending contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.

V8 power for a distinctive sporting soundtrack

Also on stand at Detroit is the Continental GT V8. Powered by a new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8, the Continental GT and its GT Convertible stablemate achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

The new engine delivers maximum power of 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. This translates into a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds for the GT coupe (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel. The instantly recognisable growl of the new 4.0 litre V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley siblings.

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

The Mulsanne is a pure example of the Grand Touring Bentley combining coach-built
elegance and hand crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness that together offer the world’s most exclusive driving experience. It is a luxury car that makes the joy of driving its central focus. In an era of mass production, it stands at the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

Bentley is showcasing a highly distinctive and sporting interpretation of its flagship Mulsanne at the 2013 North American International Auto Show this year. The MDS blends a range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying ‘B’ wing vents and Diamond Quilted leather trimmed cabin with driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of Bentley’s 6.75 litre V8 ultra-luxury sports sedan.

[Source : BENTLEY]