Bentley: Bentayga News
04-12-2005, 02:46 PM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Bentley: Bentayga News
Ummm...just what we need...another SUV. 
But, in case you folks are interested! FYI...
===========
Bentley Plots £120k Super 4x4
Source: Autocar
Autocar has obtained tantalising details of a secret Bentley off-roader powered by a 450bhp 6.0-litre W12 engine that, if put into production, could radically alter the status quo at the upper end of the four-wheel-drive market. Codenamed BY616, the luxurious offering is among a number of proposals put forward by parent company Volkswagen in recent months as a means of further expanding the Bentley marque against a backdrop of surging sales, renewed brand awareness and an expanding customer base.
The big new Bentley, depicted here in our exclusive computer-generated images, is derived from the forthcoming Audi Q7 – Ingolstadt’s answer to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-class – due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
However, like Bentley’s recent models, the BY616 has been conceived with a unique body and interior – the latter foregoing the Audi’s seven-seat layout for a more commodious five-seat arrangement.
Production of the proposed model had been rejected by Bentley boss Franz-Josef Paefgen in a boardroom debate last December, and a senior Bentley insider told Autocar that he was also strongly against the idea of a 4x4.
But there remains a strong lobby of support for the new car, and the Bentley boss could be overruled by the upper echelons of VW, which is keen to see the British car maker’s production volume rise above 10,000 annually in the long term. ‘At this level Bentley can be self-sustaining,’ said a high-ranking Wolfsburg insider. ‘With the existing range that is only possible for one or two years at best. We want to sustain it at this level indefinitely.’
Paefgen has had disagreements over 4x4s before. When boss of Audi, he refused to build an Audi version of the Touraeg/Cayenne project, commissioning the Allroad instead.
The idea behind the BY616 stems from the success of the Touareg Sport, which uses the W12 engine. Produced in a limited run of 500, the rapid four-wheel drive sold out within a month of its announcement last September, despite a price tag of £96,850, and 330 of them went to the Middle East alone.
The new Bentley has been conceived to sit at the very top of the Volkswagen Group’s four-wheel-drive hierarchy, above the Touareg and Audi Q7. And price estimates of £120,000 by industry analysts make it almost double the price of a Range Rover. With much of its mechanical package sourced from within the Volkswagen Group, analysts contend BY616 could generate profits on volumes of ‘slightly less than 2000 annually’ over a 10-year model cycle.
The big concern, of course, is the risk to Bentley’s blue-chip image, but Bentley’s customer base has changed dramatically in recent years, and there are signs that the majority of new Bentley owners may actually welcome such a move. ‘The average age of Continental GT buyers is below 50,’ says a Bentley US source, ‘Many don’t have any preconceptions of what a Bentley should be, except that it must make a bold visual statement.’ While a 4x4 may seem at odds with Bentley’s traditional image, the controversial Cayenne, for example, has become a successful and profitable part of the Porsche range.
The BY616 has been conceived around the same platform as the Audi Q7, itself a development of the structure underpinning the Touareg and Cayenne. Features include permanent four-wheel drive and air springs and, like the Q7, it does without a transfer case and low-ratio gearing.
Initial proposals call for a car stretching to over 5100mm long, nearly 2000mm wide and 1750mm high. Our images convey how the new car could look rather than providing any detailed clues to its appearance.
As with the Continental GT and Flying Spur, the BY616 has been conceived to use a 6.0-litre W12 engine. Unlike in its coupé and saloon siblings, however, the four-valve-per-cylinder unit is normally aspirated, with power dropping from 650bhp to 450bhp – as in the Touareg W12 Sport – while torque dips by 37lb ft to 442lb ft. Despite the drop and a probable kerbweight well above 2000kg, performance would be quite impressive if the Touareg’s 0-62mph time of 5.9sec is anything to go by.
There is also the possibility of endowing the BY616 with hybrid power, boosting the W12 with electric motors. Such a set-up is being readied for the Q7, according to Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn, which would make it easily adaptable for the Bentley.
Also being weighed up is a modified version of Audi’s new 4.2-litre V8 diesel, which is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In the upcoming Q7, it pushes out a stout 310bhp and 516lb ft.
Bentley has already eyed up Volkswagen’s under-utilised Dresden facility to boost its production capacity. Home to the slow selling Volkswagen Phaeton, the ultra-modern factory appears perfectly suited to Bentley’s requirements, especially as the 4x4 would use a different platform to the Conti GT and Flying Spur.
But, in case you folks are interested! FYI...
===========
Bentley Plots £120k Super 4x4
Source: Autocar
Autocar has obtained tantalising details of a secret Bentley off-roader powered by a 450bhp 6.0-litre W12 engine that, if put into production, could radically alter the status quo at the upper end of the four-wheel-drive market. Codenamed BY616, the luxurious offering is among a number of proposals put forward by parent company Volkswagen in recent months as a means of further expanding the Bentley marque against a backdrop of surging sales, renewed brand awareness and an expanding customer base.
The big new Bentley, depicted here in our exclusive computer-generated images, is derived from the forthcoming Audi Q7 – Ingolstadt’s answer to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-class – due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
However, like Bentley’s recent models, the BY616 has been conceived with a unique body and interior – the latter foregoing the Audi’s seven-seat layout for a more commodious five-seat arrangement.
Production of the proposed model had been rejected by Bentley boss Franz-Josef Paefgen in a boardroom debate last December, and a senior Bentley insider told Autocar that he was also strongly against the idea of a 4x4.
But there remains a strong lobby of support for the new car, and the Bentley boss could be overruled by the upper echelons of VW, which is keen to see the British car maker’s production volume rise above 10,000 annually in the long term. ‘At this level Bentley can be self-sustaining,’ said a high-ranking Wolfsburg insider. ‘With the existing range that is only possible for one or two years at best. We want to sustain it at this level indefinitely.’
Paefgen has had disagreements over 4x4s before. When boss of Audi, he refused to build an Audi version of the Touraeg/Cayenne project, commissioning the Allroad instead.
The idea behind the BY616 stems from the success of the Touareg Sport, which uses the W12 engine. Produced in a limited run of 500, the rapid four-wheel drive sold out within a month of its announcement last September, despite a price tag of £96,850, and 330 of them went to the Middle East alone.
The new Bentley has been conceived to sit at the very top of the Volkswagen Group’s four-wheel-drive hierarchy, above the Touareg and Audi Q7. And price estimates of £120,000 by industry analysts make it almost double the price of a Range Rover. With much of its mechanical package sourced from within the Volkswagen Group, analysts contend BY616 could generate profits on volumes of ‘slightly less than 2000 annually’ over a 10-year model cycle.
The big concern, of course, is the risk to Bentley’s blue-chip image, but Bentley’s customer base has changed dramatically in recent years, and there are signs that the majority of new Bentley owners may actually welcome such a move. ‘The average age of Continental GT buyers is below 50,’ says a Bentley US source, ‘Many don’t have any preconceptions of what a Bentley should be, except that it must make a bold visual statement.’ While a 4x4 may seem at odds with Bentley’s traditional image, the controversial Cayenne, for example, has become a successful and profitable part of the Porsche range.
The BY616 has been conceived around the same platform as the Audi Q7, itself a development of the structure underpinning the Touareg and Cayenne. Features include permanent four-wheel drive and air springs and, like the Q7, it does without a transfer case and low-ratio gearing.
Initial proposals call for a car stretching to over 5100mm long, nearly 2000mm wide and 1750mm high. Our images convey how the new car could look rather than providing any detailed clues to its appearance.
As with the Continental GT and Flying Spur, the BY616 has been conceived to use a 6.0-litre W12 engine. Unlike in its coupé and saloon siblings, however, the four-valve-per-cylinder unit is normally aspirated, with power dropping from 650bhp to 450bhp – as in the Touareg W12 Sport – while torque dips by 37lb ft to 442lb ft. Despite the drop and a probable kerbweight well above 2000kg, performance would be quite impressive if the Touareg’s 0-62mph time of 5.9sec is anything to go by.
There is also the possibility of endowing the BY616 with hybrid power, boosting the W12 with electric motors. Such a set-up is being readied for the Q7, according to Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn, which would make it easily adaptable for the Bentley.
Also being weighed up is a modified version of Audi’s new 4.2-litre V8 diesel, which is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In the upcoming Q7, it pushes out a stout 310bhp and 516lb ft.
Bentley has already eyed up Volkswagen’s under-utilised Dresden facility to boost its production capacity. Home to the slow selling Volkswagen Phaeton, the ultra-modern factory appears perfectly suited to Bentley’s requirements, especially as the 4x4 would use a different platform to the Conti GT and Flying Spur.
04-12-2005, 03:18 PM
#2
It looks hot. Although for a Bentley, I would've expected them to go full-size. I can tell this is just a rebadged Touraeg, which is a midsize.
04-12-2005, 03:31 PM
#4
I'm the Firestarter
Oh dear.
Next month: Jaguar SUV.
Next month: Jaguar SUV.
04-12-2005, 03:34 PM
#5
Pit Stop?
Originally Posted by phile
It looks hot. Although for a Bentley, I would've expected them to go full-size. I can tell this is just a rebadged Touraeg, which is a midsize.
It's rediculous there are no luxury marquis that have a 7-seat SUV. Range Rover, Porsche, and now Bentley........it's all bullshit. Do rich people not have big families?
04-12-2005, 03:37 PM
#7
Originally Posted by Minch00
It's rediculous there are no luxury marquis that have a 7-seat SUV. Range Rover, Porsche, and now Bentley........it's all bullshit. Do rich people not have big families?
Trending Topics
04-12-2005, 03:43 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
:iblamborghinimakesanothersuv:
:ibferrarimakesanothersuv:
Beat that! Bish!
04-12-2005, 03:46 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
I was just keeping it in the family.
I guess we could have an :ibbugattimakesanothersuv: then...
04-12-2005, 04:01 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
Before they can make another SUV, they'd need to make A SUV.
Dan, who think's that a Bugatti SUV would sell like crazy.
Dan, who think's that a Bugatti SUV would sell like crazy.
I was just getting comfortable with AZ again...
04-12-2005, 04:45 PM
#13
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
This shit is horrible. Hopefully this full crisis will make them change their mind. First Porsche, now this. Common folx stay true to your ROOTS.
04-12-2005, 05:40 PM
#14
The sizzle in the Steak
Pure Crap!
04-12-2005, 08:52 PM
#16
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A rebadge of the corporate SUV is a big mistake. IMO, they would have done better with a 7 seat, full size car based SUV based off of the Flying Spur. That way, you have a Crossover/SUV, AWD that is unique to the the brand while sharing the chassis to keep costs down. I don't think the 4X4 hardware found in the Toureg matters all that much when you're talking about Bently's customers.
04-13-2005, 12:22 AM
#17
^^ A Bentley in the size of an Escalade would be on every celebrity's American Express Black Card purchase.
04-13-2005, 08:34 AM
#18
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by phile
^^ A Bentley in the size of an Escalade would be on every celebrity's American Express Black Card purchase.
04-13-2005, 09:49 PM
#20
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Belzebutt
Oh dear.
Next month: Jaguar SUV.
Next month: Jaguar SUV.
circa May 2004
https://acurazine.com/forums/automotive-news-6/jaguar-z-type-news-%2A%2Adetails-page-1-%2A%2A-141156/
oh yea - the Bentley SUV will sell. mad.
04-14-2005, 11:55 AM
#22
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Ruski
I wanna see a Maybach SUV
04-14-2005, 02:17 PM
#24
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by Ruski
Lambo SUV would be nice too.
The Saudi's bought them like candy.
04-14-2005, 02:31 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
The Lamborghini LM0002 was years ahead of it's time: http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/LM002/
The Saudi's bought them like candy.
The Saudi's bought them like candy.
Aww...the doors don't open like the Murcielago? Booooo...
04-14-2005, 03:09 PM
#26
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
A 76 gallon gas tank! Hot damn. That would be a good $175 just to fill up! Not to mention a V12 that probably gets <10 miles to a gallon
03-05-2012, 02:28 PM
#27
Bentley EXP 9 F concept
BENTLEY REVEALS EXP 9 F – A PINNACLE LUXURY PERFORMANCE SUV DESIGN CONCEPT
- EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show
- Potential for third Bentley model-line alongside Mulsanne and Continental ranges
- Bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV
- A fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability
- 6.0 litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine and 8 speed transmission
(Geneva, 5 March 2012) Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d'Auto. The Company's designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.
Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.
Today a global luxury brand with a network of 160 dealers from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Bentley has an increasingly diverse customer base spanning every continent. For many customers, a dramatically styled, Bentley all-wheel drive SUV which combines a spacious, versatile cabin and commanding driving position, with Bentley's hallmark power, performance, advanced technology and hand crafted luxury, would be a natural choice both on and off-road.
"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations." Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
BOLD, DYNAMIC, SPORTY DESIGN
- Key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F with innovative detailing
- Sculptured flowing surfaces emphasise power, muscularity and robustness
From a designer's perspective, EXP 9 F was a dream project, the chance to create a completely new type of Bentley. From the very beginning, the design team had a clear vision for the new Bentley SUV, as Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains:
"EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley's sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition."
A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.
Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The 'hewn from solid' design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.
The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the 'visible engineering' of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and 'rifled' inner surface finish.
The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley's Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8's high-tech racing alloys.
At the rear, the swooping lines of the tailgate avoid utilitarian overtones in favour of a distinctly sporting profile, while the ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate offers a high level of versatility when grand touring. The bold design language of EXP 9 F is complemented by twin exhaust tailpipes with 'rifled' inner surfaces, their elliptical shapes echoing those of the rear light clusters.
The rear lights are inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines, uniquely designed so that they glow from within, spreading their light outwards.
INTERIOR – A FUSION OF LUXURY WITH UTILITY
- Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British 'sporting' luxury craft detailing
- Contemporary use of touchscreen and tailored interface technologies
- Fresh interpretation of traditional handcrafted materials with highly durable surfaces
- High degree of practicality including versatile rear cabin layout and full-width, two-piece tailgate
Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes – technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance – and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology, as Dirk van Braeckel explains:
"The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley's craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way."
Traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury, yet the way they are used sets a fresh and contemporary interior ambience. Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT 'virtual' instrumentation.
Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.
The upright dashboard design features a full-width, one-piece wood veneer with a subtly negative surface and instruments with a configurable display. Traditional Bentley 'bulls eye' vents have a 'rifled' gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance. The centre console is a blend of functionality and supreme ergonomics with dynamic, architectural layers which help to create a central spine to the cabin. The frame of the console is also a structural component with integrated, sculpted grab handles.
The flowing roof design with a panoramic glass panel is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars, expressing both strength and lightness.
Rear seat passengers can chose between business mode, with generous legroom complete with fold-down keyboard and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet or a more reclined position with powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies. When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create a larger loadspace for sports equipment or luggage.
The EXP 9 F seating is 4+1, with a rear armrest lifting to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. Seats feature a diamond-quilted 'shoulder line' in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket.
At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table. Bespoke picnic hampers are stowed neatly to either side of the loadspace when not in use, but are located on rails for easy access. An awning extends over the tailgate to protect those seated there; two umbrellas fit either side of the rear luggage area for when the rain clouds sweep in.
COMMANDING DRIVING POSITION AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE
- Inspired blend of traditional analogue and TFT touchscreen technology
- Bespoke interface engineering – tailored to the individual with driver-selectable instrumentation modes
As befits a Bentley, the EXP 9 F design concept features a near-infinite choice of driver information and entertainment options. However the design and electrical engineering teams sought to avoid creating a cluttered or confusing driver and passenger environment, presenting only the information that each user needs, when they need it.
As a result, EXP 9 F places key driver information such as 3D navigation in a central TFT panel directly in the driver's line of sight, where it is flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials. Meanwhile controls that are shared between driver and front seat passenger, such as cabin temperature, air vents and entertainment are presented in the central touchscreen and console. The TFT screen deploys from the full-width metal trim to provide a fully integrated extension to the glass surface of the centre console
Three different driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Off-Road – are selectable according to the road environment and type of journey. Thus the driver information TFT panel would be able to switch between satellite navigation on the motorway to a 'sump cam' when negotiating a bumpy track.
BENTLEY POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company's recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.
Whilst EXP 9 F is primarily intended to investigate new design territory – and all drivetrain options remain under consideration – any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance the marque is renowned for. The W12 6.0 litre powertrain, for example, could develop 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with key performance indicators like the top speed and 0-60mph sprint time all setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector.
EVALUATION, REFINEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING
When the first generation Continental GT was unveiled in 2003 it represented the renaissance of Bentley as a global luxury icon, subsequent launches such as Mulsanne, Continental Flying Spur saloon and the new Continental GT have seen the Bentley brand growing from strength to strength.
EXP 9 F represents the chance to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be – literally – new terrain for the brand. Bentley's experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.
Customer and public reaction will be analysed following the unveiling of EXP 9 F at Geneva 2012, with the aim of refining the concept further. Above all, Bentley will be listening carefully to the reaction of customers and potential customers throughout the world, prior to making any definitive commitment to production.
"A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn't necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon – it could equally well be an SUV. What's important is that it should be true to Bentley's brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers." – Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.
- EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show
- Potential for third Bentley model-line alongside Mulsanne and Continental ranges
- Bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV
- A fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability
- 6.0 litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine and 8 speed transmission
(Geneva, 5 March 2012) Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d'Auto. The Company's designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.
Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.
Today a global luxury brand with a network of 160 dealers from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Bentley has an increasingly diverse customer base spanning every continent. For many customers, a dramatically styled, Bentley all-wheel drive SUV which combines a spacious, versatile cabin and commanding driving position, with Bentley's hallmark power, performance, advanced technology and hand crafted luxury, would be a natural choice both on and off-road.
"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations." Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
BOLD, DYNAMIC, SPORTY DESIGN
- Key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F with innovative detailing
- Sculptured flowing surfaces emphasise power, muscularity and robustness
From a designer's perspective, EXP 9 F was a dream project, the chance to create a completely new type of Bentley. From the very beginning, the design team had a clear vision for the new Bentley SUV, as Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains:
"EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley's sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition."
A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.
Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The 'hewn from solid' design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.
The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the 'visible engineering' of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and 'rifled' inner surface finish.
The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley's Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8's high-tech racing alloys.
At the rear, the swooping lines of the tailgate avoid utilitarian overtones in favour of a distinctly sporting profile, while the ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate offers a high level of versatility when grand touring. The bold design language of EXP 9 F is complemented by twin exhaust tailpipes with 'rifled' inner surfaces, their elliptical shapes echoing those of the rear light clusters.
The rear lights are inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines, uniquely designed so that they glow from within, spreading their light outwards.
INTERIOR – A FUSION OF LUXURY WITH UTILITY
- Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British 'sporting' luxury craft detailing
- Contemporary use of touchscreen and tailored interface technologies
- Fresh interpretation of traditional handcrafted materials with highly durable surfaces
- High degree of practicality including versatile rear cabin layout and full-width, two-piece tailgate
Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes – technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance – and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology, as Dirk van Braeckel explains:
"The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley's craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way."
Traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury, yet the way they are used sets a fresh and contemporary interior ambience. Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT 'virtual' instrumentation.
Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.
The upright dashboard design features a full-width, one-piece wood veneer with a subtly negative surface and instruments with a configurable display. Traditional Bentley 'bulls eye' vents have a 'rifled' gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance. The centre console is a blend of functionality and supreme ergonomics with dynamic, architectural layers which help to create a central spine to the cabin. The frame of the console is also a structural component with integrated, sculpted grab handles.
The flowing roof design with a panoramic glass panel is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars, expressing both strength and lightness.
Rear seat passengers can chose between business mode, with generous legroom complete with fold-down keyboard and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet or a more reclined position with powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies. When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create a larger loadspace for sports equipment or luggage.
The EXP 9 F seating is 4+1, with a rear armrest lifting to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. Seats feature a diamond-quilted 'shoulder line' in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket.
At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table. Bespoke picnic hampers are stowed neatly to either side of the loadspace when not in use, but are located on rails for easy access. An awning extends over the tailgate to protect those seated there; two umbrellas fit either side of the rear luggage area for when the rain clouds sweep in.
COMMANDING DRIVING POSITION AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE
- Inspired blend of traditional analogue and TFT touchscreen technology
- Bespoke interface engineering – tailored to the individual with driver-selectable instrumentation modes
As befits a Bentley, the EXP 9 F design concept features a near-infinite choice of driver information and entertainment options. However the design and electrical engineering teams sought to avoid creating a cluttered or confusing driver and passenger environment, presenting only the information that each user needs, when they need it.
As a result, EXP 9 F places key driver information such as 3D navigation in a central TFT panel directly in the driver's line of sight, where it is flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials. Meanwhile controls that are shared between driver and front seat passenger, such as cabin temperature, air vents and entertainment are presented in the central touchscreen and console. The TFT screen deploys from the full-width metal trim to provide a fully integrated extension to the glass surface of the centre console
Three different driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Off-Road – are selectable according to the road environment and type of journey. Thus the driver information TFT panel would be able to switch between satellite navigation on the motorway to a 'sump cam' when negotiating a bumpy track.
BENTLEY POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company's recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.
Whilst EXP 9 F is primarily intended to investigate new design territory – and all drivetrain options remain under consideration – any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance the marque is renowned for. The W12 6.0 litre powertrain, for example, could develop 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with key performance indicators like the top speed and 0-60mph sprint time all setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector.
EVALUATION, REFINEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING
When the first generation Continental GT was unveiled in 2003 it represented the renaissance of Bentley as a global luxury icon, subsequent launches such as Mulsanne, Continental Flying Spur saloon and the new Continental GT have seen the Bentley brand growing from strength to strength.
EXP 9 F represents the chance to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be – literally – new terrain for the brand. Bentley's experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.
Customer and public reaction will be analysed following the unveiling of EXP 9 F at Geneva 2012, with the aim of refining the concept further. Above all, Bentley will be listening carefully to the reaction of customers and potential customers throughout the world, prior to making any definitive commitment to production.
"A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn't necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon – it could equally well be an SUV. What's important is that it should be true to Bentley's brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers." – Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.
03-05-2012, 02:49 PM
#29
2016 Acura TLX
umm, .... no
03-05-2012, 02:51 PM
#30
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Merged.
03-05-2012, 02:53 PM
#31
Moderator
The wheels in that picture are terrible, but I can imagine this car being a success in certain oil-rich countries.
03-05-2012, 02:54 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Has the body shape of a Range Rover...
03-05-2012, 10:35 PM
#33
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Agreed Yummy, this looks a lot like a Range Rover. The rear shot especially looks like a Sport.
03-06-2012, 07:32 PM
#38
the autocar image from the first post looks better than this.
05-27-2014, 10:37 AM
#39
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
01-13-2015, 09:46 PM
#40
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Official name is to be the "Bentayga".
Bentley's site for the SUV: http://bentayga.bentleymotors.com/en...ntley-suv.html
Bentley's site for the SUV: http://bentayga.bentleymotors.com/en...ntley-suv.html