All articles tagged with #bentley
Bentley is adapting to the 21st century by focusing on integrating advanced digital and autonomous features, driven by competition from Chinese manufacturers like Hongqi and BYD, emphasizing a blend of luxury, convenience, and technology in their vehicles.
Vince McMahon was involved in a serious car accident in Connecticut, where his Bentley collided with a BMW and a guardrail, causing damage and leading to a reckless driving charge; no injuries were reported, and McMahon later mourned Hulk Hogan's death.
The 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed, priced around $260,000, is the most powerful and agile Bentayga yet, featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that delivers 641 horsepower, a top speed of 193 mph, and an optional Akrapovič exhaust that enhances its aggressive sound. It combines luxury, performance, and a distinctive auditory experience, appealing to high-end clientele seeking exclusivity and driving excitement.
Bentley has replaced its W-12 engine in the Bentayga Speed with a smaller 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, resulting in increased horsepower (641 hp), lighter weight, faster acceleration (0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds), and a higher top speed of 193 mph. The update includes subtle styling tweaks, improved driving dynamics with rear-wheel steering, and optional performance features like carbon-ceramic brakes and a sport exhaust. Despite losing the W-12, Bentley maintains its luxury and performance appeal, with future models expected to shift entirely to electric power.
Bentley has announced a delay in its transition to an all-electric vehicle lineup, extending its timeline to 2035 under the "Beyond100+" strategy. Originally planning to switch to only battery electric vehicles by 2030, the luxury automaker will continue producing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles until 2035. Bentley aims to release a new PHEV or BEV model annually over the next decade, with its first fully-electric model, the "Luxury Urban SUV," set to debut in 2026. This decision reflects adjustments to current economic, market, and legislative conditions.
Bentley Motors has delayed its plan to exclusively offer all-electric vehicles until at least 2035, citing weak demand from current customers and the need to adapt to market conditions. The luxury carmaker will focus on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the interim, with plans to introduce a new EV or PHEV each year starting in 2026. Bentley's shift in strategy, now called "Beyond100+", reflects the challenges of meeting legislative requirements and competition while addressing software and architectural issues in EV development.
Bentley Motors experienced a significant drop in sales, revenue, and profits in 2023 as its wealthy customers opted against buying new luxury cars to avoid flaunting their fortune amid emotional sensitivity related to the cost of living. The CEO, Adrian Hallmark, attributed the decline to a level of emotional sensitivity among the ultra-wealthy customers. Hallmark is leaving Bentley to become the CEO of Aston Martin, after presiding over a period of growth for Bentley and reshaping its strategy.
Bentley Motors is delaying its plans to exclusively offer all-electric vehicles by the end of the decade due to changing market conditions and challenges in developing its first EV. The company will continue offering plug-in hybrids alongside battery electric vehicles and expects its first EV to be released in 2026, two years later than planned. The delay is attributed to software issues and difficulties in developing the vehicle's architecture to Bentley's standards. Bentley will increase its investment in plug-in hybrids and plans to end production of traditional internal combustion engines.
US imports of Porsche, Bentley, and Audi vehicles have been delayed due to the discovery of a banned Chinese part in the cars. The part in question is a semiconductor that has been prohibited for use in the United States due to national security concerns. This delay is expected to impact the availability of these luxury vehicles in the US market.
A teardown of a vintage Bentley 6.75-liter V8 engine reveals catastrophic damage caused by hydrolock, with holes in the oil pan, rusty head bolts, poorly resurfaced block, and a connecting rod ripped apart, likely due to liquid aspiration. The engine serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hydrolock and the importance of exercising caution when driving through deep puddles.
Sales of gas-powered sports cars are surging as automakers transition to electric vehicles. Bugatti's Mistral, equipped with a powerful 16-cylinder engine, sold out quickly before the brand's shift to electric. Bentley and Mercedes are also phasing out their high-performance engines to become fully electric automakers. While enthusiasts may be hesitant about electric sports cars, experts argue that they offer engaging driving experiences and superior performance. Rimac's Nevera, an electric hypercar, has broken multiple acceleration and braking records. However, some still prefer the roar of a traditional engine, and the last great gas-powered sports cars may increase in value in the coming years.
The car involved in the explosion at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, NY, has been identified as a 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, a luxury car capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph in four seconds. The driver, Kurt P. Villani, and his wife, Monica Villani, both 53 and business owners from Grand Island, NY, were killed in the crash. The cause of the crash remains unexplained, and investigators are exploring whether a mechanical problem caused the car to accelerate out of control. The car hit a median, went airborne, and burst into flames on impact. The incident is not related to a recall of Bentley models in 2021.
Bentley's 2023 Continental GTC Speed is a luxurious and powerful convertible that offers a solid driving experience. With a weight of around 4,800 pounds, it holds the road effortlessly and feels like a land yacht. Priced at $317,000, it competes with high-end sports cars like the Ferrari Roma and Mercedes Benz S65 AMG. The GTC Speed features a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with 650 horsepower, capable of reaching a top speed of 208 mph. It offers four driving modes, including a sport mode that optimizes the engine, transmission, and suspension for a thrilling ride. The cabin is luxurious and spacious for the front passengers, but the back seats are cramped. Overall, the Bentley GTC Speed delivers a fast and enjoyable driving experience.
Bentley has completed the development of its limited-run grand-touring coupe, the Batur, and is gearing up for production. The car has over 800 unique components, including recycled, 3D-printed gold on the interior trim. The Batur is powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. All 18 Baturs have already been reserved by customers, who will work with Bentley's Mulliner personalization division to specify the colors and materials throughout the vehicle. The cars start at $2 million, and each customer-spec Batur takes around four months to produce.
Bentley Motors reported surging profits in Q1 2022, with operating profits up 27% to €216 million, thanks to wealthy buyers spending more on personalizing their cars with special paint colors, leather, stitching, and details. The rise of customization is driving record profits across the super-car segment, from Rolls-Royce and Ferrari to Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and McLaren. Bentley's CEO, Adrian Hallmark, said the average price of a Bentley sold has jumped 40% over the past four years, but only 9% of that increase is due to model price increases. "The rest is content," he said, meaning upgrades, options, and personalization.