Wanderlust

Category: News

  • Mulliner Curates Private White V.C. Limited Edition Bentley Bentayga

    Mulliner Curates Private White V.C. Limited Edition Bentley Bentayga

    • One of one bespoke limited edition Bentayga inspired by Private Jack White, who was awarded the Victoria Cross after World War 1.
    • Copper detailing and bespoke sewing styles reflect Private White V.C. design origins
    • Unique colour matched 22” wheels
    • Silhouette of ‘Cottenham House’, the Private White V.C. factory built in 1853, overlayed onto wood veneered passenger fascia
    • Bespoke Bentayga includes a capsule collection of bespoke clothing for the owner, handcrafted by Private White V.C.
    • Limited Edition already sold by Bentley Manchester

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors is proud to announce the limited edition one of one Private White V.C. Bentayga, by Mulliner. This bespoke Bentayga commissioned by Bentley Manchester and Mulliner is a true expression of British heritage, handmade craftsmanship and luxury fashion that both Private White V.C. and Bentley Motors represent. This unique specification of Bentayga has already secured its home, having been sold to a local enthusiast.

    Private Jack White was born in 1896 and enlisted to help the war effort in World War 1. He returned to Manchester as a war hero after being awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry by saving an officer, men and equipment by tying a copper telephone line around himself, and swimming across a river under heavy gunfire to rescue others.

    Taking inspiration from the courage of Private White and today’s clothing line, the specially commissioned Bentayga Azure uses multiple copper detailing throughout the cabin including seat piping, embroidery and bespoke features, representing the copper telephone line. 

    Additionally, to the seats and door interiors, clean purposeful sewing lines reflect the style and functionality of military inspired clothing. Bespoke embroidery including the Victoria Cross emblem to the headrests and Private White V.C. lettering finish the cabin details off perfectly. Loose cushions to the rear have been crafted from a Lancashire-woven cashmere cloth commissioned exclusively to commemorate Jack White’s regimental blanket stripe. 

    The dashboard includes organ stops finished in anodised copper and a silhouette of ‘Cottenham House’, the Private White V.C. factory built in 1853, to the passenger fascia. As a hidden delight not only are there bespoke treadplates, but in the door pockets a subtle embroidered bulldog can be found representing the company’s unofficial mascot who can often be seen at the factory today.

    The exterior of the Bentayga is finished in Dark Sapphire (darksapphire; metallic UNI; 6508 / 9560110 / LR5W; Bentley) with contemporary Blackline Specification and rear privacy glass. The bespoke 22” bright machined colour matched wheels provide a dark canvas for the Private White V.C. bespoke badging and subtle copper accents.

    The final highlight in this bespoke collaboration is that the customer for the limited edition will also receive a capsule collection of bespoke clothing from Private White V.C. as part of this unique curation.

    Private Jack White V.C.

    Jack White was born Jacob Weiss on 23 December 1896 in Leeds. At the outbreak of war he was in Sweden, but returned, enlisted in the 6th (Service) Battalion King’s Own and served throughout the war in the Middle East – at Gallipoli and in Mesopotamia (Iraq). He was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry during an attempted crossing of the Dialah River by Captain S. Patterson and 60 men of the Battalion, including White, on the night of 7/8 March 1917. 

    “No. 18105 Pte. Jack White, R. Lanc. R.

    For most conspicuous bravery and resource.

    This signaller during an attempt to cross a river saw the two Pontoons ahead of him come under heavy machine-gun fire, with disastrous results. When his own Pontoon had reached midstream, with every man except himself either dead or wounded, finding that he was unable to control the Pontoon, Pte. White promptly tied a telephone wire to the Pontoon, jumped overboard, and towed it to the shore, thereby saving an officer’s life and bringing to land the rifles and equipment of the other men in the boat, who were either dead or dying”

    After his military service, Jack White began an apprenticeship as a pattern cutter in his local raincoat factory. He quickly rose up the ranks and in 1934 was appointed general manager. In 1937, after less than twenty years of service he became the sole owner of the factory.

    In 1916, Private White V.C. supplied the Allied Forces with cotton gabardine trench coats, and in the 1940s were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence to supply the RAF with waterproof parkas. Private White V.C., based in Manchester has been established for over 100 years and offers high-quality and stylish garments made from the finest materials and craftsmanship.

    In 2020, to help combat the global pandemic of COVID-19, Private White V.C. volunteered its services at the Department of Health & Social Care and quickly became the largest manufacturer of medical-grade gowns and surgical masks in the country.

    Straddling the banks of the River Irwell, the Private White V.C. factory continues to flourish thanks to the relentless drive and steadfast determination of its remarkable workforce. The team of over 100 personalities across 13 different nationalities, strives each day to produce the highest quality garments using only the finest regionally sourced cloths and materials.

    – ENDS –

    Bentayga Azure (23MY): WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 78.4 (3.0). Combined CO₂ – 68g/km.

  • Jaguar C-X75, Re-Engineered and Enhanced by CALLUM

    Jaguar C-X75, Re-Engineered and Enhanced by CALLUM

    • With hundreds of improvements, one of only four surviving stunt cars from the James Bond movie Spectre has been extensively upgraded for road use by CALLUM
    • CALLUM, co-founded by its original designer Ian Callum, will reveal the revamped C-X75 on 21 April at the next Bicester Scramble, held at Bicester Heritage
    • Scramblers will be the first to see the now road legal, iconic car, up close

    [source: CALLUM]

    Warwick, UK – A Jaguar C-X75 used in Spectre’s dramatic car chase has been substantially re-engineered by CALLUM to make it road legal. Its public debut will be on 21 April 2024 at Bicester Heritage’s upcoming Scramble.

    Originally created by the Jaguar Design team, led by Ian Callum in 2010, the Jaguar C-X75 played a starring role in 007’s action sequences filmed in the Vatican City. Just four of the five stunt cars survived with this particular chassis, Car Seven, the only one now licenced for UK road use after extensive work by CALLUM’s engineers.

    Built by Williams Advanced Engineering for the 2015 film, the C-X75 stunt cars were designed to withstand punishing chase scenes. Constructed around a robust, tubular spaceframe chassis with rally-derived suspension and Jaguar’s 5.0 litre, supercharged V8 engine, CALLUM’s private customer commissioned the Warwick-based team to transform the C-X75 for road use whilst carefully preserving its iconic history.

    To achieve the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certification needed for UK road use, CALLUM’s engineers made hundreds of changes including new E-marked glass, switchgear, a quieter exhaust and catalytic convertors along with associated engine calibration tuning. Having previously achieved IVA for other niche cars not originally destined for the road, such as Aston Martin’s DB4 GT Continuation Series, CALLUM has accumulated significant experience to develop low volume, novel engineered solutions. Examples on the C-X75 include creating new wing mirrors with integrated side repeaters to replace the foam models used on the stunt car.

    In addition to satisfying the legislative requirements, CALLUM’s craftspeople sought solutions to improve the quality of the bodywork and fittings. Surplus quick release latches, essential to enable access during filming were removed. Panel gaps were reduced and aligned, the carbon fibre surface finish was enhanced, carefully resurfaced and repainted.

    The original stunt car C-X75 was praised for its taut body control, sharp steering and agility. Led by CALLUM engineering director Adam Donfrancesco, its in-house engineers ensured the fluid and engaging driving dynamics were retained by making detailed but minor adjustments to dampers and ride height.

    “Stunt cars are arguably the true stars, bringing to life the legendary scenes that stay with us as car enthusiasts,” says Donfrancesco. “So few actually survive the rigours of filming, preservation was key whilst meeting the legislation and it’s great we can reveal it to the enthusiastic Scramblers.”

    “Ian Callum and CALLUM have been long-time supporters and friends of Bicester Heritage, so we are delighted to be able to showcase its latest work on the C-X75. It is surely one of the finest chapters in his impressive back catalogue, and to see it on the road would be an unforgettable sight,” says Dan Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion.

    April’s Scramble, which takes place on 21 April 2024 and coincides with Drive-it Day, sold out in less than three weeks with over 8,000 enthusiasts set to attend the Oxfordshire venue renowned for a relaxed atmosphere and an unparalleled mix of new and classic vehicles on show across the former airbase.

    The Jaguar C-X75 will be located at The Armoury on the site.

    About CALLUM
    CALLUM is a design and engineering business that creates and crafts its own bespoke and limited-edition products, and provides consultancy and services to partners and third parties. Combining progressive design with engineering that pushes boundaries, CALLUM’s products and services span automotive, lifestyle, and travel.

    Nimble and agile, CALLUM operates from its 20,000ft2 facility in Warwick, UK, that houses the latest technology to deliver: design; 3D modelling, printing and scanning; colour, materials and finishes development; whole vehicle engineering; vehicle development and homologation testing; prototyping; machining, and trim services.

    CALLUM takes a collaborative approach: bringing together a team of 20+ talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and motorsport, as well as embracing opportunities to collaborate with other businesses. Striving to build a legacy through innovative design and engineering, CALLUM takes on projects that intrigue and excite, creating stories that stir the imagination.

    Established in July 2019, CALLUM’s founding members include British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work that includes the Aston Martin Vanquish. Through its Next Generation initiative, CALLUM strives to support and nurture young minds and talent, fostering an environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning to ensure CALLUM remains relevant, progressive, and true to its roots.

  • Bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrids for The Peninsula London

    Bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrids for The Peninsula London

    • The Peninsula’s new flagship Belgravia hotel commissions four bespoke Bentayga Hybrid models for guest transportation
    • Bentayga Hybrid chosen for its remarkable quality and comfort, proven sustainability credentials and effortless performance
    • Bespoke Mulliner features and finishes include exterior paintwork in ‘Peninsula Green’ with two-piece coachline in ‘Honey’
    • Interior specification includes Saddle main hide with Beluga secondary hide, Burr Walnut veneer and ‘The Peninsula’ illuminated treadplates 
    • Up to 28 miles range in zero-emission EV mode; ideal for guests exploring London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone 
    • The Bentayga Hybrids are The Peninsula Hotels’ first luxury hybrid SUV fleet, maintaining its tradition of luxurious transportation.

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Guests of the new Peninsula London hotel can now experience the company’s legendary luxury even before alighting at the hotel entrance, as they are driven through London in one of the property’s new, bespoke Bentayga Hybrids. Four Bentayga Hybrid SUVs have been commissioned by The Peninsula London to provide luxurious, near-silent transportation for guests, whether within the city’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone or further afield. 

    Bentley’s Bentayga Hybrid is the only hybrid SUV in the bespoke automotive sector and offers a compelling blend of refinement, effortless performance, and cosseting luxury. The combination of 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, electric motor and 18.0 kWh battery deliver a remarkable spectrum of performance, from the calm of near-silent zero-emission EV mode to powerful open road acceleration. An EV range of up to 28 miles will enable the majority of The Peninsula London’s journeys to be completed without emitting a single gram of CO2. For journeys further afield, the combined output of 462 PS (456 bhp) delivers the effortless performance that Bentley is renowned for. 

    Bespoke specification, executed by Mulliner
    The Peninsula’s exacting specifications were executed by the artisans of Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division. Finishes and trim were carefully chosen to reflect the Group’s distinctive livery, recognised the world over. Exterior bodywork, roof rails and brightware are finished in Peninsula Green, with the subtlest of two-piece coachlines in Honey. A discreet ‘The Peninsula London’ graphic adorns the front doors. Unique welcome lamps project The Peninsula logo upon the ground to guide guests when the doors are opened. 

    All four Bentayga Hybrids feature the Azure specification, with its emphasis on wellness and comfort. Saddle main hide colour and Beluga secondary hide create an ambience of timeless serenity; the seat backs feature ‘wellness quilting’, while the deep gloss of Burr Walnut veneer provides a tactile and visual contrast to the soft sheen of the hide. Veneered picnic tables and individual entertainment screens are provided for each of the rear compartment’s passengers. Bentley mood lighting and Signature audio system provide atmosphere and entertainment. 

    For the comfort and convenience of its guests, The Peninsula London also specified bespoke metal badges across the interior denoting bespoke areas for tissues and used refreshment towels in the rear doors, stowage for periodical magazines in the front seat backs, and notifications inviting guests not to smoke. Additional USB sockets, and bespoke ‘The Peninsula’ illuminated treadplates complete the cabin.

    A shared commitment to excellence
    The latest addition to The Peninsula Hotel’s portfolio, The Peninsula London is located in the heart of Belgravia and is a showcase for the best of British craftsmanship and design. The Peninsula London’s choice of Bentley’s Bentayga Hybrid for its liveried fleet confirms the two companies’ shared commitment to the highest standards of luxury. Guests will be able to settle into the welcoming comfort of Bentley’s hand-crafted, flawless hide upholstery for their journey while the landmarks of London spool silently past. 

    Sonja Vodusek, Managing Director of The Peninsula London comments: “The Peninsula is known for its global collection of impeccable bespoke vehicles, and Bentley makes a natural fit with our standards and ethos. As a brand, Bentley has a remarkable heritage of British design and craftsmanship, yet the Bentayga Hybrid shows the company is meeting the challenges of the future with confidence. Sustainability and enlightened luxury matter to The Peninsula Hotels and we welcome Bentley’s luxury hybrids to The Peninsula London’s fleet.”

    About The Peninsula London     
    Ideally situated in the heart of Belgravia, with views over Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. The newly built hotel, impeccably designed to harmonise with surrounding heritage buildings is just moments away from the city’s most iconic attractions, including Three Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, and Big Ben. Its 190 light-filled guest rooms and suites have been exquisitely designed by Peter Marino; its gathering spaces include several world-class restaurants and bars, including Brooklands helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi; the idyllic Peninsula Spa, and a luxury retail arcade.
    www.peninsula.com

    Bentayga Hybrid WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 94.2 (3.0). Combined CO₂ – 68g/km.

  • Bentley Customers Personalize Their Cars More than Ever in 2023

    Bentley Customers Personalize Their Cars More than Ever in 2023

    • Bentley Motors delivers 13,560 extraordinary cars in 2023 – the third highest on record
    • More customers choosing personalisation than ever before – increased by 43 per cent over 2022 
    • Mixed regional performance as demand weakens in some markets due to external factors
    • Luxury SUV Bentayga remains highest selling model, accounting for 44 per cent of total sales, following introduction of Extended Wheelbase (EWB) 
    • Bentley’s home market in the UK becomes proportionally biggest selling hybrid region, with almost a third sold selected as hybrid

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors achieved its third best ever year in 2023 with global sales of 13,560 luxury cars. Although an 11 per cent decrease on 2022, Bentley’s best ever result, interest in luxury personalisation reached higher levels than before. Around three-quarters of customers went beyond the 46 billion different configurations available from the standard options range to add bespoke content from Bentley’s Mulliner division, representing a 43 per cent rise over 2022, an indication of the desire for truly unique exclusivity in the luxury industry.

    Customers were also increasingly attracted to higher revenue models such as Azure, S and Speed, the mix of which reached 70 per cent up from 30 per cent in 2022. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase also exceeded expectations reaching more than a third of the company’s SUV orders in its first full-year on sale.

    Bentley’s range of hybrid vehicles remained popular, with the UK being the leading market with one in four Flying Spur and Bentayga customers choosing the hybrid option.

    Looking at regional performance, difficult market conditions persisted and although there was positive growth in Asia Pacific (5 per cent up) and the Middle East, India and Africa (2 per cent up), key markets such as China and the UK declined by 18 per cent in both cases. 

    The trend for SUV buying continued as Bentayga remained Bentley’s number one model, accounting for 44 per cent of total sales and reinforcing its position as the most successful luxury SUV in the world. Furthermore, consistent appeal continued for the Continental GT and GT Convertible, accounting for nearly a third of sales, 31 per cent, with the Flying Spur, the world’s finest luxury four-door grand tourer, reaching 25 per cent of total sales.

    In spite of challenging conditions in key regions around the world, the Americas maintained its position as the biggest selling global market. Interestingly, Bentley’s home market in the UK is now the number one selling region for hybrid models by proportion, with 27 per cent of sales in 2023 selected as a hybrid option.

    Commenting on the global sales results, Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said:

    “The luxury market was not immune from the challenging market conditions seen around the world in the second half of 2023 and despite this we were able to deliver our third highest retail position in history and enter 2024 with a strong order bank. Building on this, our quality of sales was much greater, with significant increases in our higher value derivatives, and a significant growth in demand for bespoke personalisation.

    “We remain cautiously optimistic for the year ahead, with a continued robust global demand by market and model, high levels of interest in our hybrid models and with more to follow this year.”
      
    Regional performance 

    Market2023 (sales)2022 (sales)2023 (% of total sales)
    Americas3,848(-9%)4,22128%
    Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao3,006(-18%)3,65522%
    Europe2,376(-15%)2,80918%
    Asia Pacific2,123(+5%)2,03116%
    United Kingdom1,218(-18%)1,4909%
    Middle East, India and Africa989(+2%)9687%
    Total13,560(-11%)15,174100%


    *Bentley ended the year with 235 retailers in 63 countries.

  • Expedition Motor Company Unleashes Reimagined White Wolf Built to Thrive in Any Conditions

    Expedition Motor Company Unleashes Reimagined White Wolf Built to Thrive in Any Conditions

    EMC’s 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf is a Restoration Masterpiece, Incorporating Timeless G-Wagen Design Paired with Rugged Performance

    [source: Expedition Motor Company]

    FRENCHTOWN, NJ – For more than 40 years, the Geländewagen (more commonly known as the G-Wagen) has served as one of the most celebrated adventure vehicles in the world. Built to reliably perform in the world’s harshest, most unforgiving terrain, the G-Wagen has become synonymous with elite performance and timeless style. New this year, Expedition Motor Company (EMC) is proud to unveil the company’s latest G-Wagen masterpiece, a fully restored 1990 250GD Wolf that the restoration firm has playfully dubbed “The White Wolf”.

    Produced for roughly three years in the early nineties, a limited quantity of these 250GD G-Wagen trucks were built for military use. EMC currently owns the largest stock of Geländewagens in the world with the sole purpose of restoring one specific configuration of these impressively capable vehicles: a two-door convertible G-Wagen that is powered by the original five-cylinder diesel engine. 

    “Our goal at Expedition Motor Company is to flawlessly restore one of the finest adventure vehicles ever conceived, the G-Wagen. With more than 40 years since the G-Wagen first appeared on the market, our team dedicates thousands of hours on each new build to properly honor this vehicle’s storied heritage,” comments Expedition Motor Company Founder Alex Levin. “The EMC Wolf features military durability and iconic design, but the best part is that these trucks are so versatile. An EMC truck can go anywhere and handle just about any terrain with ease. These trucks can serve as the ultimate beach cruiser while also being fully capable of traversing a winding mountain road without hesitation.”

    Adorning a sophisticated white exterior paint scheme along with corresponding mushroom-colored vinyl interior, the latest G-Wagen restoration from Expedition Motor Company stands out as a true work of art. As with each of their latest restorations, Expedition Motor Company spent about 2,100 hours hand-restoring this flawlessly reimagined truck.

    Like all EMC builds, this 1990 250GD started its new life with a complete strip-down and media blasting of the truck’s frame before adding anti-corrosive primer and a new powder coat. Brand-new fuel and brake lines and body mounts were then implemented throughout, while the factory axles were disassembled, cleaned and finished with new internals. The brake calipers were reengineered and bolstered with replacement rotors and drums, and EMC’s internally developed suspension is fitted to make this revitalized Wolf ready for modern driving conditions.

    This 1990 Wolf features the legendarily durable OM602 2.5L inline-five diesel engine, which is cleaned and rebuilt with new pistons, seals, timing belt, water pump, and other necessary components. Mated to the stout engine block is the stock 711.7 5-speed manual transmission, which gets disassembled, cleaned, and refreshed with new seals, a new clutch, and a new throw-out bearing. The transfer case receives the same treatment to ensure a completely reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

    “We’ve had several clients tell us that their EMC Wolf elicits a feeling of freedom and happiness unlike anything they’ve ever driven before. Owning a G-Wagen like this is a rare asset that very few others have in their collection, and we take great pride in providing a driving experience that few other vehicles can emulate,” continues Levin. “We fully understand that the driving experience of an EMC Wolf is not for everyone, but for those chasing the authentically rugged experience of driving a go-anywhere, do-anything type of truck, we are able to provide that without question.”

    Expedition Motor Company trucks start at $165,000. For more information, please contact Expedition Motor Company at (267) 714-4112, or visit expeditionmotorcompany.com.

  • Final Mulsanne Adds a Royal Touch to Bentley Heritage Collection

    Final Mulsanne Adds a Royal Touch to Bentley Heritage Collection

    • The last Mulsanne to be built comes home to Crewe, after service with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
    • Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase commissioned by the Queen, in Barnato paint with a Twine and Cumbrian Green interior
    • Joins Bentley’s Heritage Collection, to live alongside the second production Mulsanne built (2010) and pinnacle Mulsanne Speed (2019)
    • Unique interior features – including a custom cubby for a handbag – define a cherished vehicle
    • The Heritage Collection now comprises 45 cars spanning the company’s 104-year history

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England –  Bentley Motors today announces the most recent and prestigious addition to its rejuvenated Heritage Collection – a bespoke 2020 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, the final example of the Mulsanne handcrafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, which has now returned home after service with the Royal household.

    The last Mulsanne was commissioned by, and built for, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and includes a range of bespoke features to ensure the car was fit for royal duties. The starting point was an exterior in solid Barnato green (barnatogreen; metallic UNI; 6602 / 9561028 / LK6A; Bentley), paired with an interior in Twine and Cumbrian hide, Burr Walnut wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets. To this, the specification added rear privacy curtains and the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inlaid into the door waistrails, while the front centre armrests were removed in lieu of a custom-sized tray to accommodate the Queen’s handbag. 

    Discretely concealed blue police lights, a siren and a bullhorn were also installed, with a dedicated switch panel hidden beneath a walnut-veneered door behind the gear lever. 

    Bentley’s famous 537PS 6.75-litre V8 engine, 21” alloy wheels and chrome brightware for the grille and front wing vents and the iconic Flying B complete the car, which will be retained as the third and final Mulsanne in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. It will join the second Mulsanne ever built, VIN 0002 from 2010, and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed that previously saw service on Bentley’s press fleet. The three Mulsannes are part of an expanded 45-car Collection, 2.5 years into a three-year programme to completely rebuild a family of cars that together explain and describe Bentley’s 104-year history.

    A History of Mulsanne

    Launched at Pebble Beach in 2009, the Mulsanne was developed from scratch, housing a new variant of Bentley’s 6.75-litre V8 engine, a new chassis, as well as new exterior and interior designs.

    In 2016, a new Mulsanne was launched at the Geneva Motor Show, with the car further raising the standards of luxury with a redesigned interior – featuring new seats, door trims, armrests, navigation technology and a brand new infotainment system. The front end of the car was also upgraded with new grilles, lights and a new bonnet.

    Alongside the new Mulsanne in 2016, Bentley also launched the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, with a 250 mm extension of the Mulsanne’s footprint enabling space for an ornate folding table, centre console, electronic leg-rests and privacy curtains to deliver the best in class luxury experience for the rear-seat passengers.

    Bidding farewell to the Mulsanne in 2020, the final 30 series production cars formed the unique ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’, with the name derived from the car’s legendary 6.75-litre engine – which also came to the end of production alongside the Mulsanne after more than 60 years.

    The Mulsanne was in production for over a decade, with each of the 7,300 cars handcrafted at Bentley’s factory in Crewe.

    The Bentley Heritage Collection

    Bentley’s Heritage Collection now consists of 45 cars, from the oldest Bentley in the world (the 1919 3-Litre EXP2) through to the 2021 Continental GT Speed, with some of the most extraordinary Bentleys ever made representing every decade of the company’s 104-year history. 37 road registered, road legal cars describe the development of the Bentley model range over the same period, bolstered by eight of the most famous motorsport and record-breaking vehicles – including three Speed 8s, both generations of Continental GT3, and Pikes Peak and Ice Speed Record cars.

    All of the cars in the Heritage Collection are maintained and on display at Bentley’s carbon neutral Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Customers, VIPs, media guests and Bentley colleagues are all able to view the company’s history through the Collection as part of the factory tour experience.

  • Audi TT Roadster Final edition Celebrates Legacy of Original Audi Design Icon

    Audi TT Roadster Final edition Celebrates Legacy of Original Audi Design Icon

    • TT Roadster Final edition features unique design details, including a gray convertible top, carbon fiber inlays, 20-inch wheels, and S line exterior
    • Available only as Roadster and painted in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect with Palomino Brown leather interior
    • Limited to 50 units and only for the United States

    [source: Audi of America]

    RESTON, VA – Today, Audi of America celebrates three generations of iconic design with the 2023 Audi TT Roadster Final edition. Finished in an Audi exclusive shade of green – Goodwood Green pearl effect (goodwoodgrün; pearl effect UNI; Z6X; Audi), the TT Roadster Final edition includes unique elements including a modern interpretation of the original TT’s baseball stitch seats. Only 50 units are available for the U.S. market.

    TT Final edition celebrates the original Audi design icon
    The TT Final edition features unique design elements that celebrate the heritage of the Audi TT and embody the model’s reputation for transcendent design.

    The TT Final edition presents an exclusive list of equipment not available on other Roadster models, including:

    • Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect
    • Audi exclusive Palomino Brown stitching
    • Audi exclusive floor mats
    • Audi magnetic ride
    • Extended leather package in seat color
    • Gray convertible top
    • 20×9-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels
    • Carbon fiber inlays
    • S line exterior

    Unique design elements
    The TT Final edition is available only as a Roadster and comes finished in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect paint, which was offered as a series production color for the first generation TT Roadster. Platinum gray matte exterior bumper trim and side trim elements are integrated with the S line exterior, which is offered for the first time on the third generation TT Roadster, and comes equipped without S line badging for increased exclusivity. Complementing the gray accents of the S line exterior is a gray convertible top. The gray color soft-top was only previously used on the 2019 TT Roadster 20thAnniversary edition, and features an electrohydraulic drive system that can raise and lower the roof in just 10 seconds while the vehicle is driving at speeds of up to 31 mph.

    Inside, the TT Final edition is finished in Palomino Brown leather, which nods to the first generation’s iconic baseball stitch leather. When paired with the Audi exclusive Goodwood Green exterior, it creates a timeless combination and is a tribute to the first generation TT Roadster. Furthermore, the TT Final edition comes standard with an extended leather package, which finishes the door armrests and center console in the same Palomino Brown leather and stitching, as well as black leather covering the airbag cap and instrument cluster hood. Audi exclusive Palomino Brown stitching was added to the steering wheel and gear selector boot, and the floor mats are trimmed with Palomino Brown leather piping and stitching to complete the look of the interior.

    The TT Roadster’s S sport seats are also equipped with neck-level heating to keep you warm on chilly days with the top down and include built-in seatbelt microphones for optimizing Bluetooth and voice recognition operation. Finally, Carbon fiber inlays adorn the interior surfaces, underlining the sporty character of the TT Roadster Final edition.

    Legendary TT performance
    The TT Roadster Final edition comes standard with 20×9-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels, wrapped with 255/30 R20 92Y XL summer tires, borrowed from the sporty TTS. Also taking a cue from the TTS is the Audi magnetic ride suspension system, which adapts the damping forces depending on the driving situation for increased driving dynamics, as well as provides a lower center of gravity with its 10mm reduction in ride height compared to the standard suspension.

    The TT Roadster features a 2.0-liter four cylinder turbocharged engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque that comes mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The TT Roadster can sprint from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds.

    It is all in the name
    The model name “TT” is reminiscent of the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man – one of the oldest motorsports events in the world where Auto Union brands, NSU and DKW, celebrated great successes with their motorcycles. NSU would later use the TT nomenclature to commemorate the brand’s historic race championship on its sporty small car – the TT Prinz.

    In 1998, Audi debuted its TT Coupe to the world – and followed with a Roadster model just one year later. The Bauhaus inspired design challenged conventional ideas of Audi design, while the Audi TT’s name itself was a deliberate departure from the brand’s usual nomenclature to underscore the novelty of the model line.

    A fond farewell
    Over the years, the TT model line often served as the technology leader for the brand, launching several iconic design and technology firsts including – the electronically deployable rear spoiler, Audi virtual cockpit, and the first Audi with available OLED taillights.

    The Audi TT closes production after the 2023 model, ending a chapter of iconic design for the brand with four rings.

    On sale now
    The Audi TT Roadster Final edition is on sale now for the U.S. market with an MSRP of $67,800 plus $1,095 destination charge.

    ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
    At Audi of America, we believe the future is electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be at least 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2022, Audi sold 186,875 vehicles in the U.S., sold more fully electric models than ever before, and achieved a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about who we are and how we’re working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com. 

    This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

    Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

    MSRP excludes taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

  • Bentley Zurich Celebrates Centenary with a Mulliner Anniversary Collection

    Bentley Zurich Celebrates Centenary with a Mulliner Anniversary Collection

    • Special Bentley Mulliner 100 Anniversary Collection to celebrate the centenary of Bentley retail partner in Zurich 
    • Luxury quartet based on Bentayga S, Flying Spur Speed, Continental GT and GTC Speed models
    • Limited Edition models are result of a collaboration with Mulliner who worked on a co-creation with unique features: exterior colour, treadplates, ‘100’ welcome lamps and embroidered ‘100’ headrest emblems
    • Anniversary coincides with important moment in Bentley history
    • Bentley Zurich has been operated by Schmohl AG since 1950

    [source: Bentley]

    Münich, Germany –  Bentley Motors is celebrating the centenary of its retail partner in Zurich, Schmohl AG, with a quartet of luxury cars. The uniquely-styled 100 Anniversary Collection is based on four Bentley models – the Bentayga S luxury SUV, the Flying Spur Speed four-door sedan, as well as the Continental GT and GTC Speed definitive grand tourers.

    Each example is handcrafted in Crewe, England, by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation and bespoke department. For the 100 Anniversary Collection range, Mulliner has developed a new Slate Blue Metallic exterior paint and matching Slate Blue Metallic Styling Specification, with personalised ‘100’ welcome lamps. The Flying Spur Speed, GT and GTC Speed examples also benefit from a bootlid spoiler. Personalised ‘100’ welcome lamps greet both driver and passengers as they step in or out of the 100 Anniversary Collection models.

    Inside each exquisitely appointed cabin, the 100 Anniversary Collection cars are crafted with Cognac main hide and Beluga secondary hide, with Diamond Quilt contrast stitching. Personalised embroidered ‘100’ headrest emblems adorn the seats, while Piano Black over Copper Stone dual finish veneer complements the dashboard and doors, with Diamond Knurling Specification to brightwork as standard. 

    Talking about the centenary, Roderick Pike, General Manager of Bentley Zurich, explains: 

    “A centenary is a key milestone and a special celebration. Schmohl AG was formed in 1923, the same year the Bentley 3 Litre became the brand’s first car to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, setting the fastest lap in the process. The new 100 Anniversary Collection cars reflect a proud partnership with Bentley, offering unique features to honour our special relationship.”

    Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Motors Europe, added:

    “We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone with Bentley Zurich who have been with us since 1950. Switzerland is an important market for Bentley Motors Europe and with this collection we honour and highlight our achievements over the years. At the same time, with our Beyond100 strategy we are also looking forward towards an electrified range by 2024.”

  • Ferrari SP-8: F8 Spider-Derived Roadster Is Latest On-Off from Maranello

    Ferrari SP-8: F8 Spider-Derived Roadster Is Latest On-Off from Maranello

    • The wraps are off the new Ferrari One-Off designed to a client’s specifications
    • The SP-8 is an uncompromising thoroughbred roadster crafted on the F8 Spider architecture
    • It will be possible to admire the SP-8 at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali and later at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello

    [source: Ferrari]

    Maranello, 24 October 2023 – Ferrari today unveiled the latest addition to its One-Off series, theFerrari SP-8. Part of the marque’s Special Projects programme and designed by the Flavio Manzoni-headed Ferrari Styling Centre, it is a mid-rear-engined V8 based on the F8 Spider from which it inherits its layout, chassis and engine. The SP-8 one-off joins the hallowed ranks of the most exclusive segment in the Ferrari range, unique cars crafted around individual clients’ specifications, with the result that they embody the very pinnacle of Prancing Horse customisation. 

    The car’s name celebrates its 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, one of the most critically-acclaimed power units in history and the winner of the prestigious Engine of the Year (IEOTY) award on four consecutive occasions. As the client that commissioned the SP-8 hails from Taiwan, the number 8 is also significant as it considered extremely lucky in Chinese culture, traditionally auguring success, good fortune and personal achievement. 

    The SP-8’s most unique feature is the fact that it has no roof, making it a thoroughbred two-seater roadster in every respect, underscoring its sporty character and the instantly exhilarating visual and en plein air driving experience it delivers. This solution demanded extensive refining of its aerodynamics through a combination of CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing and track testing to guarantee a standard of acoustic comfort and wind feeling comparable to the car that inspired it. 

    The car’s main styling theme centres around the way in which its volumes crossover and fuse into one another: the unpainted carbon-fibre front wraps around to the tail, creating a two-tone effect that creates a powerful contrast in terms of both colour and materials. The elimination of the retractable hard top allowed the designers to radically restyle the entire tail section, giving it a full volume with a taut belt line. The car’s volume is divided into two parts which are connected by a functional central area in matte black that includes the side air intakes with separate ducts for the intercoolers and engine. The upper section of this band incorporates a vent for the engine compartment with longitudinal elements that reference the lateral strakes typical of Ferraris of the past. 

    Dominating the front of the car is an imposing full-width, cast aluminium grille made from a single, 3D-printed mould. The grille features the same strake theme, this time in a vertical movement, with the spacing in plan view gradually widening towards the flanks to better channel air flow to the two front radiators. The angling of these elements was optimised by the close collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and the aerodynamics team that spent months honing the car using CFD. 

    Other areas of the SP-8 that were redesigned from the donor car include the headlights, which have special masks and lenses, the rear lights derived from those of the Roma with specific lenses, the windscreen, the tailpipes, which were given the same treatment as the 296 GTB’s, and the specially-designed wheel rims in a dedicated colour (matte Grigio NART). 

    These directional five-spoke wheels are exclusive to this particular car and offer a modern take on the classic rims used on Ferrari Sports Prototypes as well as the legendary F40. A clever and inextricable part of their overall aesthetic are their heavily sculpted sections and large apertures designed to make them lighter. 

    Inside the car, an important modification has been made to the central console to house the F1 gearbox commands that have featured in the Ferrari range since the debut of the SF90 Stradale. This meant modifying the now iconic shift-gate for this specific application. The interior finish is completed with seats featuring details in laser-etched Navy Blue Alcantara® coupled with gradient effect cloth, and carpets in specific twill fabric with an iridescent effect.

    The matte Argento Micalizzato colour created specifically for the SP-8 pairs brilliantly with the car’s carbon-fibre section, which has an equally specific colour and finish (glossy iridescent Blue Sandstone). Even the Blu Scuro Stellato colour used to link the two bodywork sections was specifically developed. 

    The SP-8 will be on display from the morning of the 24th of October at the Mugello Circuit until the end of the Finali Mondiali Ferrari 2023. Thereafter, it will be displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from November 16, 2023 until March 2024. 

    SPECIAL PROJECTS

    The Special Projects programme is aimed at creating unique Ferraris (so-called “One-Offs”) characterised by an exclusive design crafted to the requirements of the client, who thus becomes the owner of a one-of-a-kind model. Each project originates from an idea put forward by the client and is developed hand-in-glove with a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Centre. Once the car’s proportion and forms have been defined, detailed design blueprints and a styling buck are produced before the manufacturing process for the new One-Off begins. The entire process takes around two years on average, during which time the client is closely involved in assessing the design and verification phases. The result? A unique Ferrari sporting the Prancing Horse logo and engineered to the same standards of excellence that characterise all of Maranello’s cars.

  • Bentley Presents Mulliner Styling Packages for Latest Continental GT V8 Models in Europe

    Bentley Presents Mulliner Styling Packages for Latest Continental GT V8 Models in Europe

    • Five unique “Curated by Mulliner” styling packages celebrate the individualization of the ultimate Bentley Continental GT – the last Grand Tourer with a V8 engine
    • The new packages include special exterior colors that are tailored to either the performance or the Luxury specification
    • The Mulliner styling packages further refine the Continental GT and enable even more individual equipment of the vehicles

    [source: Bentley]

    (Munich, 24. October 2023)

    Bentley Motors Europe has announced that the order of derivatives of the Continental GT and GTC with the V8 engine will be completed by mid-November. This is in line with the Beyond100 strategy, which provides that by 2025, a hybrid option will be available for each model series. The V8 engine is still available in other markets. To mark this milestone, the designers of Mulliner have created impressive design themes that underline the positioning of the S and Azure derivatives that can be configured as additional equipment for the latest Continental GT V8s.

    The five interior packages “Curated by Mulliner” reflect the strong customer demand for a custom design of the Continental GT and represent a unique opportunity to give Bentley’s ultimate Grand Tourer a personal touch. Inspired by vivid color accents found in nature, these special packages are available to Bentley customers in Europe – the Continental GT region.

    The styling packages were put together by Bentley’s finishing department Mulliner, based in Crewe, England. They are available for all model variants of the Continental GT V8 and Continental GTC V8 – including the comfort-oriented Azure and performance-oriented S. Customers can supplement the selected styling package for the interior with a colour-matched styling package for the exterior.

    The “Curated by Mulliner” styling packages take into account the ongoing demand from Bentley customers for a custom design of their vehicles – a trend that has become increasingly popular since the introduction of the first Continental GT 20 years ago. Each styling package should inspire the customer to create his very own dream version of the Continental GT. The dynamic colours Key Lime, Vivid Red, Mandarin, Klein Blue and Turquoise are offered. Each styling package can be complemented with additional options to complement Bentley’s ultimate
    Grand Tourer even further.

    Each of the five packages is based on a motif from nature. Key Lime was inspired by lively citrus pigments that invigorate the interior of the vehicle. Designed for the performance-oriented models GT S and GTC S, Vivid Red is based on the tin-red pigments obtained in the Aeolian landscapes. Mandarin, on the other hand, testifies to the rich shades that can be found in spectacular areas such as the Icelandic Magmac craters or the Namib desert. Klein Blue fits perfectly with the well-being-oriented Azure models and goes back to nuances abstracted from elements of hypernature. Finally, Turquoise refers to the cyan-blue depths of the Icelandic seas and the radiance of the Aurora Borealis at night.

    Distinctive color accents from the styling packages tastefully emphasize key elements in the interior of each of the “Curated by Mulliner” vehicles. These elements include the contrasting steering wheel spokes or the gear lever, rounded off by colour-matched contrasting lines on the handcrafted veneer. The seats, held in Mulliner color combinations, are harmoniously complemented by Mulliner floor mats with contrasting micro-keeds in the chosen accent color. Passengers are welcomed by a welcome light “Curated by Mulliner” in the Continental GT when boarding and disembarking. The optional styling package for the exterior, which is only available in conjunction with the styling package for the interior, continues the chosen color theme with accent lines on exterior mirrors and body kit.

    The “Curated by Mulliner” styling packages further refine the interior. A diamond kerling gives the metal elements of the dashboard a jewel-like look, while the “Mood Lighting Specification” allows the color and intensity of the lighting in the interior to be controlled.

    The Bentley Rotating Display offers three different instrument variants to choose from. In addition, the styling packages also include chrome-plated kee on the instrument panel and an LED welcome light as well as – for the S version of the Continental GT and the Continental GTC – also a “Leather Specification”. The styling package for the exterior is emphasized by the “Styling Specification” as well as by self-aligning wheel emblems.