Wanderlust

Category: News

  • Bentley Continental GT / GTC Le Mans Collection Celebrate Shared History

    Bentley Continental GT / GTC Le Mans Collection Celebrate Shared History

    • Le Mans Collection marks 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the world’s most iconic endurance race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans
    • Shared history: 100 years since the first Le Mans – when a Bentley recorded the fastest lap
    • Bentley Rotating Display houses a valve from the engine of the 2003 Le Mans winning #7 Bentley Speed 8 
    • Limited edition of a total of 48 Continental GT and GTCs globally
    • Powered by 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era
    • Crafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division
    • Evocative exterior styling in Verdant green with Moonbeam racing stripe
    • No.7 on grille celebrates winning Bentley Speed 8 #7 of 2003
    • Interior features include fascia inlay of six winning wreaths, Speed 8 silhouette treadplate and digital 24-hour clock

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – To mark 20 years since Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC’s. Each will be powered by the Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the design of the Le Mans winning Speed 8 #7.

    All Le Mans Collection models are specified with the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, offering a choice of touchscreen, dual veneer or analogue dials – but with a twist; In place of the standard central dial is a Vitrine displaying an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8. The engine was removed after the contest and preserved, and now 24 of the 32 valves from the engine have been bisected to create 48 artefacts for this exclusive collection of ultimate Grand Tourers.

    In another thoughtful touch, the standard 12-hour analogue clock is replaced by a digital clock with a bespoke dial design – a 24 hour one, naturally.

    Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, has taken inspiration from the dark green Speed 8 racing cars that swept all before them at Le Mans in 2003. From the Verdant green (verdantgreen; metallic UNI; 6606 / 9560016; Bentley) exterior to the sliver of Speed 8 engine displayed in the fascia, the Le Mans Collection is a heartfelt tribute to a long and glorious shared history between Bentley and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

    Tribute to Speed 8 #7

    Mulliner’s designers closely studied the winning Speed 8 of 2003, surely one of the most beautiful racing cars ever to triumph at Le Mans. The limited number of Continental GT’s and Continental GTC’s in the Le Mans Collection are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam racing stripe across the bonnet (and Coupé roof). The Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the Speed 8, while the carbon-fibre Styling specification body components are finished in black with a subtle pinstripe in Moonbeam. Beluga black is also chosen for the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and rear ‘horseshoe’ area beneath the bootlid spoiler, while black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels shroud powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.

    Meanwhile, the distinctive Bentley matrix grille (originally developed to protect the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack of the 1920s) features a painted #7 in Arctica white, combining the race-winning number of 2003 with the painted radiators of the Bentleys that won Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930.

    Bespoke details

    The interiors of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT and Continental GTC are far more luxurious than those of the Bentley Speed 8s – but there’s the same sense of sporting purpose. A bespoke 2003 wreath welcome lamp ushers you into a cockpit trimmed in Beluga hide. Performance-bred napped Dynamica fabric covers the seat faces, while the interior’s monochrome colour scheme is relieved by contrast seat stitching and seatbelts in Hotspur. The steering wheel, trimmed in hide and Dynamica, also features Hotspur contrast stitching and six o’clock accent tab.

    The dual-finish veneer on fascia and door waist rails is executed in Piano Black and high gloss carbon fibre, with a fine chrome pinstripe separating the two. Matching doors to fascia so the pinstripe flows seamlessly from one side to the other is a mark of the exceptional craftsmanship in every Bentley.

    The Le Mans Collection Bentleys feature many bespoke details, beginning with the Speed 8 sill plates and six-wreath treadplates that greet occupants on entering the interior. The fascia displays the six-wreath emblem inlaid into high-gloss carbon fibre, marking each of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003. 

    Race inspired performance

    The Le Mans Collection Continental GT and GTC are equipped with Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) and an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.

    With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). A combination of four chassis technologies give the new limited edition a level of agility, performance and ride quality as expected of a car with this heritage.

    Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon.  The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further.

    Bentley and Le Mans

    Bentley’s long association with Le Mans didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts. “I think the whole thing’s crazy. Nobody’ll finish. Cars aren’t designed to take that sort of strain for 24 hours.” Such was W.O. Bentley’s reaction in 1923, on hearing that private entrant John Duff planned to contest the first-ever Le Mans 24 Hour race in a Bentley 3 Litre. But the competitive fire in W.O’s soul saw him make a last-minute dash to the La Sarthe circuit nonetheless. Inspired by Duff’s 4th place (despite a lengthy stop to repair a holed petrol tank) and fastest lap, W.O and Bentley Motors returned in 1924 with a works entry – and won. It was the start of a glorious decade that saw five wins in seven years.

    Bentley was back in 2001 with the EXP Speed 8, the start of a three-year programme targeting a sixth outright victory. And on Sunday, June 15th, 2003, Bentley’s two works Speed 8s finished first and second in this most gruelling of endurance races. Car #7 of Guy Smith, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello covered 377 laps at an average speed of 214.33km/h, followed by the #8 Speed 8 of Johnny Herbert, Mark Blundell and David Brabham.

  • Prototype-Inspired Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Limited Edition

    Prototype-Inspired Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Limited Edition

    • Audi’s first camouflage graphics–skinned vehicle from the factory with original RS e-tron GT prototype design
    • Unique interior and exterior e-tron camouflage design elements complete the package
    • Limited to 75 units and only available in the U.S.

    [source: Audi of America]

    HERNDON, VA – Today, Audi of America announced a limited offering of just 75 units of the 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2. Developed in collaboration between Audi of America and Audi exclusive, customers now have the opportunity to drive a version of the e-tron GT that most closely resembles the prototype car. This limited edition leverages the original design used for global prototype testing with “e-tron” camouflage script on both the exterior and interior, and is exclusive to the U.S. market.

    Exterior design 
    The RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is the first Audi to offer a camouflage graphics-skinned and wrapped exterior from the factory. Camouflage graphics are often used by Audi for initial testing, and are designed to create confusion for onlookers that may be looking to capture the latest glimpse into automotive exterior design and technology before it is made public.

    The exclusivity of the project is underlined by leveraging the internal code name as a special edition.

    The project_513/2 represents the project naming convention which defines the product’s segment, generation, and body style. This naming is crafted early in the development process and is typically kept internal.

    Audi exclusive leveraged the red and black color theme from the original prototype test mules, and presents for the first time “red” Audi rings on the front and rear of the exterior. Unique 21-inch aero wheels finished in black are framed with both front and rear ceramic brakes painted in red. Furthermore, the rear quarter glass is etched with the “project_513/2” logo that underlines its exclusivity.

    Interior Design 
    The interior is inspired by its exterior colors and design elements using red and black colored accents as well as Audi exclusive interior elements unique to the edition. The air vents have been painted in the exact red color used for the exterior Audi rings, while red also appears on other details such as the steering wheel, floor mats, and the Fine Nappa leather honeycomb stitched seats.

    The dashboard introduces an Audi design first – Carbon fiber inlays with camo graphics that mimic the exterior design. These graphics include an innovative “partial matting” patented process, which is just a few thousandths of a millimeter deep, all primarily created by hand. The overall process includes the first component to be masked with a special foil, followed by glass media material that is pulled over the component using a suction jet method creating a distinctive, consistent look.

    For the first time on an Audi, the center armrest leather is embossed with the name of a special edition with “project_513/2”. In addition, the RS e-tron GT project_513/2 introduces an innovative e-tron background on the standard 10.1” MMI infotainment screen that includes an exclusive “project_513/2” logo in the bottom corner.

    Additionally, the RS e-tron GT project_513/2 presents an extensive list of standard equipment:

    • Fine Nappa leather seats with honeycomb stitching
    • 18-way front sport seat with ventilation and massage
    • Ceramic brakes with red caliper
    • Rear wheel steering
    • Power steering plus
    • Audi exclusive interior
    • 21“ 5-double-spoke concave design wheels in black finish
    • Dinamica headliner
    • HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light
    • Carbon fiber roof
    • Carbon fiber exterior door inlays
    • Carbon fiber mirror caps
    • Illuminated Carbon fiber door sills inlays with RS logo

    Pure performance
    The Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 leverages the thrilling performance of the RS e-tron GT – Audi’s fastest 0-60 mph accelerating production model. Performance comes from two different motors (one on the front axle, and one on the rear axle) producing a combined 637 horsepower – making acceleration to 60 mph possible in just 3.1 seconds.

    Enhancing performance and precision handling at all speeds, the project_513/2 comes with standard rear wheel steering. This unique system allows the rear wheels to turn up to 2.8 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds up to about 30 mph for a tighter turning radius, while above 30 mph they turn in the same direction for greater stability and dynamics.

    Already have an e-tron GT? Audi has you covered
    Last year, Audi of America introduced the e-tron GT camouflage Indoor car cover for sale at audi-collection.com. The Indoor car cover holds the same camouflage wrap available on the RS e-tron GT project_513/2 made from a breathable and anti-static material, tailored specifically to fit your e-tron GT. The e-tron GT camouflage cover features black and white “e-tron” nomenclature underlined with elements of red and black color just like the limited edition model. For those customers that may not be fortunate enough to get one of the 75 limited edition units, the car cover will make anyone’s e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT look like they have the prototype in their garage.

    You can find out more information about the Audi e-tron GT Indoor Cover by visiting the following link from the Audi collection website: Audi e-tron GT Indoor Car Cover

    To further celebrate the exclusivity of each individual project_513/2, customers will receive a never before offered special edition VIN art. The VIN art portraits are printed on a thin aluminum plate with a high-gloss surface and are derived from the Vehicle Identification Number – exhibiting a detailed art print expression of the customer’s vehicle in high-resolution for display.

    The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is slated to be on sale this spring.

    MSRP pricing detail

    Model 
    2023 RS e-tron GT project_513/2$179,900

    Price excludes $1,495 destination charge, $595 metallic paint charge, sales taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

    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.

    Top track speed electronically limited in U.S. Obey all speed and traffic laws.

    Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

    Competitive set claims based on manufacturers’ data available on date of publication regarding existing and anticipated 2022 U.S. model lineup for the luxury segment. Audi defines the luxury segment to include BMW, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, Porsche, Lexus and Jaguar.

    Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.

    Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

    Summer performance tires may ride less comfortably, make more noise, and wear more quickly than other choices. To avoid tire, rim, or vehicle damage, it is important that inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained at optimum levels. High- performance tires are designed for optimum performance and handling in warm climates and are not suitable for cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions. When driving during cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with appropriate all-season or winter weather tires. Tires are supplied and warranted by their manufacturer.

    Drift mode is only to be used on racetracks or closed courses by drivers who are trained, skilled, and experienced in drifting. Drifting can result in accidents and serious injuries or death.  See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

  • Long-Standing Porsche Lover Has Colour Named after Him

    Long-Standing Porsche Lover Has Colour Named after Him

    For the first time, Porsche has implemented a customer-specific Paint to Sample Plus colour in a new process.

    [source: Porsche AG]

    Guards Red, Racing Yellow, Carrara White Metallic – just a few of the familiar names for colours from the Porsche Car Configurator. Now a brilliantly rich green will join the palette. Michael Essmann, a long-standing Porsche lover and Managing Director of family business Elektro Essmann, has had his very own individual colour made within the scope of the Paint to Sample Plus range. As part of the model year R Paint to Sample range, starting in March 2023 the exterior colour Essmanngreen, colour code 24C, will also be available through the Car Configurator for customers of the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines.

    As far back as 1992, Michael Essmann had a 911 Carrera RS 3.6 (964) painted in the company colour of the master workshop for electrical installations and photovoltaic systems – the first Porsche model in Essmanngreen. Other cars followed, including a 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997) and most recently a 911 GT3 Touring (992). Sons Mike and Stefan Essmann compete successfully in the Porsche Sports Cup, with racing cars naturally, these also displaying Essmanngreen accents on the bodies.

    “My very first Porsche was a 911 SC in 1978 with which I also graduated from the Sport Driving School,” recalls Michael Essmann. “It was painted Opal Metallic. It was only later that I had the idea of using the colour of our family business for my private cars too. But every time I pick up a new Porsche in this very special colour it’s a great feeling. And to know that I’m the originator of this colour named after me.”

    Highest quality and perfect colour matching

    While the Custom Colour of the 964 was blended in the After Sales painting process that was standard at the time 30 years ago, the current Essmann Porsche benefits from Porsche professionalising the range of special exterior colours in 2021 and significantly expanding its capacity. A new colour-mixing bench has been put into operation at the main plant in Zuffenhausen, where paint specialists blend several dozen ingredients down to the last milligram to achieve the desired shade. When the binding agents and additives are included, the recipe for Essmanngreen contains over 100 ingredients.

    Each batch is divided into two paint pots for bodywork and add-on parts. The areas to be painted on the vehicle consist largely of aluminium, plastics and carbon/fibreglass composites. This mix of materials and the different application methods and drying temperatures require slightly different paint compositions, depending on the component. A test body and so-called batch comparison plates are painted and used as a colour reference for the final acceptance of the car.

    These completely new processes designed for high quality with the combination of craftsmanship and industrialisation required the re-development, testing and approval of all colours, some of which had already been used successfully in the past in the old paint shop. This is why it was necessary to develop a paint recipe for Essmanngreen on Type 992 because it was last used successfully in the old paint shop for Type 997.

    “Unusual paint finishes are part of the history of our brand and are an important differentiating feature,” says Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualisation and Classic. “The intelligent combination of the production process and its industrialisation is unique. Our customers thus enjoy a very wide range of available colours and many custom paint finishes that meet the highest standards. Every colour must be deemed suitable for many different surfaces and materials – perfect colour matching is what is wanted.”

    170 additional colours across all model series

    Porsche has extended its colour range while simultaneously restructuring it. “Paint to Sample” used to be known as “Custom Colour”. This category includes predefined colours that have already been technically approved by the paint specialists at Porsche.

    For especially individual colour requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur goes a step further: “Paint to Sample Plus” allows almost complete freedom in selecting the paintwork based on a sample submitted by the customer. Thus, the Essmanngreen colour on Michael Essmann’s 911 GT3 Touring was first created as a “Paint to Sample Plus”. After technical approval, the Porsche paint specialists then added the colour to the “Paint to Sample” programme. There, Essmanngreen can now be selected from anyone who is interested via the Porsche Car Configurator. The process was started by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, who painted a brand-new 911 GT3 RS (992) in the this colour for exhibition purposes.

    The overall range of “Colours of Choice” is very big. For the 911 and 718 model series, there are currently 115 additional paint colours to choose from, For the Taycan there are currently 108 such options, while for the Panamera and the Macan the number is 59, with the Cayenne offering a choice of 52 different colours. Taking into account a number of overlaps, there are 170 additional colours for all model series combined.

    Personal design even in the interior

    Michael Essmann selected not only “Paint to Sample Plus” but also further custom options from the Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. For example, his very personal 911 GT3 Touring (992) has a Porsche logo on the side whose look is based on the Porsche Heritage Design models.

    In the interior, the seats were customised. Based on the 964 RS, the seat centres have a graduated colour design in Slate Grey and Crayon. Trim made of carbon enhances the dashboards. The “touring” logo is stitched into the headrests of the full bucket seats in red thread. This fits in with the overall concept as Elektro Essmann also uses red as a contrasting colour.

    About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

    A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and a high-tech approach. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship.

    The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior of Porsche cars. Visible examples include Sport Design packages, custom rim designs and interior trims, as well as the comprehensive “Paint to Sample” range for all Porsche models. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur fulfils the highest demands with regard to materials and craftsmanship. Alongside individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. High-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept.

  • The Classic Specification from Maturo

    The Classic Specification from Maturo

    With a specialty in remastering the Lancia Delta Integrale, Maturo Competition Cars has been building a loyal following. Beyond their Stradale specification revealed in their first round of PR, the brand also has several other specs for which you can reimagine Lancia’s iconic Group A rally car for the road. Here’s the Classic.

    Maturo Classic Specification

    [source: Maturo]

    The Maturo Classic Specification in short is the original Lancia Delta Integrale Evo, improved with today’s knowledge and materials. As Marco Geeratz, co-owner of Maturo Competition Cars states:

    “The Maturo Classic specification eliminates the known weaknesses, upgrades the technical aspects, and exceeds the expectations of owning a 30-year-old icon. More reliable, more robust, more balanced ind, not unimportant, more power. Without any visual changes, offering modern driving pleasure, without historic technical tallures.”

    The basis for a Maturo Classic specification could be a customer’s own Delta, or a car we have available. Available now.

    About Maturo Competition Cars
    Maturo Competition Cars is driven by passion for the glorious days of historic Italian automotive excellence. With a vast experience of over 25 years in rally sports, we are used to maintain, service and drive Lancia Delta’s in competitive rallies and have spent thousands of hours on research and development of the iconic Delta Integrale. We invest our time and effort in reinventing this rally icon, resulting in thoroughly re-engineered cars that are built from the ground up to the highest possible standards. The result is a car that fundamentally celebrates the original, by being a so-called ultimate version of the classic.

  • The Rally Specification from Maturo

    The Rally Specification from Maturo

    With a specialty in remastering the Lancia Delta Integrale, Maturo Competition Cars has been building a loyal following. Beyond their Stradale specification revealed in their first round of PR, the brand also has several other specs for which you can reimagine Lancia’s iconic Group A rally car for the road. Here’s the Rally.

    Maturo Rally Specification

    [source: Maturo]

    The Maturo Rally specification is developed to celebrate Lancia’s unprecedented Group A rally victories and their monstrous cars. The final version of the Lancia Martini team is honoured by our FIA HTP acknowledged rebuild of what is known to be the most successful rally car ever. This enables you to revisit and relive the world of classic, tough, and true analog rallying.

    Juha Kankkunen: “… Maturo made the Group A works car l used to drive even faster but also more durable and reliable; it’s truly engineering of the highest standard.” This means that after one takes it to the test on extreme rally stages, the car is still in one piece. Unlike the old days, where the car was written off after one or two events. Our first Maturo Rally specification has proven itself recently or the stages of the Eifel Rallye Festival. Available now.

    About Maturo Competition Cars
    Maturo Competition Cars is driven by passion for the glorious days of historic Italian automotive excellence. With a vast experience of over 25 years in rally sports, we are used to maintain, service and drive Lancia Delta’s in competitive rallies and have spent thousands of hours on research and development of the iconic Delta Integrale. We invest our time and effort in reinventing this rally icon, resulting in thoroughly re-engineered cars that are built from the ground up to the highest possible standards. The result is a car that fundamentally celebrates the original, by being a so-called ultimate version of the classic.

  • 70th Birthday of Famous Heritage Car Celebrated with Modern Interpretation

    70th Birthday of Famous Heritage Car Celebrated with Modern Interpretation

    • Iconic 1953 Grand Tourer inspires one-off Continental GT Azure
    • Historic specification based on Bentley’s own R-Type Continental – JAS 949 – on its 70th birthday
    • Recreated through the use of Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide – the doorway for unlimited personalisation
    • Heritage paint, luxurious rich interior and finished with unique crafted cross banding and bespoke inlays
    • 70 years of craftsmanship, design and innovation span the two coupés
    • Continental GT Azure offers wellness and comfort to provide a modern magic carpet
    • New model joins Bentley’s UK press fleet
    • Iconic Grand Tourer photographed at an iconic location

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors has handcrafted a unique and one-off Continental GT Azure, inspired by Bentley’s retained example of the iconic R-Type Continental, JAS 949. The new Continental GT is in honour of JAS 949’s 70th birthday, celebrating one of the important style icons in Bentley’s history. JAS 949 is one of only 208 examples of the R Type Continental ever built – but the car had a greater impact than the limited numbers suggest. The beautiful Bentleys old and new have been photographed at an equally spectacular London landmark that is itself a 21st century reinvention of a 1950s icon – Battersea Power Station in south London.

    Quoted as ‘a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances’ the R-Type Continental was the fastest four-seat luxury saloon in the world when launched in 1952. The three key design lines of the car – the power line from the front wheel, the rear haunch and the roofline – were the inspiration for the first generation Continental GT in 2003 and every Continental GT since. The latest Azure members of the Continental GT family continue to celebrate elegance and timeless design, directly descended from the R-Type Continental, while adding a focus on wellbeing behind the wheel.

    Using Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide, the new Continental GT Azure has been curated in homage to one of the most iconic members of Bentley’s 43-car Heritage Collection. JAS 949 is Bentley’s own R-Type Continental, and resides in the newly opened Heritage Garage at Bentley’s carbon-neutral campus in Crewe. Bentley acquired JAS 949 in 2001 and has maintained it in excellent mechanical order while sympathetically preserving its patina. The car is driven on the road on a regular basis.

    JAS 949 was delivered to its first owner, Dr Rowland Guenin of Switzerland, in December 1953. It was ordered in Ivory with a Red interior and a manual gearbox, a specification it retains today along with the original 4.6-litre engine. 

    To recreate the closest specification for the modern interpretation of JAS 949, a new Continental GT V8 Azure has been hand painted in Old English White (oldenglishwhite; non-metallic; 6964 / 9561066; Bentley) – a faithful re-creation of the heritage paint colour that dates back to the 1950s. As per the muse, the Continental GT is fitted with bright chrome (including the matrix grille). While JAS 949 rides on 16” wheels, the newer version runs on 22” hand-finished wheels, in a black and polished finish as per the original.

    Inside the beautiful cabin, Cricket Ball leather can be seen throughout providing a cosseting, deep and rich heritage feel for the driver and passengers and mirroring the hide colour of JAS 949. To provide contrast and to preserve the design lines of the cabin, hand-applied piping in Beluga leather brings accents to the seats. 

    Adding a contemporary aspect, the Burr Walnut veneer has been left as open pore, providing a closer texture to the patinated finish in JAS 949. Selected from only the very best, most figured stock available, open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness. By comparison, Bentley’s High Gloss lacquer coating is 0.5 mm thick and has a glossy, smooth finish. Each layer is applied by hand and sanded between applications, ensuring the lacquer sticks to the natural grooves of the wood. The resulting finish is wax-like and perfectly highlights the authentic, natural colour and texture of the wood species.

    Through Bentley’s revered craftsmanship, cross banding inlays are still available today. Reflecting the interior details of JAS 949, the cross banding of the new Continental GT Azure uses Australian straight grain veneer with a boxwood inlay, enhanced with a Bentley Mulliner overlay in a rich gold. The finishing touches of the silhouette of the R-Type Continental have been added to the fascia veneer and interior treadplates to complete the cabin.

    The Development Of The Original R-Type Continental

    The brainchild of Chief Projects Engineer Ivan Evernden and Chief Stylist John Blatchley, the R-Type Continental set a template that continues to inspire Bentley designers. 

    Two pre-war coachbuilt specials, the ‘Embiricos’ Bentley and Corniche, had shown the advantages of improved aerodynamics. In the early 1950s, Ivan Evernden took inspiration from these one-off creations to create a sleek coupé based on the R Type Bentley saloon. 

    The power of the 4,566cc, six-cylinder in-line engine was raised from 140 to 153 bhp, and the transmission featured a higher final drive ratio. The prototype – OLG 490, nicknamed Olga – averaged 118.75 mph over five laps (with a best lap of just under 120 mph) at the banked Montlhèry track near Paris.

    To keep down to the target weight, coachbuilders HJ Mulliner crafted the bodywork, window frames, windscreen surround, backlight, seat frames and bumpers in aluminium. Even at a pared-down weight, tyre choice was critical; no standard road tyre existed which could carry a two-ton car at speeds in excess of 115 mph, and Dunlop Medium Distance Track tyres were specified.

    The first production model was delivered to its owner in June 1952 and by the time production ended in 1955, 208 R Type Continentals had been made. Of these, 193 were bodied by HJ Mulliner. Others included Park Ward (four dropheads and two coupés), Franay (five), Graber (three) and Farina (one).

    Re-creating A Modern Magic Carpet

    The new Continental GT Azure is designed to enhance the wellbeing and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants, making every journey a relaxing experience regardless of distance. 

    Seating is the foundation for driving comfort and control, and all Bentley Azures feature the Front Seat Comfort Specification as standard. This includes a massage function with six programmable settings which promotes the constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture that are so vital in preventing fatigue, adjustable side bolsters, electric seatbelt adjustment and comfort headrests.

    Another key element of the Continental GT Azure is Bentley Dynamic Ride, Bentley’s 48V active anti-roll control system that enhances ride comfort and limits roll for smoother, more relaxing journeys. The system cushions driver and passengers from excessive movement by electronically decoupling the anti-roll bars when appropriate to smooth the ride, then applying up to 1300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds when cornering to keep the body flat and stable.

    The Continental GT Azure also features as standard, the Touring Specification which includes driver assistance systems, imbuing the driver with a sense of confidence and relaxed control whatever the traffic or weather conditions. Adaptive Cruise Control* maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, slowing down (to a halt if necessary) when the vehicle in front does so and resuming the set speed once the lane is clear. Together with Lane Assist*, Traffic Assist* and Bentley Safeguard, the Bentley’s suite of on-board radar and camera systems constantly monitor the surrounding traffic and roads and can intervene if necessary to prevent or avoid an accident. 

    The relaxing and re-energising environment of the Azure cabin, that reduces driver fatigue, through its multisensory and science-informed design, can only help to enhance the safety of the car. Studies have shown that in 20 per cent of all road collisions, tiredness has played a role.

    The driver’s sense of relaxed control is further enhanced by the Head-up Display, providing directions and navigation directly in the line of sight, and by Night Vision, which uses infra-red cameras to identify pedestrians, cyclists and fauna outside the beam of the LED headlights.

    A History Of Refinement

    Bentley is remarkable among automotive brands in that it has always spanned the extremes of performance and refinement. Even in the company’s early days, when the Bentley Boys were racing and winning at Brooklands and Le Mans in their thunderous racing green machines, founder W.O. Bentley was obsessive in his pursuit of smoothness and refinement. “I have put up with a lot of noise in my time, but I don’t like it,” he wrote in his autobiography, adding, “I hate noise for the sake of noise. To me 70 mph in silence is far more creditable than a noisy 80 mph.” Today’s Bentley’s Azures are quieter at 150 miles an hour than anything W.O. Bentley would have experienced at 70.

    The new Continental GT Azure now joins Bentley’s UK press fleet, where it will be available for media loans along with the opportunity to drive JAS 949.
     

     R-Type Continental – JAS 949Continental GT Azure
    Date Produced19532023
    BodyTwo-door, four-seat grand tourer made by HJ Mulliner in aluminium over a steel frame.Steel and aluminium monocoque, superformed aluminium exterior panels.
    Engine4566 cc 6-cylinder in-line with pushrod overhead inlet, side exhaust valve. Cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head. Zenith downdraft carburettor.3996 cc V8 TSI, two twin-scroll turbochargers, direct injection, 32 valves with cylinder deactivation. Aluminium block and heads.
    Power153 bhp (114 kW) @ 4000 rpm.542 bhp (404kW) @ 6000 rpm.
    TransmissionRear wheel drive, 4-speed close-ratio gearbox.ZF eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, active all-wheel drive.
    ChassisIndependent front suspension with coil springs, wishbones and anti-roll bar. Rear suspension live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Double-acting lever arm dampers; ride control on rear.Aluminium front double wishbones, aluminium multi-link rear design, 48V active anti-roll bars, three-chamber air suspension, Continuous Damping Control.
    DimensionsWheelbase 304.8cm (120in); length 524.51cm (206.5in); width 181.61cm (71.5in). 
    Weight 1700kg (3739lb).    		Wheelbase 285.1cm (112.2in); length 485cm (190.9in); width 218.7cm (86.1in). 
    Weight 2165kg (4773b).
    Performance115 mph. 0-62 mph 13.6 secs.198 mph. 0-62 mph 4.0 secs.

    An Iconic Photography Location for an Iconic Grand Tourer

    Battersea Power Station has been an iconic London landmark for over 90 years. Work began at the site in the late 1920s, and in 1955 the second half of the Power Station, Power Station B, and the landmark’s fourth and final chimney were completed, enabling the station to supply a fifth of London’s electricity at its peak. Bentley Motors too had grown and developed in this timeframe – building from success at Le Mans in the 1920s, and with an established factory in Crewe, the 1950’s saw the introduction of the iconic R Type Continental.

    Battersea Power Station was decommissioned in 1983, and sat dormant for nearly 30 years, before a consortium of Malaysian companies purchased the site in 2012 to bring this legendary London landmark and the surrounding area back to life as one of the most exciting and innovative mixed use neighbourhoods in the world. Today, Battersea Power Station is a new neighbourhood for all with a vibrant mix of shops, bars, restaurants, leisure experiences, residences and public realm, with more to come.

    The neighbourhood was the perfect place to photograph the new Continental GT Azure and JAS 949 together – with both the cars and the location reflecting the best of the 1950s and the present day.

  • 12 Hours of Bathurst Inspires Pair of Bentley Continental GT Specials

    12 Hours of Bathurst Inspires Pair of Bentley Continental GT Specials

    • Mulliner creates a tribute to the legendary Bathurst 12 Hour with a unique pair of Continental GT S models
    • Inspiration and design cues taken from winning #7 Continental GT3
    • Commemorative framed artefact and scale model of winning race car accompany each car
    • New S range Continental GT focuses on the pleasure of driving 
    • Impressive performance from the 542 bhp (550 PS) and 770 Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine delivers 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.0 seconds

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Mulliner and Bentley Sydney have created a pair of special Bentleys inspired by the gruelling Bathurst 12 Hour, where Bentley was victorious in 2020 with its Continental GT3 racer. The recent launch in Australia of the new Continental GT S provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate V8-powered performance, with the special edition paying tribute to the road car’s racing sibling, the Continental GT3.    

    Focused on driving performance and visual presence, the Continental GT S shares a number of characteristics with its track based counterpart, thereby providing the perfect foundation for the pair of specially-commissioned road cars.

    The two cars in the pair both have individual specifications. The first car takes inspiration from the livery of the winning race car, with an exterior of bright Apple Green (applegreen; metallic UNI; 6628 / 9560196; Bentley), contrasted by a Beluga black roof, wing mirrors, lower bumper and rear boot silhouette. The unique front visual also includes a number seven painted on the grille matrix, as per the racer.

    The contemporary performance theme continues with the inclusion of the Blackline Specification – replacing all exterior bright chromework with polished black versions – and the Styling Specification (front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in carbon fibre) providing a more aggressive visual stance.

    The cabin is far more luxurious than the race car counterpart whilst offering a performance feel. Using a mixture of Leather and Dinamica in Beluga with Apple Green accents via micro-piping and contrast stitch, the interior complements the exterior perfectly. ‘BATHURST’ has been stitched into the headrests and ‘One of Two’ can be seen on the treadplates. A unique metal overlay depicting the track has been included in the carbon fibre technical finish fascias on the passenger side, and the names of the victorious drivers together with the winning number seven can be found on the centre console.

    Shane Rudzis, Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director comments; 

    “Bentley quickly became an iconic part of the Bathurst 12 Hour and a fan favourite team of most who attended.  

    “They ‘brought the thunder’ to the Mountain and their 2020 victory remains one of the most popular in the history of the race, creating iconic scenes that will long be replayed. 

    “We are proud to help Bentley celebrate that famous result with this pair of incredibly special and unique Continental GT S vehicles, much like the pair of Continental GT3 entries that were so impressive on the Mountain for many memorable years.” 

    The second car is painted in Silver Tempest (silvertempest; mica metallic UNI; 6702 / 9560022; Bentley) to reflect the introduction of the second-generation Continental GT3 that was launched in late 2017 and started competing in 2018. Car number two mirrors the first, with black chrome and the carbon fibre Styling Specification to the exterior and a bespoke cabin. Each car will be supplied with a commemorative framed artefact and a 1:18 scale model of the winning car.

    The Mulliner team celebrated in 2022 a new milestone in personal commissions, after creating 500 unique Mulliner Bentley projects for customers around the world in just 12 calendar months. The team’s portfolio includes coachbuilt cars such as the Batur, heritage limited editions including the Blower, and a wide variety of stunning and unique customer projects where imagination is the only limitation.

    Race Inspired V8 Performance

    The new S range retains the 542 bhp (550 PS) and 770 Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine that’s proved incredibly popular with customers around the world, delivering a time of just 4.0 seconds for 0-62 mph (100 km/h). For the GT and GTC S, the engine is enhanced by the fitment as standard of a Sports Exhaust to amplify the crossplane V8 beat.

    The eager, free-revving and lighter 4.0-litre V8 engine gives the Continental GT S models a responsive and agile character, and this is amplified by Bentley Dynamic Ride – the advanced 48V electric active anti-roll control system first pioneered by Bentley. By generating up 1300 Nm in 0.3 seconds, motors within the anti-roll bars actively compensate for cornering forces to minimise body roll under hard cornering, while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds by decoupling the left- and right-hand wheels from each other.   

    From Road to Track

    The latest generation Continental GT3 race car was developed in tandem with the Continental GT road car. It used a mostly aluminium structure to deliver a much lighter, race-ready weight of less than 1300 kg together with improved weight distribution – ideal for racing. The engine was a new development of the race-proven 4.0-litre Bentley twin-turbo V8, with a redesigned dry sump system and all-new intake and exhaust systems. 

    Highly optimised road car intercoolers were used in the Continental GT3 to provide optimum engine performance. Unrestricted power was in excess of 550 bhp and fuel consumption was improved. Despite reduced exhaust noise the sound was still unmistakably Bentley, and characteristically thunderous.

    Exterior aerodynamic surfaces, based on the sleekly refined lines of the latest generation road car provide additional downforce. New suspension and braking systems were also bespoke to the GT3 car.

    Bentley’s 2020 Bathurst Win

    The Continental GT has demonstrated its extraordinary breadth of ability on the road and on the track, particularly by taking overall victory in Continental GT3 form at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020. The #7 Continental GT3 of Maxime Soulet (BEL), Jordan Pepper (ZAR) and Jules Gounon (FRA) dominated the opening round of the 2020 Intercontinental GT Challenge that year, sweeping to victory after starting P11.

    The car moved quickly through the order into podium contention. World-class stints from Soulet, Pepper and Gounon, and strong strategy and pit stops from the team, moved the team into P1 for a total time of seven hours – with the car running flawlessly. A superb reactionary pit-stop just over an hour from the end to deal with a puncture was the final act from the team to set the car up for victory. Rain loomed while ambient temperatures exceeded 40°C, but after the half-day sprint the #7 Continental GT3 crossed the line as the winner of the Bathurst 12 Hour. As they took the chequered flag, the crew also set a new race distance record of 314 laps – before the heavens opened and the team rejoiced in the rain.

  • The Maturo Stradale Specification, Unveiled. Remastering the Delta Integrale

    The Maturo Stradale Specification, Unveiled. Remastering the Delta Integrale

    [source: Maturo Competition Cars]

    The dream of creating the ultimate reinvention of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale, has now come true.

    The intensive journey of designing and creating the first Maturo Stradale specification has come to an end. After more than three years of dreams, designs, developments, build-up and blood-sweat-and-tears, Frank van Ganzewinkel and Marco Geeratz, the co-founders of Maturo Competition Cars, can now proudly present the finished product. The only true Group A Delta, disguised as a high-end daily driver.

    People will be able to see the Maturo Stradale specification in real life, together with the Rally- and Classic specification, at the Interclassics Classic Car Show in Maastricht (the Netherlands), from January 12-15, 2023. We invite you to attend the unveiling of the car on the preview afternoon of the show, on January 12th at around 2pm. You will be able not only to see the car and all its details, but also hear from the co-founders and the design team of Maturo Competition Cars. Let’s chat about the background, performance specs and specific features of this exciting project.

    The Journey
    For the past five years, Maturo Competition Cars has been redeveloping the Lancia Delta Integrale. We started our journey by restoring a Group A Abarth Rally spec Integrale, using it competitively and finding out about its shortcomings. After this, we were staggered by the difference in body stiffness performance, and sheer driving pleasure between the Group A rally car and the standard HF Integrale.

    This naturally formulated our goal; to recreate the Group A rally car experience in a stylish, well-built, extremely competitive, yet reliable, road car.

    The Car
    The Stradale specification is our best imagination of what a Lancia Delta Integrale ‘for the road’ should be like. In 2020, the development started. Instead of trying to upgrade a standard Delta Integrale, we have solely used the almighty WRC Group A champion as our base. With over 2.000 newly designed parts, using advanced materials and production techniques, we can now state that we have managed to bring Group A to the road in a reliable and durable fashion. Ready to be enioved.

    comment by brand ambassador and legendary rally champion Juha Kankkunen: “… with Maturo’s tradale spec you get a Group A rally car disquised as a very handsome and exquisitely crafted road-going Delta.”

    The car features a lightweight carbon body (total weight 1220 kg), reinforced chassis, custom made (partly integrated) roll cage, strengthened 5-speed gearbox, re-designed adjustable motorsport suspension, Abarth Gr. A braking system, ride height control and a power unit that puts out 400 hp and over 540 Nm of torque. The interior is completely redesigned based on the Abarth Group A car and the standard car with a touch of Lancia Delta S4. A unique blend between luxurious materials and a highly functional motorsport desian. It’s not a jewellery box, nor is it a harsh and tiring rally car. The interior features modern air conditioning, rear seats, heated windows and more, all wrapped in Alcantara, leather, carbon fibre, anodised aluminium, titanium and more…

    The Maturo Stradale specification will drive like an uplifted Group A rally car because it does not have to comply with the original FIA imposed, performance restricting regulations and it benefits from modern-day techniques and our rally experiences. In our humble opinion, it is truly the ultimate Lancia Delta Integrale. Moreover, because we stayed true to the original design and technical set-up of the car because “one does not change the Mona Lisa”, was the comment of co-founder and engineer Frank van Ganzewinkel.

    The first release
    This month, our dedicated team in the workshop completed the first ‘Stradale’ and it was unveiled, alongside the Rally specification and the Classic specification, on December 17th to an audience of family, friends and clients. The reactions and feedback were overwhelmingly positive, which confirms to us that our dream idea will be shared and understood by many more car enthusiasts.

    Shake-down
    Last week we took the Stradale to the former military airbase in Weeze, Germany. There, it has been tested by professional rally driver Kevin Abbring, allowing for some finetuning and trying out different set-ups. His comments were highly positive and it proved us that we have indeed built what we were expecting; a Group A rally car without its harsh edges and uncomfort.

    Moving forward
    People will be able to see the Maturo Stradale specification in real life, together with the Rally-and Classic specification, at the Interclassics Classic Car Show in Maastricht (the Netherlands), from January 12-15, 2023. We invite all representatives of the international press to attend the unveiling on the first pre show afternoon on January 12.

    Open for orders
    Maturo Competition Cars is planning to build in total ten cars in Stradale specification. The first orders are being finalised and we expect to be able to deliver the first two Stradale’s to their owners in the third quarter of this year. The price of the Maturo Stradale specification is dependent on exact detailed spec and on local tax fees. A good indication for the price is close to € 400.000,- (including the costs of a donor car).

    About Maturo Competition Cars
    Maturo Competition Cars is driven by passion for the glorious days of historic Italian automotive excellence. With a vast experience of over 25 years in rally sports, we are used to maintain, service and drive Lancia Delta’s in competitive rallies and have spent thousands of hours on research and development of the iconic Delta Integrale. We invest our time and effort in reinventing this rally icon, resulting in thoroughly re-engineered cars that are built from the ground up to the highest possible standards. The result is a car that fundamentally celebrates the original, by being a so-called ultimate version of the classic.

  • Mulliner Celebrates New Commissioning Milestone at Bentley

    Mulliner Celebrates New Commissioning Milestone at Bentley

    • 2022 proves the most successful year for Mulliner Bespoke with over 500 personal commission projects created within 12 calendar months
    • Previous milestone of 1000 Mulliner Bespoke commissions between 2014 to 2021
    • Dedicated Mulliner Design team facilitate the increasing demand for bespoke services 
    • Bentleys ordered with bespoke content has increased fivefold since 2018
    • Options revenue per car up 36% in same period
    • 500th commission is Flying Spur S Hybrid in new Spark Blue, reflecting increasing demand in individuality and personalisation
    • 25 satin paints now available including new Marlin Blue and Alpine Green, reflecting the increased uptake of satin exterior finishes globally

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – The Mulliner Design team celebrates a new milestone in personal commissions, after creating 500 unique Mulliner Bentley projects for customers around the world in just 12 calendar months. The team’s portfolio includes coachbuilt cars such as the Batur, heritage limited editions including the Blower, and a wide variety of stunning and unique customer projects. 

    The 500th Mulliner commission is destined for a UK customer. One of the first Flying Spur S Hybrid to be personalised showcasing Spark (sparkblue; metallic UNI; 9561113; Bentley), a new Blue exterior colour. Complemented by Blackline specification exterior brightwork and 22” ten-spoke Sports wheels in black. The illuminated Flying B that surmounts the black radiator grille in gloss black completes the dramatic effect. 

    Inside, monochromatic high gloss carbon fibre veneer and diamond quilted Beluga hide upholstery bring out the jewel-like brilliance of the polished metal air vents, dial bezels and controls. This palette is brilliantly contrasted by flashes of Klein Blue hide on the seats and around the perimeter of the floor mats. Klein Blue hide is also used for the contrast steering wheel’s six o’clock spoke and gearlever – the sparing use of this colour making it all the more effective. 

    Established in 2014, the Mulliner Design team operates within the Bentley styling studio, ensuring that Bentley DNA is at the heart of every commission. The previous milestone for the team of 1,000 personal commissions took seven years to complete. This year’s stellar achievement of 500 individual projects reflects the growing demand for bespoke creativity, from satin paint finishes and bespoke colourways to intricate inlays and embroidery. 

    Paul Dickinson, Chief Commercial Officer Mulliner & Motorsport comments:

    “Reaching the milestone 500th Commission in a year would not have been possible without the ongoing support of both the main Bentley Design Studio and all the other functions of the wider Mulliner Team. 2021 had already been a record year for Mulliner Design that saw the team needing to grow by 50% to meet customer demands and in 2022 that team has really been tested as it has seen a year-on-year increase of 85% in customer / retailer commissions. Their hard work, dedication and passion to each and every one of these commissions means that we have never had such beautiful examples of personalisation leaving Crewe.”

    Inspired by the majestic marlin

    Mulliner commissions accommodate a broad spectrum of customer visions, from the wild colours of the Continental GT Convertible designed by Romero Britto and displayed at Miami Art Basel to the subtle sophistication of the ‘Surgeon’ Flying Spur in Anthracite and Bronze satin revealed at the same event. 

    Further 2022 highlights include a Continental GT commissioned by Bentley Tampa Bay. Its shimmering Marlin blue satin paint finish and polished steel brightwork are complemented by the Styling Specification’s front bumper splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler. These are finished in a unique tri-colour coachline with the top face in Marlin Blue satin, a mid-layer pinstripe in Monaco Yellow satin and a bottom face in Arctica White satin, a colour scheme that vividly evokes the distinctive colours of the blue marlin, one of the fastest fish on the planet. 

    Inside, a bespoke colour split uses Mulliner White main hide with Imperial Blue as the secondary hide. The choice of Signal Yellow seat piping echoes the exterior’s tri-colour theme; the same shade is also used as a fine pinstripe between the dual veneer fascia and waist rails in Piano Marlin satin over Piano Mulliner White. Diamond quilted areas on the Mulliner White door panels and seats are stitched in alternating Imperial blue and Signal Yellow, and the centre console is finished in bright tint engine spin. 

    Subtle perfection in Arctica and Dragonfly

    Another 2022 commission that makes understated use of a contrast colour is a Continental GT Convertible commissioned by Bentley Naples in Florida. With its Blackline specification brightwork, 22” Speed wheels in gloss black and solid Arctica White exterior finish it is the epitome of sophistication, where the eye is drawn to the Dragonfly Blue pinstripe that edges the Styling Specification’s body kit. 
    On entering the cockpit, the main and secondary hide colours of Arctic and Porpoise are enlivened by an accent hide in Dragonfly, creating a bespoke colour split. The dual veneer fascia and waist rails are in high gloss Piano Dragonfly over Piano Arctica white, matched to the hide colours. A fine Beluga painted pinstripe separates the two Piano veneers. Finishing touches include embroidered Bentley emblems on each seat headrest in Dragonfly and bespoke Naples Arctica Collection treadplates. 

    Lunar inspiration for four remarkable Bentayga commissions. 

    Our planetary close cousin the moon has long fascinated artists and astronomers alike. Its ghostly light has inspired a series of four darkly compelling Bentayga designs commissioned by Bentley Tampa Bay named the Ominous Collection. 

    All four designs feature bespoke ‘Ominous Collection’ treadplates and seat insert embroidery that features the phases of the moon from new moon to waning crescent. For symmetry, the embroidered moon phases on the left-hand seats mirror those on the right. 

    Exterior colour schemes include a Bentayga Azure in Titan Grey with Blackline Specification and Mandarin pinstripe on the Styling Specification body kit. Its interior maintains the low-key mood with satin carbon fibre to all veneered surfaces and upholstery in Beluga. A flash of brilliance is provided by the contrast stitching in Mandarin, which is used for the diamond quilting on seat uppers and door inserts. Mandarin is also employed as an accent colour on the steering wheel 6 o’clock tab and console. 
    Mandarin takes centre stage as the main exterior finish on the second of the Ominous Bentayga models, which again uses satin carbon fibre veneer and Beluga upholstery relieved by Mandarin contrast stitching for the interior scheme. 

    The third design takes Oxford Blue as its exterior finish, with an interior based on Mulliner’s colour split B. Newly developed Ocean Blue, is the main hide with Beluga as the secondary hide and contrast stitching in White. Unusually, the Piano gloss veneered surfaces are in Ocean blue, carefully colour matched to the main hide. 

    The final Ominous Collection Bentayga features a bespoke two-tone exterior in Onyx over Verdant, with 22” ten-spoke directional wheels in black. Inside, Cumbrian green is used as the main hide with Beluga on secondary surfaces. Fascia and waist rails are in gloss carbon fibre, while the seats and doors feature twin stitched palm fluting in a bespoke shade of green alternating with Portland. Hand cross stitching is in Portland throughout the cabin. 

  • Extensive MANUFAKTUR Offering for the EQS

    Extensive MANUFAKTUR Offering for the EQS

    • Additional exclusivity for the electric saloons from Mercedes‑EQ and Mercedes‑AMG
    • Selected materials are partly processed by hand
    • MANUFAKTUR Interior Package with five exclusive colours in nappa leather with diamond quilting

    [source: Mercedes-Benz]

    A good year ago, Mercedes‑Benz presented the MANUFAKTUR range. It was launched in exclusive model series such as the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé, the Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class long-wheelbase version, the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class and the G‑Class. The new individualisation range has been very well received by customers. Recently, the EQS, the first fully electric luxury saloon from Mercedes and Mercedes‑AMG, can also be individualised with the help of the MANUFAKTUR range.

    Special paint finishes and high-quality interior refinements expand the possibilities for putting together an EQS to suit your personal taste. Below are some examples from the MANUFAKTUR range for the EQS:

    • A total of nine MANUFAKTUR paints are available, including those familiar from the S‑Class such as MANUFAKTUR vintage blue non‑metallic or MANUFAKTUR kalahari gold magno (€7,021.00 each[1]).
    • As with the S‑Class, there is the MANUFAKTUR Interior Package[2] (from 11,007.50 euros1). It is available for the EQS from Mercedes, also in combination with AMG Line interior, as well as the EQS from Mercedes‑AMG. The front and rear seats are finished in nappa leather and feature intricate diamond quilting. Nappa leather in a MANUFAKTUR colour is also used for the armrests in the doors, the centre console and the lower section of the instrument panel. The MANUFAKTUR colours tobacco brown, mystic red and rosé grey are new. Another highlight is the MANUFAKTUR steering wheel covered by hand in nappa leather, colour-coordinated with the respective interior colour. The high-pile floor mats are edged in nappa leather. The floor mats and head restraint cushions are embroidered with the Mercedes‑Benz star or the Mercedes‑AMG logo. The illuminated door sill trims bear the lettering of the respective brand and a MANUFAKTUR exclusive pattern. The centre console is adorned with MANUFAKTUR lettering in a high-sheen chrome look. Executed in cursive script, it testifies to the label’s claim to quality craftsmanship.
    • The Emblem Package[3] (from €1,487.50[4]) is available for the standard interior with black seat upholstery and black carpet. High-pile floor mats and head restrain cushions are embroidered with the Mercedes-Benz star ton-in tone.

    [1]Recommended retail price in Germany including 19% VAT.
    [2] Available in combination with comfort suspension seats; availability depends on market.
    [3] Not in combination with AMG Line interior and not for Mercedes-AMG models; availability depends on market.
    [4] Recommended retail price in Germany including 19% VAT.