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.
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 949
Continental GT Azure
Date Produced
1953
2023
Body
Two-door, four-seat grand tourer made by HJ Mulliner in aluminium over a steel frame.
Steel and aluminium monocoque, superformed aluminium exterior panels.
Engine
4566 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.
Power
153 bhp (114 kW) @ 4000 rpm.
542 bhp (404kW) @ 6000 rpm.
Transmission
Rear wheel drive, 4-speed close-ratio gearbox.
ZF eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, active all-wheel drive.
Chassis
Independent 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Bentley steps up high-tech ‘additive manufacturing’ capability with industry-first application of 3D printed gold
Up to 210 grams of solid yellow gold available in W12-engined Batur – the most powerful Bentley in history
Breath-taking two-door coupe limited to just 18 exquisite examples
18ct parts include centrepiece Charisma Dial and Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls
Gold sourced from historic Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham – a centuries-old centre of craftsmanship
Process uses 100 per cent recycled jewellery ground to fine powder for 3D printing
Innovative advancement supports Bentley’s sustainable and forward-focused Beyond100 strategy.
Batur Grand Tourer heralds start of a design revolution at Bentley
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, England – Bentley Motors has introduced 3D printed solid gold in the exclusive Batur by Mulliner – the first time such a ground-breaking process is believed to have been used in the automotive industry. The ‘additive manufacturing’ (AM) technique will add up to 210 grams of 18ct yellow gold to the coachbuilt coupe, the fastest Bentley in the company’s 103-year history.
The W12-engined Batur is restricted to just 18 examples, all of which have already been sold to Mulliner clients at £1.65m each (excluding taxes and options). The optional, 3D printed gold includes key driver touch points, such as the Charisma Dial, encircling the start/stop button and used to change driver modes. The centrepiece of an exquisite cabin, the dial complements the design of the Batur front grille. Gold is also applied to Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard, as well as a gold insert marker on the steering wheel itself.
Bentley Mulliner has worked with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold to craft the unique Batur parts. A member of the Heirmerle + Meule Group, Cooksongold is based in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, England, where jewellery has been made for centuries. The special collaboration highlights Bentley’s ability to combine new, advanced manufacturing technologies with more traditional materials and finishing techniques.
All the sustainably sourced gold is 100 per cent recycled from old jewellery, ground into a fine powder needed for the 3D printing technique. Recycling ensures there is no environmental impact from mining for new precious metals. It also reflects Bentley’s commitment to a more sustainable future and is in line with the company’s Beyond100 strategy, to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030.
Every 3D gold part in the Batur is digitally designed using CAD models, before a printing process with laser melting printers. Each is then hand finished by skilled artisan jewellers, using traditional techniques to achieve the polish and quality that is synonymous with a Bentley.
All parts produced for the Batur are hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as a sign of having solid material authenticity. Additionally, any parts manufactured in 2022 also receive the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year.
In February, Bentley committed a further £3 million investment to double AM capacity at the Crewe factory, converting 3D CAD models into physical parts. Future applications will facilitate more low volume manufacturing components and bespoke customer personalisation – including the pioneering use of 3D printed gold in a range of new generation models.
Bentley’s legendary 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine generates more than 740 PS in the Batur, with chassis technology that includes eLSD, four-wheel steering and 48V electric active anti-roll bars to match the performance. The coupe offers an endless array of options, including parts crafted in titanium, sustainable Natural Fibre composites and even low-carbon leather sourced from Scotland. The coupe’s new design DNA also shows the direction for future Bentley BEVs (battery electric vehicles).
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Research and Development at Bentley Motors, said:
“Bentley’s approach to additive manufacturing is industry leading, evident through our pioneering use of a luxury metal in the design and development process of the Batur. One of the key benefits is that it is efficiency led, cutting down on the cost and complexity of a myriad of jobs but maintaining the value of a rare resource.
“As Bentley embraces an exciting future, we see huge potential in advanced, innovative technologies. Processes such as 3D printed gold will be a springboard that allows our customers an even greater ability to personalise, further enhancing the individualisation programme offered on every car.”
One-of-one Flying Spur Hybrid specified by ‘The Surgeon’ celebrates shared values of design and craft at the highest level
Unique specification co-created with Dominic Ciambrone – a.k.a. The Surgeon – the world’s leading creative custom shoemaker
Duotone Anthracite over Anthracite Satin accented by Satin Bronze brightware, pinstriping and wheel accents
Bespoke interior features unique stitching and embroidery, Satin Bronze accents and Bronze piping
Dual-finish wood veneers with laser-etched skull and crossed scalpel logos, with Gloss White pinstriping
3D diamond-patterned walnut panels in rear doors
Follows earlier partnership on bespoke limited edition Bentley sneakers
Purchasing customer to receive matching pair of ‘Bentley x The Surgeon adidas Forum Low’ sneakers
One of three Bentley artworks showcased at Temple House in Miami
Sager Strong Continental GT Speed Convertible, to be auctioned for charity in early 2023, and Britto Continental GT V8 Convertible complete exhibition
[source: Bentley]
Miami, Florida – A unique, bespoke and distinctive Flying Spur Hybrid, curated by ‘The Surgeon’, has been unveiled by Bentley at the brand’s pinnacle evening event during Art Basel Miami. The exquisite car follows the launch of a limited-edition line of Bentley-inspired sneakers, by the leading force of the customized shoe industry, Dominic Ciambrone – also known as The Surgeon.
With 20 international art fairs, more than 1,200 galleries and thousands of artists in attendance, Miami becomes a magnet for design lovers during the week of Art Basel. As such it’s the perfect showcase for the artisanal artwork of Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personal commissioning division, to celebrate the power of individuality, with three unique vehicles that fuse artistic expression and unrivalled craftsmanship – crowned by the Flying Spur Hybrid by The Surgeon.
Inspiration for Flying Spur Hybrid x The Surgeon
The Surgeon is a leader in the customised shoe industry, famed for his effortless fusion of high fashion and street culture. A visit to Bentley’s Mulliner division in early 2022 inspired him to create a limited run of ten pairs of bespoke sneakers, featuring Bentley craft signatures such as diamond quilting and cross stitching as well as his signature ‘Surgeon’ skull and scalpel monogram.
The sneakers were the springboard for a second collaboration, based upon Bentley’s recently-acclaimed Flying Spur Hybrid. Its elegant lines and handcrafted interior made it an ideal canvas for The Surgeon’s creativity. With the combination of a 2.9 litre V6 combustion engine and powerful E-Motor, it exhibits the next step in Bentley’s Beyond100 journey towards a future of electrified luxury.
The car’s specification leaves nothing to be desired. The Mulliner Blackline specification replaces exterior polished chrome with all-black brightware, while the Styling Specification includes a front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and boot lip spoiler in carbon fibre.
Gloss, Satin and Bronze Combined
The Flying Spur Hybrid x The Surgeon uses an impactful exterior palette in a dramatic yet harmonious combination parallel to his own brand aesthetic. Ciambrone chose a duo-tone paint finish of Anthracite (anthracite; metallic UNI; 6706 / 9560114; Bentley) over Anthracite Satin (anthracitesatin; metallic matte; 6779 / 9562007; Bentley) , creating an understated expression of power and assurance. The monochromatic palette is relieved by the sparing use of Satin Bronze, which appears on the lower front, side and rear bumper. A bespoke Satin Bronze pinstripe draws the eye the full length of the Bentley, while the 22” Satin Anthracite wheels feature a Satin Bronze pinstripe around the outer rim. The same finish is used for the Surgeon badges on the D pillars and the Hybrid badge on the fender. The finishing touch is provided by an illuminated Flying B radiator mascot in Gloss Black.
Design and Craft in Harmony
From the moment you enter the cabin of the Flying Spur Hybrid x The Surgeon, you’re drawn into a world of individuality and creativity. The motif on the outer sill panel reads ‘The Surgeon’ while the inner sill plate conveys his personal philosophy, ‘Never Stop.’ Another delightful detail, bespoke LED welcome lamps, project the skull and crossed scalpel logo onto the ground to guide your entry.
Inside, the upholstery features Linen as the main hide on the seats, doors and lower fascia while the secondary hide colour, Beluga, features on the fascia top, centre through-console and rear parcel shelf. Contrast stitching in Bronze features on the seats, seat piping and in a cross-stitch pattern on the steering wheel. The namestyle ‘Surgeon’ is embroidered in Bronze on the seats, above which the headrests carry a blind embroidered Surgeon logo.
Walnut veneer adorns the cabin, and Ciambrone has celebrated Mulliner’s craft skills by specifying contrasting finishes; the upper veneer is open pore Crown Cut Walnut, giving a tactile satin finish, while the lower veneer is in High Gloss Crown Cut Walnut and features a laser-etched repeat motif of the skull and crossed scalpel logo. A Gloss White pinstripe separates the two veneers, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents. The rear doors also feature Walnut inserts in ‘three dimensional’ diamond patterning.
Grand Black gloss veneer clads the front and rear centre consoles, with the Surgeon logo overlaid in chrome on the rear cupholder. Uniting the design of exterior and interior, Bronze Satin features on the B+O speaker cones, while a bespoke shade of matching Bronze hide can be seen at the six o’clock tab on the steering wheel and as a covering for the gearlever.
The Bentley rotating display in the centre of the fascia offers a choice of three faces; analogue dials, digital display or walnut veneer. When displaying the latter, the namestyle ‘Surgeon’ is seen in gold overlay. Further tactile and visual interest is provided by Bentley’s unique knurled finish on controls and touchpoints.
Three automotive artworks
The reveal of this exceptional Flying Spur Hybrid caps an evening’s celebration of the art of bespoke automotive creation at Art Basel Miami. Shown alongside the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid x The Surgeon are two very different and vibrant commissions, both with unique intentions. The Sager Strong Continental GT Speed Convertible was inspired by Hall of Famer and sartorial iconoclast Craig Sager, and specifically the jacket he wore to accept his Jimmy V Perseverance Award in 2016. Proceeds from its auction set for February 2023 will be donated to the fight against blood cancer. Meanwhile, a Continental GT V8 Convertible is inspired by the work of renowned Brazilian-born artist and Miami resident Romero Britto, encapsulating his colourful life philosophy and celebrating his pop art success.
First Batur coupé development car starts trials across Europe
Extensive whole vehicle development program includes 120 individual tests over a 58 week period
100+ weeks of powertrain development already completed, delivering the most powerful Bentley to date
Batur includes more than 800 unique parts not including customer options for materials and finishes
Vibrant specification for Batur Car #0 using “Purple Sector”
Batur’s advanced materials and construction look towards Bentley’s sustainable future
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, England – The Bentley Batur has begun real-world road trials across Europe. Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in August 2022 and attendance at numerous events for Bentley Customers, global media and the public, two development Baturs are now starting a rigorous programme of tests to ensure the highest standards of vehicle performance and quality. The limited series of just 18 examples are due to begin deliveries mid-2023 after completion and sign-off of an extensive engineering program.
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility & sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise & vibration, and driving dynamics. More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software. Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across the two pre-series cars, supplementing 100+ weeks of vehicle development already completed to validate the increased engine power, making the Batur the most powerful Bentley in history with at least 740 PS.
The first activity for one of the development Batur’s – Car #0 – is an extensive 2,500 kilometre drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route leaves Germany and travels through Italy, France and Spain before high speed testing work is undertaken at proving grounds.
Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, comments:
“At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate GT and so every element from the exterior design, engine power and hand-crafted interior has been created without compromise.
“There are a number of unique features that bring new challenges. For example, the exterior headlamps are very compact LED units and made to our styling teams challenging proportions, which transforms the exterior appearance of the car but are complex to produce. We’re also working with the most powerful development of the W12 in its 20-year history, which brings an enormous validation programme.
“Even small details such as the angle of the diamond in the front grille representing the cylinder angle in the W12 engine have had to be considered. And even though there will only be 18 Baturs produced, the level of quality has to be identical to every one of the 15,000 cars Bentley is currently producing each year.”
At the proving grounds, Batur Car #0 will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing and abusive surface conditions. During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met.
When the proving ground work is complete, another 7,500 kilometres of real world driving will be undertaken before environmental testing commences. In just under four weeks the car will endure 600 hours of solar loading – equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert. This is particularly important for the new sustainable materials used in the exterior components, as an alternative to carbon fibre.
By the time the first customer deliveries begin, over 810 unique parts will have completed 160 weeks of testing and development, delivering the ultimate coachbuilt grand tourer.
The Pinnacle W12 Grand Tourer
The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 729+ Bhp (740+ PS) version of the iconic, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades.
Over 100+ weeks of powertrain development have already been completed to confirm the new air intake system, modified turbochargers, revised intercoolers and new calibrations for the engine gearbox and electronic stability control for the pinnacle W12.
As the engine enters its twilight years as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully electrified, the Batur forms the first part of a celebration of the W12’s extraordinary power, torque and refinement. Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever, with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring.
Batur Car #0
All 18 customer Baturs are already reserved. Each one is being designed collaboratively with each customer, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team.
Customers will be able to specify the colour and finish of practically every surface of the Batur, to create a car as individual as they are. From the main exterior paint to the surface finish of the air vents, and literally everything in between, each customer will specify even the tiniest of details.
The engineering development car – Batur Car #0 – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Purple Sector – that provides a deep vibrant colour across the curvaceous surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in a high gloss natural fibre finish.
The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Purple Sector in the centre and gradually darken to the sides to Black Crystal. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Satin Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Crystal to match the grille.
One small addition customers will not receive that can be seen on Batur Car #0 are the small white arrowheads found at the edges of the body panels. These markers help to provide feedback on panel movement and any form of relaxation whilst the car is undertaking the durability testing.
Looking To The Future Of Coachbuilding
The Mulliner Bacalar was the first coachbuilt project in recent years which gave significant insight into Bentley’s customers and customer choice. For Batur an even greater selection of options have been developed, not only including colours, materials and finishes, but also new technology such as the Mulliner by Naim Audio system. This takes the Naim Audio system from the Continental GT and transforms it with 20 new Focal speakers, exclusively configured for Batur and custom tuned into a truly immersive class-leading Audio experience.
The design team have given the Batur a unique character with a combination of high end materials and finishes. This is a significant stepping stone towards sustainable material and construction methods, from Additive Manufactured Gold to sustainable hide and natural fibre veneers.
Using advanced manufacturing techniques it is possible for tooling investment to be kept to a minimum which drives lower material and energy usage in the manufacturing processes. Pending successful testing, Mulliner also plan to use natural fibres as an alternative to carbon fibre is some areas of the car. This is a significant reduction in carbon required to produce the materials in these parts.
Sustainability plays a key role in the Batur to help drive the development of sustainable features for future generations of coachbuilt Bentley’s, using Mulliner’s coachbuilding experience as the platform for innovation in line with Bentley’s sustainability goals.
Limited to 150 units in U.S. with consecutive numbering and exclusive content
602 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine combined with RWD
New Torque Rear drive mode enables precise and controlled oversteering on a track
[source: Audi of America]
HERNDON, VA – Today, Audi of America pays tribute to the first generation Audi R8 GT from 2012 by announcing the arrival of the all-new R8 GT. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine now comes with 602 horsepower – making it the most powerful rear-wheel drive series production model in the brand’s history. A new Torque Rear drive mode was developed exclusively for the R8 GT to provide for more precise and controlled oversteering when driven on a track. The R8 GT demonstrates the consistent transfer of technology from motorsports to series production. The R8 GT will be limited to just 333 units worldwide, of which 150 units will come to the United States market.
A motorsport legend: 5.2-liter V10 engine No other Audi is closer to motorsports than the R8. The R8 V10 engine is nearly identical to the R8 LMS racecar engine developed in parallel with only specific regulation adjustments made on the racecar. Compared to the R8 V10 performance RWD model with 562 horsepower, Audi Sport GmbH engineers heightened the performance of the R8 GT model to 602 horsepower – now matching the R8 performance quattro model.
An unmistakable engine tone resonates from the high revving 5.2-liter 10-cylinder engine that produces 413 lb-ft. of torque and a max engine speed of up to 8,700 rpm. As a result, the new R8 GT accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reaches a top track speed of up to 199 mph. One unique design element of the R8 GT is the valve covers of the engine that are painted in black.
New Torque Rear Drive Mode For the first time, Audi Sport GmbH is offering a Torque Rear mode on the R8. Drivers can access seven characteristic curves stored in the traction control system (ASR) offering different levels of support – Level 1 provides maximum support with reduced engine torque, which leads to a low level of wheel spin, while Level 7 provides only minimum support with increased engine torque, which leads to a high level of wheel spin.
The desired Torque Rear mode level can be set by turning the control satellite on the Alcantara® wrapped steering wheel. This function adapts to the progressive driving skills and road conditions presented on the road or on the track, while rapidly calculating data from the wheel speed sensors, steering angle, accelerator pedal position, and the selected gear. The incremental adjustment allows the drivers to gradually increase their own skills.
Another distinctive addition to the R8 GT is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with even faster shift times – allowing drivers to choose their personalized level of ESC support, enabling controlled and simultaneously precise oversteering. The gearbox allows for an even more impressive acceleration in all gears thanks to an altered gear ratio compared to the R8 performance RWD models.
Lightweight engineering The R8 GT remains largely produced by hand at Böllinger Höfe, and shares the same assembly line and similar engine as the R8 LMS racecar. Compared to the R8 V10 performance RWD Coupe, various weight saving measures have resulted in an overall weight reduction of around 55 pounds, producing a total curb weight of 3,516 pounds. The LMS racecar inspired lightweight 20-inch 10-spoke milled-cut forged wheels in high-gloss black, are combined with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires designed for road and racetrack use. The forceful ceramic braking system with red calipers, which is standard equipment in the R8 GT also saves additional weight compared to steel brakes.
Additionally, lightweight R8 GT bucket seats are finished in leather and Dinamica and feature integrated speakers as part of the Bang & Olufsen sound system. The standard sport suspension features a CFRP anti-roll bar, made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, while the two coupling rod connections are made of red anodized aluminum to protect against corrosion. This dynamic suspension reduces weight, while increasing road-holding and cornering dynamics.
A conspicuous presence In order to differentiate the new Audi R8 GT from its relatives, the special model is equipped with exclusive add-on parts. First, all of the exterior emblems are painted in black including the distinctive “R8 GT” lettering in the rear. The track inspired Carbon aero kit is finished in high gloss, and was initially developed in the wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics and increase down force at the front and rear axle – generating better stability and faster cornering speeds on the track. In total, the Carbon aero kit consists of the following attachments: front splitter, flics, side skirt covers, cW-elements on the sides of the rear bumper, a diffuser, and a rear wing with gooseneck suspension, which ensures optimum wing underflow improving aerodynamic efficiency.
The new R8 GT is available in three colors, totaling 50 of each: Tango Red Metallic, Daytona Gray Metallic, and Mythos Black metallic. For the interior, Audi Sport GmbH continues to praise its homage to the first R8 GT from the 2012 model year. The interior is crafted with an Audi exclusive interior in a combination of black and red. This includes red seatbelts – only previously available in the R8 GT from 11 years ago. The floor mats and the R8 bucket seats feature the lettering of the special model in black and red. Customers can also find the sequential numbering of their R8 GT in the middle of the selector lever, partially matted in the carbon inlay.
Compared to the global setting, the U.S. market adds several components that amplify the performance character and equipment level of the R8 GT. Carbon side blades, door side sill inlays, and exterior mirrors housings complete the motorsport touch to the exterior. Further added equipment includes a sport exhaust system, Audi laser lights, dynamic steering, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and an Audi exclusive diamond stitched headliner with red contrast stitching.
The Price The new Audi R8 GT will start arriving at dealerships in early 2023. The MSRP starts at $249,900 plus destination, paint, and gas guzzler tax.
At Audi of America, we believe the Future is Electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2021, Audi sold 196,038 vehicles in the U.S. and more fully electric models than ever before, with electric vehicle deliveries up by more than 50% over 2020. 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.
