Wanderlust

Tag: Bentley

  • Bentley Restores World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series

    Bentley Restores World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series

    • The very first Bentley T-Series returns to the Heritage Collection
    • First registered on 28 September 1965 as a company ‘trials car’
    • Car found after years in storage as a non-running example
    • Recommissioned over 18 months of painstaking work at Bentley specialists, P&A Wood
    • Team encountered many challenges, from wiring loom and accident damage to missing dashboard
    • A sensitive recommissioning process – ‘repair over replace’ mantra
    • A significant model in Bentley history: the first monocoque

    [source: Bentley Motors]

    (Crewe, 9 September 2024) The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has returned to Crewe after 59 years. Sensitively recommissioned and retaining much of its original componentry and running gear, it takes its place in the Bentley Heritage Collection of road- and race-cars that together describe all 105 years of Bentley’s history.

    T-Series chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featured in the original press coverage following the model launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When found under a cover in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing several key areas – including its entire interior. The car’s significance as the first T-Series – or equivalent Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – off the production line prompted the decision to recommission it, preserving as much of the original car as possible.

    Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, explains:    
    “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis we knew we had to save it. Together with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this revitalised sedan completes the Bentley heritage story of the 1960s and 1970s, and is now an outstanding example of the model, which was the first Bentley to use a unitary monocoque construction.”

    After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car, the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P&A Wood, specialists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company’s partner for Heritage Collection projects. Louise Wood, daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood, led the project, supported by Coachwork manager Dave Lowe – a P&A Wood veteran of 23 years.

    Restored to prime condition
    Taking stock of the T-Series Bentley, key elements of the drivetrain proved to be in surprisingly good condition. The engine burst into life after a 15-year silence, needing only a thorough service, and the gearbox simply required minor adjustment. The rear axle too was in a good state and only needed new seals.

    Major challenges for the team included a missing dashboard, no interior trim, a wiring loom in pieces without a detailed diagram, corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor-quality crash repairs. With few replacement parts available off-the shelf, the team sourced a donor vehicle that was at the end of its life. As the specification of the T-Series evolved over the years, it was important that the donor should also be an early model. Every detail was discussed and pored over, right down to the correct (Rolls-Royce) logo on the seat belt buckles and the lack of wing mirrors.

    The T Series featured innovative vibration-deadening Vibrashock mounts and a two-circuit hydro-pneumatic ride height control, all of which were thoroughly overhauled. All hydraulic hoses were replaced, and unique components like the brake distribution valves were restored to full working condition. Rewiring and fitting the dashboard proved a major undertaking, requiring huge amounts of time and perseverance. 

    Meanwhile the paintwork was stripped, revealing poorly executed accident repair work and inconsistent panel gaps. One rear wing was corroded and had to be replaced, after which the entire vehicle was given multiple coats of 2k high build primer, each coat being carefully sanded down once dry. ‘We spent a lot of time softening the panel edges, so they don’t look carved out of filler,’ Dave Lowe explains. ‘And though we’re using modern two-pack finishes, we tried to do everything in the old Crewe way.’ That included a final sand down with 8000 grit abrasive followed by machine polishing. Brightwork and bumpers were cleaned and polished, but not re-chromed – preserving the original patina.

    That story now begins a new chapter, as the T-Series is reunited with its former press office registration number of 1900 TU as the latest addition to the Heritage Collection. Along with the 45 other cars in the Collection, the T-Series will live on Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England, on permanent display and kept in running, road legal condition to enable driving when needed.

    The Bentley T-Series
    In 1958, work began on designing the first monocoque Bentley and Rolls-Royce, destined to replace coachbuilt bodies underpinned by a separate chassis. The result was the car sold by Bentley as the T-Series and by Rolls-Royce as the Silver Shadow.

    By 1962, John Blatchley – famous for styling the R-Type Continental – had completed a new exterior design for a steel and aluminium monocoque body. The design improved on the passenger space of the preceding S3, but with the overall car now seven inches shorter, five inches lower and three and a half inches narrower.

    Using the freshly developed 225 bhp, 6.23-litre V8 engine, seven prototypes undertook significant testing including endurance runs of over 100,000 miles. At the time the engine achieved the highest specific output by weight of any production car in the world of 2.7 lb/hp (1.2 kg/hp).  Design innovations included separate sub frames to carry the engine and transmission, suspension, steering and rear axle assemblies, with ‘Vibrashock’ rubber sub frame mounts developed to isolate road noise and vibration.   

    The Bentley T-Series was hailed as a clear example of revolutionary engineering given it was the first Bentley to move away from a separate chassis build, and its relatively lightweight construction gave impressive performance for a four-sedan in 1965, with a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62 mph achieved in 10.9 seconds.

    1,868 examples of the first-generation T-Series were produced, with a pre-tax list price of £5,425 and the majority being standard four-door saloons.

    About Bentley Motors
    Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

  • Bentley First Car Manufacturer to Join Global Body for Responsibly-Sourced Leather

    Bentley First Car Manufacturer to Join Global Body for Responsibly-Sourced Leather

    • Leather Naturally welcomes luxury British marque as first automotive member
    • International NGO encourages use of certified, responsibly-sourced leather
    • Global body promotes leather as natural by-product that supports responsible circular economy
    • Bentley was first car-maker to introduce a fully organic leather option and join the Leather Working Group in 2021
    • Company’s sustainable leather policy a part of its Beyond100 strategy

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK –  Bentley Motors has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally, the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy.

    The new partnership with Leather Naturally is just the latest environmental initiative by Bentley, underscoring the brand’s ongoing commitment to its Beyond100 strategy to become the global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. In 2021, Bentley was the first automotive member of the Leather Working Group, promoting responsible business practices and environmental compliance within the leather industry.

    As a next step, the luxury British marque introduced the first, sustainable leather option for customers, utilising a sustainable leather tanning process that uses an organic by-product of the olive oil industry. Olive Mill Waste Water tanned Leather is produced with tanning agents free of harmful heavy metals, minerals and aldehydes.

    Marc Stang, Technical Expert, Leather and Colour Development at Bentley Motors, said:
    “Leather is a timeless, luxury material that has always epitomised the elegance, durability and quality of a hand-crafted Bentley interior. It has a rich history that dates back decades in our cars and has always stood the test of time. The application of the latest sustainable leathers allows an even wider variety of choice for our customers and further supports our industry-leading Beyond100 strategy.”

    Debbie Burton, Chair of Leather Naturally, added:
    “Leather Naturally is delighted to welcome Bentley as a member. As a brand synonymous with both luxury and leather, this partnership underlines its commitment to furthering sustainability and ongoing improvement through its Beyond 100 vision.”

    Leather Naturally has a global membership from a wide range of industries.  The NGO uses educational and promotional activities which focus on leathers made from hides that are a by-product of the food industry, therefore supporting a responsible, circular economy. Such materials would otherwise be turned into waste.

    About Bentley

    Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

  • Bespoke, new Bentley Continental GT Speed Leads Monterey Car Week Debut

    Bespoke, new Bentley Continental GT Speed Leads Monterey Car Week Debut

    • The new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed has arrived in the US, Bentley’s biggest market
    • Leading the charge is a unique, bespoke example commissioned through Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation division
    • New Continental GT Speed coupe and Convertible to make US public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 16th August
    • Start of official US tour for new model, including customer test drives
    • Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain features 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with powerful electric motor
    • 782 PS (771 bhp) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb.ft) make the new GT Speed the most powerful and most dynamic Bentley yet
    • Speed Six Continuation Series and 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe travel to the USA for Monterey Car Week

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK – Bentley’s new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed is to make its US debut this week, at the prestigious The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – part of Monterey Car Week. The launch will feature the first new Continental GT Speed to include bespoke content added by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation and coachbuilding division.

    Responsible not only for bespoke work to mainstream Bentley models, now including the new Continental GT Speed, Mulliner also created the Blower and Speed Six Continuation Series and the exquisite and highly limited Bacalar, Batur and Batur Convertible coachbuilt Bentleys.

    Personally Commissioned Through Mulliner
    From launch, the new Continental GT Speed is available with personalised details through Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide. This permits customers to explore their imagination away from the typical options list, which alone can create tens of billions of possible specification combinations.

    For Monterey Car Week, an orange-themed GT Speed created through Mulliner will lead the fleet. The exterior paintwork is finished in Orange Flame Satin, one of 15 satin colours in Bentley’s paint range that each take up to 55 hours of craftsmanship to apply and finish to the perfect standard. In contrast to the orange bodywork, all exterior brightware is finished in gloss black, with matching black-painted 22” ten-spoke wheels with self-levelling badges. The visual impact of the specification is matched aurally, thanks to a sports exhaust and the Naim for Bentley audio system.

    The interior is where the Personal Commissioning Guide elements come to the fore. Starting from a cabin crafted in Gravity Grey (a new shade for the new Continental GT Speed) and Brunel leathers, accents of contrast orange bring the cockpit to life. The Diamond Quilted areas to the seats, doors and rear quarter panels feature contrast-stitching in Gravity Grey. The same colour is used with a Piano finish in conjunction with Piano Brunel for dual finish painted fascias, with the centre console matching in Piano Brunel – both colours exactly matched to their respective hides.

    Accents in Mandarin – a bright orange – are then applied as a painted pinstripe to the fascias, door waistrails and the vanes of the upper ‘bullseye’ air vents. The split line through the two colours of the fascias carries a dark tint finish. The same Mandarin orange accent graces all four seats through contrast piping, carrying the orange theme from the exterior into the cabin.

    Bentley at Monterey Car Week
    A fleet of more than 30 new Continental GT Speeds has now arrived in North America, ready to start a nationwide dealer tour and a programme of customer drives and events to demonstrate the incredible potency of Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. The latest evolution of the Continental GT family features an all-new 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a powerful electric motor and 25.9 kWh battery, for an astonishing suite of performance statistics. The new Grand Tourer is a true everyday supercar and can accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, achieve a top speed of 208 mph, and yet travel 50 miles on electric power alone on the EU drive cycle – while creating only 29 g/km of CO2  and with a total range of more than 500 miles.

    Bentley will continue its significant presence across Monterey Car Week for 2024. Along with the squadron of new Continental GT Speeds, two very special Bentleys have made the journey to California for the event

    Following a global dynamic debut at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Speed Six Continuation Series will appear on-the-road throughout Monterey Car Week. After the Bedford Grey ‘Factory Works’ car graced Goodwood, the Parsons Napier Green ‘Car Zero’ – which has recently completed the engineering test and development programme for the project – will be used for customer, media and VIP passenger rides across the week.

    The Bentley Heritage Collection’s 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe – one of just 15 ever made – will also join the event, fresh from a two-year restoration programme. The car represents Bentley’s first ever entry into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, taking pride of place in the Post-War Touring class.

    Meanwhile, Bentley’s iconic Friday night dinner on Seal Rock Beach returns, sponsored this year by the Bentley Environmental Foundation and featuring some exciting new developments for the initiative. The new GT Speed coupe and Convertible will be joined by the S2 Drophead Coupe and Speed Six to form a Guard of Honour at Bentley’s famous Signature Party at the Beach & Tennis Club – the place to be on the Saturday night of Monterey Car Week.

    The new Continental GT Speed

    The fourth generation Continental GT Speed follows in the 21-year tradition of the Continental GT family by redefining the ultimate blend of supercar performance, handcrafted luxury and everyday usability.

    A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean modern detailing follow the new design DNA established by the coachbuilt Bentley Bacalar and Batur. Outstanding performance is brought by the all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, from a 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor.

    The performance of the powertrain is matched by a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), eLSD and torque vectoring. Incredible body control and the best Continental GT ride comfort to date are the results, supported by a 49:51, rear-biased weight distribution for the first time in the car’s history.

    Under the skin, a suite of innovative modern technology delivers class-leading capability so that every journey is a seamless experience in terms of driver assistance, infotainment systems and connected car services.

    The new exterior continues the design revolution for Bentley’s future journey, with the biggest revision to the face of the Continental GT in two decades, and the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s.

    World-leading Bentley interior cabin design, materials, quality, and craftsmanship continue with the introduction of further wellness seat technology, new air ionisation, three-dimensional leather textures, new modern quilting, and technical finishes such as new dark chrome.

    For the first time in the history of the Continental GT, the convertible Continental GTC is being launched concurrently with the coupe – providing ultimate flexibility for customers who appreciate both open topped and closed roof motoring.

    Both coupe and convertible models will be crafted entirely by hand at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Production is due to begin in late Q3 with deliveries starting in Q4.

    About Bentley Motors

    Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

  • Bentley Introduces Mulliner Instanbul silhouette collection

    Bentley Introduces Mulliner Instanbul silhouette collection

    • Collection celebrates the vibrant Turkish city’s unique blend of history, art and modernity 
    • Limited edition trio consists of the Continental GT Azure V8, Flying Spur Azure V8 and Bentayga Azure V8 models
    • Set to go on sale in early June, the collection pays tribute to the city’s historic landmarks including the Sultanahmet Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower and Bosphorus Bridges

    source: Bentley

    Munich, GERMANY –  Bentley Motors today introduces a trio of limited edition models that includes a Continental GT Azure V8, a Flying Spur Azure V8 and a Bentayga Azure V8, all handbuilt at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England and only available through Bentley Istanbul. The exclusive trio – the Bentley Mulliner Istanbul Silhouette Collection – celebrates the rich cultural heritage, world-famous landmarks and beautiful art of the historic Turkish city of Istanbul. 

    Working closely with the team at Bentley Istanbul, the craftspeople from Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division chose an accent colour concept for the Istanbul Silhouette Collection that is inspired by both the rich blue and turquoise hues of the Bosphorus Strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and the open skies reflected in its waters. 

    On the exterior, striking Black Sapphire paint provides the perfect canvas for sporty highlights in ‘Dragonfly’ blue, such as the blue strip to the carbon side skirts and the special Silhouette tread plates. 

    The colour theme carries on throughout each car’s interior, with special Istanbul Silhouette embroidery of the city’s Maiden’s Tower, the Galata Tower and the famous bridges over the Bosphorus displayed in Dragonfly Blue across the headrests and cushions in the rear. These are covered with hides of Imperial Blue and Beluga, inspired by the clear blue patterned tiles of the famous Sultanahmet Mosque. 

    Further distinguishing the Istanbul Silhouette Collection models, ‘Piano Imperial Blue’ wood and natural jewel-like ‘Galaxy’ stone feature on the front panel and infotainment area, while another personalised feature is the specially designed key box that serves as a reminder of the exclusive nature of the car and the equally remarkable location.

    The city of Istanbul enjoys a strategic position in the world, sitting at the point where East meets West. It is a place where European cultures mix with those of Asia, in a riot of colourful streetscapes and a unique blend of history and art, juxtaposed with modernity and innovation. To appeal to its discerning Turkish customers, the limited edition Mulliner models have been designed to blend the city’s cultural heritage with Bentley’s commitment to luxury and innovation.

    Kerem Güven, General Manager of Bentley Istanbul, commented: “We have seen the Bentley brand grow and prosper over the last 17 years in Istanbul. The market for bespoke craftsmanship has increased here, so we anticipate strong interest from our discerning customers for this exclusive collection, which celebrates our city’s unique blend of history, art, and modernity.”

    Balazs Rooz, Director at Bentley Motors Europe, added: “Mulliner represents the pinnacle of the Bentley experience, with bespoke details that reflect a place, time or celebrate an occasion. Each limited edition car features beautiful interior decor, stitching details and visuals of Istanbul, while also using sustainable materials and designs from the city itself, all carefully created in the Mulliner workshop in Crewe.”

    Bentley Mulliner’s Istanbul Silhouette Collection will go on sale in early June and will be available for viewing at the showroom. Bentley Istanbul is represented by the brand’s long-standing partner, Doğuş Otomotiv, and is located at Maslak in the Doğuş Center. There is also a pop-up store in Galaport.

  • The Batur Convertible – Coachbuilt by Mulliner

    The Batur Convertible – Coachbuilt by Mulliner

    • Batur Convertible becomes the third coachbuilt Bentley of the modern era, crafted by Mulliner
    • An evolution of Bentley’s DNA, capturing the essence of open-air Grand Touring in a progressive design born from Batur
    • The ultimate expression of curated personalisation and individualism, a canvas for the imagination
    • Strictly limited to 16 examples worldwide, the Batur Convertible innovates in colour and materiality never seen before on a production Bentley, inspired by the depths of nature
    • Selected clients to co-create something truly unique, engineered and built by the original master craftspeople of bespoke coachbuilding
    • Two door, two seat configuration, revealed beneath a beautiful retractable roof
    • Batur Convertible offers increased personalisation options, examples of which include the  ‘airbridge’ and Rose Gold interior detailing
    • Each example among the last ever Bentleys to use the iconic 750PS W12 engine
    • Follows the sold-out two-door Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe
    • Engineering Car #0 shines in Vermillion Gloss and Satin paintwork

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK –  Bentley Motors today reveals the third coachbuilt Bentley of the modern era – the Batur Convertible. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s in house bespoke division and the longest standing coachbuilder in the world, the Batur Convertible follows the exquisitely hand-crafted Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. With the Batur Convertible, Mulliner continues its long tradition of crafting truly individual cars, tailored to the wishes of each of its extraordinary clients.

    The Batur Convertible furthers the innovative design DNA introduced by its coupe sibling that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future cars. The Batur Convertible retains the most powerful version of Bentley’s iconic W12, with a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. With the engine to finish production this summer, the Batur Convertible will be one of the last ever Bentleys to use this incredible powertrain.

    Bespoke two-seat grand touring

    Bentley has a rich history of open-cockpit cars, from the very first Bentley of 1919, through the company’s foundation years in the 1920s, to the most recent – the Bacalar. The architecture of the Batur Convertible has allowed Mulliner’s designers to seize the opportunity to create a theme that not only blends the design of the Bacalar and Batur but includes the usability of a convertible. The designers also chose to highlight the two-seater character with a ‘wraparound’ cockpit inspired by the design of the Bacalar.

    The dramatic ‘airbridge’ behind the seats and tapered cowls at the rear hark back to the barchetta sports cars of old, whilst underlining the promise of a dynamic, driver-focused adventure in a cosseting, cocooned environment. The airbridge and tapered cowls are not only aesthetic, but also provide a semi-enclosed luggage compartment behind the two front seats.

    The convertible roof delivers an aesthetic of beauty as a modern, tactile alternative to a hardtop roof. A combination of insulation material, sealing system refinements and acoustic treatments create a cossetting environment in a system which can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h), transforming the car from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.

    Personal and uniquely commisioned

    Mulliner’s in-house design team will help co-create every Batur Convertible with its customer, working together through a specially created Mulliner visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination.

    Customers will be able to specify the colour and finish of practically every surface of the Batur Convertible, to create a car as individual as they are. Beyond the exterior form of the car lies an almost endless array of choices for each car’s future owner to make. 

    Paint choice is infinite – starting with the full Mulliner colour palette and travelling beyond into fully bespoke paint and even hand-painted graphics. The exterior brightware can be any mix of light and dark, satin or gloss or even titanium. Another subtle option available is a graduated contrast colour to the front grille, for a vibrant ombre effect.

    The Batur Convertible offers further areas to personalise with the unique Airbridge, tonneau cover and roof materials being able to be specified to complement the rest of the cabin and exterior. 

    In the cabin, the highly exclusive option of 3D printed rose gold includes key driver touch points, such as the Bentley Drive Mode Selector, encircling the start/stop button and used to change chassis modes. The centrepiece of an exquisite cabin, the dial complements the design of the front grille. Rose gold can also applied to Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls in the dashboard, as well as a rose gold insert marker on the steering wheel itself.

    Bentley Mulliner has collaborated with expert goldsmiths based in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, England, where jewellery has been made for centuries, to craft the unique parts. This special collaboration highlights Bentley’s ability to combine new, advanced manufacturing technologies with more traditional materials and finishing techniques.

    Exclusive and powerful

    Each Batur Convertible will be handcrafted over the course of several months in Mulliner’s workshop at Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England. Production will be limited to just 16 pieces, each among the last ever Bentleys to be powered by the company’s iconic W12 engine, in its most potent iteration.

    For the W12 powertrain that the Batur Convertible shares with its coupe counterpart, a revised intake system, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers and extensive recalibration enables 750 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, to deliver exceptional performance for this pinnacle grand tourer. This development of the engine is in celebration of its achievements over 20 years, over which time it has been developed to produce nearly 40% more power while fuel economy has improved by 25%. The W12 is paired with Bentley’s eight-speed double-clutch transmission, and a sports exhaust to provide a soundtrack in keeping with the level of performance. The entire exhaust system is in titanium, while the finishers are 3D-printed in titanium.

    Batur Convertible Car #0

    The engineering development car – Batur Convertible Car #0 – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo tone – that provides a vibrant colour across the contemporary surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in high gloss carbon fibre. 

    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 Beluga in the centre and lighten to the vibrant sides in Vermillion Gloss. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Gloss Dark Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Titanium with Vermillion Gloss accents.

  • Bentayga and Mulliner Reach New Peaks with Apex Edition

    Bentayga and Mulliner Reach New Peaks with Apex Edition

    • Exclusive Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner, based on sporting Bentayga S, limited to 20 examples globally
    • Content includes 22” carbon wheel, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon body kit, bespoke livery and unique interior for ultimate expression of Bentayga performance
    • Choice of six distinctive designs curated by Mulliner, or the option to co-create a unique one-of-one specification
    • Carbon wheels and CSiC brakes together save 44 kg in unsprung mass for enhanced steering agility and immensely powerful, fade-free braking
    • Improved wheel stiffness equivalent to 1° in camber per 1G of force
    • Matching Bentayga Apex Edition offered exclusively for owners of Continental GT and GTC Le Mans Edition

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK –  Bentley Motors is extending both the visual impact and dynamic ability of the Bentayga even further through its Mulliner bespoke division, with the launch of a global 20-car collection named the Apex Edition.  Featuring ultra-strong, lightweight 22” Mulliner carbon wheels teamed with carbon ceramic brakes, it will be offered in a choice of six unique specifications curated by Mulliner’s design team.  All include a central painted livery stripe extending over bonnet and roof, a first for the Bentayga.  Even rarer will be a specification offered only to owners of the Continental GT Le Mans Edition who will be able to commission an Apex Edition Bentayga in matching trim and livery.    

    With 550 PS and a specification that includes active anti roll and rear-wheel steering, the Bentayga S is the sporting flagship of Bentley’s luxury SUV line-up. Now the Bentayga Apex Edition delivers even greater agility and braking performance thanks to its carbon wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, making it the most dynamic-looking and driving Bentayga ever. 

    The most dynamic Bentayga ever 

    The Apex Edition is based on the Bentayga S, which features Bentley’s potent 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. This develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). With Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering fitted as standard, its exhilarating performance is enhanced by the sound of its free-flowing sports exhaust. 

    These dynamic characteristics are further enhanced by the Apex Edition’s 22” Mulliner carbon wheels, which were developed specifically for Bentayga in collaboration with specialists Bucci Composites. Together, the four wheels save 24 kg in unsprung mass. Carbon fibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to a number of fundamental benefits:

    • Increased steering agility – the 6 kg weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbon fibre mean a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing  grip and agility.
    • Improved and more responsive braking – thanks to the decrease in unsprung mass.
    • Increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
    • Reduced tyre wear – Since the stiffer carbon rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending, it allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch thanks to a larger tyre support surface.

    Braking performance is also enhanced, with Carbon-Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs a part of the Apex Edition’s uncompromising specification. These provide a weight saving of more than 20 kg over iron disc brakes, offer a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and are engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. 

    Six curated themes by Mulliner

    The first of the six Mulliner themes features an exterior in striking Candy Red satin, with a livery of Anthracite and Arctic White stripe and pinstripes in Arctic White. Inside, Arctic White main hide and Hotspur secondary hide are complemented by Arctic White contrast stitching and seat piping. This contrast colour can also be found framing the satin carbon fibre fascia and waistrails.  

    Apex Edition theme two sets a darker, stealthier mood, with Anthracite exterior finish and gloss black livery stripe. Pinstripes in Mandarin provide a flash of contrast. Inside, Mandarin is revealed as the main hide, its dramatic impact framed by Beluga secondary hide. This shade also frames the satin carbon fibre veneer and overmats. 

    Design theme three has a bold exterior finish in Orange Flame and uses the same colour as a livery stripe on the carbon fibre body kit. Rather than a contrasting stripe colour, this design features an Orange Flame livery stripe in satin finish, creating a subtle tonal variation. Inside, Linen main hide and Newmarket Tan secondary hide are complemented by an accent hide in Charcoal, which appears on the seat wings and contrast stitching, steering wheel, and centre console. 

    Design theme four also features a subtle livery stripe in a satin version of the main exterior finish, in this case Alpine Green. An orange pinstripe traces the outline of the aerodynamic components. Inside, the prevalent tones are Portland and Cumbrian Green for the main and secondary hides respectively. Accents of orange appear on the contrast stitching, seat piping, veneer edging as well as on the console and steering wheel. 

    Theme five features an exterior in Pale Brodgar, with an Anthracite livery stripe and pinstriping in Bacalar Bronze, a shade originally created for Bentley Mulliner’s ultimate two-seat barchetta. Inside, the hide colours Linen and Porpoise set a relaxed mood, lifted by flashes of Bacalar Bronze in the contrast seat piping as well as on the steering wheel and console accent tabs.      

    The last design theme features an exterior finish of Extreme Silver, contrasted by a Beluga stripe running centrally along bonnet and roof. Painted pinstripes in Signal Yellow flank the body stripe and the lower edge of the aero components. Inside, Signal Yellow main hide and Beluga secondary hide create a dramatic contrast. 

    Finally, owners of the highly limited Le Mans Edition Continental GT and GTC, created in 2023 to mark the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the La Sarthe circuit, can specify an Apex Edition Bentayga in matching livery of Verdant green with Moonbeam Le Mans style racing stripe. The interior matches that of the Le Mans Edition Continental GT, with Beluga hide and napped Dinamica fabric seat faces. The interior’s monochrome colour scheme is relieved by contrast seat stitching and seatbelts in Hotspur. The steering wheel, trimmed in hide and Dinamica, also features Hotspur contrast stitching and six o’clock accent tab. 

    Apex Edition specification

    Every Bentayga Apex Edition is comprehensively equipped with a high degree of bespoke content. Bespoke exterior features include the Styling Specification’s aerodynamic front spoiler, rear spoiler, sills and mirror caps in satin carbon fibre. Interior appointments centre around a bespoke colour split with satin carbon fibre fascia, centre console and door waistrails and the five-seat Comfort Specification, complemented by the  Naim for Bentley audio system. Additional bespoke touches include Apex Edition blind seat insert embroidery with contrast Bentley emblems, the Apex Edition namestyle on the waistrails, and Apex Edition carbon fibre treadplates. Carbon fibre Apex Edition badges also feature on the exterior D-Pillar. All Apex Edition models feature the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with the inclusion of Touring specification.

    Bespoke co-creation

    With production limited to just 20 Apex Edition examples worldwide, exclusivity is assured. Mulliner customers are encouraged to take the curated design proposals as inspiration, and to further express their individuality throughout the personal co-creation process. Working directly with designers at the Mulliner studio, customers have the opportunity to create true one-of-one expressions of Bentayga. 

  • Bentley Presents Mulliner Bespoke Models at Auto China 2024

    Bentley Presents Mulliner Bespoke Models at Auto China 2024

    • A one-of-one Continental GTC S, inspired by surfing and exclusively for China, makes its public debut, having already been sold
    • Bentley Batur, the exquisite Mulliner Coachbuilt two-seat grand tourer, is unveiled for the first time in a new exterior colour by Mulliner, Gloss Aquamarine, with new design DNA showing direction for future Bentleys
    • Luxury flagship Bentayga EWB Mulliner displayed together with Flying Spur Azure Hybrid, demonstrating stunning bespoke features
    • In 2024, Bentley will offer special collections inspired by Chinese culture, meeting the personalisation demands of Chinese customers

    [source: Bentley]

    Beijing, China –  Bentley Motors presents a number of models all crafted by Bentley’s personal commissioning division, Mulliner, at Auto China 2024. A one-of-one Continental GTC S, exclusively created for China, makes its public debut in Beijing, having already been sold. The exceptional Mulliner Coachbuilt project – Bentley Batur – makes its first public appearance in China with a new exterior paint colour, presenting a striking new look. The Bentayga EWB Mulliner – Bentley’s luxury flagship, is also displayed at the luxury stand alongside the Flying Spur Azure Hybrid, demonstrating stunning bespoke features.

    Also announced, are the design details of the special collections inspired by Chinese culture. All of these models showcase Bentley’s ultimate luxury personalisation, defining the extraordinary benchmark for contemporary luxury mobility and lifestyle.

    “As the world’s oldest coachbuilder whose origins date back to the 16th century, the Mulliner name is known among Bentley cars for its ultimate luxury personalisation,” said Ansar Ali, Mulliner and Motorsport Director at Bentley Motors, “we’re delighted to see that customers’ interest in luxury personalisation peaked in 2023, rising by 43 per cent from the previous year, with three quarters of Bentley customers exploring the 46 billion different personalisation configurations available from our options range to add personal bespoke content from Bentley’s Mulliner division. Our discerning Chinese customers and the luxury market here continue to inspire and push us to explore new boundaries, so we are excited and motivated by the future opportunities in this market.”

    “In China, twice as many of our customers are choosing Bentley’s personal commissioning services through the Mulliner division as opposed to two years ago, a clear sign of the desire for truly unique commissions and exclusivity by our Chinese customers,” said Kim Airey, Managing Director of Bentley Motors Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. “To further reinforce the importance of Mulliner personalisation in China, Bentley will offer a number of China-exclusive personalised collections co-created with Mulliner in 2024. The extraordinary cars are inspired by our Chinese customers and dealers, and the perfect synthesis of Mulliner’s craft, capabilities, and local culture,” Airey added.

    Mulliner Coachbuilt: The ultimate personal commission

    Mulliner Coachbuilt cars combine an incredibly wide range of rare artisanal skills, modern sustainable design, and cutting-edge engineering and innovation to deliver a service no other car manufacturer can match – creating truly wondrous coachbuilt Bentleys.

    Limited to just 18 cars, the coachbuilt Batur is the most powerful Bentley ever, a two-seat grand tourer only Mulliner could create. It is also characterised by a new, minimalist design language that sets the stage for the future style of Bentley models. The Batur displayed at Bentley’s stand presents, for the first time, a new exterior colour by Mulliner, Gloss Aquamarine. The stunning looking car perfectly echoes the inspiration for its name – a beautiful body of water, Lake Batur.

    The new design principles create a stronger and bolder exterior for the Batur that simultaneously remains elegant and graceful, relying more heavily on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring increased muscle to the design. It looks fast even when stationary. This special feature – the “endless bonnet” – makes the car long and lean and gives an elongated proportion to the front end. The line stretches from the bonnet along the whole length of the car, and highlights the cleaner shape. Meanwhile, the visual mass of the car is moved rearwards, giving the impression that the car is sitting on the rear axle, which adds further depth to the haunches. The famous Bentley grille is redesigned to be lower and more upright, giving the car a stronger face and a more dominant stance. The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, bringing self-confidence with a luxury stance.

    Any part of the Bentley Batur model can be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination.

    Batur has a two-seat interior space, with every element of its cabin tailored to the customer’s specifications. Clients can choose from a variety of sustainable interior materials. Mulliner’s in-house design team combined luxury materials and unique surfaces, giving this model a special personality. The use of 3D printed 18K gold, sustainable leather and veneers in Natural Fibre composite lays a solid foundation for the Mulliner to achieve its sustainability goals.

    Mulliner Bespoke: Create something unique

    Mulliner Bespoke offers a limitless range of stunning bespoke finishes and features, from interior speciality veneers and precious metals to a light illuminated to the ground displaying your design, which can make your Bentley truly unique and personal. 

    Bentley Motors unveiled the latest bespoke masterpiece from Mulliner at Auto China 2024, which is a one-of-one Continental GT Convertible S, exclusively created for the Chinese market. Its design – interior and exterior – is inspired by one of the most popular adrenalin-filled sports in the world – surfing – and it perfectly embodies the young spirit and aspiration of Chinese customers today. 

    The Snow Quartz exterior paint is a palette that pays homage to the natural colours of ocean waves, complimented by the Light Celeste pinstripe on the Mirror Cap Housings. The cabin design is inspired by ‘Green Room’, referring to the stable room inside the wave, the ultimate goal of every surfer. The interior is finished in Light Celeste as the main hide and complemented by Beluga as the secondary hide together with a Dual Gradient Single Finish Veneer featuring Brunel over Light Celeste, a Piano Brunel centre console with hand painted Light Celeste chevron pinstripe, and the contrast S emblems in Brunel have been embroidered on the headrests, reminding us of summer surfing.

    The Flying Spur Azure Hybrid also shares the luxury stand, presenting various bespoke personalisation details in the cabin, including Galaxy Stone over Imperial Blue Dual Finished Veneer. Bentley’s team of expert veneer hunters went to extraordinary lengths to select the stone veneer, showcasing a fusion of century-old craftsmanship and advanced technologies. This results in variations in colour, pattern, and texture which are almost impossible to imitate. Bentley’s revolutionary stone veneer interior finish makes for a magnificent contemporary feature of natural products formed over 200 million years ago.

    Bentley also unveils three China-exclusive personalised collections co-created with Mulliner at Auto China 2024. The limited collections are inspired by Chinese culture, and will be launched in 2024. Limited to a production of 8 cars, Koi Carp Collection is inspired by Koi Carp, which expresses good wishes for auspiciousness and prosperity in Chinese culture. Six unique Koi Carps are included in the interior design with different shapes on backrests and the inner sill plate respectively, ‘swimming’ clockwise to circle the occupants in the luxury cabin. Also limited to a production of 8 cars, Landscapes Collection is inspired by a famous ancient Chinese painting ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains (千里江山图)’, which depicts the vast country landscape, such as rivers and hills, representing Chinese people’s responsibility to the home and their nation. The contrast bespoke landscape embroidered emblems on the backrest subtly represent the shape of the Chinese characters ’Rivers and Mountains (江山)’. The Ru Yi Collection is limited to the production of 3 cars, its design concept is inspired by Chinese traditional Ru Yi, which is usually owned by ancient nobles and symbolises power and good fortune. The backrests are decorated with Ru Yi embroidery in gold, and is the first time Mulliner has embroidered a Chinese calligrapher’s writing seal script character in the interior design. The ‘Ru Yi (如意)” seal characters are presented in the exterior badge, treadplate, and passenger fascia, adding dynamic and powerful features to the models.

    Curated by Mulliner: Explore endless possibilities

    From special finishes and colour schemes to beautifully crafted interior and exterior features, Curated by Mulliner offers flexible personalisation options, allowing Bentley customers to customise based on their preferences and experience the sense of achievement and joy of creating a masterpiece with their own hands.

    Bentley’s luxury flagship Bentayga EWB Mulliner, showcased at Auto China, offers more cabin space than any comparable luxury competitor and its bespoke enhancements make every journey an occasion to be savoured. The experience from the driver’s seat is equally as special as that of the expansive rear cabin, providing the world’s most luxurious SUV thus far. For cabin customisation, there are eight three-colour combinations to choose from, curated by the Mulliner Design team, which is a Mulliner design signature and only available for Bentley’s pinnacle models. Customers can also specify their own Mulliner Bespoke Interior using any three colours, producing nearly 4,000 tri-tone interior colour combinations. The show car on the stand presents a Bespoke Interior Colour Split using Linen as the main hide with Imperial Blue as the secondary hide and a Camel accent colour. To further demonstrate Mulliner’s personalisation capabilities, a bespoke and unique front-to-rear colour split separates the rear seats from the front, flowing from Imperial Blue in the front to Linen by the rear seats.

  • Bentayga S Black Edition – The Darker side of Bentley

    Bentayga S Black Edition – The Darker side of Bentley

    • First application of black-tinted wings to a Bentley in 105 years
    • S Black Edition is the most striking Bentley SUV to date
    • Combines vivid colour accents and rich black detailing to the exterior design and interior cabin
    • Seven accent colour specifications available
    • S Black Edition features Bentayga’s most agile chassis, with all-wheel steering and sports suspension calibration for greater dynamic ability 
    • 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 542 bhp (550 PS), 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm)
    • 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.4 (4.5) secs, top speed 180 mph (290 km/h)
    • Dark tint headlamps, Black Edition badging, 22-inch wheels and V8 split sports exhaust signify performance potential 
    • S Black Edition also available with a 456 bhp hybrid powertrain
    • Dynamic footage available below demonstrates capability of new Bentayga S Black Edition

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK – Bentley Motors today announces the company’s most visually striking SUV to date, the Bentayga S Black Edition. Identified by the first application of black-tinted wings to a Bentley in 105 years, the S Black Edition combines vivid accent colours, rich black detailing and confidence-inspiring chassis technology, revealing the darker side of the Bentayga. 

    Customers can choose from seven accent colour specifications: Mandarin, Signal Yellow, Klein Blue, Pillar Box Red, Ice, Hyper Green, and Beluga. Each of the colours bring eye-catching yet cohesive design both inside and outside, contrasting with stealthy black treatments across the car.

    On the exterior, the accent takes the form of a laser-like stripe on the Styling Specification body kit below the front bumper and side sills and across the top of the rear spoiler. Brake calipers are painted to match, adding a splash of colour behind 22” black-painted wheels. As per the standard Bentayga S, all exterior brightware is replaced with gloss black versions – but the  S Black Edition is the first model in Bentley’s 105-year history to include the Bentley Wings and lettering in matching gloss black. The final exterior detail is a Black Edition badge located on the rear D pillar.

    At the start of the year, a host of new features have increased the desirability of the Bentayga range even further. With the exterior of the car remaining fresh, the scope for increased personalisation has been increased with seven new satin paints, a new additional exterior colour and a new 21” wheel option in three different finishes. Priority has been given to the driver and passenger experience with new chassis technology, new electrical architecture and additional features, including a reprofiled front radiator grille. The introduction of all wheel steering at the launch of Bentayga Extended Wheelbase increased handling and manoeuvrability  whilst also reducing the turning circle by nearly 1m. This system is now included as standard on both the Bentayga Azure and ‘S’ V8 models.

    For the new S Black Edition, the Bentley design team has also created a unique interior colour layout, bringing the perfect contrast between rich Beluga leather and splashes of bright accent colour. The impactful accent colours on the outside of the car are carried through into the handcrafted cabin, where contrast stitching, contrast piping and accent-coloured sections of the leather trim come together to achieve the same searing effect. Each seat is embroidered with a black ‘S’ emblem.

    A new carbon fibre weave has been used on the fascia, centre console and waistrails. The weave adds seemingly-3D visual depth to the fascia, providing the perfect backdrop for the Black Edition badge, which is inlaid beneath the lacquered surface to preserve the flush finish.

    The new Dark Chrome pack has been included as standard. This means that much of the interior metal detailing – the bullseye air vents, their organ stop controls and the centre vents – has been changed from usual bright chrome to gloss black equivalents.

    There are three audio systems to choose from, starting with the Bentley Signature Audio system. The Bang & Olufsen for Bentley system takes sound quality to another level, while also featuring stunning illuminated speaker grilles, while the Naim for Bentley system represents the ultimate in automotive sound quality. 

    Agility for the urban environment, not just the race track

    The dynamic nature of the Bentayga S Black Edition is enhanced in each of the driving modes by the Electronic All-Wheel Steering. This is even more apparent as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride using up to +/- 4.8° of steering lock on the rear wheels.

    At low and medium speeds (below 37 mph), the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, maximising manoeuvrability in tight spaces and reducing the turning circle by 1m. At higher speeds (above 37 mph), the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability and providing further confidence.

    Understated performance

    The Bentayga S Black Edition features Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 406 miles (654 km), with CO2 emissions of 296 g/km. 

    Deploying the power as effectively as possible, Bentley Dynamic Ride is fitted as standard and was the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. The system can react within 0.3s with up to 1,300 Nm of torque to counteract lateral rolling forces when cornering, ensuring maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. 

    Similar to the Continental GT Speed, where the boundaries of grand touring comfort versus engaging performance have been extended through chassis mode selection, the Bentayga S Black Edition offers increased capability through an enhanced SPORT mode over a standard Bentayga. 

    In SPORT, improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body-roll is possible due to an additional 15 per cent increase in air suspension damping and a unique Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride tune. 

    Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga S Black Edition even more responsive to drive.

    A sports exhaust is included as standard, with free-flowing primary and secondary pipes improving flow and combining with reduced perforations in the muffler to deliver enhanced character and volume, giving a more performance-oriented feel.

    The Bentayga’s comprehensive off-road abilities remain, with the optional All-Terrain Specification bringing four dedicated off-road modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) along with a 500 mm wading depth.

    Striking presence with responsibility

    The Bentayga S Hybrid Black Edition allows customers to indulge their passion for sporting performance and striking design while still enjoying the many advantages of an electrified powertrain. 

    With a combined output of 462 PS (456 bhp), the 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine and 100 kW electric motor-generator can power the Bentayga S Hybrid Black Edition from zero to 62 miles an hour (100 km/h) in just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 158 mph (254 km/h). The sensation of effortless power is, if anything, accentuated by the hybrid powertrain due to the capability of the electric motor to deliver its full torque output from zero revolutions per minute. 

    Like its V8-powered stablemate – the new Bentayga S Hybrid Black Edition provides a more engaging drive, featuring (whilst in Sport mode) sound enhancements in the engine bay complementing the sound of the V6 TFSi and adding to the more sporting character of the car. 



    – ENDS –


    https://click.bentley/BlackEdition 

    Bentayga S range WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 22.1 – 94.2 (12.8-3.0). Combined CO₂ – 71.0 – 296g/km.

  • Mulliner and Boodles Create a Jewel of a Bentley

    Mulliner and Boodles Create a Jewel of a Bentley

    • Mulliner and Boodles unveil co-created one-of-one Continental GTC 
    • Elegant Porpoise Grey and Linen colour palette with subtle contrast of Boodles signature Powder Pink 
    • “Be Boodles Bentley” Pendant, diamond-set and crafted in 18ct white gold, inlayed to the centre console
    • One-off ‘Be Boodles’ blind stitch embroidery on Linen upholstery took 278,566 stitches and six hours to complete
    • Dual-finish veneer in Piano Linen and 200-million-year-old Autumn Stone veneer, just one-tenth of a millimetre thick
    • Gold air vent organ stops invoke Boodles’ 226-year goldsmith heritage
    • Boodles exterior sill plate and exterior badging on fender
    • Both Mulliner and Boodles trace their roots back to 18th century
    • Boodles Commission Continental GTC to be shown on the 11th April at Jack Barclays in London

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK –  Two of the oldest names in British craftsmanship, Boodles and Mulliner, have collaborated to create a one-of-one Bentley Continental GTC. The result is a unique showcase of craftsmanship and design, based around a restrained colour spectrum from Anthracite to Linen with Boodles’ signature Powder Pink providing the subtlest of contrasts. Inside, accents of 24ct gold, natural stone veneer and painstaking ‘Be Boodles’ blind stitch embroidery are among the highlights of this jewel among Bentleys. 

    The collaboration between Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house coachbuilding and bespoke division – and Boodles, the 2023 Walpole Awards ‘British Luxury Brand of the Year’, began in May 2023 when a creative team from the celebrated jewellers visited the Mulliner workshops. Together with Mulliner’s designers, they devised a specification featuring an understated colour palette, rare materials, and intricate craft details. The team felt such a stunning interior deserved to be viewed in sunlight, making Bentley’s Continental GTC a natural choice for their one-of-one creation.  

    The Boodles Continental GTC is a unique bespoke commission and will be shown on 11th April at Jack Barclays in London. 

    Understated elegance

    The exterior of the Boodles Commission Continental GTC uses a timeless and elegant colour palette, with the Anthracite exterior finish and light grey fabric roof accentuating the lean and muscular lines of Bentley’s open grand tourer. Mulliner 22” wheels are painted in Tungsten with a polished finish, with brake calipers in gloss black. But there are hints of the delights within, in the form of a pinstripe in Boodles’ signature Powder Pink that traces a line around the edge of the Styling Specification front spoiler, sills and rear spoiler. A ‘Boodles 1798’ exterior badge in grey with chrome text appears on the front fender, just ahead of the door on either side. Upon opening the doors, the ground-illuminating welcome lamp projects the Boodles logo. 

    Inside the ‘jewel box’

    Opening the lid of a Boodles jewel box is a moment of delight and revelation, and the co-creators of the Boodles Continental GTC aimed to provoke the same sense of wonder for those entering the Bentley’s cockpit. As with the exterior, the colour spectrum is modern, with Linen upholstery as the main hide colour, complemented by pale grey Porpoise secondary hide on seat backs, fascia top roll, gear lever and steering wheel. Boodles’ Powder Pink appears as an accent hide colour on the steering wheel tab, inner door pockets and console side pocket lowers. 

    Powder Pink is used for the seat piping as well as the hand cross-stitching that traces the outline of seats, fascia, console, and waist rails. Door panels and upper seat backs feature a blind stitch repeat pattern of the interlocking ‘Be Boodles’ motif, which alone required 278,566 stitches and six hours of painstaking work. Much like the car, the ‘Be Boodles Bentley’ pendant, set into the centre console, has been handcrafted as a complete one-off piece. It features a mirrored pair of diamond-set ‘B’ emblems, imitating the curving lines of antique lace, created in 18ct Single Mine Origin white gold. Finally, a pair of loose cushions in Linen hide are embroidered in Porpoise with ‘Boodles 1798’ and edged with Powder Pink piping. 

    Precious materials

    The interior abounds with bespoke details. Fascia and door waist rails feature dual-finish Piano Linen and Autumn Stone veneers, bisected by a painted pinstripe in Powder Pink. Advanced laser-cutting techniques enable Mulliner to create panels of veneer just one-tenth of a millimetre thick from natural stone formed over 200 million years ago. 

    Dials, bezels, air vents and controls are framed in Mulliner’s Knurling Specification, giving them a jewel-like finish that catches the light on multiple facets. The central vanes of the air vents are painted in powder pink, allowing them to align perfectly with the fascia pinstripe, while the ‘organ stop’ controls for the air vents are plated in 24ct gold. A ‘Boodles 1798’ overlay in chrome on Piano Linen appears on the lower fascia veneer and both door waist rails. The award-winning Bentley Rotating Display includes a central dial with the Boodles jewellery motif, while other bespoke touches include Boodles illuminated door sills and ‘one of one’ engraved treadplates. 

    A unique collaboration

    Mulliner and Boodles can each lay claim to centuries at the highest levels of design and craftsmanship. Mulliner, now the bespoke commissioning division of Bentley Motors, can trace its origins to a Northampton coachbuilding firm in 1760 that was commissioned to create coaches for the Royal Mail. Boodles, meanwhile, was established in 1798 in the prosperous trading city of Liverpool and has become synonymous with jewellery of exceptional quality; its ‘Raindance’ ring was chosen for the V&A Museum’s permanent exhibition as an icon of British jewellery design. 

    The Boodles Bentley Continental GTC is the fruit of their collaboration, a true one-of-one creation. It will be offered for sale from the 11th of April onwards.

    About Boodles
    Since 1798, Boodles has represented the epitome of fine British jewellery. Still a privately-owned family business, Boodles stands for the very best in creative design; the highest quality diamonds and gemstones; and the fusion of traditional craft skills with innovation. Every piece of Boodles jewellery is designed and hand finished in Britain. There is an emphasis at Boodles on provenance: they take pride in being able to trace diamonds all the way back to source, and on using gold of a Single Mine Origin. At once classic and contemporary – and always distinctive – Boodles is perhaps best known for Raindance; the iconic ring which was recognised by the V&A Museum and entered into its permanent collection. In 2023 – the year of the 225th anniversary – Boodles was named by the UK’s luxury sector body, Walpole, as Best British Luxury Brand of the Year.

    Continental GT W12 Convertible WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 20 (14.1). Combined CO₂ – 320g/km.

  • Curated by Mulliner Bentley Bentayga Styling Packages for Europe Inspired by Mother Nature

    Curated by Mulliner Bentley Bentayga Styling Packages for Europe Inspired by Mother Nature

    • Elegant design with floral shades of natural world behind ‘Curated by Mulliner’ packages available on Bentayga V8 S
    • Four Bentley accent colours: Magenta, Glacier Blue, Azimuth Blue and Cherry Blossom all reflect the extraordinary colours of Mother Nature in response to trend for customer personalisation
    • Unique Interior Styling Packages offered alongside matching Exterior Styling Packages
    • Personalisation packages coincide with major technological upgrades for the entire Bentayga range
    • Mulliner is Bentley’s in-house luxury division, bringing craftsmanship and personalisation to life

    [source: Bentley]

    Münich, Germany – A colourful and inspiring range of ‘Curated by Mulliner’ Styling Packages have been created exclusively for the Bentley Bentayga S customers in Europe. The four striking themes are all influenced by floral shades from the natural world, each one a reflection of Mother Nature’s extraordinary colour palette.

    Elegant and refined, each Interior Styling Package can be further enhanced with a matching Exterior Styling Package, celebrating a growing trend for personalisation among Bentley customers. The optional exterior packages are available alongside the interior ‘Curated by Mulliner’ Styling Pack, while exterior paint colours and additional options can also be selected on top.

    Created by the Mulliner Design Team, Bentley’s long-established in-house coachbuilding division, the bespoke packages allow customers a unique opportunity to add their own style and creativity to the contemporary design of the performance-orientated Bentayga S. The availability of ‘Curated by Mulliner’ also coincides with a raft of technological upgrades and driver assist features, further enhancing the go-anywhere ability of Bentley’s luxurious and powerful SUV.

    Responding to the demand from Bentley clientele for further personalisation, the ‘Curated by Mulliner’ Styling Packages add subtle accent colours, all inspired from nature. The Mulliner Design Team believe these carefully selected natural hues of flowers and blossoms will broaden the appeal of these popular models. Magenta was inspired by purple peony flowers that are said to represent honour and respect, luxury, dignity and power; Glacier Blue by an ice blue dahlia flower often associated with peace and elegance; Azimuth Blue by the blue hortensia flowers associated with calm and serenity; and Cherry Blossom by the blooming cherry trees of Japan, a symbol of springtime and renewal.

    Each one of these four accent colours tastefully highlights key elements of the exquisite Bentayga S cabin. These include the contrast steering wheel spokes and gear lever, illuminating ‘Curated by Mulliner’ welcome lamps, accent leather to the seats and Mulliner deep-pile overmats with contrast micro-piping. The interior packages must be accompanied with the mood lighting specification, LED welcome lamps and sports pedals, while the exterior packages have to be selected with rear acoustic privacy glass, 22” S directional wheels painted black, plus self-levelling wheel badges, to make the Bentayga S look stunning.

    The exclusive ‘Curated by Mulliner’ Styling Packages offer customers a chance to put their own stamp of individuality on the best-selling Bentayga model, a trend that has long been popular with Bentley customers. As well as the four stunning interior packages, they can also specify a matching Exterior Styling Package. This extends the chosen colour theme with a subtle accent pinstripe to the exterior mirrors, as well as to the body kit that adds further individuality to the Bentayga’s eye-catching design.

    The Styling Packages coincide with major technological upgrades and driver assist features on all Bentayga S models. New innovative seat comfort features include Postural Adjust and Seat Auto Climate to aid wellbeing; and an improved air conditioning system monitors particle matters inside and outside the car, automatically activating ‘recirculation mode’ when required. The advanced system also uses map data to detect tunnels where higher pollution levels are expected. 

    A new driver instrument panel offers real-time visualisation of the road ahead and a 3D depiction of objects; enhanced driver assistance features include Intelligent Park Assist, Remote Parking via the My Bentley app, 3D Surround View and Emergency Assist; while the cabin carpet is now 100 per cent recycled nylon for greater sustainability.  Available on V8 models only, all-wheel steering offers better manoeuvrability in cities at low speed, as well as increased stability on highways at higher speeds.