Bentley has expanded its portfolio of daily supercars with the introduction of Mulliner versions of the fourth-generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. These models, developed by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, build upon the performance-focused Speed models, adding enhanced luxury, options, and technology.
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Exterior Highlights:
Signature Mulliner ‘Floating Diamond’ grille with chrome surround, chrome lower grilles, and chromeware.
Satin Silver mirror caps or optional gloss black (via Mulliner Blackline).
Unique 22” wheels in Tungsten Grey or gloss black, with self-levelling Bentley Mulliner wheel badges.
Mulliner-specific features, including ‘cut crystal’ reflector headlamps, red-tinted tail lamps, and welcome lights with Bentley wing animations.
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Interior Features:
A curated cabin with three-colour combinations, bespoke embroidery, and a Mulliner diamond perforation pattern on hand-stitched seats.
Enhanced wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions.
Exclusive Mulliner branding on keys, presented in a handcrafted box matching the car’s interior configuration.
Comfort Seat Specification for all Flying Spur seats and front seats in Continental models.
Flying-Spur
Powertrain:
A new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0L V8 engine and a 190PS electric motor, delivering a total of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque.
The hybrid setup allows up to 80km of electric range (Continental GT) and a fully replenished battery in as little as 2¾ hours.
Performance-focused features, including a dual valve damper system and air springs, offer a refined balance of handling and comfort.
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Customisation and Technology:
Available in a palette of 101 colours, with bespoke paint-matching options.
The most advanced electrical architecture in the luxury segment, offering semi-assisted driving features and an integrated My Bentley App Studio for digital services.
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Bentley Mulliner remains the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, offering custom design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive world.
Bentley Mulliner baru-baru ini memperkenalkan koleksi edisi terhad SUV Bentayga yang diinspirasikan oleh perjalanan yang menyegarkan, alam semula jadi, dan kesejahteraan. Koleksi Perjalanan Luar Biasa ini menangkap intipati pengalaman perjalanan global terpilih Bentley, direka untuk menawarkan akses eksklusif kepada masakan, reka bentuk, seni bina, dan kesihatan tempatan yang terbaik.
Koleksi Perjalanan Luar Biasa
Koleksi ini terdiri daripada lima model unik yang mencerminkan semangat perjalanan melalui New Mexico, Scandinavia, China, New Zealand, dan United Kingdom. Setiap SUV mencerminkan watak dan suasana rantau masing-masing melalui bahan, warna, dan kemasan yang ditempah khas.
New Mexico: Ketabahan dan Penghormatan
Edisi New Mexico menggabungkan hubungan dunia purba dan keindahan lasak dengan pilihan warna coklat hangat. Model ini menampilkan cat duo-tone Amber atas Burnt Oak, roda berwarna badan, dan palet dalaman Saddle, Camel, dan Coral, dilengkapi dengan venir Copper Stone. Reka bentuk ini diilhamkan oleh pergunungan Sangre de Cristo dan ngarai yang terang, mencerminkan laluan Bentley ke arah Santa Fe.
Scandinavia: Kecantikan Semulajadi dan Kepekaan Ekologi
Bentayga Scandinavia menggabungkan cat luaran biru Portofino dengan roda Dark Sapphire. Bahagian dalamannya mempunyai kulit utama Mulliner White, kulit sekunder Imperial Blue, aksen Stratos biru muda, dan jahitan kontras, di samping ‘Slate Stone open-pore veneer’. Model ini mencerminkan fjord yang jernih, tradisi pelayaran, dan seni bina mampan yang dialami dalam jadual perjalanan lima hari Bentley merentasi Norway, Sweden, dan Denmark.
China: Ketenangan dan Relaksasi
Edisi China melambangkan ketenangan melalui alam semula jadi, menampilkan cat luaran Arabica dan roda perak Pale Brodgar. Bahagian dalamannya mempamerkan kulit berwarna Linen, aksen tweed Burnt Oak dan Odyssean, venir batu Gold Green, dan venir Piano Burnt Oak pada konsol tengah. Diilhamkan oleh barat laut China, model ini meliputi Pergunungan Helan, Alashan Gobi, Sungai Kuning, dan bukit pasir yang menjulang tinggi di padang pasir Tengri.
New Zealand: Kekaguman dan Ketenangan
Edisi New Zealand dicat dengan Pasir Putih dengan roda perak Pale Brodgar dan bahagian dalam berwarna coklat dan kelabu yang menampilkan kulit utama Portland, kulit sekunder Burnt Oak, aksen Highland Hare, dan venir Jeera Green Stone. Reka bentuk ini mencerminkan Milford Sound yang megah, lombong emas bersejarah, dan perjalanan Bentley melalui Lembah Ahuriri, Tasik Tekapo, dan Alps Selatan.
United Kingdom: Tradisi dan Refleksi
Bentayga yang diinspirasikan oleh UK meraikan hutan belantara dan pelarian dengan cat satin Alpine Green, roda satin kelabu, dan dalaman bertema hijau yang didominasi oleh British Racing Green dan Cumbrian Green. Model ini membangkitkan warisan Bentley dalam perlumbaan ketahanan dan melalui Daerah Tasik, Crewe, Cairngorms Scotland, dan penyulingan wiski The Macallan di Speyside.
Keistimewaan Koleksi Perjalanan Luar Biasa
Bentayga Azure, yang sesuai untuk pengembaraan jarak jauh, menawarkan ruang dalaman yang tiada tandingan dan keselesaan. Koleksi Perjalanan Luar Biasa oleh Mulliner mewakili kemuncak kemewahan, menggabungkan warna dalaman yang dipesan lebih dahulu dengan kusyen bersulam topografi yang menandakan setiap rantau.
Bentley’s bespoke studio Mulliner has introduced a limited-edition series of Bentayga SUVs, drawing inspiration from invigorating travel, nature, and well-being. The Extraordinary Journeys Collection captures the essence of Bentley’s curated global travel experiences, designed to offer exclusive access to the finest local cuisine, design, architecture, and wellness.
The collection, comprised of five unique models, reflects the spirit of journeys through New Mexico, Scandinavia, China, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Each SUV embodies the character and ambience of its respective region through bespoke materials, colours, and finishes.
New Mexico: Ruggedness and Reverence
The New Mexico edition channels the ancient world’s connection and rugged beauty with warm browns and tans. It features Amber over Burnt Oak duo-tone paintwork, body-coloured wheels, and an interior palette of Saddle, Camel, and Coral, complemented by Copper Stone veneer. This design is inspired by the Sangre de Cristo mountains and vivid canyons, mirroring Bentley’s route towards Santa Fe.
Scandinavia: Natural Beauty and Ecological Sensitivity
The Scandinavian Bentayga combines Portofino blue exterior paint with Dark Sapphire wheels. Inside, it boasts a Mulliner White main hide, Imperial Blue secondary hide, light blue Stratos accents, and contrast stitching, alongside a Slate Stone open-pore veneer. This model reflects the crystal-clear fjords, seafaring traditions, and sustainable architecture experienced on Bentley’s five-day itinerary across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
China: Serenity and Relaxation
China’s edition symbolises serenity through nature, featuring Arabica exterior paint and Pale Brodgar silver wheels. The interior showcases Linen-coloured hide, Burnt Oak and Odyssean tweed accents, Gold Green stone veneer, and Piano Burnt Oak veneer on the centre console. Inspired by the northwest of China, this model spans the Helan Mountains, Alashan Gobi, Yellow River, and the towering dunes of the Tengri desert.
New Zealand: Awe and Tranquillity
The New Zealand edition is painted in White Sand with Pale Brodgar silver wheels and a brown and grey interior featuring Portland main hide, Burnt Oak secondary hide, Highland Hare accents, and Jeera Green Stone veneer. This design reflects the majestic Milford Sound, historic gold mines, and Bentley’s journey through the Ahuriri Valley, Lake Tekapo, and the Southern Alps.
United Kingdom: Tradition and Reflection
The UK-inspired Bentayga celebrates wilderness and escapism with Alpine Green satin paint, Grey satin wheels, and a green-themed interior dominated by British Racing Green and Cumbrian Green. This model evokes Bentley’s heritage in endurance racing and passes through the Lake District, Crewe, Scotland’s Cairngorms, and The Macallan whiskey distillery in Speyside.
The Bentayga Azure, ideal for long-distance adventures, offers unmatched interior space and comfort. The Extraordinary Journeys Collection by Mulliner represents the pinnacle of luxury, blending bespoke interior shades with topographical embroidered cushions denoting each region.
The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner marks a new peak for Bentley, elevating the Bentayga lineup and the overall Bentley models. Bentley says this model enhances the existing blend of powerful supercar performance, all-terrain capability, dynamic driving, and limousine-like rear cabin found in the Bentayga EWB.
The flagship Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner surpasses competitors in cabin space and its unique enhancements transform each journey into a cherished experience. Whether you’re seated at the wheel or in the spacious rear cabin, this SUV represents the pinnacle of luxury in the SUV category.
In August this year, Bentley unveiled the Batur coupe, a very exclusive model to be built by Bentley Mulliner and limited to only 18 units, each priced at from £1.65 million (about RM8.9 million). Named after a beautiful lake in Bali, the Batur is the second bespoke project by Bentley Mulliner after the Bacalar and the first customers (all units have already been booked) should start getting their cars in mid-2023..
With development work completed and two prototypes available, real-world testing is now underway to verify the performance after an extensive engineering program. The validation activities, with more than 120 individual tests, include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise & vibration, and driving dynamics.
The Bentley Batur coupe represents the end of one era, as well as the beginning of another. While giving a glimpse of the new design language for the British luxury brand, it also marks the end of the iconic W12 engine which has evolved to become the most powerful powertrain in its history.
The Batur, named after a beautiful lake in Bali, is the second bespoke project by Bentley Mulliner after the Bacalar and only 18 units will be produced, priced from £1.65 million each ex-factory. (about RM8.74 million). The 18 customers who have already reserved a unit will receive their cars within 11 months.
Final version of the mighty W12 Although riding on a similar chassis as the Continental GT, the Batur has a more powerful 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, producing 740+ ps and 1,000 Nm. This final version is the most powerful of the mightY W12 engines that first appeared in the Continental GT in 2002. Although its power output is risen nearly 40% in 20 years, fuel economy has improved by 25%.
For the Batur’s W12 engine, a new intake system, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers and extensive recalibration was done to deliver exceptional. It is paired with Bentley’s 8-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 in a first for Bentley.
As well as being the most power and most exclusive Bentley coupe to date, the Batur will also be the most dynamic with Speed-tuned air suspension, it is claimed. Adaptive 3-chamber air springs each have 3 switchable chambers, changing the volume of the air spring and varying effective stiffness. The driver can select the balance between ride comfort and body control using the 4-mode Drive Dynamics, choosing between Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom.
The Drive Dynamics Control also changes the behaviour of the 48V electric active anti-roll control system, which can provide up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in just 3/10ths of a second or completely decouple the wheels at either end of each axle. The anti-roll control system can also be used to adjust the roll stiffness front-to-rear, giving the Batur sharper turn-in and greater ability to balance the car on the throttle when in Sport mode.
Overall traction and cornering grip is maximised through the use of an electronic Limited Slip Differential that actively vectors drive torque across the chassis. This is complemented by torque vectoring by brake, whereby the car can lightly brake the inside rear wheel on turn-in for greater front-axle response, and also lightly brake both inside wheels on corner exit to move power across to the outside, loaded wheels for better traction.
New chapter in Bentley design The Bentley design DNA that has driven the creation of the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga families has been revolutionised for the Batur, introducing new themes, approaches and details. The new form language defines a new chapter for Bentley design, as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformational journey.
“For any design team, the chance to redefine our own rules is the most exciting challenge. We have reimagined the Bentley design language, keeping some continuity to the past and present while also drastically changing key elements,” said Bentley’s Director of Design, Andreas Mindt.
“A mark of power and prestige has always been a long bonnet. Our new design cues include a line that stretches from the bonnet along the whole length of the car, connecting the bonnet into the body, making the car long and lean and giving an elongated proportion to the front end. We call this feature the ‘endless bonnet’, and it’s the only accent highlight to the cleaner shape,” he said.
“At the very front of the car, we’ve modernised the famous Bentley grille and made it lower and more upright, to give a stronger face and a more dominant stance. This upright elegance brings self-confidence with a luxury stance. The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, an evolution of the design used on Bacalar and maintaining the single large headlight either side. These are matched with all-new tail-lamps at the rear, that sit either side of a deployable spoiler,” explained Mindt.
Meanwhile, the visual mass of the car is moved rearwards, giving the impression that the car is sat on the rear axle, which adds further depth to the haunches. Overall, the form is cleaner and simplified, relying more on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring more muscle to the design.
Ultimate personalisation The interior space of the Batur for two persons is designed for ultimate personalisation and long-distance grand touring. Inspired by the interior design of the Bacalar, the Batur builds on the core elements of the Bacalar’s cabin design and adds new sustainable luxury features.
Every element of the cabin is tailored to the customer’s specifications. Each car will be unique, designed collaboratively with the customer with guidance from 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.
There’s variety of sustainable interior materials to choose from, while the passenger fascia panel is finished with a unique etching of the audio signature of the W12 engine (but bespoke etching is also available). Bright or dark treatments to the interior brightware and titanium options are also available. Certain controls – like the organ stops for ventilation – can be in 3D-printed 18K gold, if desired.
“With Bacalar, we proved the appetite of our clients for truly bespoke and individual Bentleys. We’re building on that story with the Batur, and the fact that all 18 cars are already reserved is testament to the fact that our design team is creating cars that our clients want to buy. Batur is not only a beautiful handcrafted Bentley – it is the next member of a distinguished line of cars coachbuilt by Mulliner, which include the W.O. Bentley’s favourite car in the 8 Litre and the now truly-iconic R-Type Continental,” said Paul Williams Director of Bentley Mulliner.
What if the Batur became a convertible? Here’s what our friend Theottle, the master at reimagining car designs, has come up with today.
The Bentley Bacalar by Mulliner was unveiled in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to sweep across the world. Though a model of significance, it was overshadowed by global affairs that included shutdowns of industries and businesses in many countries. Nevertheless, when introduced, it already found customers for all 12 units to be built.
This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.
Pinnacle bespoke project The Bacalar represents the first in a new series of pinnacle bespoke projects that have spearheaded a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner – the oldest coachbuilder in the world. Eight units have been delivered to customers, with four more to soon be finished. Once their work is finished, the Mulliner team to focus attention towards their next project, which the carmaker says will be revealed soon.
The Bacalar also launched a new Bentley Mulliner operation, part of a new strategy that will see the division offer three different portfolios: Classic, Collections and Coachbuilt.
6 months of work With the level of handcraftsmanship, each car has taken around 6 months to complete. Needless to say, each one is unique in more than just the colour as each customer has chosen from a myriad of options and materials. For the Bacalar, Bentley Mulliner revived its specialism in providing rare coachbuilt cars to discerning customers.
A roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork, the Bacalar has a carbonfibre bodyshell. The car sits on unique 22-inch Tri-Finish wheels, with polished faces, dark grey satin spokes and accent highlights to complement the exterior.
“Designing a Bacalar is an exercise in imagination, with the material, colour and finish of practically every interior and exterior surface being bespoke. Regardless of personal style, whether it be specifying a bold Yellow Flame exterior paint synthesised with rice husk ash, or a more subtle Moss Green that reflects Bentley’s heritage, developing personalised artisan piping, or co-creating a unique fabric blend, the Bacalar has provided all of these opportunities,” said Maria Mulder, Head of Colour, Materials and Finishes.
6-litre 12-cylinder engine The Bacalar is powered by an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre, W12 TSI engine. Claimed to be the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 ps/900 Nm. An advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System varies the torque split between front and rear wheels. It allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.
Uniquely designed details and features in the cabin emphasise the coachbuilt character of the car, with an almost infinite number of ways for the 12 customers to express their personal taste and commission a unique interior. From the use of precious inlays and unique finishes to the driver controls, to the 148,199 individual stitches needed to embroider the unique Bacalar quilt on each seat, owners will find details and components not seen before on a Bentley.
Displayed at Goodwood Festival of Speed One of the finished Bacalars was shown off at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in England where it was also handed over to its new owner. The car was finished in bespoke Sunset Orange, with customised tri-colour wheels and gloss black highlights providing a bold contrast to the vibrant exterior.
The centres of the headlamps were colour-matched to the Sunset Orange bodywork, either side of a set of gloss black grilles and surrounds. The bonnet vents provided a textural difference being finished in satin carbonfibre, as were the wing mirrors. Satin carbonfibre also gave additional definition to the ‘power humps’ behind the front seats – accented with Sunset Orange brightware – along with the side skirts and rear diffuser, complemented by exhaust finishers with gloss black outers and matte black inners.
The customer chose a white and black cabin with Mandarin Orange accents, creating a striking contemporary interior theme. A satin carbonfibre technical finish encapsulates the occupants, sweeping from one side of the cabin to the other, matching the exterior technical details harmoniously. Every panel and detail of the interior was specified to the customer, through careful combinations of leather and Alcantara in white, black and orange, gloss and satin metals in black, dark tint and bright chrome finishes, and the twin usage of both gloss and satin carbonfibre.
Mandarin Orange leather accentuates the form of the top roll, the centreline in the steering wheel and both the door release and gear lever. This continues with further stitching details to the rear of the seats within the oval perforated Beluga piping and hand cross stitching along the door following the styling line around to the centre console.
Other fine details include the analogue clock faces of the Bentley Rotating Display provide a splash of contrast in Bacalar Blue. The carpets feature a ‘diamond carved’ pattern, with binding and stitching in Mandarin Orange, while the split line between satin carbonfibre and gloss black in the luggage area – usually unseen and hidden by luggage – was specified to be in satin dark tint.
For each customer, personalising the Bacalar was ‘a voyage of discovery’, and this too applies to other models which are configurable in literally billions of ways. The process of designing a Mulliner goes even further – with infinite combinations of materials, colours and finishes. The only limitations are vehicle construction laws and the imagination of the customer… the cost is unlikely to be a concern.
The first member of the Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt portfolio – the Bacalar – is now undergoing final test, development and durability work ahead of the start of build next year of 12 pre-sold customer cars. The on-car validation programmes have been condensed into an extremely busy schedule covering 20 weeks, which started this month.
So far, the car – designated Bacalar Car Zero – has completed wind tunnel-based aerodynamic assessment, high speed stability and top speed testing, handling and dynamics evaluations, appraisal of noise and vibration, and careful thermal measurements. It now enters a period of ongoing customer-focused mileage accumulation and durability work, before a phase of climate cycle testing up to 80°C and an intensive electrical system validation.
The purpose-built engineering prototype and the first barchetta-style Bentley of the modern era is already accumulating mileage and passing crucial quality tests at a variety of locations around Europe.
All of this work is vital to sign-off the new and bespoke nature of the Bacalar. It incorporates a total of more than 750 new components, all of which have to pass Bentley’s exceptionally stringent quality, functionality and durability standards. More than 40 of those parts are crafted in carbonfibre, while a complement of nearly 100 are produced using rapid additive manufacture techniques.
“Very much like Blower Car Zero that we unveiled earlier, Bacalar Car Zero is the crucial prototype that we’re using to sign-off the design, engineering and craftsmanship of this ground-breaking part of Bentley Mulliner’s future. The Bacalar is a thoroughly modern iteration of the coachbuilt Bentleys of the past – extremely rare, entirely handcrafted, totally bespoke to each customer and exquisite in its details. The whole team behind the car is thrilled to see the prototype shrugging off every test we throw at it, and we’re really looking forward to starting the build of the 12 customer cars,” said Bentley’s Director of Mulliner, Paul Williams.
Each of the 12 cars (already sold) will be uniquely personalised to the requirements of the customer.
Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and exclusivity. The Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring as each model will be handcrafted according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.
This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.
Bentley Mulliner will personalise a car in any way specified by the customer… even with this rainbow finish.
The Bacalar brought to life by Bentley Mulliner is a roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork. Embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.
The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6-litre, W12 TSI engine. Claimed to be the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 ps/900 Nm, delivered to the wheels through an advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System. The system allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.
The Bacalar shares no body panel with any other car in the Bentley model line-up and derives inspiration from the dramatic EXP 100 GT concept car conceived to mark the company’s centenary last year. Indeed, it only shares one exterior component with a Continental GT – the door handle, simply because it contains the keyless entry system.
EXP 100 GT concept
The rear clamshell, wings and top deck of the Bacalar are crafted from carbonfibre, while the doors are lightweight aluminium. Combined with the use of three-dimensional printing, it has allowed designers to create an even more distinctive car.
The exterior look of each model is completed in collaboration with individual customers, who have been able to further personalise their car, choosing from rare paint options, exterior treatments and design themes. The Bacalar represents a return to the exciting early years of Bentley, allowing owners to help shape the car of their dreams.
While most of Bentley’s customers would prefer not to be identified, there are some who allow the company to tell the world about the cars they have commissioned. From time to time, we are treated to some very personalised models prepared by the company’s bespoke and personal commissioning division, Mulliner. As it is Christmas time, Bentley can show off the ‘Reindeer Eight’, a unique and festive Flying Spur V8 commissioned by ‘a world famous customer’.
Every commission is important and this was in fact, one of Bentley Mulliner’s most important yet because of the customer’s own global and extensive list of expectant fans. It drew on its rich history and expertise of fine craftsmanship to meet the specific requirements of the customers.
One of 62 shades from Extended Range
The one-off ‘Reindeer Eight’ is finished to the exterior in deep red Cricket Bauble paint finish, a unique shade created for the customer based on Cricket Ball which is available as one of the 62 shades offered by the Extended Range.
Leading the car from the front, a gold three-dimensional printed reindeer can be found in lieu of the Flying B mascot, and to the sides the V8 badges have been replaced by a special ‘Reindeer Eight’ badge signifying the powertrain the customer is more familiar with.
Following the lead reindeer, the standard chrome bonnet strip has been re-trimmed in gold, and coordinating hand painted fine line details shimmer from the rear of the Bentley wing badges.
Maximum aerodynamic performance
To emphasise the speed and performance required to cover the significant distance planned by the owner, a gold styling specification has been included, comprising of a carbonfibre diffuser to the front and rear bumper, carbonfibre side sills and a bootlid spoiler – for maximum aerodynamic performance at cruising altitude.
The Mulliner Driving Specification with 22-inch golden wheels and diamond finish, representing the snow peaks crossed, completes the exterior theme. Given the cold climate of the customer’s primary residence, All Season tyres have been fitted.
Personalised embroidery with 11,100 stitches
The interior of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivalled luxury and innovation, capable of comfortable seating for four or five. The customer specified a monotone Cricket Bauble interior with gold personalised embroidery and hand cross-stitching, including his name stitched into the driver’s seat and that of his wife alongside.
Festive gold hand cross-stitch highlights the attention to detail and skill of those working at the Bentley factory. It takes 18 hours for a craftsperson to complete the 11,100 hand-sewn stitches throughout the cabin, and consumes 115 metres of special thread (equal to the height of Big Ben).
The seats of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ feature a twin-flute design and increased functionality, including heating, ventilation, multi-mode massage, adjustable bolsters and top tilt which should keep the customer alert yet relaxed over the extensive mileage that he will be covering. With the Mulliner Driving Specification chosen by the customer, the new three-dimensional leather combines with traditional stitching and embroidery work.
Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. At Mulliner’s suggestion, the Grand Black veneer displays a North Pole winter night scene with inlays to fascias and door waistrails to depict the end of the night’s journey.
The industry-first Bentley Rotating Display features in the ‘Reindeer Eight’. When the engine start button is pressed, and after a welcome sound of sleigh bells jingling, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen, displaying multiple menus. A Naughty and Nice list integrated in the navigation system allows the customer to quickly know whether his fans have been bad or good.
The second side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass (vital for the customer to find home at the end of the long work night) and a chronometer. Finally, the third side offers the seamless Grand Black veneer fascia, continuing around the cabin, representing the North Pole winter night scene.
“What fun it is to ride in a 542 horsepower sleigh. Plus, there’s space in the back for all my subordinate Clauses. I’m looking forward to putting 66 million kilometres on the clock before the end of the year,” said the bearded customer.
Bentley Motors offers customers a multitude of customisable features, making their car truly and uniquely theirs from the inside out. The Continental GT V8 is no exception and where colours are concerned, there’s a very broad spectrum of choices for them to express themselves and show off their personalities. To further enhance the exterior, owners can also opt for the Blackline Specification which replaces the exterior body brightware with black-painted trim and other items. Customers can discuss with their dealer, Bentley Kuala Lumpur in the case of Malaysia, on the wide range of options available to ensure they get exactly what they desire.
Assembly of the first new Bentley Blower in more than nine decades has officially started in a bespoke Bentley Mulliner workshop. ‘Car Zero’ is the engineering prototype for the Blower Continuation Series, a run of 12 meticulously engineered, hand-crafted, supercharged 4½-litre Bentleys built to the unique design of Bentley’s own 1929 Team Car developed and raced by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin.
Continuation series for a pre-war car
The 12 cars together form the world’s first continuation series for a pre-war car, and all have been pre-sold.
The first parts in the workshop are some of the most important. First to arrive was the chassis for the car – the backbone of the entire project, to which almost everything will be attached. The fuel tank and radiator were next, as work was completed on the ash frame for the body.
The first pair of headlights was delivered, while the mechanical aspects of the first car started to come together – the very first engine (complete with remade Amherst Villiers supercharger), the front axle assembly and the leafsprings.
As the 12 lucky customers choose the colour and trim specifications for their cars, the engineering team is working hard on assembling the running prototype in time for its unveiling ahead of a development programme later this year.
The most valuable Bentley in the world
Following a piece-by-piece disassembly of the #2 Team Car owned by Bentley (likely the most valuable Bentley in the world) and an exceptionally precise laser scanning of the frame and its components, new parts were ordered from a combination of fully digital CAD data and the original 1920s engineering drawings and drafts.
“After almost a year of highly detailed engineering work, it is extremely rewarding to see the first parts coming together to form the first Bentley Blower in over 90 years. The skill of our engineers and technicians in completing hundreds of individual part specifications is equalled only by that of the artisans across the country that have handmade the components that we’re now starting to bolt together. As we go, we’re refining designs and fixing problems, which is exactly what a prototype build is for. We’re all really excited to get this first car finished, and to show it to the world later this year,” said Bentley Mulliner’s Tim Hannig.
Draftsmen meet craftsmen
From the outset, Bentley Mulliner sought to engage the very best specialists across the country to create componentry for the Blower Continuation Series in a manner befitting such a project – using traditional techniques passed down through generations. With the very latest CAD technology finalising the exact designs to supplement the original engineering blueprints from the 1920s, work began at a multitude of small artisan businesses to bring the new Blower to life.
The chassis has been created in heavy-gauge steel, hand-formed and hot riveted by the specialists at Israel Newton & Sons Ltd. This 200-year old company traditionally makes boilers for steam locomotives and traction engines, and as such has the skills to forge and shape metal in a traditional way.
The Vintage Car Radiator Company, based at Bicester Heritage, has crafted exact recreations of the some of the Blower’s key components – including the mirror-polished, nickel-plated radiator shell and the hand-beaten fuel tank formed in steel and copper. Market leaders in the manufacture and restoration of vintage car radiators and components to the highest possible standards of craftsmanship and authenticity, they were the perfect choice to handcraft these tricky and vital components.
These parts will feed the first Blower’s brand new 4½-litre engine, originally designed by W.O Bentley himself and now recreated by Bentley Mulliner with the expert support of specialists including NDR Ltd.
Featuring many innovations of which a sportscar engine of the 1970s would be proud – aluminium pistons, an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin spark ignition – the renowned 4½-litre engine will meet a newly machined, exact recreation of an Amherst Villiers roots-type supercharger. Mulliner’s experts will then be tuning the engine on a specially-prepared testbed at the Bentley factory in Crewe, where together the engine and supercharger should generate around 240 bhp.
The next steps
Over the course of the coming weeks, more and more components for Car Zero will be completed and test-fit. The new engine and supercharger will be put through their paces on Bentley’s very own engine development test beds in Crewe, while period-specific paint will be applied to the chassis before final assembly begins.
The finished Car Zero is due to make its first public appearance later in the year – but only after it’s been shown to the 12 customers.
