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Bentley to launch 5 new hybrid models in 2022, first EV in 2025

Every sector of the auto industry has to meet carbon-neutrality targets during this target and even the brands in the uppermost segments are not exempted although their volumes may be relatively lower. While all will eventually offer models powered only by electricity (battery electric vehicles or BEVs), the transition period will see hybrid powertrains being used for electrification. It is anticipated that more than 20% of sales this year will come from the brand’s hybrid models.

Bentley already started this transition a few years ago with the Bentayga Hybrid and has followed up with the Flying Spur Hybrid. It is continuing with development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and has announced that 5 new models will be launched this year. As Bentley has only 5 model lines (including the Flying Spur and Bentayga), these new cars HEVs will likely be variants of the models, one of which will be the Continental GT.

*The Bentayga Hybrid (above) and Flying Spur Hybrid (below) will be joined by 5 more hybrid models in 2022.*

From 2025, the carmaker plans to launch one new BEV every year under its ‘Five-in-Five’ plan that is part of its Beyond100 strategy to reduce the brand’s environmental impact. Innovative steps will be taken to neutralise Bentley’s carbon footprint even further towards its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. These include a commitment that all its global retailers will be carbon-neutral by 2025 (or sooner), with production zero impact by 2030.

To realise this strategy, Bentley has committed a sustainable investment of £2.5 billion for product development as well as transforming the factory in Crewe, England, to become a ‘Dream Factory’ – a digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility.

The Crewe site is already a certified carbon neutral facility, and the next initiatives will be an extension of on-site energy production with solar power. Moreover, Bentley is investigating using sustainable biofuel in fleet cars, including its Heritage Collection.

“Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley’s illustrious history, and in the luxury segment. It’s an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100% BEV in just 8 years,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. “Our aim is to become the benchmark not just for luxury cars or sustainable credentials but the entire scope of our operations. Securing production of our first BEV in Crewe is a milestone moment for Bentley, and the UK, as we plan for a long-term sustainable future in Crewe.”

Bentley’s sales have continued to climb and the total of 14,659 vehicles delivered in 2021 exceeded by 31% the record volume set the year before. This achievement was driven by new model introductions, a fresh product portfolio and increasing demand for the hybrid models.

While the Americas region took the most vehicles (4,212 units), it was China where Bentley saw the biggest growth of 40% to 4,033 units. The Asia Pacific region posted an increase of 37% which was also said to be a record performance as 1,651 vehicles were delivered, against 1,203 sold in 2020.

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Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition previews future Bentley products

As part of its Beyond100 strategy, Bentley will pursue sustainability in every area of its business as well as the products it makes and sells. The journey has already begun and a limited edition of the Flying Spur Hybrid provides a preview of what will come.

The Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition uses an advanced hybrid powertrain which can prove that hybridization will not compromise luxury or performance. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, generating a total of 544 ps/750 Nm (significantly more power than the Bentayga Hybrid). While able to cover the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a claimed 4.3 seconds, the limousine is also said to have a range of over 700 kms when fully fuelled.

Sustainable materials throughout the cabin
New, even more sustainable materials are used throughout the cabin, directly reflecting design details showcased in Bentley’s centenary concept car. The cabin features panels of beautifully crafted tweed made from 100% British wool, twisting a blend of tonal colours into a bespoke yarn to create a unique natural luxury textile especially for Bentley.

The open-pore Koa veneer fascias and waistrails use 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers, and allow the natural surface texture and aesthetic of the wood to be enjoyed. Selected from only the very best, most figured stock available, open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness.

The centre console is finished in a sleek, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, while a dedicated tri-colour leather scheme lends the whole interior new depth. Together with new materials, sustainable leather is used widely across the cabin, thanks to its long-term durability. Indeed, Bentley’s own 1955 S1 Flying Spur was referenced during the design process, as the car still retains its original leather interior which, in spite of now being 66 years old, is still in immaculate condition.

Accents to the interior are in a soft, warm hide called Autumn, with customers able to choose from 5 specifications that utilize Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel or Burnt Oak leather in tandem with light, modern Linen hide. A unique Odyssean Edition treadplate becomes apparent when entering or exiting the car, and is matched with exterior D-pillar badging.

In common with the finishes seen in the EXP 100 GT interior, an exclusive new embroidery style sees thread colours blend calmly into one another across the width of each seat, defining and accentuating the ‘lofted diamond’ pattern unique to the Flying Spur – together creating a stunning effect employed here by Bentley for the first time.

On the exterior, painted Pale Brodgar accents on the 21-inch 10 twin-spoke wheels and lower brightware (front and rear bumpers, headlight and tail light surrounds and lower body side chrome) give a unique visual character. A curated exterior palette of six colours have been recommended to harmonise with the Pale Brodgar accents, but the full Bentley palette can be chosen from.

Real-world usage of Bentley Hybrids
As part of Bentley’s journey towards electrification and the Beyond100 strategy (delivering a product range composed entirely of plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles by 2026), a research activity has been undertaken to gain insights into customer usage of the Bentley Hybrid from owners.

Over 90% of owners use their first generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week and nearly 100% make use EV mode, which means running only on electrical power with zero emissions. Half of them consistently have journeys of less than 48 kms. In real-world terms, this means that the majority of the journeys, whether office commuting or school runs, can be achieved predominantly whilst producing zero emissions.

22-inch carbonfibre wheel for Bentley Bentayga from late 2021

The wheels for the first cars were made of wood, carrying over from the wheels of horse carriages. Eventually, metal was used, which provided much durability and complemented the auto industry’s manufacturing processes. Steel wheels were commonplace for many decades but as the need to reduce weight became more important, lightening the wheels led the industry to use aluminium alloy.

As the 1970s began, Michelin introduced in innovation for wheels – carbonfibre construction. The initial application was for a rallycar but before long, they were more widely available but still rare as they cost a great deal of money. It was only in 2013 that Koenigsegg offered monolithic carbonfibre wheels on its cars, with a set said to cost around US$40,000.

Why use carbonfibre?
One of the main advantages of using a composite material like carbonfibre is that it is lighter than steel or aluminium. The nature of the material also means it generates less noise and vibrations, making for a nicer, quieter ride. This makes such wheels desirable for luxury cars but their cost remains high.

After years of development with one of the world’s leading composite suppliers, Bentley now has a new carbonfibre wheel developed specifically for the Bentayga. The 22-inch wheel, engineered with Bucci Composites of Italy, is to be the largest carbonfibre wheel in production in the world. It offers a vast range of benefits beyond the initial 6-kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.

Meeting tough TUV standards
The new wheel has been subjected to the exceptionally rigorous TUV standards and is the first carbonfibre wheel ever produced to pass all tests. The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TUV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tyre overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.

One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test – has shown how the carbonfibre rim is extremely safe in addition to the performance benefits. After a severe impact which would crack or shatter an aluminium wheel, the carbonfibre rim allows a slow tyre deflation, thanks to the intelligent layering of fibre weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop. This would be of great value to a vehicle like the Bentayga which has off-road capabilities.

The new wheel has also been subjected to extremely high speeds. Engineers ran numerous tests around the Nurburgring Nordschleife before final sign-off to go into production.

The technological benefits
Carbonfibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to 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.

There’s also increased steering agility, thanks to the weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbonfibre which create 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.

The driver will also have improved and more responsive braking due to the decrease in unsprung mass. Reduced tyre wear is also a long-term benefit as the stiffer carbonfibre rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending. It therefore allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch on a larger tyre support surface.

The production processes
One of the main innovations lies in the rim manufacturing process, which involves the application of innovative concepts (covered by patents) combined with the use of high-pressure RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding). The materials and production parameters have been carefully studied to ensure the repeatability of the product without affecting its quality.

The process involves the cutting of carbonfibre cloth into prescribed shapes. The weave segments are then stacked, heated and draped into a mould to create three-dimensional preforms. The preforms are collated and arranged into a larger mould before resin and hardener is injected throughout. After curing time at temperature, the component assembly is removed from the mould, and the final surfaces are machined to the correct finish, before polishing.

Joining Mulliner products in late 2021
The new carbonfibre wheel for the Bentayga will be join Bentley’s existing carbonfibre products, which include the highly sought-after Styling Specification that adds a carbonfibre front splitter, sill extensions and rear diffuser, and the option of high gloss carbonfibre veneer to the interior.

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Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid joins Bentayga Hybrid

Continuing its journey towards electrification and carbon neutrality, Bentley Motors has introduced a hybrid powertrain for its third generation Flying Spur. Declaring the new variant as ‘the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date’, the introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time.

In developing the hybrid powertrain, Bentley has made sure there are no compromises to luxury or performance. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor (E-motor), delivering a total of 544 ps/750 Nm (21.5% more power than the Bentayga Hybrid). The E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and can be charged to 100% in as little as two and a half hours (depending on the region and facilities used). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high-voltage battery to supply the E-motor or supplement the existing 12V vehicle electrical infrastructure.

In the early years of hybrids 20 years ago, performance was not a strong point. However, with advancements in the technology, it is now possible to have high performance in hybrids. The Flying Spur Hybrid has virtually similar capabilities as the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h within a claimed 4.3 secs.

The combination of a highly efficient engine and the advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains, achieving a responsive, engaging and refined experience. Using a constantly varying combination of engine and electric motor output, the Flying Spur Hybrid is claimed to be the most efficient Bentley ever, with a capability to cover over 700 kms on a full tank.

The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid has a striking combination of the very latest integrated technology, beautiful materials and design prowess, combined with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automatic Start/Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience. This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys.

The flow of energy can be viewed via the infotainment screen where statistics can be seen and the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, heads up display and centre screen, including range, battery level and charging information.

To provide further feedback to the driver, the instruments include additional information showing when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst decelerating or using the combustion engine.

The Flying Spur Hybrid comes with a portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection. My Bentley in-car and remote services is a continually-developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.

As with every Bentley model, the Flying Spur Hybrid can be ordered from a range of over 67 exterior colours. The Blackline Specification offers a contemporary alternative to exterior brightware including a black version of the optional illuminated electrically deployed Flying B radiator mascot, and for a more contemporary exterior aesthetic.

Pricing starts from £160,000 in England (about RM921,000) and Bentley dealers are now accepting orders. The first customers can expect to receive their cars before the end of the year.

Shortened course prevents Bentley Continental GT3 from setting new record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

As reported earlier, Bentley is participating in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which took place in the American state of Colorado over the past few days. The car used this year is the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak and apart from its powerful 750+ bhp engine, it has also been tuned to run on renewable fuel.

On the course up the hill, the Continental GT3 proved to be the fastest car running on renewable fuel, finishing 2nd in the Time Attack 1 and 4th overall among all competitors. The car, driven by former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen, crossing the finish line in 6:36.281 despite suffering a late engine issue. The time was good enough to beat all other sustainability-focused entrants, including fully electric competitors.

The course was shortened due to snow and ice near the 4,300-metre high summit of Pikes Peak. For safety reasons, the organisers repositioned the finish line at a point at 3,896 metres. This cut out the last third of the normal course which has 156 turns, many of them ‘open-air’ corners. The shortened route also meant that Bentley’s attempt to set a new record could not be achieved.

Nonetheless, the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak – regarded as ‘the most extreme road-going Bentley ever built’ – set a blistering pace over the first two sectors, entering the third and final sector 12 seconds ahead of its nearest rival. A few corners from the finish, a boost pressure problem meant 16 seconds were lost, dropping Millen back to second place in class.

“We know we had the pace today both to win our class, and to break the Time Attack 1 record. The weather sadly wasn’t with us though, with the shortened course meaning our assault on the record was never a possibility. While that’s a bitter pill to swallow, I’m proud to have entered such a strong renewably-powered racing car – the fastest at the event – and equally proud of the team that’s delivered this project. This is the first step on Bentley’s renewable fuel journey, and there will be many more opportunities to come. Perhaps we’ll even come back to Pikes Peak next year…,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Paul Williams.

Bentley’s participation in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was the company’s third in recent years, following successful record runs in both a specially-prepared Bentayga (Production SUV record) and a Continental GT (outright Production Class record).

With regard to the RON98 Renewable Racing Fuel, this fuel is a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport. It is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85%.

Steering wheel of Bentley Continental GT3 for Pikes Peak Hill Climb can also be used for sim racing (w/VIDEO)

Steering wheel of Bentley Continental GT3 for Pikes Peak Hill Climb can also be used for sim racing (w/VIDEO)

Racing simulators are very realistic today, certainly a very, very big difference from the cartoon-like VGA displays of the early programs. And not only is the imagery photorealistic but even the hardware is sophisticated to replicate driving sensations as closely as possible.

Now, for even greater realism, Bentley and Fanatec have co-developed a unique steering wheel that can be used for both real and virtual motor racing. The wheel was designed specifically for the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak challenge car, crafted from lightweight carbonfibre and magnesium alloy. The quick release system meets FIA standards, allowing it to connect to a real car and compatible FANATEC wheel bases.

For racing as well as display
It’s the first steering wheel of its kind to be actually used in a racing car, making it a highly desirable accessory for gamers. When not being used for driving a real Bentley or one in the virtual world, the steering wheel can be detached and displayed on a wall or desk, proudly posed on a special mount. If you need to take it around, a robust hard travelling case is also provided.

Powered by a USB connection, the wheel can be displayed as a clock inspired by the traditional timepiece found in the Continental GT. It can also replay preloaded race telemetry from famous laps, showing pedal and steering inputs, gear changes, G-meter, and a track map. The centre of the GT3 steering wheel houses a circular digital display that offers the driver vital telemetry and information about their performance. Exclusive Bentley design details include signature knurling on the rotary encoders.

Full functionality for racing car
Other key features include a forged carbonfibre display bezel, two 7-way FunkySwitch directional sticks with encoder functionality, a pair of aluminium thumbwheels with optical encoders, and four magnetic paddles – two for gearshifting and two auxiliaries, based on the design of the Continental GT road car.

More realism for gaming enthusiasts
“Our detailed collaboration with Fanatec, the world leader in gaming hardware, has repurposed the steering wheel from the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car for virtual use. There cannot be a more realistic way for gaming enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving one of our fastest ever vehicles, from home,” said Paul Williams, Director of Motorsport at Bentley Motors, and a keen sim racer himself.

Fanatec has not mentioned the price for this steering wheel although it may be among the more expensive ones available. Prices in its wide range start from 100 euros and go up to 1,800 euros (about RM500 to RM8,900).

Aiming for a new record at Pikes Peak
Bentley will be entering the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb again this week. It already holds the course record for the fastest production SUV, set by a Bentayga in 2018, and the production car class, set the following year in a Continental GT.

This year’s competition car is a specially developed Continental GT3 car with a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-litre V8 engine producing more than 750 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque. Designed to run on renewable synthetic fuel, it will attempt to set a new record for a production-based racing vehicle. To achieve this, the car will have to complete the climb of around 1,500 metres along a distance of almost 20 kms at an average speed of more than 125 km/h to cross the finish line in less than 9 minutes and 36 seconds.

Bentley aiming for a third record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this month with Continental GT3

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Bentley aiming for a third record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this month with Continental GT3

Up till the 1980s, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado was pretty much an American event, largely unknown to the rest of the world. The first run for the ‘Race to the Clouds’ was held in 1916 and thereafter, it became an annual event that saw new records being set every so often. Then in 1984, Audi showed up; as the era of the Group B super rallycars ended, Audi looked for other events where it could still enter its cars and the Pikes Peak Hillclimb was one of them.

French rally driver Michele Mouton came with the Audi Quattro and, within two years, was able to win overall as well as set a new course record. Other European teams also brought their powerful rallycars to Pikes Peak and the power game escalated. Even electric vehicles started to race up the hill, one of them from Mitsubishi Motors.

Two previous records
Bentley also saw the event as a good place to demonstrate the superior performance of its cars, especially to the US market which takes a lot of them each year. In 2018, it sent Rhys Millen in a Bentayga W12 up the 20-km route with 156 turns and the New Zealander set a new Production SUV record. The following year, Millen used a Continental GT and set the outright Production Car record.

This year, on June 27, Millen will again be racing up the hill and for this run, he has a Continental GT3. The car is now in final preparations which have included three dynamic test sessions and renewable fuel engine development.

Most extreme road-going Bentley
Regarded as ‘the most extreme road-going Bentley ever built’, the Pikes Peak racer will run on renewable fuel, initiating a R&D programme that aims to offer renewable fuels to Bentley customers in parallel to Bentley’s electrification programme. This two-strand strategy is set to maximise the pace of Bentley’s progress towards outright carbon neutrality, as part of its ‘Beyond100’ journey.

Upgraded twin-turbo V8 engine
From the start line at 2,834 metres, the course climbs to around 4,300 metres. As the altitude increases, the air becomes less dense, which has major implications in engine performance. The car’s engine – based on Bentley’s race-proven version of its 4-litre V8 road car engine – can cope with the reduced air density as it is turbocharged. It has been thoroughly reworked to generate more than 750 bhp/1,000 Nm at sea level for testing – and the engine will run even higher power levels for the race itself.

New pistons and conrods are installed to turn additional boost pressure (over 2.2 bar) into power, having to handle an increased dynamic pressure ratio. The carbonfibre intake manifold is thicker and reinforced versus the standard item, for the same reason. Custom, one-off Inconel exhaust manifolds have been 3D-printed via laser sintering by Abramovic, and lead to larger turbos paired with external wastegates, venting into very short exhausts and dedicated screamer pipes that exit behind the front wheels.

The high performance engine places additional demands on the cooling system and for Pikes Peak, the engineering team developed a secondary cooling system that’s installed at the back of the car. Air scoops replace the rear windows, and channel air through a secondary radiator that exhausts through ducts in the boot lid. The system runs via a dedicated secondary water pump.

RON98 eFuel
The engine runs on RON98 Renewable Racing Fuel. The fuel is a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport, and is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85%.

The gearbox is Bentley’s standard racing unit, already designed to handle the torque loads involved, but rear driveshaft diameter has been increased to provide additional durability. The gearbox runs a specially-formulated lubricant created specifically for the car by Mobil1, who have also supplied high-performance oil for the engine.

The chassis has been set up and tuned to suit the specific nature of the Pikes Peak course. Both front and rear axles run significantly reduced camber to the standard Continental GT3 setup, focusing the car on low-speed cornering performance. The softest springs and anti-roll bars from Bentley’s range have been fitted, to allow more movement in the body and so maximise weight transfer for braking. The brakes themselves are water-cooled, to handle the increased loads that an all-out attack on the course will bring.

Aerodynamic modifications
The aerodynamic modifications see a 30% increase in overall downforce at sea level, while maintaining the standard car’s aerodynamic front/rear balance – validated during the first track sessions. The biggest rear wing ever fitted to a Bentley dominates the rear of the car, sitting above a highly efficient rear diffuser that surrounds the transaxle gearbox. To maintain the aerodynamic balance front-to-rear, these devices are paired with a comprehensive front-end aerodynamic package comprising a two-plane front splitter flanked by separate dive planes. The majority of these parts were made with carbon nylon filament using rapid prototype, additive manufacturing techniques at the Bentley factory in Crewe.

To break the record, the car will have to complete the climb of around 1,500 metres at an average speed of more than 125 km/h to cross the finish line in less than 9 minutes and 36 seconds.

New Bentayga Speed now available in Malaysia

Building on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007, the Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proven by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.

The latest Bentayga Speed – the fastest SUV in the world – is now available in Malaysia, joining the other Bentley models offered by Bentley Kuala Lumpur. The handbuilt SUV has the vaunted W12 powertrain and many of the model’s luxurious features are standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.

Power, performance and agility
The new Bentayga Speed utilises the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 ps/900 Nm, the full amount of torque generated from 1500 rpm and available to 5000 rpm. It gives the SUV a claimed maximum speed of 306 km/h, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint can be done in 3.9 seconds.

2021 Bentayga Speed — *The 6-litre W12 engine accounts for 10% of the time taken to build a Bentayga Speed.*

While pursuing high performance, Bentley’s engineers have not forgotten the need to use fuel efficiently and also keep exhaust emissions down. To achieve this, the engine control unit can deactivate one complete bank of six cylinders as required. Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensor, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool-down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits CO2 emissions but also enables significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.

Four Drive Dynamics modes are available for the driver to use according to personal preference or conditions. Uniquely in the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

The Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive.

The Bentayga Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight saving of more than 20 kgs over iron brakes.

Purposeful exterior
To complement the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the performance credentials. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain.

Customers can choose from 17 standard paint colours, supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges… with an additional 24 duo-tone options. If the customer still cannot find something appealing from these 88 choices, Bentley can have the bodywork colour-matched to any sample they provide. This exceptional range is complemented by a palette of 15 hide colours, 6 colour splits and 8 veneers with 2 technical finishes.

Dramatic design theme within
Inside, the Bentayga Speed has a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.

‘Speed’ seat embroidery on the backrest of all the seats is included as standard, and as a no-cost option, customers can choose to replace the ‘Speed’ embroidery with that of the Bentley logo.

A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split – one to match the leather, the other in the contrast colour.

There is also the option of the Black Specification, a striking package that replaces all exterior chrome work, bright detailing and some elements of the body with gloss black or carbonfibre versions. With this package, the standard roof spoiler is replaced with a curved carbonfibre version.

50% of sales tax exempted
The Bentayga Speed is priced from RM1,062,000 (excluding all taxes and insurance). With the recent announcement that the exemption of sales tax will continue till the end of 2021, there will be considerable savings with half of the applicable sales tax removed.

For now, viewing the Bentley Speed won’t be possible as the Bentley Kuala Lumpur showroom is closed during the FMCO period from June 1 – June 14, 2021.

How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars

Four Chassis Technologies That Give The New Bentley Continental GT Speed Its Superlative Driving Dynamics

Bentley declares the new Continental GT Speed Coupe and Convertible are the most dynamic road-going cars ever made by the company in its 102-year history. The superlative driving dynamics have not been achieved with any compromise to comfort or luxury, thanks to a combination of 4 chassis technologies.

The biggest brakes in the world
The first is the new carbon ceramic braking system with the largest brakes installed in any production car. Measuring 440 mm in diameter for the front discs, this latest generation of carbon-ceramic disc has been specially formulated to provide class-leading braking performance with copper-free brake friction material for reduced environmental impact.

The new ceramic brake system offers weight-saving of 33 kgs compared to the iron braking system, and most importantly, this is unsprung weight which lowers inertia and gives the car more responsive handling.

The ceramic brake has been extensively tested around the world including at the Nurburgring Nordschleife where it set levels of braking performance never before achieved by a Bentley. In objective tests, the ceramic brake has proven itself to be exceptionally fade resistant – after 10 consecutive applications from 80 mph (about 130 km/h), the stopping distance only increased by 1.1 metres, to just 61.1 metres.

Electronic All-Wheel Steering
A new Electronic All-Wheel Steering system enhances the dynamic nature of the car in each of the driving modes. This is even more apparent in SPORT mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and the electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car, utilising up to 4° of steering lock on the rear wheels.

At low and medium speeds, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence.

At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability. The system is significantly more active on the GT Speed than it is on the Flying Spur, where its primary purpose is a reduction in turning circle and enhanced high-speed stability.

Electronic Limited-slip Differential
For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). Specifically tuned hand-in-hand with the traction control and active chassis systems, the eLSD provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.

In all modes, this provides improved traction, creating a greater level of confidence for the driver and makes the car feel more stable at high speeds. Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, maximum performance can be extracted from the available traction for the strongest acceleration and composure from the apex. Torque distribution can vary across the powertrain according to the selected Drive Mode.

Advanced Electronic Stability Control
Finally, there is the advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the GT Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. With the ESC system engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers or in bad weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC system allows an experienced driver to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at his discretion.

With the ESC switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed comes to the fore, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance, thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and eLSD, the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.

The Convertible (above), which made its debut last month, is the most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range and uses a revised version of renowned 6-litre W12 TSI engine which delivers 659 ps/900 Nm. It is fitted with a tailored, ‘Z-fold’ roof that can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.

FEATURE – The German engine that was born on a Japanese bullet-train

Most extreme roadcar-based Bentley to compete in Pikes Peak event on biofuel

Bentley is no stranger to the famous Pike Peak International Hill Climb event in the USA, have set records in previous years – the Production SUV record in 2018 with a Bentayga W12, and the outright Production Car record scored in 2019 with a Continental GT.

For this year’s event, to be run in late June, the carmaker will again compete in the ‘Race to the Clouds’ and the car it will enter will be the first competition Bentley to run on renewable fuel, ahead of a goal to offer sustainable fuels to Bentley’s customers around the world. It is related to a major new sustainability initiative with a renewable fuels research and development programme spearheaded by the most extreme roadcar-based Bentley in its 101-year history.

The modified Continental GT3 racer, based on Bentley’s race and championship-winning car, will power its way up the 19.99 km course running on a biofuel-based petrol. Various blends of fuels are currently being tested and evaluated, with possible Greenhouse Gas reductions of up to 85% over standard fossil fuel.

All-electric range by 2030
This first step marks the start of a longer programme that will investigate both biofuels and e-fuels for their potential to power the Bentleys of past and present in a sustainable way. Bentley’s ambitious and transformational Beyond100 programme aims to make the brand the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company, with the entire Bentley model range offered with hybrid variants by 2023 ahead of its entire range running only on electricity by 2030.

Combustion-engine Bentley models will still be produced for the next 9 years – and Bentley’s new project aims to make those cars as sustainable as possible through the use of innovative fuel technologies. With more than 80% of all the cars it has ever built still on the road, a genuinely sustainable and customer-facing renewable fuel offering will also allow customers to enjoy their current and classic Bentleys responsibly for years to come.

*At the 2018 Pikes Peak Hillclimb, Millen claimed the outright record for a production SUV with a Bentayga.*

“We are delighted to be returning to Pikes Peak for a third time – now powered by renewable fuel, as the launch project for another new element of our Beyond100 programme. Our powertrain engineers are already researching both biofuels and e-fuels for use by our customers alongside our electrification programme – with intermediate steps of adopting renewable fuels at the factory in Crewe and for our company fleet. In the meantime, the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak will show that renewable fuels can allow motorsport to continue in a responsible way, and hopefully it will capture the third and final record in our triple crown,” said Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Dr. Matthias Rabe.

Partnered by Fastr and M-Sport
The project is being run together with British Continental GT3 customer team Fastr, who have successfully campaigned their Bentley racing car in time attack competitions across the country. Technical teams from Bentley and Fastr are working together with specialists from M-Sport to extract the maximum possible performance from the Continental GT3 package.

156 corners at average speed of 125 km/h

To break the record, the car will have to complete the climb, which includes 156 corners, at an average speed of more than 125 km/h to cross the finish line in less than 9 minutes and 36 seconds. To help achieve this target will be 3-time Pikes Peak champion and former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen who holds individual class records and who set Bentley’s two existing Pikes Peak records.

With the start line at 2,835 metres, the course climbs to almost 4,300 metres – where the air is 1/3 less dense than at sea level. The reduced air density will have implications on engine performance and the high speed the car must run at will also require a good aerodynamics package. It will have biggest rear wing ever fitted to a Bentley, sitting above a highly efficient rear diffuser that surrounds the transaxle gearbox. This rear aerodynamic package is balanced by a two-plane splitter at the front, flanked by separate dive planes.

2019 Bentley Continental GT Pikes Peak Edition — *The dashboard of the Limited Edition Pikes Peak Bentley Continental GT has a diagram of the mountain course with 156 corners.*

The engine is Bentley’s proven racing power unit, developed from the 4-litre turbo V8 fitted to the Continental GT V8. For the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak, engine modifications together with the use of carefully selected biofuel will ensure the engine develops significant horsepower despite the rarefied conditions it will operate in. Short side-exit exhausts will ensure the car sounds as dramatic as it looks.

Further modifications include cooling airscoops in place of the rear windows, and the obligatory stopwatch mounted to the roll cage next to the steering wheel to allow Millen to keep track of his progress up the mountain.