The New Bentley Continental V8 Models

John Eagle European is pleased to announce that two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, 2012.

“The new 4 liter, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible meet Bentley’s exceptional standards in the high luxury sports car sector,” stated the principal dealer at John Eagle European’s Bentley of Austin. “The V8 powered cars are a wonderful compliment to the V12 versions of the car currently available through our dealership.”

This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 487 lb. ft. which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed of over 180 mph.

At the same time, the new V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles on a single tank of fuel. Full and official figures will be released in early 2012.

Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said, “With the new 4.0 Liter V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.”

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions.

The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load.

The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency.

The instantly recognizable growl of the new 4.0 Liter V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stable mates.

The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and center bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-colored strakes.

At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge emphasize the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s.

Both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather color split and short center console continue the fresh, sporting design theme.

The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 Liter,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631bhp.

Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions.

Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering strength.

To learn more about the new V8 powered Bentleys, call John Eagle European’s Bentley Austin at (512) 236-8539 or visit the website at http://www.bentleyofaustin.com/.

Cruising Never Looked So Good

Germany-based luxury automotive manufacturer Bentley has done it again. Recently announced, the new Bentley Continental GTC is a step above its predecessor, which debuted in 2006. Advanced manufacturing techniques and not to mention Bentley’s illustrious design and engineering teams have made the Continental GTC (II) something to look at (and admire).

From Southern California’s Sunset Boulevard to Austin’s hill country and Germany’s autobahn, the Bentley Continental GTC fits right in with its powerful 6.0L, V12 engine with FlexFuel capability and a new QuickShift transmission. The four-seat luxury convertible even comes with a dynamic selection of 17 standard leather colors with six color split combinations and a choice between seven veneers. What a better way to add your own personal touch to luxury?

“When Bentley first announced the updated Continental GTC, we knew it would stand out among luxury convertibles,” noted Sonny Morgan, the principal dealer at John Eagle European’s Bentley of Austin. “From the aerodynamic lines of the car to the advanced technology, it’s hard to find a better European luxury car.”

And the best part about the vehicle isn’t just the new touch screen 30GB “infortainment” system with advanced satellite navigation and Google Map compatibility, or the sensuous lines and sharp look that lets the Continental GTC cut the air like a knife - it is the comfort and smoothness of the ride at even the sharpest corners. (Not to mention the Bentley-designed Neck Warmer to allow for roof-down motoring at any temperature!)

Chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, Wolfgang Dürheimer said:

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.”

To test drive or place an order for your very own Continental GTC, call John Eagle European’s Bentley Austin at (512) 236-8539 or visit the website at JohnEagleEuropean.com.

To read the full article about the new definition of luxury among convertibles, click on the link.

Bentley and Kankunnen Gives Goodwood Crowds Something to Remember

First it was a high speed run on ice. Now, Bentley is once again stunning the world – but this time by running up a famous hill.

The latest Bentley record breaking run began when four-time world rally champion Juha Kankunnen set a new world record by traversing a 70cm-thick layer of Baltic Sea ice, off the coast of Finland a few months ago. What was amazing about this feat? He did it in the all-wheel drive Continental Supersports convertible.

The muscular 6.0 liter, 12-cylinder Bentley, with its distinctive black and bright red livery, attracted attention once again during this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Reunited with his record-breaking Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, Kankunnen gave the large crowds something to remember.

“Driving this very special Bentley Continental in front of the packed Goodwood grandstands was a special experience for me,” Kankunnen explained.

Although Goodwood’s famous Hill Climb didn’t present Kankunnen with the same level of difficulty as the ice track, it didn’t stop him from delivering extremely fast runs with the 631HP Supersports.

“Driving on a frozen sea was a unique challenge and only a few Bentley engineers and my support crew were there to witness the new world record. So it was a pleasure to provide a glimpse of the capabilities of this Bentley to a huge audience of motorsport enthusiasts on a beautiful summer’s day,” added Kankunnen.

While some may wonder why this hill climb was so important to Bentley, the company’s roots can be traced back to one such event. In 1912, company founder W.O. Bentley and his brother decided to try their hand at this burgeoning sport. On his first run in the Aston-Clinton hill-climb, W.O. broke the class record – with his wife Leonie in the passenger seat. That win helped fuel his competitive juices and plunge him into the world of high performance automobiles.

So it’s only natural that a Bentley would once again rule the road, up a hill. The world’s fastest production convertible road car now has proven its agility and speed on land and ice all while maintaining its luxury and class upholding Bentley’s reputation of delivering a first-class experience – as well as its storied history.

John Eagle European To Offer New World “Ice Speed Record” Edition Bentely Supersports

While Bugatti claims the Veyron Super Sport is the fastest car on land, the Bentley Supersports convertible shattered the world ice speed record two weeks ago. With Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen at the wheel, the car achieved a speed of 205.48 mph.

To commemorate this achievement, Bentley has unveiled a special edition at the Geneva Auto Show. Only 100 Supersports “Ice Speed Record” roadsters will be produced worldwide. The first Supersports “Ice Speed Record” convertible and Kankkunen’s car went on display at the Bentley stand during the show on March 1.

Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:
“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”

The Super Sport encompasses a 6-liter, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp) and 8590lb ft. of torque, paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission.

“The Bentley tradition is to deliver an unforgettable experience and with the Supersports that’s something truly special,” added Sonny Morgan, the principal dealer at John Eagle European’s Bentley of Austin. “We’re proud to offer Central Texas the complete line of Bentleys including the Supersports Ice Speed Record convertible.”

BENTLEY SUPERSPORTS SHATTERS WORLD SPEED RECORD ON SHEET ICE

Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, to a breathtaking 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h). This set a new world speed record on ice.

Kankkunen was in an all-wheel drive, 6-liter, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible which ran on biofuel. The world’s fastest soft top enabled Juha to shatter his own 2007 world ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in the Continental GT at the same location.

With the help of his own experienced team and Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven on a 1000m long measured distance with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police. His new world record was based on the average of two runs in opposite directions with measured speeds ratified by a representative of The Guinness Book of Records.

“The last time, I narrowly missed the magical 200 mph mark in a Continental GT. When I heard about the Supersports I was determined to go record breaking again with the Bentley Boys. This time, with over 600bhp under the bonnet, a Quickshift transmission and the security of the all-wheel drive system, the Supersports convertible was the perfect car to go for the record, ” Kankkunen said.

“200mph came up after 5km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There’s nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment which gives you the confidence to push even harder.”

As with the previous record-breaking drive in the Continental GT the Anglo-Finnish team used a car with minimum modification. A fully-welded, heavy-duty safety roll-cage, along with Pirelli winter tires (Pirelli SottoZero II 275/40R20) and a rear bumper-mounted parachute provided reassurance in case of an emergency. Front and rear spoilers provided optimum high speed stability on the treacherous surface.
To highlight Bentley’s environmental commitment to sustainable fuel sources, Kankkunen’s Supersports Convertible was fuelled with E85 bioethanol rather than petrol (gasoline). All models in the Continental range are capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any combination of the two.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:
“The ice speed record is an amazing feat by Juha Kankkunen, whose skill and courage in extreme conditions truly make him one of the modern-day Bentley Boys. We will be celebrating this achievement with a very special ‘extreme’ Bentley, which will be the most powerful model ever to bear the famed Winged B emblem.”

A limited edition of just 100 examples of this most extreme Bentley will be made and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1st March.

HISTORY OF WORLD ICE SPEED RECORDS
• 2011: Bentley Continental Supersports convertible: 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) driven by Juha Kankkunen
• 2007: Bentley Continental GT: 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) driven by Juha Kankkunen
• 1995: Bugatti EB110 Supersport: 184 mph (296 km/h)

BENTLEY’S EARLY HISTORY OF RECORD BREAKING
• 1924: John Duff in a Bentley 3-litre took records at Brooklands between 87mph (139.7 km/h) and 93 mph (149.3 km/h) and a Double-Twelve race victory at 86.69 mph (139.2 km/h)
• 1925: A Bentley 3-litre established a 24-hrs record at Montlhery at an average speed of 95 mph (152.9 km/h).
• 1927: The 24-hrs Grand Prix de Paris at Montlhery was won by a Bentley 41/2 –litre at an average speed of 52.5 mph (84.5 km/h)
• 1928: A Bentley 3-litre driven by Dudley Froy became the first car to average more than 115 mph (185.1 km/h) over a distance of 100 miles (160.9 km) at Brooklands
• 1929: Mrs Victor Bruce drove solo in a Bentley 41/2-litre at Montlhery to set a Class C record at over 89mph (143.2 km/h)
• 1932: Tim Birkin in a Birkin blower single seater broke the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record with a speed of 137.96 mph (221.47 km/h)
• 1934: Walter Hassan in a Barnato – Hassan single seater set a new Brooklands Outer Circuit record of 142.6 mph (228.9 km/h). It achieved a faster lap time of 143.11 mph (230.3 km).

The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible – A Car Made for Texas

In much of the country, top down motoring is not an option in November. But in the Hill Country of Texas, it is a glorious time to drive a convertible.

John Eagle European’s Bentley of Austin recently provided a 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports for review, which was this journalist’s first experience with Bentley’s fastest, most potent drop top ever. And with a price tag starting at $280,400, one of the most exclusive cars I have experienced this year.

Bentleys are rare cars by nature. Hand built, powerful and exquisitely appointed, each is a jewel. The Continental Supersports model, available as a coupe or convertible, takes Bentley to an entirely new level.

Bentley’s Supersports program began as an “under the radar” project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT Coupé, along with adding more power and torque. The largely experimental project evolved into an official new car program, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. In 2010, the Convertible received the same SuperSports treatment and the results were equally dramatic.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is a car that must be driven to be fully understood. Behind the wheel it is immediately clear that a Supersports Bentley is a ‘fusion of extremes’ – the ultimate in extreme performance, everyday practicality and unrivaled hand-crafted luxury.

Unmistakably Bentley in its design and craftsmanship, its interior signifies a dramatic re-interpretation of Bentley luxury. Satin-finished carbon fiber, Alcantara™ and ‘Soft Grip’ leather create a unique ambience with a distinctly sporting and contemporary style.

Starting up the powerful W12 engine, the car seems to come alive with 621 horsepower beating inside the stylish convertible’s heart, it’s a monster. One push on the accelerator and it’s easy to believe the car will go from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach 100 in only 9.6. The car pulls like a locomotive from any speed.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is far more than a big motored car. Bentley improved the braking and handling as well. It also lightened the car. Fortunately the Austin weather was perfect for a weekend in this delectable convertible and the car lived up to its billing.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is a true “sporting” Bentley in the same mold as the 1933 4.5 liter supercharged convertible driven by James Bond in the original Ian Fleming novels. It is fast, the handling is sharp, the brakes firm and the styling distinctive. It’s truly the fine gentleman’s Bentley. And as of today, the world’s fastest 4 seat convertible with a top speed of 204 mph. In my book, that makes it perfect for enjoying the high speed highways and the back roads of Texas. The “Supersports” is indeed “super.”

The Bentley GTC Speed is Coming to Austin!

Have you always wondered why enthusiasts’ eyes light up at the mere mention of the hot Bentley GTC Speed?

Now here’s your chance.

Bentley of Austin, the hill country’s newest car dealership, is bringing one of these scrumptious, 200 mph British supercars to Austin. For one day only, a few will have the chance to drive this fantastic 600hp car and chat with Bentley executives on Wednesday, April 29 at the dealership.

You can read more about this tasty English crumpet at www.bentleymotors.com. It’s a day we'll never forget!