Tuesday, May 30, 2017

STRONG CHALLENGE FOR BENTLEY TEAM ABSOLUTE AT LIME ROCK



Bentley Team Absolute's Adderly Fong and factory 'Bentley Boy' Vince Abril continued their strong form in the Pirelli World Challenge SprintX Championship at Connecticut's Lime Rock Park last weekend. The duo equalled their best result of the championship with a fourth place finish in Saturday's 60-minute race, repeating the same result they scored the previous weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Hong Kong-based Fong and Monaco's Abril had also looked set for a strong result in the opening race on Friday before being spun by another car that was actually two laps down. Fong and Abril fought back to score a ninth place finished in the opening race on Friday

In the Pro/Am class, Yufeng Luo and Bentley newcomer Andre Couto finished sixth and fifth in the two races at Lime Rock aboard the No. 78 entry.

Luo was looking set for his third podium finish in three race weekends before being handed a penalty for contact while running second in Saturday's race. Luo currently sites in third place in the Pro/Am points with five races remaining. 

2017 RACE SCHEDULE

March 9-12: Streets of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Florida
April 7-9: Grand Prix of Long Beach, Long Beach, CaliforniaApril 28-30: Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VirginiaMay 19-21: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, OntarioMay 26-27: Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, ConnecticutJune 23-25: Road America, Elkhart Lake, WisconsinJuly 28-30: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OhioAugust 11-13: Utah Motorsports Campus, Tooele, UtahSeptember 1-3: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, TexasSeptember 15-17: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

PODIUM FINISH FOR BENTLEY TEAM ABSOLUTE AT VIR

The Bentley Team Absolute scored its first podium result of the season at Virginia International Raceway last weekend with Yufeng Luo and Swiss-racer Alex Imperatori. 
The duo scored second place in the PRO/AM class in the opening SprintX round of the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Championship.

The SprintX rounds differ from the standard World Challenge weekends with the race time extended from 50 to 60 minutes and each team must perform a compulsory driver change.

Luo and Imperatori finished eighth overall aboard the No.78 Bentley Continental GT3 and second in the PRO/AM class and backed that up with a sixth place PRO/AM finish on Sunday.

Adderly Fong joined forces with 'Bentley Boy' – factory racer Vince Abril – for the VIR weekend, finishing eighth in the PRO class on both Saturday and Sunday.

“All in all, I would say we had a very positive weekend here at VIR. It was a great opportunity to get to know the team, and I think all the guys at Bentley Team Absolute did a fantastic job getting the car in perfect condition for us," Pirelli World Challenge debutante, Alex Imperatori, said.

My teammate, Yufeng Luo, also did a fantastic job this weekend and I'm really happy to be racing with him. The second place in race one was the highlight of the weekend and it really shows the potential we have for the rest of the championship.”

This was Luo’s first race in the series.


Imperatori added, “For this first SprintX event overall, we scored really good points and the team is in a great championship position, so we really want to keep this momentum going for Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, where the team should be strong again."

Saturday, April 15, 2017

"BENTLEY BOY" ABRIL ON BOARD FOR SPRINTX ROUNDS

Bentley Motorsport will send Bentley Boy Vince Abril to the USA to race for Bentley Team Absolute in the Pirelli World Challenge SprintX alongside Adderly Fong in the #88 Continental GT3. The first race will be held at the picturesque Virginia International Raceway from April 28-30.

At just 22 years old, Vince Abril has been selected by Bentley Motorsport to support Bentley Team Absolute, following two successful season of racing in Europe. Abril, who resides in Monaco, was promoted to Bentley’s works team at the end of 2015 after he won the Blancpain Sprint Series in a Continental GT3.

“I am delighted and honored to represent Bentley Motorsport in such a major and growing championship that is the Pirelli World Challenge Sprint X,” said Abril. “It was a big career goal for me but I didn't expect it to come so soon; I am very grateful and will do the best to capitalize on the opportunity I'm given.

“Bentley Team Absolute has obtained fantastic results for us, and I can't wait to get started with them and Adderly, who has good experience with the car and the tracks. Together we will aim to bring Bentley to the top of the podium once more.”

SprintX is a recent addition to the Pirelli World Challenge schedule and features two drivers sharing the car in one hour races with a compulsory driver change. The championship has been attracting the attention of the world’s leading GT3 manufacturers, which are deploying factory drivers to support their top American customer teams.

“We watched the first season of SprintX very closely and felt that it was a championship that Bentley Motorsport should be involved in,” explained Bentley’s Director of Motorsport Brian Gush. “Bentley Team Absolute is a great team and Adderly and Vince will make a good pairing. We recognized Vince’s talent early on and, after a year of supporting him as he raced for our European customer team, we selected him to race for our works team. He is a great representative for Bentley on a global level and we are proud to be sending him to the USA to embark on a new challenge for himself and the brand.”

In a second Continental GT3, Bentley Team Absolute Pirelli World Challenge racer Yufeng Luo will race alongside Swiss driver Alex Imperatori for the first two rounds. The Los Angeles-based Chinese racer Luo finished one spot off the GTA class podium at the most recent Pirelli World Challenge round on the streets of Long Beach.

The two Pirelli World Challenge SprintX races at Virginia International Raceway will be streamed live on the  championship website at www.world-challenge.com. Saturday's race on April 29 will begin at 2:30pm (Central) with Sunday's 60 minute battle scheduled for 12:15pm (Central) on April 30.




Tuesday, June 28, 2016

BENTLEY TEES OFF NEW GOLF COLLECTION


BENTLEY TEES OFF NEW GOLF COLLECTION

Uniting the worlds of luxury and performance with the finest in sports and leisure, Bentley is delighted to present its launch collection of handcrafted, state of the art, bespoke golf equipment.
The exceptional quality and attention to detail found within every Bentley model is now available in Bentley Golf, a collection that encompasses golf clubs, bags, luggage and accessories.
Developed in partnership with Professional Golf Europe, market leaders in the global golf industry, Bentley Golf offers the finest in cutting-edge manufacturing processes and expert hand-forging.  The collection features irons hand-forged in Ichikawa, Japan, a town with a historical heritage of forging which goes back to the period of Samurai sword production. This forging technique produces the most stunning feel, consistency and performance, and lends itself perfectly to golf club production of the highest quality. Japanese forging, fused with modern day CNC Milling techniques, delivers the ultimate performance for aficionados.
Detailing from Bentley models feature across the collection. Design influences from the rear arch haunch line of the Continental GT to the subtle curves of the Mulsanne’s front wing can all be found in the range.  Bentley’s famous fine detailing, such as its distinctive knurling, can be found on the club end caps and luxurious diamond quilting is a hidden delight within the bags and luggage. Stepping from your car onto the course will now feel like a seamless transition.
The Collection in Detail
Golf Clubs
The equipment range features the finest forged heads, high performance steel and graphite shaft options, including Shimada and Seven Dreamers in flexes for all golfers, and superb grip options including custom leathers.
The driver is available in three loft options, 9, 10.5 and 12 degree. A fairway wood, a Utility and a Hybrid complete the ‘wood’ line up. Irons from 3 through to PW in both a player’s blade and a forgiving cavity back option, three wedges and beautiful putter featuring the Bentley engine-turn milling across the face.
Golf Bags
Characterised by detailing, luxury and performance never before found in the golf industry, the Bentley Golf range of bags feature waterproof fabrics throughout, including leather. The Tour Bag, Cart bag and Stand Bag reveal a design language familiar to Bentley customers, delivering stunning features and the performance you deserve. A matching Flight Cover to transport your clubs in style, coupled with a holdall and shoe bag, ensure understated luxury both on and off the course.
Accessories
The stunning Sterling Silver Golf Ball Marker and Pitch Fork featuring Bentley knurling give an overriding feel of luxury. The six-piece Bentley Golf Ball, Leather Golf Glove, Bag Towel, Umbrella, Leather Scorecard Holder, Cap and Golf Tees, ensure Bentley luxury from the moment you step onto the course.
All items go on sale through selected golf retailers in September and online at: http://www.bentleygolf.com/

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The New Bentley Flying Spur V8 S: The Sporting Side Of Luxury

Bentley Motors has introduced a new model to its range – the Flying Spur V8 S. The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month with first customer deliveries expected this the summer.

“Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and family flagship W12, the V8 S is tuned for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension offering a more focused, precise driving experience,” said Sonny Morgan, of Late European. “The Flying Spur V8 S features a number of sporting styling cues which hint at its new and improved sporting capabilities.”

A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Flying Spur remains unrivaled in its ability to combine class-leading comfort with remarkable dynamic ability. It’s the perfect choice for the customer who wants ultimate refinement as well as an exhilarating, spirited drive.”

More Power, Sharper Handling, Same Class-Leading Comfort
Tuned for power, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 S engine develops an additional 21 PS, delivering 521 bhp. A mighty 502 lb.ft is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds from the V8’s already athletic sprint time. Top speed is 190 mph.

The increased performance is achieved without detriment to the V8 engine’s impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions, or its ability to cover more than 520 miles between fill-ups. The new Flying Spur V8 S returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 25.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 254 g/km.

This combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine. Variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders shut down when cruising, reduces fuel consumption without any loss of refinement. When more power is required, the engine switches back automatically and seamlessly to the full eight cylinders.

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

According to Morgan, “Revisions made to both the engine and transmission calibrations have sharpened throttle response and made the Flying Spur V8 S’s power accessible lower down the rev range. In ‘S’ mode, drivers will find a sharper-still throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Eighth gear is locked out when ‘S’ mode is engaged and the knurled paddle shifters are harmonized with the car’s new, sportier side.”

In modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Complementing these power upgrades, a new responsive suspension tuning for the Flying Spur V8 S improves handling and body control, while the aluminum double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-leveling air suspension with continuous damping control ensure that the Flying Spur’s legendary refinement is maintained.

Careful recalibration of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system helps improve handling performance and ensures minimal degradation in ride comfort.

The Electronic Stability Control is also optimized for the Flying Spur V8 S. The retuned system allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds with engine torque reinstated more quickly after a system intervention. This provides the spirited driver more opportunity to exploit the full potential of the uprated chassis and increased power. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or black painted calipers.

However, despite these performance-focused chassis revisions, the Flying Spur V8 S retains its luxurious, limousine-smooth ride and legendary ability to transport passengers in unrivaled comfort.

Sporting Styling Cues Signal Performance Intent
The Flying Spur V8 S receives dark and sporting exterior highlights. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille is black as standard and together with a Beluga gloss rear diffuser give the Flying Spur V8 S a dramatic on-road presence.

“The V8 S is clearly defined with a new and exclusive front grille treatment with a combination of black grille with a body-colored insert,” added Morgan. “The V8 S badge on the rear haunch, V8 S treadplates and 20” open-spoke painted wheels further reveal the model’s identity, mirroring those of its Continental GT V8 S stablemate.”


For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint lights (front and rear), black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.

Inside the cabin, changes are perfectly matched to the sporting exterior. Piano-black wood veneers and a three-spoke sports steering wheel are standard, while a knurled gear lever and gear shift paddles add tactility to the driving experience. A color split unique to the V8 S features stunning two-tone seats with a contrasting roof center bow. V8 S headrest stitching is also offered.

Customer Choice Extended for Flying Spur in 2016
To make the Flying Spur even more attractive to customers, Bentley has added an array of exceptional optional features.

A semi-aniline hide option is now available in W12 and V8 S models. The highest quality hide available in the automotive industry, it gives the cabin an even more comfortable, luxurious and natural feel.

Contemporary new straight-fluting on the leather seats adds visual impact, while the Mulliner Driving Specification gains a small-diamond quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket.

Flying Spur – Exquisite, Powerful and Individual
With its unrivaled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite craftsmanship and on board technology, the Flying Spur rightly lays claim to being the world’s finest luxury sedan.

Bentley’s design team has developed an athletic vehicle that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, subtle brightware elements and a choice of stylish alloy wheels afford the Flying Spur a modern, contemporary feel.

On the inside, Bentley has created a luxurious, spacious cabin that encases advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

The Flying Spur comes complete with a suite of on board technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear center console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.


The Flying Spur is available with a WiFi hotspot for connectivity while travelling – confirming the Flying Spur as the ultimate car for work and relaxation.

Monday, February 8, 2016

BENTLEY CONQUERS THE MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB ON THE PODIUM

Bentley Motorsport finished the Bathurst 12 Hours in third place with its #10 Bentley Team M-Sport Continental GT3. Piloted by Brits Guy Smith, Steven Kane and Matt Bell, the car completed 297 laps of 6.2km long circuit and led for just over an hour.

The identical #31 car, which also led the race, finished in seventh place making the brand the only GT manufacturer to cross the line with all of its entries, after 12 hours of challenging but reliable racing for the Continental GT3s. 

“A podium finish in just our second year racing here at Mount Panorama Circuit is a great achievement,” commented Bentley's Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. “Both of our cars have completed 12 hours of extremely demanding and competitive racing without any reliability issues.

“Staying out of trouble on the mountain is difficult and we fell foul of some incidents but the crew fought hard to keep us going and completed some very impressive pit stops. It’s good to take a haul of points forward into the 2016 SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge and we look forward to continuing with the new series at Spa 24 Hours in July.”

The Bathurst 12 Hours is the opening round of the new-for-2016 SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge, which also comprises the Spa 24 Hours and the Sepang 12 Hours.

“It feels great to be on the podium,” said Matt Bell. “It’s especially rewarding as we missed out so narrowly last year. The car was fantastic all week. When you are on a track as demanding as this, you need to have confidence in your car so you can keep pushing throughout.”

According to Steven Kane, “Third place is a fantastic finish but when you come here and have a really strong week, you become focused on the win. In the middle of the race, we had the potential to challenge for the win but, by the end, we just didn’t have the pace.”

While the #31 car finished, the result was not good enough for the two drivers.

“It’s a disappointing race for us but we had the car to win,” noted Maxime Soulet. “My team did a great job and the Bentley Continental GT3 was alongside the competition all weekend.”


Bentley Motorsport will continue its 2016 program with the opening round of the Blancpain GT Series. Follow the team on Twitter using @BentleyRacing.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT3'S TO COMPETE IN 2016 PIRELLI WORLD CHALLENGE

At least two Bentley Continental GT3s will enter the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge as Bentley Team Absolute announces a program including entries from young American rising star Andrew Palmer and one of Asia’s top sports car drivers, Adderly Fong.

The Pirelli World Challenge is a 20-round GT championship comprising 50-minute-long, single-driver races on eleven of America’s most historic and iconic race tracks, including Laguna Seca and Road America.  The Continental GT3 has taken race wins in the championship this year and Bentley Team Absolute is looking to continue the race car’s success in the States.

The campaign will run alongside the team’s GT Asia Series program, in which it aims to retain its teams’ championship-winning title while claiming the drivers’ championship title.

“We’ve won major international championships in Europe and Asia this year and it is certainly the plan to take a title in America,” comments Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. “Bentley Team Absolute has proven they have what it takes, so we are excited to take our relationship into another continent to take on another challenge.”

“We are pleased to have Adderly back for a second season and look forward to welcoming Andrew into the Bentley fold,” continues Gush. “We have been very impressed with Andrew, not only did he become the youngest ever overall race winner in Pirelli World Challenge in 2014 but he has shown great maturity and talent in 2015 and we look forward to working with him to develop his career further.”

Bentley Team Absolute’s Team Director, Ingo Matter, comments:

“We’re delighted to confirm this additional program. It’s a major new market for our team and we couldn’t be happier to be doing it with Bentley. Our experience in Asia with the Bentley Continental GT3s will give us a major boost. We’re sure that the combination of Adderly’s experience with the car and Andrew’s experience in the Pirelli World Challenge will also add further layers of confidence to the program.”

Despite being new to Bentley, 21-year old Palmer has completed a season in Pirelli World Challenge and impressed in his debut Blancpain Endurance Series season racing against the Bentley Motorsport factory team.

25-year old Fong is no stranger to the Continental GT3, as he and his Bentley Team Absolute team-mates took the racecar’s first teams’ championship-win in GT Asia Series earlier this year.

While the two-car program is confirmed, the team is in talks with several drivers regarding a third entry.

The Pirelli World Challenge kicks off at the Circuit of the Americas on 3 March 2016.



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