Bentley Inspirator
Bentley

Bentley Introduces Inspirator Configuration App

Personal style preferences can now be transformed into recommendation, with Bentley’s latest innovation: the Inspirator. The application monitors the users’ facial expressions and reactions and interprets them in order to configure the perfect Bentley for them. Utilising any iOS device’s camera function, the application’s facial and emotion recognition software measures and analyses the viewer’s emotion based on nuanced facial expressions. 34 facial landmarks are identified at 15 frames per second, as the viewer reacts to stimulating film content. The accurate emotion metrics algorithms are built using the world’s largest emotion data repository – 3.4 million faces have been analysed in 75 countries amounting to more than 12 billion emotion data points. The viewer’s reactions dictate a unique film narrative; the film changes according to what the user responds to most positively, but also deciphers their preferences, creating a unique configuration […]

Bentley Berkshire 2
Bentley

Bentley Berkshire Implements New Corporate Identity

Bentley Berkshire today becomes the first of Bentley’s UK showrooms to implement the brand’s new corporate identity, following an extensive upgrade to the Pangbourne sales and aftersales centre. Drawing inspiration from the British luxury marque’s rich 96-year heritage, as well as the best in modern luxury retailing, the template for the new design was first showcased with the opening of CW1 House – a flagship showroom concept at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe. Bentley Berkshire has integrated the new, modern façade within the site’s existing footprint; the powerful and contemporary new look perfectly complementing the dealership’s familiar Georgian brick-built frontage. Sarah Simpson, Bentley Regional Director UK, commented: “The new-look Bentley Berkshire site has been designed to give our customers a bold, clear and contemporary vision of the Bentley brand, and is finished with the same level of luxury for which our […]

Bentley at Jochpass Oldtimer Memorial & Historic-Rallye 3
Bentley

Bentley Competes in Oldtimer Memorial Rallye

Bentley Motors enjoyed an exciting and successful weekend at the 17th Jochpass Oldtimer Memorial and Historic-Rallye in Bad Hindelang, Germany. Four historic Bentleys competed in the world-renowned classics event between 9 and 11 October, including the Team ‘Blower’, R-Type Continental, Speed 6 and a Bentley 4,5 Litre Le Mans. About 18.000 enthusiastic spectators were in attendance to admire the 280 classic cars on show. The drivers travelled from all over Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Bentley Continental GT3 wins Blancpain Sprint Series - 1
Bentley

Bentley Continental GT3 Wins Blancpain Sprint Series

The Bentley Continental GT3 has won its first major race car championship, as customer team Bentley Team HTP took the Blancpain Sprint Series drivers title following a pole position and two race victories at the final round at Zandvoort this weekend. Just two years after the Bentley Continental GT3 was launched, drivers Maxi Buhk (DE) and Vincent Abril (MO) fought off stiff competition from the 2014 championship-winning Audi, to take one of the most sought-after titles in GT3 racing. “This is a fantastic achievement for Bentley Team HTP with the Bentley Continental GT3,” commented Bentley’s Director of Motorsport Brian Gush. “The Blancpain Sprint Series is very competitive and there is no room for error. Maxi and Vincent with Bentley Team HTP have been the perfect team to take our race car to success.”

Bentley's Desert Train - Camels
Bentley

Bentley’s Desert Train Race

Eighty-five years after three-time Le Mans winner Captain Woolf Barnato famously raced the ‘Blue Train’ from Cannes to Calais, modern day Bentley Boy, Steven Kane, has reinvigorated the legendary spirit in a tense four-hour 14 minute sprint against Saudi Arabia’s only desert passenger train. The dune train takes a 480 km route from Riyadh – deep in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula – to Dammam on the Arabian Gulf. The new Continental GT V8 S Convertible raced this unique locomotive on August 15th across the scorched, baren landscape and won, with six minutes to spare. Bentley Team M-Sport driver, Steven Kane, said: “Four hours is the same time as a stint at Le Mans.  But this was far more stressful. The heat, the conditions, not knowing where the train was, while driving within the limits of the country’s regulations.   […]

Barons AC
Auctions & Sales

Bentley and AC Headline Barons’ Autumn Auction

With a diverse and impressive range of cars already consigned, the early entries for Barons’ Autumn Classic (October 27th, Sandown Park) indicate that the auction house’s strong run of sales in 2015 is set to continue. The sale is headed by a very fine 1962 Bentley Continental S2, which was built for the celebrated musician, nightclub owner and bandleader Edmundo Ros, a huge star worldwide from the 1940s to his retirement in the 1970s. Once a familiar sight around the streets of Knightsbridge, London, this handsome Tudor grey Bentley has been the subject of considerable restoration, and comes complete with a comprehensive history file, including original Bentley build sheets and correspondence with Edmundo Ros. Estimate: £85,000-£105,000. The Bentley is followed by a magnificent, concours-winning 1965 Series One E-type Jaguar convertible, which spent most of its life in New York, returning […]

Bentley Bentayga Exploring the limits of performance
Articles

Bentley Bentayga SUV Preview

The all-new W12 TSI engine is the most technically advanced 12-cylinder in the world, delivering the best combination of power, torque and efficiency of any car in its class. With a top speed of 301km/h, the Bentayga will be the fastest, most powerful SUV in the world. This film provides a glimpse of what is to come: a unique combination of performance and luxury. Performance of this nature is rare in any car. It was unheard of in an SUV – until now. Note: Press release courtesy of Bentley Motors.

Bentley announces new European Communications team
Bentley

Bentley Announces New European Communications Yeam

Bentley Motors today announces its new European Communications team line up. Caren Jochner, Senior Communications Manager Europe, will continue to lead the team, which consists of Mona El-Mahdi, Communications Manager Europe West; the newly appointed Sebastian Michel, Communications Manager Europe Central; and Maddalena Manfredi, Communications Coordinator. Sebastian Michel joined the team on September 1 from Daimler, where he was previously the press spokesperson within the Global Business Communications Department of Daimler Commercial Vehicles. Caren Jochner, who joined Bentley two years ago, is responsible for overall European Communications operation, with a specific focus on Germany as a key player in the European market. Andrew Roberts, Bentley’s Director of Communications, said: “With Sebastian Michel joining Caren Jochner’s talented team I have complete confidence that the media in all European markets will be well serviced. Europe is Bentley’s third largest market and with […]

Bentley Type R
Bentley

Bentley at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Concours of Elegance

Scotland’s historical seat of power, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is playing host to the 2015 Concours of Elegance from 4 to 6 September, with an impressive array of Bentley models taking centre stage. The prestigious, invitation-only event – which showcases 60 of the world’s rarest and most valuable cars – will feature six Bentley models ranging from a 1927 6 ½ Litre Vanden Plas tourer to a 1960 S2 Continental with H.J. Mulliner Fastback coachwork. Not only is the Mulliner name still closely associated with Bentley today, but it also has historical ties with the Scottish capital. In December 1909 John Croall & Sons Ltd of Edinburgh purchased a controlling shareholding in H. J. Mulliner & Co, which it held until 1959, where after the coachbuilding company officially became part of Bentley Motors Ltd. Other Bentley models on display at […]

Bentley Lodge
Bentley

Bentley Opens First Mountain Lodge

Bentley Motors has announced the opening of its first ever mountain lodge in Kitzbühel, Austria. This new concept of living the Bentley essence in Europe opens its doors for the first time to welcome the European dealers and a selected group of VIPs and local residents. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks and valleys while being nestled in one of the most exclusive Alpine hot spots, the full-serviced and luxuriously furnished chalet offers an unrivalled hideaway amid Kitzbühel and is now available for private bookings for customers and friends of the brand. Robert Engstler, Regional Director Europe at Bentley Motors, comments: ‘The Bentley Lodge Kitzbühel has everything to become a class-of-its-own destination. One of the latest Bentley models will be available at all times for the guests and we are glad to offer various bespoke experiences such as fishing, hunting, horseback riding, […]

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Bentley

Bentley Showcase at Monterey Auto Week

The new 16 MY Bentley Continental GT makes its North American debut at this year’s Monterey Auto Week, alongside inspiring models from Bentley’s past and future. In a nod to Bentley’s illustrious heritage and celebrating its 85th anniversary, the iconic 1930 Blower Bentley makes its dynamic appearance in the Quail Rally. The week will culminate with a look to Bentley’s future; the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept will be situated on the Concept Lawn at The Lodge on Sunday, a vision of iconic Bentley design cues fused with progressive craftsmanship techniques to showcase modern British luxury. Michael Winkler, President and CEO, Bentley Motors, Inc. comments: “The future of Bentley is now, and Pebble Beach is the perfect backdrop to showcase the new Continental GT alongside gems from our past and concepts for our exciting future. The new Continental GT is […]

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Bentley

Legendary Bentley Boy Honoured at Silverstone Classic

The largest field of pre-war race cars ever assembled will compete at the Silverstone Classic this weekend in the inaugural Kidston Trophy – named for legendary Bentley Boy and Le Mans winner, Glen Kidston. Among the 57 competitors will be 12 of the rarest and most valuable Bentleys in the world. This stellar ensemble includes several Bentley 3 Litre models, and a collection of 4½ Litre racers including a legendary Supercharged ‘Blower’. Glen Kidston and Bentley Chairman, Woolf Barnato, famously won the 1930 Le Mans 24-Hour race in the Bentley Speed Six ‘Old Number 1’. This was the second year in succession that the Speed Six had taken the chequered flag and the fourth year in a row that a Bentley was victorious. Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal Relations & Heritage, said: “For one of Bentley’s most famous characters to […]

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Bentley

Bentley Ready For Next 24-Hour Challenge

Bentley Team M-Sport is on its way to Belgium for the most significant challenge of the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series – the TOTAL 24 Hours of Spa. As the blue-riband event of the season, the 24-hour marathon rewards the quickest competitors with more points than any other race in the championship – with points for positions at the six, 12 and 24-hour marks. The larger volume of points available means that the contest is the focal point of Bentley’s season, and the team is looking to improve on a difficult race in 2014 when both cars suffered misfortune but still finished P9 and P11 in class. Bentley will race with four Continental GT3 cars – two from Bentley Team M-Sport and a second pair run by the Bentley Team HTP customer outfit. The Bentley Team M-Sport drivers continue, with car […]

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Aston Martin

Upcoming Barons Auto Auction

2015 is proving to be a bumper year for Barons. Its sale at Sandown Park on July 28th is set to be the company’s biggest yet, both in terms of numbers of cars entered – more than 80 are expected – and in value of the lots on offer.  The star lot, an exceptionally rare and original 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk 1 Volante Vantage, has been joined by an equally rare 1964 Bentley S3 Continental at the head of the extensive and diverse auction entry list. In addition, following on from the success in April, when Barons had its highest-value sale to date and set a company record for an individual car when it achieved £739,000 for a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback ‘barn find’ restoration project, the auction house has now been entrusted with a second example of […]

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Bentley

Limited Edition Bentley Continental GT Breitling Jet Team

Bentley is taking its fusion of luxury and performance to new extremes with the launch of the Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series. This exclusive series is limited to just seven cars, each inspired by one of the seven Breitling Jets. Renowned for their precision, speed and daring, this summer the Breitling Jet Team will be performing across the United States and Canada in a grand tour of epic proportions. To commemorate this spectacle, Bentley’s Mulliner division has re-imagined the Continental GT Speed to mirror the distinctive look of the Breitling Jets, fusing extreme customisation with immense speed.

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Bentley

Bentley Team Dyson Returns to Road America

This weekend, Bentley Team Dyson Racing returns to the circuit that kicked off their successful 2014 debut season at the infamous Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. The weekend will feature a triple-header schedule including a makeup race from last month’s Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix which was cancelled due to inclement weather and safety concerns. The team enters the weekend with optimism and reflection on their first successful first race year which has seen the inclusion of a second Continental GT3 and Bentley’s first victory in North America, as well as multiple podium finishes. Driver of the #20 car, Butch Leitzinger, drove the Continental GT3 in its North American debut at Road America a year ago which resulted in 6th and 4th place finishes. He comments: “Our Bentleys are well-suited to Road America. The Continental GT3 has very good […]

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Bentley

Bentley Flying Spur Named Best Car By Telegraph

Bentley’s Flying Spur has been named Best Luxury Car in the 2015 Telegraph Car Awards. The result, which was announced at an event in central London today, was decided by members of the public who voted for their favourite cars via the Telegraph’s Motoring website.   Kevin Rose, Bentley Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, commented: “Bentley is the most successful luxury car brand in the world. Every Bentley is handcrafted by our skilled and dedicated team in Crewe, which makes each car a true luxury possession. On behalf of Bentley Motors and our 3,800 colleagues, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that voted for us.” Steve Huntingford, Cars Editor at The Telegraph, added: “The latest Flying Spur manages to feel both traditional and modern, plus it’s as enjoyable to drive as it […]

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Bentley

Bentley to Expand in Russia

Bentley Motors has reinforced its commitment to the company’s key Russian market, by announcing the opening of its third dealership in the country’s fast-growing capital, Moscow. One of the largest and most populated cities in the world, reaching over 12 million people, Moscow has established itself as the political, economic, cultural and scientific centre of Russia. The new dealership, occupying a premium location on Volgogradskiy Prospekt 41, opened its doors on Saturday 30th May. Bentley Moscow-Volgogradskiy, a partnership with automotive retail specialists, Avilon, offers customers the full Bentley model range as well as aftersales service and the company’s branded luxury goods. It adds to Bentley’s presence in Tretyakovsky Proezd and at the Barvikha Luxury Village, with Bentley’s long-standing partner, Bentley Moscow, operated by Mercury. Commenting on the expansion, Kevin Rose, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, […]

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Bentley

Stefan Sielaff to Lead Bentley Design

Bentley Motors today has announced Stefan Sielaff as its new Director of Design. He succeeds Luc Donckerwolke who has been with Bentley since 2012. Mr Sielaff will join Bentley on 1st July 2015 from his current dual role as Head of Volkswagen Group Interior Design and Design Director at Volkswagen Design Center Potsdam. In his role at Bentley, he will report to Rolf Frech, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering. He will also retain his position as Head of Volkswagen Group Interior Design, reporting to Director of Volkswagen Group Design, Dr. Walter de Silva.

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Bentley

Record Applications for Bentley Apprentice Program

After announcing the company’s largest apprentice intake in 25 years, Bentley has received more applications to join the programme than ever before. 1,285 people applied for 63 positions, with the successful candidates starting the three-year scheme in September. The second stage of the recruitment process begins now, with assessment centres and interviews taking place throughout the summer. 40 of the apprentices will be working on a newly developed manufacturing programme. A dual education system of learning, 70 per cent of time is dedicated to practical training delivered by Bentley master trainers, themselves with combined industry experience of over 100 years. The remaining 30 per cent of time will be devoted to theoretical learning within chosen professional areas. A further 23 apprentices will be based in business areas at Bentley’s global headquarters in Crewe, including Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Purchasing and […]