A man and his legacy

January 18, 1919.  W.O. Bentley founded the company we now know today, as Bentley Motors Limited.  Before moving into the automotive industry, W.O. was well known for his aero engines.

Only 100, 8 Litres Ever Made

The Bentley 8 Litre could have become one of the worlds greatest cars, like the gargantuan Bugatti Royale.  But, it was launched in London, in 1930, with a price of 1,850 British Pounds.  Back then, that was a lot, especially since at almost the exactly the same time, the Great Depression arrived in Europe.  As a result, only 100 8 Litres were ever made, and the cars failure, brought Bentley too its knees; within a year, it was sold to Rolls Royce.  Of those 100, only 78 are left, and every one, is unique.  This was a time when companies like Bentley sold you the bottom half of a car (the chassis, engine and wheels) and then left you to find a coach builder for the body, and the seats, and the roof.  

So, this car shares its huge 220 horse power, 6 cylinder engine and 21 inch wheels, with all the other 8 Litres, but the rest, that was always a one off.  On this one for example, the roof opens down the middle, so when it rains those on the left can opt to get wet, while those on the right could stay dry. Strangely it was an idea that didn't catch on.

Some Bentley 8 Litres featured a unique rear hinge design on the passenger doors.  While elegant, this design isn't without its faults.  A dangerous tendency, for an improperly closed door to swing open while the car was moving, led to the nick name, suicide doors.  

Cooling the colossal in-line 6 engine was no easy task.  Hidden behind the classic bentley grill, lays a radiator twice the size of one found in the average modern car.  The 8 litre in-line 6 generates enough horse power that allows the car to cruise comfortably at 80mph (130kmh) and achieve top speed of over 100mph (160kph).  In the 1930's, it cost just 5 dollars to fill this Bentley's 95 litre fuel tank, but with the car costing more than the average house at the time, it was far from affordable.  Today, a Bentley 8 Litre will cost you a nice dollar... about $980,000 to be exact, and thats just for a base model. 

EXP 9 F Concept - Revolutionary Design

Why is this concept so important? Because this is Bentleys first SUV in the companies history.  The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto show.  Though the final consumer version of the SUV has not yet been released, the EXP 9 F features but only the finest materials one can find in an automobile.

"This will be the fastest, most luxurious and most expensive SUV you can buy."  -  Bentley chairman and chief executive, Wolfgang  Dürheimer

Though the concept was only released in 2012, the consumer production model is expected to hit dealer floors in 2015, and when it does, it is predicted to change the way we look at SUV's.  The quickest models will be powered by the next generation 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 developing in excess of 600 bhp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, updated with direct injection and, potentially, cylinder deactivation. Bentley's recently introduced 4.0-liter V-8, a V-8 diesel and a hybrid drivetrain are expected to join the model line-up later.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for the EXP 9 F. The designers were inspired by the visible engineering of the . The openings for the daytime running lights act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W-12 engine, each with a mesh-covered turbine fan design and rifled inner surface finish.  

This turbine theme continues with the 23-in. allow wheels.  Though the rims may not reach the production stage, their design compliment the sculpture coachwork.  

With its rich quilted leather and swaths of fine veneers, this SUV will make any Bentley owner feel at home, right down to the trademark cold touch, bull's eye and organ-stop air vents that have a rifled' gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance.  Even the silk wool floormats are reversible, with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are in the countryside or off-roading.  

A large panoramic glass roof allows light to pour into the cabin.  Rear seat passengers can choose between business mode, with a fold-down keyboard and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet, or more reclined position with powered footrest, drink table and an infotainment screen.  When the rear seats aren't in use, they can be powered forward to create a bigger luggage area.

The EXP 9 F is the example of perfection that Bentley takes pride in when offering top of the line products to its customers.  Expect prices to start around $220,000 when sales start in 2015. 

I leave you with this promotional video, emphasizing on all the visual aspects of this stunning concept vehicle. 

Rallying Like A Sir

Some may look at a Bentley and think class, others may look at a Bentley and think retirement.  Our friends at Top Gear U.K. look at a Bentley Continental GT Speed and think, how fast can we put this brute through a Welsh rally stage.

Lets talk about this Bentley for a bit, shall we?  The Continental GT features many different platforms to which it can be configured.  Let it be the standard Continental GT with a W12 engine, putting out 567bhp and 516lb ft of torque, or a downgraded but equally as brilliant Continental GT V8, featuring a 4 litre, 8 cylinder engine that produces 500bhp and 487lb ft of torque.   For 2012, Bentley has forged the brand new Bentley Continental GT Speed, undoubtedly the most powerful bentley ever created.  Featuring an upgrade W12 motor, the Bentley Continental GT Speed puts out a whopping 616bhp and 590lb ft of torque.  This allows the Continental to propel itself forward from 0 to 60 in just 4 seconds, which is rather impressive for a car that weighs 2.32 metric tonnes, not to mention is has a top speed of 205mph.  

"Why do we need an other fast Bentley anyway... I thought exactly the same, until I drove it" -  James May 

As some of you may know, the boys at Top Gear U.K. like to put their cars to the test.  On this occasion, James May decided to push the Continental GT Speed to its limits, all on a 15 mile stage of the gruelling Welsh Rally.  Now, seeing as James had no experience on a rally stage, he was accompanied by world renown rally driver, Kris Meeke.  May's inexperience on a rally stage wasn't the only worry, a world rally car is purpose built for the job.  It weighs just 1.21 metric tonnes, and has bespoke brakes to help it stop.  Not to mention its gear box is made to soak up the punishment, it's role cage is designed to keep its occupants in one piece.  

James May (Left) and Kris Meeke (Right)

"A Bentley on a rally stage is a stupid idea"  -  Kris Meek

Now, I think we could all agree with Kris, a Bentley on a rally stage is in fact, a stupid idea.  Surprisingly though, the team did not finish last in the competition,  they beat a WRC Rally car by 2 full seconds. Making James and Kris second last, thanks to the Bentleys phenomenal 4-wheel drive system and intense power, in addition too the superb driving skills provided by Kris Meeke.