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NEWS
Bentley plots range expansion
A luxo SUV isn't the only new model addition Bentley is plotting as part of its bid to grow its annual sales volume well past the 15,000-unit markBentley has ambitions of adding up to two more new models to its line-up, in addition to the all-new SUV – codenamed Falcon – that's due to go on sale in 2016.
According to a report in UK's Autocar magazine, the premium Brit brand is evaluating the business case for a two-seat sports car and a new luxo sedan conceived to slot in between the four-door Continental and Mulsanne flagship.
The publication quotes Bentley chairman and CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer as saying the initial focus would be on whichever of these two vehicles stacked up as the more potentially profitable offering.
"My own preference would be to build them both," said Dürheimer, "providing a business case for each can be made."
However, another UK mag, Auto Express, has confused the issue by publishing its own interview with Dürheimer, who insinuated that the company could build new coupe and convertible models based on the current Mulsanne. The new-age Brooklands coupe and Azure convertible – or whatever they might be called – could be considered Mulsanne variants rather than distinct models in their own right. That would certainly leave the way open for the two-seater and the new sedan to be developed and built as separate lines – providing the business case stacks up for both of them.
Here's what Dürheimer had to say to Auto Express about expanding model ranges by adding variants: "I'm truly convinced that we have a lot of opportunities with our existing model lines.
"In Crewe you used to see a very nice convertible called Azure – we also had it [a Mulsanne Convertible concept] as a hidden car in Pebble Beach in 2011. I hear from our customers that there is remarkable demand for a car like this, and if we do the Azure, the Brooklands just comes automatically."
According to Autocar, the proposed new sports car and sedan models have been factored into the latest R&D splurge that will see Bentley spending just under $1.5 billion between now and 2016. Most of this will be focused on its Crewe facility.
The magazine goes on to report the design of the Falcon SUV has been signed off, but that it would have no resemblance to the ungainly EXP 9 F concept that has been widely panned.
"The design is now signed off for production," design boss Luc Donckerwolke was quoted as saying. "The concept is completely set apart and was done separately. After Geneva 2012, I was told to do a new one. It's completely different to the concept car."
Propulsion will reportedly come from a redesigned 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that slashes fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, there will be a plug-in hybrid version that will be capable of covering 50km on battery power alone.
Also on offer will be a 4.2-litre V8 turbo-diesel, which would make the SUV the first oil-burning Bentley to date.
However, unlike the off-road-capable Range Rover, the Bentley SUV has been conceived as an urban-friendly wagon with sharp dynamics and a plush ride.
"We will offer the fastest, most powerful and most exclusive SUV on the market," boasted Dürheimer, adding that well-heeled customers would have the opportunity to spend well in excess of the circa-$250k ask for a top-spec Range Rover.
Meanwhile, Bentley is also contemplating a more extreme version of the Continental GT3-R, which was revealed as a high-po derivative of the Continental GT V8 at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Limited to 300 hand-built units, the GT3-R is powered by an uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pushes out 427kW and 700Nm, enabling it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8sec.
However, now the company is eyeing an even hotter rear-wheel-drive version to further boost the brand's youth appeal.
Donckerwolke said the possibility existed as Bentley has managed to flog all 300 units of the GT3-R, adding that "a lot of people would want an even more extreme one".
"I want us to celebrate our race success and have an even more extreme version, with not only an updated drive and powertrain but also new styling to closely link the race and road cars," Donckerwolke told Autocar.
"There's a big opportunity to make more emotional cars in Bentley's future for younger people. We did it in the past and we can do it again."
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Written byGautam Sharma
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