GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6

Bentley has unveiled a sumptuous new grand touring coupe concept on the eve of its world public debut at the Geneva motor show, describing it as both a "sector-defining two-seater sports car" and "statement in modern British luxury".

Dubbed the EXP 10 Speed 6, the British Racing Green two-door previews an all-new model that's expected to join the Bentley line-up by 2018, priced around the same as the Continental GT coupe.

Indeed, motoring.com.au understands the Bentley concept has already been through a full internal product and sales analysis and the company describes the stunning two-door concept as a "potential future model line" and "the future direction of luxury and performance".

Taking aim directly at Aston Martin, the EXP 10 Speed 6 was produced under the leadership of CEO Wolfgang Durheimer.

“EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley’s future – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept," he said.

"The show car has the potential to be the new pinnacle luxury two-seat sports car. It offers thrilling, driver-oriented performance, complete with trademark modern Bentley luxury and effortlessness.

"It could be a future model line, alongside the Continental GT and redefining the pinnacle of another market sector, and the styling of the EXP 10 Speed 6 could influence the expansion of the Bentley family.

"This is not just a new sports car concept – but the potential Bentley sports car – a bold vision for a brand with a bold future.”

Few technical details were provided, but the new front-engined, rear-drive coupe is believed to be based on the same Volkswagen Group MSB platform as the next Continental GT and Porsche Panamera.

As such, expect a more powerful version of Audi's twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet, offering more than 370kW of power and 800Nm of torque.

Punctuated up front by a familiar Bentley matrix grille and four round head lights, the concept presents a classic rear-drive sports coupe silhouette with a long bonnet, muscular rear haunches, short front overhangs and lengthy, back-swept C-pillars.

Bentley says cutting-edge 3D metal printing technology allowed the grille mesh, exhausts, door-handles and side vents to be delivered with micro-scale design detail precision.

Inside Bentley's "most performance-orientated luxury cabin" there's a continuous line that runs around the interior, and two quilted-leather sports seats positioned either side of a narrow centre console housing driver controls and a curved 12-inch touch-screen within an aluminium frame

Interior materials include knurled steel and copper controls with a two-metal 3D texture, 3D quilting and solid straight-grain cherry wood for the door trims, and an aluminium, copper and cherry wood gear shifter.

Behind the two seats there's a luggage compartment divided into two and housing a specifically designed four-piece luggage set. Like the rest of the interior, the rear is trimmed with Poltrona Frau leather.

Once in production, the new coupe will bring to five the number of models in the Bentley range, including the upcoming Bentayga SUV. Bentley will also stage the world debut of facelifted Continental GT two-door and Flying Spur four-door models at Geneva.