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NEWS
SPY PICS: Bentley SUV snared
Some styling details retained from EXP 9 F concept, but luxury SUV is toned down for productionThe nice friendly sticker along the side of a camouflaged test vehicle snapped in the European Alps leaves no doubt... this is a pre-production version of the upcoming SUV from the company behind 'NewBentley.com'.
This particular test vehicle – and its production version to follow – shares less than expected of its overall design with the upright EXP 9 F show car revealed in Geneva two years ago, as we have reported previously. But as the spy photographers at Automedia have observed, selective application of thick padding has obscured the new, sleeker styling. Padded protruberances have been fastened to the bodywork in parts where the show car featured sheet metal, but the production model doesn't.
In Automedia's considered opinion – and who are we to disagree – the SUV's shape is evolving, moving further from the EXP 9 F and closer to the Continental GT. Inside the SUV, which is yet to be officially named, will feature a digital instrument cluster and protruding circular air vents located in the top of the dash, which is expected to embrace a symmetrical 'dual cockpit' design.
The new model is built on Volkswagen's MLB platform, which is a large car's architecture tailored for rear-wheel drive. Power, according to Automedia, will come from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with the 6.0-litre W12 a chance to join it as an option. Bentley has confirmed beyond doubt that the SUV will bring to market a plug-in hybrid variant, due in 2017.
– with Automedia
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