The new Bentley Mulsanne and upcoming new Continental range could be joined by two smaller and more economical models as Bentley keep sales up in what is now a very difficult market for the luxury brand. Bentley could be going downmarket with almost a sub-brand called New Compact Bentley (NCB), to sit somewhere below the Continental offering in the Bentley line-up.

It will focus on keeping weight and price down on Bentley vehicles, as well as providing smaller, more economical engine options. To achieve this, we could see a new Bentley four-seat shooting brake model, and a crossover which would be like a kind of Bentley SUV. While the new Continental range will still have the Bentley W12 engine, the NCB range would have a V8, 4.5-litre option, with about 550 hp.

There’s some conjecture, but overall the so-called “NCB” project makes a lot of sense, with Bentley exploring diesel and hybrid technology. It will have plenty of competition from Rolls Royce, who has announced the Ghost hybrid, electric Phantom, and its own smaller crossover project called the “Short High Rugged International Metropolitan Project” (SHRIMP). So far Bentley is ahead in the stakes in how to choose names, at least.

Source | AutomobileMag via Autoblog

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Here’s a look at a hypothetical Bentley Mulsanne cabrio and frankly, it’s not bad at all. The Bentley Mulsanne first appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show last month, and it will soon be joined by a Mulsanne coupe version, likely in 2011. Which may in turn, be followed by a cabrio Mulsanne, an exciting prospect for the 6.75-litre V8 twin turbo with 512 hp and 1020 Nm of torque.

Source | Thophilus Chin via Autosblog.fr

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As we wait to see whether Mulsanne cabrio and coupe versions will be built, here’s the official video of the new Bentley Mulsanne. The video is really a tribute to Bentley tradition, the handcrafting of its vehicles, and will give you an idea of the manufacture involved in producing the Mulsanne. Quite impressive really. If you like British motoring history, this is made with you in mind.

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We saw the Mulsanne at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and here again, are the Bentley Mulsanne official pics. We get to see the Mulsanne interior in these pics, showing off its very detailed and luxurious finishings. The substitute to the Arnage, it is equipped with a 6.75-litre V8 twin turbo with 512 hp and 1020 Nm of torque. The Mulsanne is all about comfort, though, and total, unconquerable, status.

Continue reading: Bentley Mulsanne official pics

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These live pics show the Bentley Continental GT and new Bentley Mulsanne at the Frankfurt Motor Show, after the Mulsanne’s official presentation at Pebble Beach. It replaces the Bentley Arnage, getting long in the tooth, and is a very large, imposing Bentley. The Mulsanne measures 5.57 metres long with a wheel base of 3.26.

The Mulsanne is built in an almost nostalgic style for the Bentleys of the past, although it is kitted out with modern technology. It has 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels and the bodywork can be ordered from a list of 114 different colours, with pearl and twin-tone versions that can be matched to 24 different interior leather colours. This would all explain why it takes nine weeks to build just one Bentley Mulsanne.

The interior has a few updates on the Continental GT, with an eight-inch multimedia display, 40 GB hard disc, Naim hi-fi system with 20 speakers and 2,220 Watts of power (disco on wheels, anyone?). The Mulsanne has a keyless system which can automatically retrieve the radio settings, telephone contacts, seat position, steering wheel and seatbelt angles, and will even electronically control the internal curtains. My apartment does less.

The Mulsanne is equipped with a 6.75-litre V8 twinturbo engine with 512 hp and an incredible 1020 Nm of power. The eight-speed transmission has steering wheel paddle controls and four set-up options are available: Bentley, Sport and Comfort. There is also a custom setting purely up to the driver’s choice.

Live pics Bentley at Frankfurt Motor Show

Continue reading: Bentley Mulsanne live pics from Frankfurt

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The new Grand Bentley has been revealed in these few shots taken at Crewe. The heir to the Arnage is basically ready for its debut, as these photos testify. The Grand Bentley is set to appear on world markets next year, and to be confirmed next will be its new name.

The design is faithful to the tradition of the brand, but still different to that of the Arnage. The front look is particularly different, appearing less sober than the current model. LED lights are featured, contributing to the overall modification of the headlights.

Continue reading: New Grand Bentley pics leaked

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As Bentley reveals its plans to produce a hybrid, debate kicks off as to just what combination of technology and engines the luxury car maker intends to use. While it’s full steam ahead on preparing Arnage, the new flagship, it looks as though Bentley is finding the time to dedicate to the environmental viability of its range.

This spy shot shows that Bentley is testing a petrol-electric drivetrain on a Continental prototype. The powerplant being used is a versions of the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne hybrids that combines a 3.6 litre petrol V6 at 280 hp, and 375 Nm, to an electric motor with 284Nm.

The Bentley version is likely to be more powerful as using a V8 engine could result in a final 500hp. This means that the original and fuel consuming Continental W12 engine could be scrapped.

This may be bad news for Bentley fans, but it’s good news for the company as it prepares the technology across its range ahead of new EU targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 2015.

Source | Autoexpress

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As if this were possible! With the Bentley Arnage back at the end of next year, the company is considering an even more exclusive Arnage, putting the model at the top of the range to compete with Rolls Royce and Maybach.

The next Arnage, code named “Project Kimberley”, will be based on the Audi A8 platform and should have a “unique” V8, with eight speed transmission and rear wheel drive. The Arnage will be larger than the current version, and a performance Arnage T is also in the works.

Source | Left Lane News

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Just out of curiousity: which cars pollute the most? Here, we list the Top Ten greatest producers of CO2 in the world. The winner is the Bugatti Veyron, but also Bentley made sure not to miss out, with its products well represented in the ranking.

Ferrari hardly pollutes less, but the latest creations of Cavallino, the 430 Scuderia and the California, end up at 360 e 310 g/km, respectively.

Continue reading: Which cars pollute the most? Here are the Top Ten

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The Bentley Continental Supersports has been seen around the corners of the Nurburgring during testing. The model, whose W12 can also run off bio-ethanol, will be the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever built, thanks to its 630 hp and a top speed of 329 km/hr.

While these figures have been available since March, from the Geneva show, the Supersports has also remained unchanged in its style. The model at the show and the one that appears in these spy shots show the same air intakes, with an agressive look to the bonnet and nose.

The Supersports, in addition to being the top-of-the-range coupé for the company, also represents a forerunner to what will be an ecological move by Bentley. By 2012, all the Bentley models will be able to run off bio-ethanol. The Supersports sales will start next autumn, with a price as yet unknown, but likely to be around 250,000 euros.

Source | AutoWeek

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