Wednesday 27th March 2002

Bentley GT Coupe

Stop teasing us Bentley. Show us the whole damn car!

---

[thom]

What is the point of this car? Get it to Le Mans?

[plotloss]

Is this the production evolution of that lovely Bentley Coupe with the enormous engine and equally enormous name?

It was produced just after VW acquired Bentley and was a test bed for the W12. It was shown at Le Mans if not run I am pretty sure.

Matt.

[tvradict]

And Ted REALLY wants one!

[PetrolTed]

quote:
Is this the production evolution of that lovely Bentley Coupe with the enormous engine and equally enormous name?

I think you're referring to the Hunaudieres

[plotloss]

Thats the one! What a lovely lovely lovely car.

Bentley have done exceptionally well there I think. In some ways it looks like an exceptionally classy Saleen S7.

Matt.

[Twin Turbo]

This is the "MSB", or mid-sized Bentley to be powered by a twin turbo version of the W12 engine. It's due to be launched at this year's Le Mans race. It's believed that it's also been engineered to take the existing pushrod V8 that powers the latest Arnage, just in case owners don't take to the new motor (as they didn't to the BMW V8 when that was first introduced to the Arnage).

Auto Express indicated that there is also a "super-limo" on the way. That will use the quad turbo W16 engine from the Bugatti Veyron...but get this, tuned for even more torque! Gives potential Maybach purchasers a choice. Personally, I'd like to see this engine in the front of a 2-seat Bentley super coupe.

But Ted's right. Come on Bentley, just show us the damn thing!!!!!!

[PetrolTed]

Not sure there's anything 'Mid Size' about the GT Coupe.

[Twin Turbo]

Oooooo, I'd almost forgotten about the Hunaudieres concept. 'Tis a lovely car, but the engine's in the wrong place (for a Bentley).

This is effectively the car that will become the Bugatti Veyron. Very, very similar concepts.

[plotloss]

The W12 engine I have heard is amazing. Audi are putting it in the 6 litre A8 LWB in Europe (we're not getting it ), a friend has driven it and says that its got all the power you are ever likely to need at any RPM and is quiet and refined. He said its almost like being inside the cabin of a pricey boat.

Matt.

[Twin Turbo]

Well, I guess they couldn't call it the "CB", or Cheap Bentley :-)

If this thing produces the claimed 550bhp and looks as classy as the pictures predict (especially the interior scoop shots from A/Express), then at £100K it could almost be a BB (Bargain Bentley).

[Roadrunner]

I need my numbers to come up!

[thom]

quote:
Personally, I'd like to see this engine in the front of a 2-seat Bentley super coupe.

Aha? I thought this new coupé was front-engined?

[JMGS4]

quote:
Thats the one! What a lovely lovely lovely car.

It's got a smile like Esther Rantzen! but I wish I had one................

[Twin Turbo]

Thom - the MSB is front engined, but it's also a full four seater. I'd like to see a more focused two seater Bentley in the mould of the Mclaren Mercedes SLR.....

[plotloss]

quote:
I'd like to see a more focused two seater Bentley in the mould of the Mclaren Mercedes SLR.....

I'm not sure if I could cope with another marvellous car thats built here but not going to be sold in RHD!

Bloody Mercedes!

Matt.

[Twin Turbo]

True. It's quoted that it would have cost £11million extra to produce the SLR in RHD.

[johnnystorm]

I've got nothing against a Bentley coupe but did they have to use new beetle and lupo head lamps up front?:-)

[Twin Turbo]

A bit harsh, but I see what you mean ;-)

[pbrettle]

quote:
True. It's quoted that it would have cost £11million extra to produce the SLR in RHD.

Yeah, but a little known fact is that 43% of the worlds car markets are RHD anyway. Therefore for a small investment of £11M then they can have a bigger market. I am no management consultant - but it makes sense in my world.....

Sounds like they cant be bothered if you ask me...

Cheers,

Paul

[plotloss]

Yeah, I'd put at much the same Paul. £11m is nothing in the cost of that car, they have probably spent almost that doing something minor like making a smart ashtray or something....

Matt.