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Xcar asks why the W in the Bentley Continental GT

There aren't a lot of automakers producing V12 engines these days: There's BMW and Mercedes, of course, and the Rolls-Royces and Paganis they power. There's Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. But the largest producer of twelve-cylinder engines doesn't make them in a V. That'd be Bentley, and it produces more dozen-piston engines than anyone else, but arranges them in a W configuration. It's a compelling story of innovation, one as interesting as the history of the marque itself. And Xcar tells the tale in its latest video installment, tracing it back to the development of the compact VR6 engine and the autocratic mastermind at the helm of the Volkswagen Group who made the W12 a reality. By this point it would be all too easy to consign the W12 to the dustbin of history as the smaller, more efficient and nearly as powerful V8 has slotted in below to push the W12 to the margins of relevance. But it's still the more refined option, and the more innovative one. Little wonder it's the only type of twelve-cylinder engine (the Aventador's notwithstanding) that the Volkswagen Group still makes.

Bentley Continental 24 is for those who find the Supersports too common

Bentley is no stranger to special-edition models. Some are like the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner, a tasteful rolling tribute to the sport of kings. Others, such as the new Bentley Continental 24, are aimed at a slightly less conservative customer base. The Continental 24, built to commemorate the British automaker's return to the 24 Hours Nurburgring, is big, bright, and slightly less subdued than other Bentleys. As they say, different strokes for different folks. The entire run will be limited to 24 cars, obviously. The full allocation is slated just for Europe, but we're sure with enough cash Bentley can make something similar available stateside. The car is based on the new 700 horsepower Bentley Continental GT Supersports, the fastest road-going Bentley ever. In addition to the horsepower, the Supersports' W12 engine turns out 750 lb-ft of torque and, thanks to the titanium exhaust, enough noise to drown out all the haters at the local country club. The most obvious feature on the Continental 24 is the bright Monaco Yellow or St. James Red over Black Crystal paint scheme, done up similar to the Bentley Team ABT Continental GT3 race cars. The paintwork even carries to the 21-inch forged wheels, with body-matching paint filling the spokes. The exterior is finished with carbon-fiber mirrors, black brake calipers, and black brightware in place of chrome. The two-tone theme carries on inside the Continental 24, with either yellow or red accenting the nearly all black trim and upholstery. Black Alcantara seats are stitched with contrasting diamond patterns. Yellow or red sweep around and flank the cabin. As expected, the headrests are emblazoned with "Continental 24." Unsurprisingly, exclusivity doesn't come cheap. Deliveries begin in July with prices starting at ˆ250,000, or about $280,600. It's probably got a wider appeal than the admittedly niche Bentayga Falconry. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Continental 24 View 12 Photos News Source: Bentley Design/Style Motorsports Bentley Coupe Luxury Performance

Bentley considering smaller coupe

Only halfway through the year, Bentley reports that it's on track to post record sales. Thanks in no small part to the introduction of its new V8 engine in the Continental family, sales are up nearly a quarter over last year. And they only stand to increase even more with the introduction of new models currently in the pipeline. The upcoming SUV will surely form a large part of that, but it won't be the end of the story for the storied marque.
Car and Driver reports that, after the SUV, Bentley plans to introduce a new coupe line below the Continental to square off against the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Details are few and far between at this point, but considering how much Bentley manages to do with the relatively heft Continental GT, a lighter and more nimble sports car sounds promising.
In related news, rumors are gathering pace that Bentley is planning to introduce a new Mulsanne Speed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, its Jurassic-era 6.75-liter V8 massaged from 505 horsepower - already the most that engine has produced in its half-century history - up to around 550.