2007 Bentley Continental Gt Coupe 2-door 6.0l on 2040-cars

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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 already considering smaller crossover

Bentley has yet to reveal (let alone start selling) its upcoming new SUV, but the company is already reported to be considering a smaller model to follow in that new model's footsteps. This according to Autocar, in speaking with Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer at the announcement of the company's record sales results for 2014. Prior to originally taking the helm at Bentley and Bugatti, Durheimer served as head of R&D at Porsche, which recently launched the Macan crossover to join the larger Cayenne. Tipped to be called the Bentayga, the forthcoming Bentley crossover will share its platform with the next generation of its sister company's crossover, whose success Bentley aims to emulate. The Bentayga (or whatever it's ultimately called) will be vital in helping Bentley achieve its sales target of 20,000 units per year by 2020. The storied British marque topped 11,000 units for the first time in 2014, and the new SUV will be a vital component in boosting those figures. Bentley says it has already received 4,000 "expressions of interest" for the crossover before it's even unveiled, suggesting that it could exceed earlier sales projections of 3,000 units per year. But even then, the big crossover wouldn't be enough to get Bentley to its target. That's why it's already considering the smaller crossover, among other options including a four-door coupe, a two-door sports car and a Mulsanne-based convertible. The company is also investing heavily in infrastructure and production capacity to ensure its supply can meet the demand it is working to build up.

Bentley Flying Spur breaches in Beluga spec

Bentley did what it could to improve the styling on the Flying Spur, but if you're still of the impression that it's still a bit of a whale in its form, you may want to check out the new Beluga Specification. Available now to order on the eight-cylinder Flying Spur worldwide, the Beluga Specification features a number of upgrades designed to make Crewe's sedan look and feel more "athletic" inside and out. A unique set of 20-inch wheels and a gloss black grille distinguish the exterior, while the cabin is treated to piano black veneer, knurled shift paddles, contrast stitching, and finer carpets. Those looking to splurge (this is a Bentley, after all) can combine this package with the Mulliner Driving Specification and get 21-inch wheels along with other interior upgrades. Related Video: NEW BENTLEY FLYING SPUR BELUGA SPECIFICATION Jun 18, 2015 - New optional specification affords luxury four-door sedan an enhanced athletic stance - Striking exterior and interior styling cues boost visual appeal - Features 20" alloys, gloss black radiator and cabin styling highlights - Available exclusively on 4.0-litre twin-turbo Flying Spur V8 models (Crewe, 18 June, 2015) Bentley Motors is launching a new specification level exclusively for its Flying Spur V8 model – Beluga Specification. The contemporary trim level affords the Flying Spur sedan a more athletic stance and purposeful visual appeal. Featuring exclusive 20" Black and Bright machined alloy wheels, a gloss black radiator matrix and a body-coloured lower grille bar, the Beluga specification is the perfect enhancement for a modern performance saloon that perfectly blends craft and comfort. Inside the Flying Spur V8's sumptuous handcrafted cabin, buyers will find swathes of piano black veneer, knurled gear shift paddles, contrast stitching to the luxurious seats and steering wheel as well as deep pile floor mats and boot carpet with contrasting leather binding. When customers also specify the highly popular Mulliner Driving Specification, in combination with Beluga specification, the striking 21" 6-spoke Extrovert wheel is included. The Mulliner Driving Specification includes features such as diamond quilted hides, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals and an indented hide headlining. In 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 guise it develops 507 PS (500 bhp), sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) while at the same time offering a single-tank range of 500 miles.