2020 Bentley Flying Spur W12 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Bentley Bentayga gets its first big update with new design and improved tech

The 2021 Bentley Bentayga is subject to the model’s first significant refresh since the ultra-luxe SUV was introduced for the 2016 model year. In the meantime, Bentley has rolled through a few variants, but now weÂ’re getting design changes, tech enhancements and new equipment. For starters, the V8 is now the standard car (and will be the only one available initially), with the W12 engine reserved for an upcoming Bentayga Speed coming in 2021 — a model the brand expects to continue to be in high demand in America. Bentley also says there will be an updated plug-in hybrid model to follow later this year, but it wonÂ’t be available right away like the V8 is. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will make the same power as before, sitting at 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque — thatÂ’s good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. This BentaygaÂ’s most significant mechanical change underneath is a 0.78-inch wider rear track. Bentley claims this reduces steering effort and improves response linearity. Some of the bigger changes come in the design. Bentley says the adjustments are inspired by the new Continental GT and Flying Spur, as every panel in the front and rear have been redone. It gets a larger “matrix” grille, new headlights featuring BentleyÂ’s “cut crystal glassware” design (trust us, itÂ’s very cool), and a more aggressive front bumper with even more venting. Its hood has also been lifted up by 30 mm to make the whole front end appear more imposing. The sides of the SUV get new molding and a new V8 badge, while the back has gone through even more significant changes. ThereÂ’s a new tailgate design that stretches the full width of the rear and also encapsulates the new and bejeweled oval rear taillights. The design change has seriously widened the look from the rear and makes a huge difference to the Bentayga's style. The license plate has been moved down, and the wider rear track gives the Bentayga a more appealing stance. Larger, oval-shaped tailpipes mimic the new taillight design, and Bentley has added a longer roof spoiler to make the car look even more elegant and sporty. A new 22-inch wheel design (available in two finishes) joins the cavalry, as do two new paint colors: Viridian (dark green) and Patina (mid-tone off-white). Of course, the interior is arguably the most important part of a Bentley. The center stack gets a new look; Bentley has provided a new steering wheel, new door trims and completely new seats.

Ultra-luxury automakers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce need to hurry up with EVs

In the five years that I've worked at Autoblog, I've read a lot of press releases. They're all pretty flowery and self-serving, but the ones that go the extra distance with lavish words and pompous phrasing tend to come from the most luxurious brands, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. And something that they both love talking about is sustainably sourced materials for their vehicles. The descriptions read like they've seen the light about using resources responsibly. That would be great, except for one thing: There's nothing sustainable about multi-ton land yachts with eight or more cylinders. Only one of Bentley's models can be had with fuel economy better than 20 mpg combined when running on gasoline, and guess what, it's not one of the brand's two plug-in hybrids (which are to be commended, but still seem half-hearted when we're talking serious sustainability). And Rolls-Royce is even worse without a single model even hitting 15 mpg combined. These automakers should have at least one EV model apiece. Apparently, there are some coming, but they're still years away, and that frankly shocks and frustrates me for a number of reasons. One of the big ones is that these brands couldn't be better suited to electric propulsion. What makes these cars impressive is their refinement and performance. You can't get much better in either of those categories than with beefy electric motors, which provide nearly silent operation with no gear changes and enormous power and torque ratings. And it's all achievable with a lot less effort than making an 8- or 12-cylinder internal combustion engine quiet and smooth. Sure, battery technology is complicated, and it's expensive and heavy, but all of that is covered by these brand's typical products. They can command prices that would easily absorb the cost of batteries. And the size and weight of current cars mean that loading them up with batteries to achieve range comparable to their gas models wouldn't be a problem, either. Heck, that's the exact strategy being used by GM and Ford to get huge range in their electric trucks. 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S View 41 Photos And the cost of the EV technology shouldn't even be that great for Bentley or Rolls-Royce, since they're both owned by companies that are leaders in electric car development with existing technology and the ability to spread costs out over various brands.

Volkswagen might cut 40 models across brands to save cash

Volkswagen once set out to pass Toyota and General Motors and become the largest automaker in the world. Following months of fallout from the diesel emissions scandal, the manufacturer is rumored to be dropping around 40 models from its company-wide lineup. According to German business and finance publication Handelsblatt, the Volkswagen Group is looking to slim down and remove a number of low-volume vehicles from various lineups. The company currently sells around 340 models across brands that include Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Volkswagen is refusing to comment, but Handelsblatt claims to have sources within the company. Last week, Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Muller announced a new strategy for the company that includes a major focus on electric vehicles and new technology services. During his announcement, Muller said the company would be cutting a number of models, but at the time no numbers, models, or brands were discussed. Despite comments to the contrary, rumors have persisted since late last year that Volkswagen was looking to sell commercial truck and bus manufacturer MAN. Volkswagen owns truck and bus manufacturer Scania, so even if it dropped MAN, the company would still have a foothold within the bus and truck market. There is also talk of the company selling Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, which Volkswagen acquired via Audi in 2012. The company's image has taken a huge hit in the wake of the diesel scandal. Volkswagen has set aside cash in order to pay fines and may be looking to sell these several subsidiaries and cut low-volume models in order offset the costs. Despite the scandal, the company led worldwide sales in the first quarter of 2016. The same was true in 2015, but sales tanked at the end of the year following the diesel revelations. Related Video: Rumormill Audi Bentley Volkswagen Ducati