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Bentley plotting Mulsanne performance model for Paris debut

Between three distinct body styles and numerous engine specifications, Bentley has made more versions of the Continental over the years than we would care to count. But one thing it has, by and (very) large left alone is the Mulsanne. Sure, it's done some special editions and some extra equipment packages - it's even toyed with the idea of a two-door convertible version - but at the end of the day, the Mulsanne soldiers on as a four-door sedan with one engine and one engine alone. That may be about to change, however.
Fueled by ambiguous pronouncements from Bentley's returning chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, rumors from the UK suggest that the Flying B marque is preparing a more performance-focused version of the Mulsanne to debut at the Paris Motor Show this October.
Details are few and far between, but we'd expect the Mulsanne's long-serving 6.75-liter V8 engine to be further tuned beyond its current specification of 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, accompanied by a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and other upgrades. Historically Bentley would turbocharge the Mulsanne's predecessors (to turn the 90s-era Brooklands, for instance, into the Turbo R), but the Mulsanne's engine is already spooled up, so the British automaker will likely have to massage the extra muscle out another way.

Bentley Bentayga leaks out in miniature form

Want to know what the completed, production-ready Bentley Bentayga will look like? So do we all, and we've had some pretty good glimpses at it already. But this could be our best look at the finished form yet. Leaking out in China are images not of the vehicle itself, but of a 1:18 scale model of Bentley's forthcoming inaugural sport-ute. And though that may not tell us precisely what it'll look like in full scale, it ought to give us a pretty darn accurate preview. Particularly given the detailed measurements with which these model manufacturers have to work. The design is pretty much as you might expect it to look. That is to say proportions typical of a full-size Volkswagen Group crossover like the Touareg, Audi Q7, or Porsche Cayenne. Bentley design cues set it apart: four round headlights up front flanking an upright mesh grille, side vents on the front fenders, a tasteful smattering of chrome trim, and big wheels. Looks like it'll have a pretty big glass roof, too. Or put another way, it looks like a toned-down version of the EXP 9 F concept that divided opinions when it debuted back at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. One way or another, we're expected to see the beast in the flesh (or the machine in the metal) at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, so it won't be long now. In the meantime, you can scope out more over at CarNewsChina.com. Related Video:

Lamborghini could be sold or spun off from the Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a sale or stock listing for its high-end Lamborghini brand. The German automaker is looking to fold the Italian supercar brand into a separate legal entity, reports Bloomberg, which cites "people familiar with the matter" who don't want to be identified "because the deliberations are confidential and no decisions have been made." Any of this sound familiar? The goal of spinning off Lamborghini would be to stockpile more cash and other resources for VW's massive planned push into electric vehicles. Back in March, reports circulated that Volkswagen's "Vision 2030" corporate plan might include plans to focus on the brand's core brands — VW, Audi and Porsche. That means the futures of fringe players like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, motorcycle brand Ducati and design firm Italdesign (and note this isn't a comprehensive list of brand's under the expansive VW Group umbrella) are up in the air. VW, according to the report, is targeting a market value of $220 billion, which is a big jump from the brand's current $89 billion valuation. Bloomberg pegged Lamborghini's valuation at around $11 billion back in August, buoyed by sales and profits generated by the introduction of the Urus sport utility vehicle. On the flip side, Lamborghini is currently grappling with how best to update its supercar lineup in the face of ever-increasing emissions regulations.