2013 Bentley Continental Gt V8 *st James Red Solid* on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn adds class to the grass

While Pebble Beach is traditionally thought of as the refuge of the pristine and pricey vintage vehicles of the world, there's no shortage of newer vehicles on display. And when we say "new," we mean really new. As in, not even in production new. This is the concept car lawn, and it's home to an eclectic group of vehicles from past and present.
Of course, calling it the "concept car lawn" is a bit of a misnomer this year (as it has been in previous years, too). Production models like the Alfa Romeo 4C were on display, alongside known quantities like the Hennessy Venom GT and modified versions of already-on-sale models, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Waterspeed Collection.
There were a few concepts on display, though. Toyota debuted the critically acclaimed FT-1 Concept in a new shade, while BMW's Beijing Motor Show stunner, the Vision Future Luxury, was also parked on the expensive grass. Also appearing were the Nissan GT-R in sheep's clothing, the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, and the recently debuted McLaren P1 GTR.

Bentley considering chopping new Bentayga into a crossover coupe

Like it or not, crossover coupes are gaining traction. BMW lead the march with the X6 and has since followed up with the X4, rival Mercedes has already showcased its new GLE Coupe, and Audi is expected to be following suit as well. So who's next? According to Top Gear, that'd be Bentley. The British luxury automaker is (like Jaguar and Maserati) preparing to launch its first SUV in the form of the upcoming new Bentayga. But it isn't likely to stop there. After speaking with Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer, who pointed towards the growth in the luxury crossover segment at the expense of coupes, convertibles and sedans, Top Gear is convinced that the Flying B marque is weighing the possibility of a slant-backed coupe version. If BMW's experience is anything to go by, reconfiguring the roof and styling of the Bentayga to give it a more rakish profile would be a relatively low-cost, straightforward way to give Crewe another crossover model to offer. But by the same token, we wouldn't expect it to lose any doors in the process as that same Bavarian rival did with the Mini Paceman. With the Bentayga set to debut next year, it may not be until 2019 that the coupe version would arrive. That's if it's given the green light in the first place, with Bentley expected to decide "within the next year and a half," according to TG. What isn't clear at the moment, however, is whether the Bentayga crossover would stand in place of the smaller crossover Bentley was said to be considering, or the four-door coupe or sports car projects that were said to be on the table as well.

2020 Bentley Flying Spur First Edition ratchets up the exclusivity

For the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur's first year of production, the automaker will offer the First Edition model. The sedan adopts a brace of options taken from the standard car, as well as identifying badging. Outside, a set of Union Jacks with a number "1" in the center can be found on the C-pillars, just as were found on the Continental GT First Edition released last year. The words "First Edition" appear on the treadplates, and the sedan sits on 22-inch Mulliner Specification wheels. Up front, the electronic Flying B mascot with illuminated wings retreats to its den inside the grille frame when the car is locked. Inside, the instrument panel gets another Union Jack along with the Bentley Rotating Display. Owners can choose to have the First Edition Bentley Winged Emblems embroidered into the headrests. The panoramic roof and mood lighting come standard, as does Touring Specification, which adds driver assistance features like a head-up display, lane assist, night vision, and adaptive cruise control. The premier example of the breed is set to be auctioned at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's inaugural ball called the Midsummer Party, taking place at Jean Pigozzi's Villa Dorane on July 24, in Cap d'Antibes. All proceeds from the Mulsanne's sale will be given to the EJAF, but the new buyer will still have work to do. A Bentley designer will host the owner in Crewe or travel to the owner's home to spec out the car "through Bentley's exclusive Co-Creation Luxury Service." We're not sure how that's different than Mulliner, but to anyone buying a Bentley in the South of France at an Elton John event, it isn't likely to matter. They'll get whatever they want, including the right to say, "First."