2016 Bentley Mulsanne on 2040-cars

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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.

Autoblog Podcast #343

George Kennedy from Boldride.com, BMW i3, NACTOY long list, Bentley SUV
Episode #343 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Steven Ewing are joined by George Kennedy, Autoblog alum and Editor-in-Chief of Boldride.com. Topics include the unveiling of the BMW i3, the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year long list, and the green-lighted Bentley SUV. As always, we start with what's in the garage, but then answer some of your questions before diving into the week's news. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #343:

Bentley introduces Bentayga First Edition at VIP event in LA

The first customers to place their orders for the new Bentley Bentayga will get a special First Edition model. Each is outfitted with unique trim inside and out, and comes with a special wristwatch. Bentley just unveiled the new Bentayga First Edition at a special VIP event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show opening this week. The Bentley Bentayga First Edition features 22-inch two-tone wheels, special Union Jack badging, and illuminated treadplates. Inside it benefits from unique diamond quilted leather, embroidered seats, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Along with those specifications, this initial run will be limited to just ten exterior colors. Those fortunate first customers will also get their choice between one of three timepieces crafted by Breitling: one with a multifunction electronic movement, another with an integrated emergency transmitter, and a third automatic designed for women. All told, only 608 examples of the First Edition will be offered. The quantity is a reference to the metric output from the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, which produces 600 horsepower – or 608 ps. That's enough to rocket the luxury off-roader to 60 in 4.0 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 187 mph, making this the fastest and most powerful SUV currently on the market. Related Video: BENTLEY DEBUTS BENTAYGA FIRST EDITION AT EXCLUSIVE VIP CUSTOMER EVENT - First 608 Bentaygas to be exclusively designed and highly equipped - Bentayga is the most powerful, most luxurious, most exclusive and fastest SUV in the world - Limited edition celebrates the creation of an all-new luxury SUV market segment - Each owner to receive one of three special-edition Breitling chronographs (Los Angeles/Crewe, 16 November 2015) Bentley Motors is debuting the Bentayga First Edition to a select group of VIP customers tonight at the iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel, Los Angeles. The exclusive limited edition of the most powerful SUV in production is restricted to just 608 cars globally. The eye-catching specification with exclusive details and unique components demonstrates the Bentayga's abilities to the fullest. The First Edition's unique design includes Union Jack badging, illuminated treadplates and 22" black painted and polished wheels. Just ten exterior colours are offered, highlighting the exclusivity of the model.