2012 Bentley 2dr Cpe on 2040-cars

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40+ cars that barely avoid the gas guzzler tax

The Gas Guzzler schedule, with mpg ratings and charges that haven't changed since 1991, lays out which fuel-swillers owe what to Uncle Sam.
I started thinking about the "Gas Guzzler Tax" - considerably less well known as The Energy Tax Act of 1978 - when I was driving Dodge's new Challenger SRT Hellcat last week. Unsurprisingly for a car that can burn 1.5 gallons of gas per minute at max tilt, theoretically able to empty a full tank of premium in about 13 minutes, the Hellcat will be subject to the Gas Guzzler Tax schedule when it goes on sale.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur taking shape

The redesigned Bentley Continental Flying Spur has again been caught undergoing testing, though this time away from public roads while tackling the Nürburgring's 154 turns. The car we see in these new spy shots also reveals more of the Flying Spur's new lines, which we expect to largely mirror the shape already seen on the new Continental GT and GTC models.
Likewise, the new four-door Continental will probably come with the same engine options as the coupe and convertible: the tried and true 6.0-liter W12 making 567 horsepower and the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 500 hp. Its two stablemates were also updated with an eight-speed transmission for 2012, so expect the Spur to swap that many gears, as well.
Really, the only unknowns left are how Bentley will be handling the four-door specific design elements like the shape of the rear end, which is somewhat obscured by this car's checkerboard camo, as well as when the sedan will debut. We've received no indication thus far that Bentley is planning to use the Paris Motor Show, which happens later this week, for the Flying Spur's unveiling. That leaves a string of upcoming shows where it could happen, including the LA Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show and Geneva Motor Show.

Bentley Bentayga plug-in hybrid spied using V6 power

Bentley confirmed plans for a plug-in hybrid version of the Bentayga in early 2015 and said the electric SUV would be ready for 2017. It seems that the luxury automaker will keep its word, because one of our spy photographers spotted this nearly undisguised model out testing. It looks identical to the normal Bentayga, with the exception of an additional little flap on the left side for a plug. Although Bentley confirmed the hybrid's development way back in 2015, it left out a few details about what the powertrain would be, only saying it would either be a V8 or a V6. Our spy photographer was able to shed some light on this by looking up the prototype's registration. Apparently it has a 3.0-liter engine under its proud hood, so it's a reasonable bet the Bentayga has a V6. Since Bentley promised the hybrid would be ready for 2017, and because this car is hiding almost nothing, we would expect to see the car make a full debut by the end of the year. It should have an electric range of just over 30 miles. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bentley Bentayga plug-in hybrid spy shots View 12 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Green Spy Photos Bentley Crossover SUV Hybrid Luxury bentley bentayga