Bentley News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

O'Gara Coach Bentley Film Noir Collection Main

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 06, 2024

Discover O'Gara Coach x Bentley Beverly Hills' Exclusive ...

Lights. Camera. Action! Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail through its bespoke Mulliner division, Bentley Motors takes pride in offering personalization services that give the word' custom' a whole new meaning. Partnering with its extensive dealer network to cater to clientele around the globe, Bentley continues to produce exclusive series commissioned to commemorate special moments in time. The team at O'Gara Coach x Bentley Beverly Hills is proud to showcase the marque's bespoke opportunity through its all-new Bentley Film Noir Collection by Bentley Mulliner. The Film Noir Collection is inspired by stylized Hollywood cinema from the 1940s and 1950s, featuring three limited-edition 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Speed examples. Honoring the visual theme of old black-and-white movies, the lineup displays each Bentley Continental convertible in Black, White, and Grey exterior shades. While sleek and subtle appearances fly under the radar, every interior hints at the Film Noir Collection with rose gold cinema motifs embroidered in the headrests and commemorative laser-etching on front fascias. The lineup embodies the elegance and mystique of Hollywood's golden era, paying homage to movie legends like Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner. And with looks dialed in, Bentley supplies plenty of power to the Continental GTC Speed with a monstrous 6.6L twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Available exclusively through O'Gara Coach x Bentley Beverly Hills, check out the entire Bentley Film Noir Collection from Bentley Mulliner by scrolling below. View All O'Gara Coach x Bentley Beverly Hills Inventory 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Speed View Price And Listing 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Speed View Price And Listing 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Speed View Price And Listing Source: @ogaracoach/@bentleybeverlyhills Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 30, 2024

Bentley Expands Its Satin Paint Range To Include 15 Colors

Bentley broadens its spectrum of satin colors. In recent years, matte paint jobs have gained immense popularity in the automotive industry, especially in luxury and performance vehicles, where they contribute a sleek and understated look with their non-reflective quality. However, satin paint finishes have emerged, which feature a quality that sits between matte paint and gloss or metallic colors. For Bentley, satin paint colors feature some of the most excellent craftsmanship and beauty that Bentley’s paint spectrum has to offer, and the historic luxury manufacturer has recently announced the expansion of its satin paint range to offer 15 colors. For Bentley, known for its artisan craftsmanship, a satin paint finish requires 55 hours of work to achieve. The color starts as a gloss color, and then it’s sanded down by hand, then cleaned, masked, dusted, and cleaned again before clear lacquer is applied in two stages to achieve an uninterrupted and uniform satin finish. The undeniably beautiful result is a color that reflects light in a diffused manner, scattering the light across the finish to showcase the lines and shape of the car’s design. Through Bentley’s bespoke division Mulliner, which contributes to more new Bentley configurations than ever and expands its reach at a breakneck pace, the modern and elegant beauty of satin paintwork is one of the latest additions to Mulliner’s expansive portfolio of abilities. The full new list of available satin paint colors from Bentley includes some of Bentley’s most well-known and iconic colors: Anthracite Satin, Royal Ebony Satin, Storm Grey Satin, Light Sapphire Satin, Sequin Blue Satin, Topaz Blue Satin, Orange Flame Satin, Alpine Green Satin, British Racing Green Satin, Candy Red Satin, Cricket Ball Satin, Extreme Silver Satin, Light Grey Satin, Arctica Satin, and Old English White Satin. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2024

Bentley Motors Celebrates Goodwoof With A Bespoke Bentayg...

Discover Goodwoof 2024 at Goodwood Estate, featuring dog activities, luxury pet events, and charity fundraisers. This past weekend, Goodwoof presented by MARS Petcare brought together dog lovers worldwide to celebrate their furry friends at the scenic Goodwood Estate in the U.K. The automotive-inspired event, which took place on May 18 and 19, 2024, was a fuel-driven tribute to all things canine, set against the background of the stunning James Wyatt-designed Kennels. Dog owners enjoyed an array of activities designed to both entertain and inform. From the unique Fido's Lido, where dogs could cool off, to relaxing sessions in The Studio presented by Randox Health, offering sound bathing, reiki, and even Dog Yoga, there was something for everyone. The event also featured the innovative Barkitecture competition, showcasing clever kennel designs by architects worldwide. One of the weekend's highlights was the Breed Meets, where hundreds of dogs paraded around a track led by Bentley. Adding to the excitement, Bentley unveiled a photobooth created in collaboration with luxury pet outfitter Mungo & Maud. The rear of a Bentley Bentayga was transformed with stylish Mungo & Maud accessories, providing a perfect setting for over 6,000 adorable dog photos. Proceeds from the photo booth supported Jai Dog Rescue, Goodwoof's charity sponsor for 2024. Bentley also brought back the crowd-favorite Bentayga Sheepherding, where skilled dogs herded lambs, ewes, and rams, showcasing their agility and teamwork. Hundreds of four-legged friends collected their pawprints on the Breed Meets, guided by Bentley. Goodwoof 2024 was a memorable celebration, combining fun activities, luxurious experiences, and a strong sense of community, all for the love of dogs. View all Bentley Bentaygas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentley Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 10, 2024

New Bentley Edition 8 Models Send Off Bentley's V8 In Nor...

Bentley sends off another iconic engine in style. Recently, Bentley announced that its W12 engine, which served as its flagship powertrain for over 20 years, would be officially retired in 2024. However, the powerful new hybrid V8 powertrain that will be taking its place will also serve in place of Bentley’s non-hybrid V8 models, which have already been retired in Europe, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, but will be sent off with a new commemorative special edition in North America. Similar to the “Edition 12” that sent off the Bentley Bentayga Speed, Continental GT/GTC Speed, and Flying Spur Speed powered by the twin-turbocharged W12, the new Bentley Edition 8 suite of models, a new variant of the Flying Spur V8 and Continental GT/GTC V8, will serve as a commemorative sendoff for the non-hybrid V8 powertrain, which has powered over 53,000 Bentleys since its introduction in 2012. Exclusively available for the North American Market, the exclusive special edition will feature special cosmetic touches like 22-inch wheels, Blackline brightware, the stunning Bentley Rotating Display, colors from Mulliner’s Extended paint range, and unique Palm Fluting on the seats. With electrification rapidly transforming Bentley’s futuristic and ultra-luxurious lineup, the Edition 8 models serve as North American Bentley customers’ last chance to get their hands on some of the most beautifully-configured and exclusive non-hybrid V8-powered Bentleys yet, and the first deliveries of Bentley Edition 8 models are set to arrive very soon. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 08, 2024

Bentley Announces New Hybrid V8 Replacing The W12

Electrified performance represents Bentley’s new pinnacle. For over 20 years, the iconic W12 served as Bentley’s flagship engine, offering amazing performance, sound, and luxurious driving character for models like the Continental GT and GTC, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. With 105,000 W12 engines built over the past two decades, Bentley announced the official retirement of the powertrain last month, with the coachbuilt Bacalar and Batur being stunning examples of automotive excellence that sent it off beautifully. However, the successor to Bentley’s W12 has been announced, and its performance and innovation make it an exciting prospect. Pairing a V8 engine with a hybrid system, Bentley’s new pinnacle powertrain promises to be its “most dynamic, most responsive and most efficient system” in its century-long history. With 740 horsepower and the ability to drive 50 miles on electric power alone, the new performance-focused hybrid powertrain combines incredible performance with high-tech efficiency and innovation. As the W12 engine completes its retirement, Bentley fans can begin to anticipate a new, revitalized lineup of powerful, dynamic, and efficient performance-oriented Bentley ultra-luxury vehicles. Meanwhile, Bentley’s remaining W12 and non-hybrid V8-powered cars are still available at Bentley dealers, but they won’t last long. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 30, 2024

Bentley Breaks Ground On A New State-Of-The-Art Paint Shop

Bentley’s upcoming facility has a colorful purpose. As part of its long-term Beyond100 plan, Bentley not only set out to transform its lineup of vehicles with electrification but also focus on sustainability entirely as a manufacturer, with the goal of creating a carbon-neutral “Dream Factory,” and becoming the world’s most sustainable luxury car manufacturer. Towards that goal, Bentley has already made great progress and is now announcing that it’s broken ground for the construction of a new paint shop for its future electrified lineup of vehicles in its home of Crewe, England. The upcoming paint shop will be completed in 2025, and when it’s finished, it will boast an expanded ability to paint cars in over 100 different colors, which colored panels on the exterior design of the building indicate. In addition to the new paint shop, the new building will also feature four stories of offices that will house 370 Bentley employees. The new paint shop is part of Bentley’s investment of over $3 billion towards realizing its Beyond100 goals to become a state-of-the-art, futuristic, and sustainable manufacturer all-around. With the ultimate goal for Bentley to have end-to-end carbon-neutral status by 2030, the Beyond100 strategy is rapidly coming to fruition. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2024

Bentley Motors Set to Unveil An Exclusive Coachbuilt Mast...

Discover Bentley's latest hand-crafted coachbuild by Mulliner, limited to 16 examples and powered by the iconic W12. Even as an early pioneer in offering bespoke services as part of its manufacturing, Bentley Motors continues to take pride in coachbuilding and personalizing spectacular creations through its Mulliner division. Excited to venture on its next journey with an all-new model, Bentley and Mulliner are teasing the upcoming debut of its next ultra-exclusive coachbuild for May 7, 2024. Crafted by Mulliner, Bentley's renowned in-house bespoke division, this coachbuilt follows in the footsteps of the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. Following in the footsteps of the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe, this new Bentley promises to uphold Mulliner's legacy of individuality and craftsmanship. With production limited to just 16 pieces, these bespoke Bentleys will also be among the last to feature the iconic W12 engine, making them true collector-grade examples for true enthusiasts. Stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY as Bentley Motors gets set to unveil its next extraordinary coachbuild with Mulliner. View all Bentleys currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2024

Bentley Mulliner & Boodles Create New Jewelry-Inspired On...

Revered names in the jewelry and automotive worlds combine to create a luxury icon. For over a century, Bentley has been renowned for exemplifying the pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance, presenting innovative technologies, beautiful style, incredible attention to detail, and using the finest materials. Today, Bentley’s lineup consists of some of the most luxurious and futuristic vehicles on the road, and with electrification set to sweep through the brand’s portfolio, it’s only going to get more high-tech and innovative. Similar to Bentley, but in the jewelry world is Boodles, another British icon whose roots trace all the way back to 1798. Known for putting dazzling stones in stunning settings, Boodles creates pieces that mesmerize wearers and onlookers alike. Its fine and high jewelry are both known for representing luxury and incredible craftsmanship in the jewelry industry, just as Bentley does for the automotive world. Now, Boodles and Bentley have come together with the bespoke ability of Bentley’s Mulliner division and created a new one-of-one collaborative Continental GTC. The grand touring convertible features an elegant configuration pairing Porpoise Grey with a Linen interior, which is accented by Boodle’s signature Powder Pink. In addition, the center console features a “Be Boodles Bentley” pendant, featuring a diamond set in 18-karat white gold. The one-off bespoke embroidery features 278,566 stitches, taking 6 hours to complete. Meanwhile, the veneer pairs a piano finish with 200-million-year-old stone, which is painstakingly only a tenth of a millimeter thick. Other precious details include knurled air vents, dials, and bezels, 24-karat gold organ stops, and engraved treadplates, transforming the already-luxurious Bentley Continental GTC into a collector-grade bespoke masterpiece. With both Boodles and Mulliner having heritage that dates back to the 18th century, this stunning new one-of-one convertible is an ode to two historic icons in British luxury. View All Bentley Continental GTCs For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2024

Bentley Launches New Bentayga SUV Styling Packages Inspir...

As bespoke services continue to drive the luxury car market alongside industry leaders like Bentley Motors, inspiration for new and innovative design ideas often comes from places you wouldn't expect. Having taken a new sustainable approach with a fleet of efficient hybrids and an eco-friendly production facility, Bentley is honoring Mother Nature with the launch of all-new styling packages exclusive to the Bentayga SUV line. The initiative, dreamed up by Bentley’s Mulliner Design Team, introduces four stunning configurations that are nothing short of an homage to the great outdoors. And for those looking to take it a notch higher, there's the option to pair these head-turning interiors with equally striking Exterior Styling Packages. Magenta draws its inspiration from the color of purple peony flowers, symbolizing honor, luxury, and a touch of power. Glacier Blue mirrors the cool tones of an ice-blue dahlia, evoking peace and refined elegance. Azimuth Blue resembles the serene blue of hortensia flowers, bringing a calm and tranquil vibe. Lastly, Cherry Blossom pays homage to Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, representing a fresh start. The aesthetics come equipped alongside a bunch of tech upgrades and new features designed to make the Bentayga S even more of a joy to drive. From smarter seat comfort features and an air system that keeps tabs on air quality, to a driver instrument panel that paints a 3D picture of the road ahead, Bentley is pulling out all the stops for its customers. Plus, with an eye on sustainability, Bentley's rolling-out cabin carpets made entirely from recycled nylon. Bentley Europe's new "Curated by Mulliner" packages are giving the Bentayga a personal touch while giving a nod to the environment. View all Bentley Bentaygas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentley Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 20, 2024

Bentley Starts Production Of The Speed Six Continuation S...

Bentley revives its rich history with incredible craftsmanship. Through its Mulliner division, Bentley unlocks virtually limitless possibilities. Whether it’s special touches and details in cars, limited editions, coachbuilt models, or the painstaking recreation of historical models like the Speed Six, Mulliner elevates Bentley’s luxury, style and automotive excellence in general. However, the century-old manufacturer is on the cusp of opening a new chapter when it comes to the Speed Six Continuation Series, as the first customer car is now being built. It’s been 93 years since the last customer-spec Speed Six was built, and as Bentley celebrates its rich racing heritage after building 12 examples of the Blower Continuation Series, the “Car Zero” prototype of the Speed Six Continuation Series has completed a rigorous testing cycle, with 40 hours of engine testing, thousands of miles of test driving, and the verification of its 112-mph top speed, which the original car had. Today, the production of the first client example of the Speed Six Continuation series is underway, and while it’s being made at Mulliner’s state-of-the-art facilities, the car is being produced using techniques and tools that are accurate to the time in which the original was made. Parts throughout the car were painstakingly recreated to echo everything about the original, with period-correct materials, and even 3D models created using the original drawings to revive the legend. The Speed Six is integral to Bentley’s pedigree, with two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, and a win in which Bentley’s Chairman at the time, Woolf Barnato, raced the Blue Train from Cannes to Calais in France, and even took the Ferry to London, arriving to the Conservative Club on St. James’ Street four minutes before the Blue Train made it to Calais. With incredible stories and influence that has remained with Bentley to this day, the Speed Six is one of the most important cars the century-old manufacturer has ever made, and the Continuation Series is the greatest way to celebrate its legacy. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

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