Bentley returns to Finland for ‘Power On Ice’ 2013

With an all-wheel-drive system that offers reassuring driveability in all conditions, the Bentley Continental GT is the perfect Grand Tourer to take on the challenge posed by driving in snow and icy conditions, particularly as the northern hemisphere winter sets in.  To push the car’s cold climate capabilities further, February 2013 sees the return of the Bentley Power on Ice programme, offering existing owners, enthusiasts and aspiring drivers the chance to explore the extreme limits of the Continental GT on the frozen lakes of northern Finland.

While the Continental GT is a relaxing and exceptionally capable Grand Tourer regardless of the driving surface, the participants will be led by a team of expert instructors who will help the guests explore a range of driving techniques. Leading the line-up is Finnish rally star, four-time World Rally champion and modern-day Bentley Boy Juha Kankkunen. Kankkunen is already an expert at driving Bentleys on ice; in February 2011 he broke his own Ice Speed Record, piloting a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible to 205 mph (330 km/h) on the frozen Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland. A national hero in his native Finland, Kankkunen comments:

“The opportunity to once again drive the Continental GT around our famous ice tracks is one I can’t resist. The huge power combined with all-wheel-drive and the new eight-speed gearbox makes the GT the perfect car for such exciting and engaging driving. Our customers are always amazed that their cars are so rewarding to drive at the limit of grip, and it’s my pleasure to teach them how to do it!”

After flying to the town of Kuusamo on a private charter, guests are driven to the exclusive ski resort of Ruka, just 60 km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, arriving at the luxury Chalet Ruka Peak boutique hotel. The two-day programme focuses on driving both the V8 and W12 versions of the legendary all-wheel-drive Continental GT on the smooth ice of the local lakes, on tracks specially prepared by Bentley’s winter driving team.

As well as the exhilarating driving opportunities, guests have the chance to enjoy a range of Nordic activities. Snowmobiling, a night-time husky sled safari, traditional Finnish smoke saunas and dinner at an historic reindeer farm complete the programme and provide perfect opportunities for relaxation following the thrilling driving sessions on the ice.

Bentley's Power on Ice programme runs from 7th-28th February 2013, with places starting at Euros 9,990 per driver.  More details are available through the worldwide Bentley dealer network or at http://www.bentleydriving.com/index.php/poweronice.

Source: Bentley Media

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Bentley EXP 9 F luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show

What could be more, is a pointless question when a car maker who has touched the pinnacle of luxury, shows the world how to re-name the term LUXURY by unveiling their new performance SUV design concept Bentley EXP 9 F.

The Luxury SUV is said to be a potential third Bentley model-line alongside Mulsanne and Continental ranges. Interpreting bold design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance which makes way for a new kind luxury Sport Utility Vehicle from Bentley.

“We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations.” Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

Design

The Bentley EXP 9 F follows key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F allowing the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior looks bold, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power making it a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The ‘hewn from solid’ design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The rear lights of the Bentley EXP 9 F are uniquely designed by the details of fighter jet engines, which glow from within, spreading their light outwards.

Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains: “EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley’s sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition.”

Interior

The interior comes with best of Bentley’s craftsmanship, used is traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury.

“Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes – technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance – and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology. The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley’s craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way” as Dirk van Braeckel explains.

Power and Performance

The engine of the EXP 9 F concept is built around the 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of the pinnacle luxury SUV.

The W12 6.0 litre powertrain, could develop 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with key performance indicators like the top speed and 0-60mph sprint time all setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector. 

Future

Bentley EXP 9 F acts as a potential to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be – literally – new terrain for the brand. The company’s experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.

The car is launched at the Geneva 2012, Bentley would listen and understand the reaction of customers and potential customers prior to making any definitive commitment to production.

“A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn’t necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon – it could equally well be an SUV. What’s important is that it should be true to Bentley’s brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers.”– Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.

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