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.
