Geneva Motor Demonstrate: Fresh Bentley EXP ten Speed six concept previews two-seat sports car

by Jim Holder, Autocar UK Mar 04, two thousand fifteen

Bold Geneva motor showcase unveiling signals the Crewe-based manufacturer’s intent to take on the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren.

Bentley has signalled its intention to make a more focused two-seat sports car – and go head to head with the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren – with the unveiling of this two-seat concept at the Geneva Motor Display.

Called the EXP ten Speed 6, the concept is said to be experimental in its design. It has been exposed to gauge exactly what customers want from a Bentley sports car, as well as to get feedback on possible styling influences for all future models.

«It is one vision for Bentley`s future,» said company chairman Wolfgang Dürheimer. «It has the potential to be the pinnacle luxury two-seat sports car.»

Dürheimer said the sports car, due in the next three years, would be placed alongside the Continental GT, suggesting a embarking price of about £120,000/Rs 1.Legitimate crore.

«This is not just a fresh sports car concept but the potential Bentley sports car – a bold vision for a brand with a bold future,» he said. «It offers thrilling, driver-oriented spectacle, finish with trademark modern Bentley luxury and effortlessness.»

Albeit there is no official confirmation, the production car would most likely use the MSB pliable architecture of Bentley`s Volkswagen Group parent. The MSB architecture is designed for cars of all formats placed above the Audi range in the VW Group.

Bentley has exposed that the concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain but hasn`t given any details. Production versions are likely to be powered by a reconfigured version of the 500bhp Audi-sourced twin-turbo Four.0-litre V8 used in other Bentleys. However, higher-powered, different-engined versions would be likely to ensure that the car could match or eclipse the 200mph/320kph top speed of some of its saloon siblings. In Geneva, Bentley confirmed: «Spectacle goals, including top speed, are set to challenge competitors and define a fresh segment benchmark.»

Manufacturers are increasingly aware that fresh models that spread their core suggesting need to be grounded in history to appeal to buyers who want cars to have an authenticity about them. Rolls-Royce, for example, is highlighting its history in off-road adventures in the build-up to the launch of its 4×4.

Overall, the design of the EXP ten Speed six is influenced by the aerodynamic shapes of aircraft fuselage and wings, says Bentley. The brief front overhang, long bonnet, low grille and broad rear are designed to convey the car`s spectacle potential.

Notably, the EXP ten Speed six is also being used to test the reaction to themes that reassess many traditional Bentley elements. The styling includes a fresh interpretation of the classic Bentley front grille and headlight arrangement.

The concept also showcases fresh production technologies, such as 3D metal printing, apparent in areas such as the grille mesh, exhausts, door treats and side vents.

The front grille mesh, for example, is manufactured with varying insides for a more three-dimensional look than the current traditional mesh, which is made from a vapid plane of latticework. Likewise, the headlight glass is textured to imitate the look of the quilted leather inwards the car. In part, the concept is testing customer reaction to the idea of using machined parts as well as handcrafted ones.

Similar technics are showcased inwards the car, most strikingly on the wooden section on the doors. These feature a quilted pattern that is milled directly onto the cherry wood section, with each diamond form finished with a copper centre.

A 12.0-inch curved touchscreen also highlights a potential future integration of technology in Bentleys, as well as a proposed fresh dashboard layout.

Underlining that a Bentley sports car is still likely to have GT capabilities, there is space behind the seats for a bespoke four-piece luggage set.

Bentley`s Crewe facility has recently been upgraded and enlarged, and Dürheimer is said to be planning substantial growth at the rock-hard. He has previously talked about launching a saloon inbetween the Continental Flying Spur and Mulsanne, and there have been suggestions of a more compact SUV than the full-sized Bentayga, which is due to go on sale next year.

Bentley sold a little more than Ten,000 cars in 2013, and Dürheimer has indicated a desire to raise that to 20,000 sales per year by 2020.

Bold Geneva motor display unveiling signals the Crewe-based manufacturer’s intent to take on the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren

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