Tuesday, July 21, 2009

details on next Bentley Continental

The next generation of Bentley’s volume model due to arrive in 2011 year.

Styling is once again directed by Dirk van Braeckel. Switching from a Volkswagen Phaeton to an Audi A8 front axle allows for a shorter front overhang and results in a longer wheelbase for the coupe; the track is wider as well. The larger footprint yields a roomier rear seat and trunk.

A mix of aluminum spaceframe and conventional steel helps shave some 400 pounds, dropping the curb weight of the coupe to about 4800 pounds. The big W-12 engine returns in upgraded form, now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect 580 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque for the standard cars, 650 hp and 590 lb-ft for the Speed models. Later, a 4.2-liter turbo-diesel V-8 (375 hp, 590 lb-ft) could join the lineup, and a plug-in hybrid is also possible.

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