Auburn Hills, MI. – Fresh off the launch of two convertibles last year Bentley Motors heads into the model year changeover with two new coupés – the 2008 Continental GT Speed and 2009 Brooklands – as well as a number of feature and performance improvements across its six model range.
Highlights of the new or improved Bentley models include:
• All-new 2008 Continental GT Speed coupé, available from December 2007, launches as the most powerful production Bentley ever. The GT Speed is powered by a 600bhp 12-cylinder engine that develops 15 percent more torque and 9 percent more power than the standard Continental GT.
• All-new 2009 Brooklands coupé, the world’s most exclusive coupé, offering supercar performance from a luxury four-seater whose bodywork epitomizes classic British proportions. With lifetime production limited to just 550 cars and powered by Bentley’s most powerful V8 engine ever, Brooklands deliveries will start in the first half of 2008.
• Freshened 2008 Continental GT coupé sports enhanced front-end styling, a more efficient engine and transmission resulting in reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and a suspension retuned for improved ride and comfort. Several standard or optional feature changes join new exterior color and interior hide choices.
• An enhanced 2008 Continental Flying Spur sedan and 2008 Continental GTC convertible which include the availability of a new, optional 3-spoke sports steering wheel, revised electronic stability control with “sport mode” and improved Bluetooth telephone functionality offering enhanced voice dial features and compatibility with a wider selection of mobile phones.
Bentley worldwide sales in the first half of 2007 were up approximately 19 percent to more than 5,600 units. In North America, more than 2,300 Bentley’s were delivered to customers in the 2007 first half, up from 2,055 the year prior. This growth reflects the successful introduction of the Continental GTC onvertible plus the continued strong demand for the Continental GT coupé, Continental Flying Spur sedan and the company’s premium range of cars.
Turnover, at Euro 739 million, was 24 percent higher than the first half of 2006, and operating profit, at Euro 85 million, was also significantly higher than the first six months of the previous year.
With the benefit of a broader product range – augmented by the launches of the GT Speed and Brooklands coupés – the company’s focus moves to consolidating its achievements to date and developing a sustainable business for the long term, while maintaining the exclusivity of the Bentley marque.
Bentley Motors Pricing (Base MSRP)
Model USA
2008 Continental Flying Spur sedan $170,990
2008 Continental GT coupé $175,990
2008 Continental GTC convertible $193,990
2008 Continental GT Speed coupé $199,990
2008 Arnage R sedan $221,990
2008 Arnage T sedan $242,990
2008 Arnage RL sedan $263,990
2008 Azure convertible $330,990
2009 Brooklands coupé $340,990
*MSRP listings do not include the gas guzzler tax (where applicable) or the destination charge.
For more information, log on to www.bentleymotors.com
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