Car Throttle

Last September, Bentley released the new Continental GT. The original car was launched in 2003, and it followed a typical eight-to-ten year life span for Bentley's products. The new model freshens the car and updates it with the latest technology. The original Continental is still stunning, and the new model car builds on that. One of the biggest changes in the works for the new Continental is the availability of a 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8. That engine is slated to be announced at the North American International Auto Show in January. It will serve as the new entry-level model for Bentley, which has traditionally only sold cars with 12-cylinders. A little over a year after releasing the coupe model, Bentley has opened the floodgates on the

Bentley's Continental lineup has been an undisputed success. Bentley's resurgence was predicated primarily on the increases in sales that these two models brought, as the Arnage carried over from the pre-Volkswagen days. The GT coupe is no doubt the star of the lineup, but the Flying Spur came along after in 2005 to provide something for those looking for a four-door version. The Continental lineup is now about to enter its second-generation, with the evolutionary 2012 Continental GT introduced in September of this year. The redesigned Flying Spur has yet to be introduced, but it is on its way. Like with the Continental GT and GTC, Series 51 models are being introduced as a sendoff to the outgoing model. The packages mainly focus on individuality, adding 14 different

While the Mercedes-Benz CLS doesn't compete in the ultra-luxury range of $100,000 and above, it has spurred similar entries both above and below. The Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera compete above it, while models like the Volkswagen Passat CC aim to copy it. The CLS is finally getting some direct competition in the form of Audi's A7 Sportback, and even more could is coming with BMW's approval of its Gran Coupe Concept for production. Lamborghini is said to be seriously considering the prospect with the Evoque and Bentley's next model is likely to be the 16C Galibier. But what about Bentley? It could be considering a four-door coupe model of its own. The company has a history with segment-blending models like the shooting brake two-door wagon. Thankfully, it

Bentley recently closed a very successful chapter in its history, and began a new one with the introduction of the second-generation Continental GT. The Continental GT, first introduced in 2002 at the Paris Auto Show, has helped to drastically increase the brand's sales over the past decade. Since its introduction, over 46,000 Continentals (nearly half being the GT coupe) have been built. It doesn't come cheap though - for 2010 the Continental GT carried a price of $182,800. As expected, the new model gets that price tag increased even further. Not by much though, with the new price for the Continental GT coming in at $189,900. That is just $7,100 more, or about 4 percent. That figure is pocket change for those buying the car. For that price,

Ever since 2003, the Continental GT has been one of our favorite cars period. The big, luxurious GT is the perfect blend of Bentley's British attributes. Ironically, this has all come under Volkswagen's German ownership. Rival BMW has also seen Rolls-Royce flourish. With Bentley sales significantly increased due to the Continental GT and Flying Spur models, they are the most important models in Bentley's lineup. We think the brand did a fantastic job with the new-generation car. It takes one of our favorite vehicles and makes it better. If you think so too, you can visualize your dream Continental GT with what Bentley calls the "visualiser." With it you can pick from 100 different Bentley colors on the exterior and a mix of different combinations inside, along with different wheel

Another day, another special edition model. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a place where high-end manufacturers are coming to introduce production vehicles, concepts and yes, special editions. Bentley is hard at work on the next-generation of its hot-selling Continental GT line. The GTC and GTC Speed now are getting an edition dubbed quite simply 80-11. There was a lot of thought placed into that name *sarcasm alert*. The designation refers to the amount of vehicles, 80, and the model year, 2011. Simple isn't it? It. The changes are few, and purely cosmetic. They include a new set of 20-inch, 14-spoke alloy diamond wheels, with black center caps. The look is quite striking when paired with the unique Midnight color scheme exclusive to the 80-11 models. Moving up to the

With Ferrari and Porsche working on hybrids, you know the latest green revolution has touched everyone. Rolls-Royce is even rumored to be working on an electric Phantom, but that car would be one entirely in keeping with the brand's values. Bentley (oddly enough, given in the name) made a step towards being greener with the Continental Supersports, the first flex-fuel capable Continental in the Bentley lineup. Well those that bought that particular model for its flex-fuel capability will find that it is being expanded to the entire lineup by June of this year. Offering the ability to be powered by fuels like ethanol means Bentley owners can choose renewable fuels if they so choose, without sacrificing performance or any other Bentley features. No brainer if you ask

Last month, we reported on a Bentley Shooting Brake coming to the Geneva Auto Show. The vehicle would be produced not by Bentley, but by Italian coachbuilding firm Carrozia Touring Superleggera. The full information and picture drop has taken place and boy, does it look good. It's a coachbuilt vehicle but you would never know it - everything looks top notch and from the factory, as expected from a coachbuilder of Carrozia Touring's caliber. The name is even close to an official product - Bentley Continental Flying Star. That is because it is built at the request of a customer on a Bentley Continental GTC  or GTC Speed with Bentley's full cooperation. The car can be serviced at the Bentley dealers and Bentley Motors and Touring Superleggera

There is a long British tradition of two-door, "shooting brake" wagons by the high-end luxury manufacturers. With Bentley experiencing a renaissance with the Continental GT, many speculated the company was poised to bring it back again. We've haven't heard anything yet about an official introduction, so what the company isn't delivering - the coachbuilding market (nice to have them back again!) is happy to provide. The company released the teaser image above, and it is looking - well, like we expected. Rumors swirled earlier about this car, but they are rumors - no more, Carrozia Touring Superleggera has confirmed a shooting brake introduction at the Geneva Motor Show. It is in the works for a limited production run of around 20 units, so it isn't just a