Car Throttle

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

Bentley's new baby, the refashioned Continental GT, was only just revealed online yesterday. While not revolutionary, the Continental GT gets a significant update and a new look. For the full lowdown, check out James' post on just exactly what has been changed. To give us a better taste of the new Continental, Bentley has released this new video of driving footage, showing some of the various design elements of the car coming to life. We like track footage, but hey we'll take what we can get - and it is Bentley, after all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdKBtHFZ7bo&feature=player_embedded#at=58

A new Bentley is a big deal, in case you haven't noticed. New models don't come around all that often. The Arnage soldiered on for years before being replaced by the Mulsanne, and the Continental GT was introduced in 2003. It has proved to be a spectacular success for Bentley's new owner Volkswagen, helping to increase the brand's sales throughout the decade. In addition, it has spawned the Flying Spur sedan as well. Bentley recently introduced a last run of special edition models in the form of the 80-11 series. Bentley teased a few details about the car recently, like the headlights. The update appears evolutionary, as expected, with small tweaks to the overall formula that should help continue the Continental GT's success in the new decade. The new

Bentley's resurgence started under Volkswagen's ownership when the Continental GT was introduced in 2003. Doesn't seem like that long ago, does it? 7 years later, the Continental GT is still a highly impressive vehicle. However, it is time for a redesign. Bentley recently introduced its flagship (don't call it Arnage replacement) Mulsanne and the Continental GT looks to adopt a similar approach. The headlight setup is pretty much the extent of what we are seeing right now from the "teasers" released by Bentley. What we can tell is that the formula is being tweaked with a bit. While the current Continental GT has two similarly sized units, the new model goes for an inset lamp that is clearly larger than the outside one. They also take on a

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

Next Bentley Arnage To Move Upscale; is that an oxymoron? Apparently not. Normally when you think of the ultimate, most expensive automobiles in the world, Bentley comes to mind. . Bentley represents some of the ultimate in motoring. Apparently, Volkswagen's management wants the brand be taken further up market to compete with BMW's Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz's Maybach.  Given that the Maybach experiment isn't going too well for Mercedes though, I'm not sure that is such a great target. Based in part on the Audi A8, the next-generation Arnage is set to grow bigger in every dimension.  Historically, Bentley has always been the sportier brand in comparison to Rolls-Royce. Free from that constraint, the brand can be taken wherever VW wants it to go. "Project Kimblerly", as it is codenamed, is set to be unveiled