01 Mar 06
Bentley is celebrating 60 years of production at Crewe and is glitzing-up some special edition models accordingly.
The Continental GT Diamond Series coupe - 400 to be made - has the Mulliner Driving options pack and adds new 20", 14-spoke alloy wheels and carbon ceramic brakes. These brakes are new to Bentley and comprise 420mmx40mm cross-drilled front discs and 356mmx28mm rear discs; they are 23kg lighter than the standard GT's stoppers, claimed to be the largest in any production car anyway. The open-design wheels give a good view of those massive discs and black-painted eight-piston callipers, as well as keeping the brakes cool.
The Mulliner pack adds quilted-pattern leather seats and door trimmings, alloy brake and accelerator pedals, a leather/chrome gear lever and dark walnut or piano black wood trim. Diamond models are differentiated further by unique side tread plates and a Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap. Three unique colours are offered: bright blue, a grey-black and steel blue-grey, though buyers can choose from any others already offered in the GT range. The 552bhp twin-turbo W12 engine remains unchanged.
Similarly, the Arnage R luxury saloon receives an anniversary makeover; 60 Diamond Series models will be made, 30 of which will go to the US. These will come with diamond-quilted leather upholstery, diamond-quartered wood marquetry trim made from European oak and maple, and a front grille with stainless steel frame - which looks rather Volkswagen-Audi. They also gain 19" twin-spoke alloys, Union Jack badges on the front wings, the Mulliner fuel cap, a chromed rear number plate surround and the traditional Bentley 'Flying B' mascot badge, last used in the late 70s. A choice of seven 'Heritage' paint colours will be offered, recreated from historic Bentley finishes.
Bentley prides itself on offering an extensive bespoke-finishing service and says that there is a range of 27 different colours of leather for the upholstery; the team will also try to create any other colour requested, if the choice given is not satisfactory. Buyers can also choose materials such as ostrich leather, cavalry twill, silk, velvet - pretty well anything, as long as it's legal. Animal-rights activists will be unimpressed by the fact that it takes no fewer than 15 cowhides to upholster an Arnage. Diamond Series models are finished off with wood veneered steering wheel surrounds, embroidered head restraints, a '60 years' front console badge, etched tread-plates and mirrors.
The Arnage R's 400bhp engine is fitted, but the twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 (450bhp) is an option. Further options include chromed alloys and a chromed radiator shell; the latter is standard on the US-market cars.
Bentley hasn't yet confirmed UK pricing for these cars, but further announcements in Geneva include the availability of the Mulliner Driving options pack in the new Continental Flying Spur saloon. This comprises 20" seven-spoke sports alloys with 275/35 R20 tyres, drilled alloy pedals and footrest, a chrome/leather gear lever, diamond-quilted upholstery, embroidered Bentley logos on the head rests, indented leather headlining and dark burr walnut or piano black veneer trim.
Bentley is also making a few minor mods to the Flying Spur's standard spec for the 2007 model-year: it will gain DVD-based satellite navigation with postcode entry function in place of the current CD-based system, standard Bluetooth kit and the option of a rear-seat telephone. New 19" five-spoke alloys are fitted with optional chromed finish and a wider choice of paint colours, or the chance to create a unique shade. New options also include veneered picnic tables, contrast-colour stitching for the upholstery, the Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap and boot carpet to match the cabin carpets. Sales start at the end of this year but the order book is opening now.
