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Report: Bentley Working On Shooting Brake And Crossover Models

 
4 3,187 views Nov 24, 2009
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It’s hard to believe that just a couple of years ago Bentley was worried about too many sales diluting its brand image, with sales numbers edging past the 10,000 mark. Fast forward to today and Bentley will be lucky to reach anything above the 6,000 mark.


This has got Bentley managers to think outside the box. One option would be to expand the lineup with new models and the latest reports indicate that a new shooting brake and a crossover could be in the works.

Importantly, the new models would be entry-level to the Bentley brand, somewhere around the $110,000 to $130,000 bracket. They would also weigh less than 5,000 pounds and feature V-8 powertrains.

The shooting brake is essentially a two-door hatchback with seating for four and a very sporty profile. This will be joined by five-seat crossover model designed along the lines of the Audi Allroad.

The likely engine option will be a 4.5-liter V-8 tuned for torque. A plug-in hybrid is a potential future option, too.

Codenamed New Compact Bentley (NCB), the project is closely related to sister brand Audi and its development of the aluminum-intensive Audi A6 and A7. Production of the new Bentleys are expected to start in 2014 and up to 7,500 units could be produced annually.

[Automobile]





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Comments (4)

  1. xmas gifts Posted: 11/24/2009 7:00pm PST

    I personally think the Continental line is almost too downmarket for Bentley. Having had a Turbo R in the garage growing up I guess I would say such a thing. Bentley is supposed to be a niche of a niche, people who want a Rolls Royce but like spirited driving as well. Maybe the world isn't fit for people that believe the OHV 6 3/4 litre V8 is the only motor that should be in a Bentley.
     
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  2. Matt Posted: 11/24/2009 10:14pm PST

    I think old Bentley was based Rolls Royce was best sports I like Bentley Brookland and Armage are great only RWD layout strictly like classic. people dont feel Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur based of Audi A8 is nothing model like Buick Park Avenue but I want you will make new redesign model based Porsche Panamera have good craft leather, wood, stainless steel and realism craft will rival to Rolls Royce Ghost why they will more fans more than currently Bentley Continental.
     
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  3. Andrew Posted: 11/24/2009 11:23pm PST

    I agree in part with with xmas gifts is saying, but I think that the market simply won't let a company like that exist. I know there's all the small sports car companies, but they're not under the umbrella of the worlds biggest automaker, who intends to do nothing but make money.
    Personally, I'd love to see what Bentley could come up with to compete with the Aston Martin iQ clone (even though they'll only available to AM owners), maybe something based on the Golf platform...
     
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  4. bepsf Posted: 11/27/2009 11:00am PST

    Bentley Shooting Brake - Sounds interesting, and if it were based on the Conti GT AWD platform, it would be perfectly approriate (like an really big/fast/luxurious/updated Volvo ES1800)
    But a Bentley Crossover? No thanks!
     
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