Continuing its lead up to its August debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California, Bentley has released a fifth teaser video of the forthcoming Grand. The Grand will replace the Arnage as Bentley’s flagship model.
Judging from the looks of this camouflaged prototype, the team at Crewe seems to have deviated very little from the Arnage design formula. Reports suggest that the new car will be longer than the current model. More legroom should then be expected at the back where presumably most Arnage buyers spend their time. Redesigned parts also include the front bumper, rear end and tailpipes.
The Arnage has always been known for a large engine, and the Grand is expected to uphold that tradition. Called Project Kimberley internally, the new car will use the next generation of Bentley’s petrol-fueled 6.75-liter V8 engine, which will produce over 550 horsepower and up to 800 ft-lb of torque. Thanks to its Audi A8 roots, the Grand will employ an all-wheel drive system, with the run from 0-60 expected to take less than 5 seconds. The Grand will also have an impressive top speed of nearly 200 mph. Eventually, the company may also release diesel and hybrid models of the vehicle.
Bentley is not planning to release a long-wheelbase version of the new car, which will likely surprise many potential customers. By doing this, the company would be able to save money on the Grand Bentley, while speeding up the production process.
Designed to move upmarket to compete better with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Maybach, the new Bentley will possess far more luxuries than its already opulent predecessor and, in Bentley’s words, will capture “the 1920s ‘grand touring’ spirit of the Bentley Boys.” Some of that 1920s feel will also spill into the car’s exterior design, with throw-back round headlights a sure bet. The automaker says the new car is “pure Bentley” and will feature a new level of craftsmanship and innovation.
Although our latest spy shot of the Grand clearly show a four-door sedan, Bentley’s fifth teaser video highlights a two-door model. The Arnage was offered as a two-door coupe (Brooklands) as well as a four-door sedan, so its quite possible the Grand will also be available in two-door guise.
After its formal introduction later this summer, expect the new model to go on sale late in 2009 as a 2010 model, with a price tag of about $350,000.
07/21, 3:09 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Ewwww Ahhhhh BM! is all I can say! I wish I could do this in the back seat and leave it as a Grand Prize for the snob that drive a Bentley Grand!
07/21, 3:11 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
That’s one giant ass this thing’s got.
07/21, 3:21 PM
posted by:
Mustang Man2
I am buying a new car, but I am using the Cash for Clunkers program. Check out this guys write up about what he is doing to get some freakin sweet deals. It is at http://www.slickbudget.com/cash4clunkers.html. It really opens your eyes to getting a new car. Interesting read to say the least.
07/21, 3:36 PM
posted by:
atoms
ah yes the bentley grand, the fastest ship in the british navy
07/21, 4:56 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
Woah, yeah, chunky, Hopefully its just the camouflage to throw us off….*cough* BUT I DON’T THINK SO *cough*
07/21, 7:50 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
I hate to break it to you LLN, but that shot of a coupe, the one you have at this article’s thumbnail, is none other than the Bentley Brooklands, not a coupe version of the “Grand”.
07/22, 11:52 AM
posted by:
cocksterS
This whole effort seems a bit too reactionary to Rolls. I fear that Bentley may just wind up with a “second best” Phantom.
07/22, 9:40 PM
posted by:
westside907
SAME SHYT. how it guna compete wit rolls royce. i wana c how much the new phantom kicks this bentleys ASS.