With conspicuous consumption now by the wayside, Bentley is considering two new “entry-level” models that would slot beneath the Continental range. If given the go-ahead, the new models could enter production by 2014.
According to the latest reports from Crewe, Bentley is considering two smaller models – a two-door shooting brake and a more conventional four-door crossover. Codenamed NCB – for New Compact Bentley – both models would likely share a platform with the next-generation Audi A6/A7.
The varying models would give Bentley access to two niche markets. The shooting brake model would give Bentley a performance-minded model while still providing seating for four and moderate cargo hauling while the crossover would be more along the lines of a conventional SUV, offering a higher ride height and more people and cargo carrying ability. Those close to the program say the crossover could follow closely in the footsteps of the Audi Allroad.
To steer clear of the Continental, Bentley execs are favoring a V8 engine for the NCB project, according to Automobile Magazine. Based on Audi’s all-new 4.0L turbo V8, the eight-pot would displace 4.5L in Bentley guise, generating about 550 horsepower. A diesel version hasn’t been ruled out and a hybrid variant seems like a distinct possibility.
If given the production nod, expect to see the new Bentley models in showrooms sometime in 2014 with a price tag between $110,000 and $130,000.
11/24, 6:09 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
Yeah its called the left door and right door…..
11/24, 6:45 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
huh?
11/24, 6:58 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I’m surprised they aren’t sticking a Bentley interior into a VW Polo and chasing after the future Rolls Royce Mini
11/24, 7:03 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
Interesting developing story
11/24, 9:05 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
Why on Earth does Bentley need entry-level models? If you want a NEW Bentley, be prepared to spend $211,000 or more for a 6.75 Liter twin-turbo V8 luxury car.
OR buy an older model, such as an ‘89 Turbo R for significantly less and be prepared to pay upkeep and insurance costs on it.
A Bentley is exclusive because it is such an extravagant waste of money for a car that just happens to be unique on its own merit. Why cater downmarket where several other manufacturers are already playing? I do not expect the Porsche Panamera or the upcoming Aston Martin super sedan to be quite the same thing as a Bentley. Same would go for comparing a real Bentley with whatever Bugatti comes up with in a couple of years.
11/24, 9:07 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
stepping into a6 and a4 territory? continental is basically modified a8…so down hill from there is a6 and a4
11/24, 9:35 PM
posted by:
Borat
I thought that world is full of entry models Bently’s they are coming from Audi division of VW.
11/24, 10:39 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
They’re all starting to think they can get away with this kind of crap because Porsche somehow managed to.
11/24, 10:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
… and that would have nothing to do with ‘entry level’ but rather the image you first picture when you hear the brand.
11/24, 11:12 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Hyperion.. actually, you can get into a twin-turbo 6-liter W12 Continental starting around $175K.. which makes Bentley unique in that they seem to straddle the entire price point range between top-line M-B and BMW M models and the Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce models above them. Trying to move the marque downmarket to compete with lesser M-B, BMW, Audi and Jaguar models is silly in itself.. but planning to do it with 2-door shooting brakes and crossover wagons is insane!
11/25, 2:56 AM
posted by:
cocksterS
Not too sure about the 4-door crossover, but I think that a 2-door shooting brake seems to fit well with Bentley’s “country sportsman/sporting gentleman” pedigree.
Also, I don’t know if I’d really consider $130k “downmarket.” Aston seems to have fared okay, in terms of resistance to brand dilution, with the $120k V8 Vantage. In the end, I suppose it’s all in the execution. C’mon Bently, give us something with character…give us something cool.
11/25, 3:32 AM
posted by:
A4
Is the Panamera really setting the charts on fire THAT much? Knock it off.
11/25, 3:33 AM
posted by:
A4
p.s. karloveboy…
Interesting developing comment.
11/25, 3:53 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for the VW Group
This will thrash any opposition from Aston’s Lagonda concept crap.
VW. A European Invasion.
11/25, 4:39 AM
posted by:
Veda
This is getting crowded. So it’s the A8 then Panamera then this new “affordable” Bentley?
11/25, 6:23 AM
posted by:
scratchy
i don’t like what i’m reading. i guess there is a market for a luxury crossover , the countless Cayenne tuning jobs prove that. but a Bentley shooting brake ? i don’t have a good feeling about that.
11/25, 11:58 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
I’m just waiting for the 4-cylinder Porsche for $30,000.
11/25, 12:33 PM
posted by:
sctdiverdown
First – Lexus / Toyota builds the LFA which is WAY overpriced ……..now Bentley goes “downmarket”.
What’s the world coming to ??
Next you’ll have Aston involved in building a mini car ……..oh yeah that’s right ……oh God……..
11/25, 12:41 PM
posted by:
Krugeri
Did I just read ‘entry level’ and Bentley in the same story? No? I must have dreamed that.
11/25, 1:13 PM
posted by:
aesir
Lol… what a mess. And yes the Panamera really stirred it up. My Porsche dealer is all sold out for like a year.
11/25, 3:32 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Aren’t they only making Panamera for like 2 years? These “Supercar” Sedans won’t be around very long.
11/25, 3:51 PM
posted by:
aesir
VW is trying to kill the Panamera and Cayenne, but considering their sales success it will be interesting to see what they really do. I find it amusing that they criticize Porsche for expanding its lineup, but continue to push Audi in the Porsche direction. I’ll take the Porsche racing history any day over Audi spotty history.
11/25, 4:27 PM
posted by:
scratchy
@ RaineMan , that was just a stupid rumour , $$$ talks , VW isn’t stupid to kill something that sells.
11/26, 12:46 AM
posted by:
jzcarguy
haha well said sctdiverdown!