This week sees the Geneva Motor Show open up on Thursday (8th March) and go on until Sunday 18th (Mother’s Day – so don’t forget!) With 260 cars on show, some of the finest will be mixing with concepts that may not even have a chance of making it past this show, but which will be the stars that will shine brightest to the 700,000 visitors that are due there?

FERRARI

The Italian car maker will be showing off the fastest ever road car, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which was officially launched in February, but why let a little fact like that get in the way of a good rummage around its chassis and luxury?

A snip at £250,000 each

BUGATTI

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the Bugati Grand Sport Vitesse is No 1 in the FHM charts. More Italian craftsmanship, it looks fantastic and is “the most powerful roadster of all time”, with 1,200 horsepower emanating from the 16-cylinder engine boosted by four turbochargers and intercoolers.

An upgrade from the imperious £1.2million 16.4 Grand Sport, no news yet on how much this will set any buyer back, but whatever it is, it’s worth it..

JAGUAR

The new XF Sportbrake will be making its debut. It’s based on the XF platform  and powering it will be a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder form.

More of a practical whistle than an open-mouthed WOW!

VOLKSWAGEN

They’ll be unveiling he most powerful production Golf Cabriolet ever at the Show, with the expected classic GTI design and an electrically powered fabric roof which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds, even while travelling at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Personally, I can never resist a Cabriolet, so this is pretty damn exciting for me!

And then there are the versions of the new VW city car – the up! There’s the swiss up!, the winter up!, the x up! And the cargo up! Each have different uses, and colours, although VW is always there in design.

CITREON

They’ve been busy. Not only will the New Citroën C4 Aircross make its world debut alongside the newly restyled C1 and Berlingo Multispace, but there will also be a concept version of C3 Red Block

They’ll also be showing off the complete DS line, along with a new DS4 Racing concept and new special editions – DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous and DS3 Racing S. Loeb.

VOLVO

I know; not the most exciting reputation. But they’ll be revealing the all-new Volvo V40, a Premium Hatchback with Volvo features that is apparently “ready to overtake the opposition.”

Look out for the world’s first pedestrian airbag on this one too!

BENTLEY

A new version of Bentley’s flagship, the Mulsanne Mulliner is to be displayed in Geneva, with 21-inch wheels and various other refinements making it a ‘sporting’ version.

To quote Bentley: “It is a luxury car that makes the joy of driving its central focus. In an era of mass production, it stands at the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

LAND ROVER

Last year the Range Rover Evoque: this year the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept.

Building on the success of ‘the world’s first premium convertible SUV’, a fully retractable premium roof system with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS] has been added purely to gauge reaction and assess potential

FORD

Ford are looking at introducing a new range of people movers, starting with the dynamic new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept, with an 8-seat concept, low-CO2 ECOnetic Technology and SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system. Commercial vehicles to follow!

RINSPEED DOCK+GO

Basically a trailer that attached to the sides of small cars such as a SmartCar, it’s designed to be what the makers call a ‘backpack on wheels.’ Aimed towards compact electric cars that give very little boot space, among a number of designs in it is a dock that includes a heated box for pizza delivery boys and another for workmen that has an integrated toolbox.

Look at it as an add-on!

Obviously these are just some of the cars and concepts there, but it’s already looking like the aftershow parties from the Oscars!

Now, anyone got a spare ticket, and flight, and spending money…?

One does not have to be a car aficionado to know that vintage luxury vehicles can cost a fortune. Not simply because they difficult to come by, some cars have lush histories that make them the prized possessions to many. When one of these exquisite beauties does surface it certainly makes the front page, this time round making one Bentley Blower the talk of the town.

What made this vehicle unique was that it could hit 137 mph when it was first produced , quite a feat considering it was made in 1929.  The 4.5-litre car was raced in 1931 by legendary British driver Sir Henry ‘Tiger Tim’ Birkin, set a lap time that would not be broken for many years.

The car is actually one of the most historically famous vehicles owned by group known as the Bentley Boys. An organization of wealthy men who raced around England, the car took the life of the driver in 1933 while causing damage to itself.

Because of these various variables experts predict that this vehicle could potentially be worth a staggering £5 million. Certainly not pocket change, last vehicle to rival this model was in in 2007 when a 1904 Rolls-Royce sold for just under £4 million. Meticulously restored and ready to be driven, it looks like the asking price might actually met if not surpassed.

Reporters at the Daily Mail noted that there were only 54 models sold between 1929 and 1931. Most had 183 bhp engine, 4 speed manual gearboxes, and could reach 106 mph (until they were supercharged). This model however was not only fitted with a 240 bhp engine but also could speed from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds. Quite an impressive feat, car enthusiasts all around the world have fallen in love with this car.

The red Bentley is the prized possession of collector George Daniels. One of many rare vehicles own by the individual, it is set to be auctioned off in a few more months on June 29^th. This will allow car enthusiasts to begin saving their pennies to purchase this fantastic vehicle. While it may be likely that us normal folk won’t ever have the opportunity to see, let alone own, such a vehicle, it is still a rather interesting blast from the past.

Do you like speed? Ice? Exclusive luxury winter breaks which have the added benefit of putting your motoring skills to the ultimate test?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then listen up: Bentley’s gonna sort you out.

Idyllic, far-north of Finland is a place with no shortage of motoring credentials: Four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen there shattered two ice speed driving records.

And now you can have a go!

Bentley’s Power on Ice adventure gives you the chance to drive a 6.0 litre 567bhp (575PS) Continental GT coupe and a 621bhp (630PS) ultra high performance Continental Supersports coupe on one of the world’s most unusual and challenging test tracks.

“The circuits are crafted from snow and ice and are unlike any other track or road you have seen before,” says Peter Barnes a senior instructor with Bentley Driving.

“Power on Ice mixes the pure exhilaration of slaloming a Bentley supercar on a purpose-built course or taking a spin around a ‘figure of eight’ track, with the opportunity to acquire advanced techniques from a personal instructor, that will enable drivers to handle their cars with confidence even in the harshest weather conditions,” Peter admits.

Sound good? Or does it sound a little too “out there” for a holiday?

Well, threat not. After a hard day of driving on ice in Bentley’s supercars, you can indulge in some hard-earned luxury at the mountainside Ruka Peak hotel. How does fine dining in front of open saunas with added saunas, shopping trips and husky-driven nature excursions across frozen lakes sound? Yeah? Yeah.

But how much will it cost? Well, tellingly, such information’s not supplied in the press release. For that, you have to visit their website.

Make of that what you will.

Bentley Motors this week educated children on the skills and craftsmanship that go into creating some of the world’s finest motor cars.

Children from surrounding schools were invited to the Company’s Crewe headquarters to experience what goes on in making Bentleys.

The event formed part of a combined Government-industry initiative, ‘See Inside Manufacturing’, which aims to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers in manufacturing, especially within the automotive sector.

Business Secretary, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, said: “For too many young people the word manufacturing is a turn off. A worrying poll out last week found that only one out of ten children aged 11 to 14 thought that engineering was an important job and even ranked being a politician as a better choice of career!

“We are determined to shake up old fashioned views of manufacturing. Through the Government’s See Inside Manufacturing campaign and Bentley’s event at Crewe, we will give young people the chance to see the exciting face of modern manufacturing which is highly skilled, high tech and highly paid.”

Five ‘Have a Go’ areas were created where children were able to try activities such as stitching a steering wheel, assembling a Bentley V8 engine rocker shaft, CAD drawing and clay modelling an alloy wheel in the same fashion as Bentley’s own design team.

The pupils and their teachers were then given a tour of the facilities where they were able to see for themselves how cars such as the new Continental GT and the unique Mulsanne are created.

The children were also able to see how technology has evolved in the automotive sector by comparing the latest products from the luxury British marque with two heritage cars – including W. O. Bentley’s own 8 Litre.

Member of the Board for Personnel, Christine Gaskell, said: “The automotive sector is a fantastic industry in which to pursue a career. The diversity of job opportunities is incredible and the support available to young people considering this option is now significant.

“The UK is home to most of the world’s high luxury car manufacturers as the skill levels we demand are unmatched. We want to ensure those skills are passed on to a new generation and hope initiatives such as “See Inside” will help inspire the young people we will need”.

Few car manufactures can compare with Bentley. The car producer is at the top of its field, creating vehicles that are the envy of many car enthusiasts. The pedigree running through its cylinders has produced some of the most well known models on the planet, each better than the last. It seems that now, through a partnership with the British deign company Linley, the carmaker is looking to the past for inspiration, providing us a familiar form with a very modern punch.

Launching exclusively in China, Bentley is looking to revive the classic Continental Flying Spur. A vehicle with a history dating back to 1957, this new model will be limited to a 10 model run. Incorporated unprecedented luxury in terms of design as well as quality, it is heralded as a great feat of engineering.

This car will differ from the ‘regular’ Continentals primarily through the materials used within it. Already Linley is looking to include Santos rosewood veneers through the car, applying it to the consul as well as the fascia. The combination of the Linley helix motif within the car will provide it with a specialized inlay. Using four different types of veneer, culminating together to create a stunning pattern, it looks like Linley has certainly outdone itself.

David Linley, the chairman of Linley, has praised the partnership of the two great brands. Working mutually in a rather unique manner, the chairman stated that the result will be a exceptional car that reflects the passion of the two brands, ultimately combining top tier technology.

Since the car reflects as much the past as the present, Bentley wanted to embody luxury in this model. This is why the company went further by installing within the car some luxury items produced by Linley. The company has recently revealed that the car will come with a leather bag as well as a rather unique cashmere blanket to keep the driver nice and warm. Matching luggage will also be provided, adding the finishing touch to an altogether stupendous work of art.

The collaboration certainly looks like it will be staggering success. Both companies offer top of the line products, representing the best in their fields. While it is certainly a shame that we will not see these cars on our shores, perhaps Bentley will utilize this unique partnership to provide us with more models in the future. But for now, let us hope that whoever is lucky enough to own such a car takes good care of it.

There are few places in the world more luxurious than the inside of a Bentley. Every stitch and screw screams class, allowing you to drive in a car that’s practically perfect in every way. With several models to choose from, Bentley has recently revealed an updated version of a classic, calling it the Bentley GTC.

Announced ahead of its debut at the famous Frankfurt Motor Show, the Bentley is the second generation in the Continental GTC line. It is an improvisation on the theme of the GT coupe; a vehicle that has been the peak of modern vehicle design.

It is a very muscular vehicle, with long lines and a strong body that would make more than one man envious. Behind the hood lays a V12 powerhouse providing an incredibly 567 bhp. With 516 tlb/ft of torque, the car certainly isn’t slow either, speeding from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 195 mph.

With many companies developing vehicles for the oncoming green revolution, Bentley has not been known to provide the most environmentally friendly cars. Although not a great deal has changed, the company has taken some steps forward to ensure you’re not selling your right arm to pay for its thirsty tendencies. Due to new engine designs, the Bentley GTC has a FlexFuel system that allows for exchangeability between petrol and bioethanol E85. While its uncertain as to how many people will use it, and the current consumption still being quite high at 17.1 mph, it’s at least a step forward in the right direction.

Where the car shines at its brightest is in the technological department. The convertible roof is carefully crafted from multi-layered leather hides that flicks to life at a touch of a button. With over 15 different colors to choose from, you can customize nearly every feature in the car, including the carpets. Furthermore, the car comes armed with an ultra-light construction called Super Forming that allows for a very confortable ride.

All coming together for the low low price of £150,000, for many it is the ultimate dream car. From the 20-inch wheels to the various customizable features, the Bentley GTC will certainly be a contender in the luxury convertible market. With more information to be unveiled at Frankfurt in the oncoming weeks, this car will certainly be one of the, if not the, central cars to keep an eye on.

To mark one year of co-operation, Bentley Motors and Estede delightedly announced that orders for the initial collection of a limited series of solid gold sunglasses are exceeding expectations.

This first collection of Bentley Eyewear builds on Estede’s experience in manufacturing high-end eyewear, combined with the sophisticated design language for which Bentley is renowned around the world.

Sales are particularly high in the main markets of Hong Kong, China and Russia.

The initial styles are modern in shape but traditional at the same time and are available in either 18ct solid gold, silver palladium or platinum.

The characteristic Bentley “B” settled in hand-polished enamel coating, as well as carefully engraved surfaces, reflecting the quilted leather design, are some of the unique elements of this first collection.

For those who like exclusivity, all the frames and sunglasses are made to order, individually numbered and limited to 100 pieces per colour variation.

The Bentley Eyewear collection uses special sunglass lenses, which offer 100 per cent UV protection and reflect the latest in lens technology with state of the art lens coatings.

Christoph Rosenauer, whose father, Albrecht F. Rosenauer, founded Estede in 1991, said: “The eyewear has been received very well with more orders than we could expect. Currently our main markets are Hong Kong, China and Russia, but we will start by the end of this year to distribute the products also in Great Britain, the US and the Middle East.

“Our main attraction is the level of personalisation that we can offer. The customer can order the frames or sunglasses in the size needed, we can offer them in white, pink or yellow gold (or even platinum if requested). Also the case is made to order and can be in any hide colour that Bentley offers, since we use the same leather as Bentley.

“Due to this level of personalisation we only produce to order according to the customer’s specifications. We do not carry stock at present.”

The eyewear is sold through optical retail networks around the world.

Mosimann’s – the elite private dining club in London which likes to pretend that the last hundred years or so didn’t happen – has a Bentley Room. How long it’s had a Bentley Room, I don’t know. They’re very private about this sort of thing. However, they want you all to know that said room’s been updated with a new coat of Bentley detail.

The colour scheme of neutrals with accent details of racing green and purple silk has been described as “calming” and is said to “[evoke] a contemporaneous sense of the racing marque’s illustrious history as well as its contemporary design flair.”

Says Mark Mosimann, MD of Mosimann’s: “We are delighted that Bentley will have a new room at Mosimann’s; it is a relationship that has been established over nearly a decade and the synergy between the two Royal Warrant Holding organisations is based on achieving perfection in all the finest details.

“Bentley is at the heart of Mosimann’s and the room reflects what members enjoy about their private dining club in Belgravia. It is warm, cosseted and positively oozes with charm.”

He used the word “synergy” and I think he meant it. Fear this man.

The room can seat 14 with standing room for 28.

Would you like to dine within? Wouldn’t we all. But if it were that easy, the club would long since have been obliged to shorn its “private” tag.

Sorry. I think we’ll have to be content to just look at the pictures.

It does look nice, doesn’t it?

There’s a new James Bond book out. It’s called Carte Blanche and is written by Jeffrey Deaver (of The Bone Collector fame).

To celebrate its launch, copies of the book were delivered to St Pancras International in London yesterday by the Royal Marines Commandos in a stunning display involving abseiling, a fast car and a beautiful Bond girl on a motorbike.

This, you have to admit, is pretty neat. You never see new releases by Martin Amis delivered with such panache.

Best-selling American thriller writer Jeffery Deaver pulled up at Europe’s longest bar – The Champagne Bar at St Pancras International – in a special Carte Blanche red Bentley Continental GT flanked by a Bond girl clad in black leathers. He received a copy of his novel by air as four members of the Royal Marines Display Team descended from the roof of St Pancras International to the concourse below – each bearing a copy of the novel in lieu of a gun.

Would that all soldiers were to replace their weapons with guns. Imagine how peaceful the world would be.

The plot of the book remains a closely guarded secret, though it’s apparently shaken up the Bond universe a bit – recasting its iconic protagonist as a veteran of Afghanistan. It seems that each facet of this curious launch event bore some kind of relevance to the plot of the novel. The Bentley Continental GT is the car of choice for Deaver’s Bond. The day’s Bond girl, who drove a BSA 1966 Spitfire motorbike to the launch, is inspired by one of Bond’s love interests in Carte Blanche, whose passion for speed and fast engines rivals Bond’s own.

Sound interesting? Well. Carte Blanche will be published in hardback by Hodder & Stoughton on Thursday 26 May 2011, just ahead of Ian Fleming’s birthday on Saturday 28 May. Priced at £19.99, the book will be available nationwide.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur – most successful Bentley four-door Grand Tourer in history – will get a new range of ‘Series 51’ design options for 2012.

The new ‘Series 51’ options, first seen on the Bentley Continental GT and GTC, offers a wide range of bespoke colour and trim options for the new model, including a new John Blatchley-inspired duo-tone paint option.

The 2012 model will also boast a new state-of-the-art, 30GB touchscreen infotainment system now offered as standard on the Continental Flying Spur, Supersports Coupe and Convertible models.

Continental Flying Spur Series 51

From March 2011, Continental Flying Spur and Flying Spur Speed models will benefit from a range of 14 ‘Series 51’ design options.

The bespoke paint and trim options, which includes a selection of luxurious wood veneers and aluminium panels for the dashboard, as well as a series of new duo-tone paint options, have been created to offer customers the opportunity to tailor their Bentley to their individual taste.

A limited-edition Sapelli Pomelle veneer (a rare, naturally occurring quilted effect in the wood) has been reserved exclusively for Series 51 customers. A range of further options are also available including a Bentley’s leather trimmed child seat and scatter cushions for the rear seats.

Duo-Tone Paint Options

Complementing the ‘Series 51’ interior trim options is a range of striking John Blatchley-inspired duo-tone paint options, with one accent colour sweeping from the bonnet, over the roof and onto the bootlid, if specified.

The new paint range boasts cool, crisp hues to rich and fiery shades. Bentley has also created a unique Series 51 graphite-finished nine-spoke, 19-inch sports alloy wheel and  twin Series 51 wing badges behind the front wheel arches to complete the bespoke look.

Advanced Touchscreen Infotainment System

All 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Supersports Coupe and Convertible models will come equipped with a new, highly-advanced touchscreen infotainment system that provides rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.

An 8-inch screen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings as well as the latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data.

Continental Flying Spur and Supersports models will also benefit from telephone and music player connectivity, digital television (where available) and DVD movie playback. Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod as well as from a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car’s hard-disc drive, which can store up to 15GB of music.

The new 2012 Continental Flying Spur goes on sale from March 2011.

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