As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the Motoring news which you may have missed starting with the Bentley Flying Spur now with V8 power
The Bentley Flying Spur – hailed as “the best luxury sedan in the world” – is now available with Bentley’s renowned and highly successful V8 powertrain, as an alternative to the iconic W12.
Research from the last ten years shows a significant shift in the usage of the Flying Spur from chauffeur-driven owners to customers driving themselves with passengers accompanying them. Global research (including two customer clinics in America and China) also demonstrated that over 40 per cent of customers travel with rear seat passengers at least once a week. This data has been used to develop the latest iteration of the new four door grand tourer, focusing on the driver experience whilst retaining a cabin space that combines exquisite luxury with integrated latest-generation technology.
The Flying Spur V8 offers a more driver-centric experience via increased agility and a more characterful engine note, whilst benefiting from increased range between fuel stops and a reduction in CO2 emissions.
At the heart of the vehicle is Bentley’s 4.0-litre, twin turbocharged V8 engine, that produces a peak power of 550PS (542bhp, 404kW) and uses twin-scroll turbos to reach its maximum torque of 770Nm at just under 2000 rpm.
To maximise fuel economy, the V8 can shut down four of its eight cylinders under light-load conditions, when torque demand is below 235 Nm and engine speed is below 3000 rpm. The change is imperceptible to the occupants – with deactivation times of around 20 milliseconds (a tenth of the time it takes to blink).
The Flying Spur V8 is 100 kg lighter than the W12 version, making the vehicle feel more agile and responsive with a distinctive personality of its own. The new model includes the latest powertrain and chassis advancements; Adaptive Air Suspension, Torque Vectoring by Brake, Drive Dynamics Control, and Electric Steering, all of which are standard features. Furthermore, customers can add Bentley’s pioneering 48V electric active anti-roll technology (Bentley Dynamic Ride), and Electronic All-Wheel Steering for even greater agility.
The new Flying Spur, available in both four-seat or five-seat configurations, incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment and technology tailored to the driver and passengers. The industry-first Bentley Rotating Display is also available on the new Flying Spur V8, including Apple CarPlay®, photorealistic landscapes through satellite maps and advance warning of changing road or traffic conditions via the local hazard information service.
0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds); top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h)
Rolls-Royce Cullinan takes on the desert
Luxury conveyance is no longer confined to an urban environment. As Rolls-Royce clients the world-over seek to conquer the most challenging terrains and enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, they wish to pursue this unbounded access in ultimate luxury.
Enter Rolls-Royce Cullinan, taking the marque’s patrons to the edge of adventure in uncompromised luxury.
Cullinan is Rolls-Royce as it’s never been seen before. Effortless, everywhere, Cullinan takes the world in its stride and takes visionaries and explorers on the epic adventures they dare to undertake. Now, adventure awaits as “the Rolls-Royce of SUVs” embarks on an expedition completely off the beaten track and into the beauty and mystery of the Arabian desert.
A local patron of luxury took his Sapphire Black Cullinan and brought supreme liberty to life as he took the world-famous Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ off-road and onto the graceful and imposing dunes. Discovering new horizons on the golden sands, the outcrops and the steep sandy cliffs, Cullinan became a force of nature, and lead by the Spirit of Ecstasy, surfed over high and low terrains with absolute authority. Undulating smoothly and quietly, Cullinan floats across this unforgiving landscape, making the journey seamless and magical.
Iconic pair of restomod Muscle cars head to auction
Not one, but two impeccable and iconic American restomod muscle cars are being offered at auction with the original online classic car auctioneer, The Market, giving petrolheads a rare opportunity to acquire possibly two of the most stunning and powerful examples of classic Americana available today.
Bidding will start on a 1970 Ford Mustang SVT Terminator Cobra on 2nd November and start on a 1974 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, on 3rd November with both auctions closing a week later. The cars are estimated to fetch around £90,000 – £120,000 and £85,000 – £100,000 respectively.
First Images of the interior of the first ever hyper-limousine
The first Aznom Palladium is almost ready for its debut happening very soon during an exclusive event in Milan. Later the car will become one of the main protagonists of the Milano-Monza Open Air Motor Show.
The first ever “hyper-limousine” (as it is by now known by people in the business) manufactured by Aznom Automotive based in Monza, has recently completed a second round of tests in northern Italy and is now receiving the finishing touches in its interior.
Designed and crafted with attention to the tiniest of details, the interior of Palladium has its own story to tell and will certainly amaze the crowds.
For example (see attached renderings) the rear area is much more than simply “spacious” and is equipped with an ultra-comfortable reclining seat, refrigerated compartments and hidden drawers. The high value of the design is immediately recognizable and the quality of the material used is extremely refined.
Everything is manufactured and assembled with extreme care and precision, elevating the inside of Palladium to a superior standard compared to similar vehicles currently in production.
In addition, every choice on the materials and details will be discussed with the client in order to provide almost unlimited customizations thanks to the best suppliers and the most talented craftsmen Italy has to offer.
The wait is almost over … and Aznom Palladium is ready to impress.
Bentley limited edition Barnato by Graf Von Faber-Castell
The “Blue Train Race” is woven into the exciting fabric of Bentley’s history and ‘Bentley Boy’ Woolf Barnato endures as the icon of this tale. 90 years on, Bentley’s partner, Graf von Faber-Castell has created a truly unique set of writing instruments in tribute to this race and to Barnato himself. Not only does their design reflect the decades of performance and elegance that succeed him, but his handwritten signature imprinted on the cap ensures his authentic presence endures.
Bentley and Graf von Faber-Castell have been in partnership since 2018 sharing a passion for unrivalled craftsmanship and unmistakeable design. The spirit of Bentley legend Woolf Barnato lives on through the latest collaboration between the two brands, with writing instruments that combine modern luxury with extraordinary timelessness.
Each exquisite pen within the new series features a lacquered metal barrel in the characteristic dark ‘racing’ green that is often associated with Barnato. The barrel is carefully hand-guilloched in the signature diamond pattern that forms a strong part of Bentley’s own design language. The chrome-plated front and end section of the pen also gleams in a dark green glaze. The cap is adorned with the iconic Bentley B, Bentley-style knurling and Woolf Barnato’s original, handwritten signature as a reminder of the extraordinary spirit that lives on at Bentley today.
Just 1,930 pieces have been made by Graf von Faber-Castell and Bentley to honour the year of the famous “Blue Train” Race in 1930, and the edition number is engraved on the threaded ring of each pen.
One of the original Bentley Boys, Woolf Barnato was a three-time Le Mans winner, and also Managing Director of Bentley Motors from 1926-1931; he lived a life of glamour, speed and adventure. He often proudly told the story of the “Blue Train Race”, in which he made a bet that he could reach London from Cannes in his Bentley Speed Six before the Le Train Bleu made it from Cannes to Calais. Of course, Barnato seemingly effortlessly beat the train with just minutes to spare.
Few cars embody the glamour, speed and power of the pre-war Bentley era better than the ‘Blue Train’ Bentley Speed Six. It is said that Barnato made the race bet with a friend while at a dinner party on board a yacht near Cannes. The Blue Train itself, officially the Calais-Mediterranée Express, was the luxurious express night train, that famously whisked the rich and famous from Calais to the French Riviera in luxury and style. Barnato’s claim that he could beat it with his Bentley was bold and audacious, but the bet paid off and he succeeded in style.
This legendary tale and Barnato’s confident spirit were the inspiration behind Graf von Faber-Castell’s latest collection of limited edition pens for Bentley. Created from the finest materials and assembled by master craftsmen, these writing instruments are built for performance on paper and the designs ooze sumptuous elegance.
This series features three options; the Fountain pen with a high-quality stainless steel nib, available in widths M, F, EF and B and with a cartridge converter system; the Rollerball pen with precision point that glides smoothly over the paper; and the Ballpoint pen equipped with a large capacity refill in standard size.
Graf von Faber-Castell for Bentley writing instruments are available to order online via shop.BentleyMotors.com and via Graf von Faber-Castell stockists. The range is available to pre-order now for delivery in early November 2020.
Limited Edition Barnato Fountain Pen, £530
VW reintroduces popular California 6.1 Beach model
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is reintroducing the Beach model to the California 6.1 range, following increased interest in campervans as more people holiday in the UK. The California 6.1 Beach will feature two variants, Camper and Tour, with prices starting from £52,062.*
By extending the California 6.1 range to include two new versions, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles aims to make the California line-up more accessible for larger families and to those who need a more flexible MPV to accommodate their hobbies or occasional rest stops.
The California van has been the campervan of choice for many and provides the ideal companion to explore some of the UK’s most popular destinations as more people opt for staycations instead of travelling abroad. The addition of the Beach to the line-up makes the range more comprehensive allowing customers to tailor the campervan to suit their needs.
The Camper and Tour models will go on sale in late October with deliveries expected by March 2021. Both feature a manual pop-up hydraulic roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio with App Connect and a camping table with two folding chairs. Both models will be offered with the 2.0 TDI 150PS seven-speed engine and direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
The California Beach 6.1 Tour features five seats as standard, with an option to increase to six or seven making this the only factory-produced camper on the market flexible enough to seat this many people. It also features sliding doors on both passenger and driver’s sides to ease entry and exit. Prices start from £52,062*.
The California Beach 6.1 Camper features four seats as standard with an option to increase to five, as well as a pull-out mini kitchen that includes a single gas hob and pull-out awning. Prices start from £52,302*.
UK winner revealed in worldwide Rolls-Royce young designer competition
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have announced the UK winner in its Young Designer Competition, which invited children around the world to design their dream Rolls-Royce of the future.
The UK winner is the Rolls-Royce Bumblebee 5000, designed by 11-year-old Sofia. As she explained in her entry, “The Bumblebee 5000 is the very best way to travel in and to have parties in with your family and friends. Moving smoothly, it will take you wherever you want to go with style and having fun. With comfortable tables and chairs, a disco ball, the best surround sound system, WIFI, GPS, driverless, a hook for luggage and much more, it makes it the best option in the automobile market. It changes colour depending on the occasion or season of your choice.” And with a confidence and certainty that Rolls-Royce can certainly relate to, she concludes: “You will never see something like it.”
Sofia’s design has been transformed into a beautiful digitally-rendered illustration by the Rolls‑Royce Design Team, using the same software and processes as they would in a ‘real’ Rolls-Royce design project. She will also enjoy a chauffeur-driven journey with her best friend in a Rolls-Royce to school.
