FUTURE PRODUCTS -- VOLKSWAGEN GROUP

Bentley plans a big crossover

The Mulsanne convertible concept awaits the go-ahead.
Thought Leadership

    Sponsored by
     »
     »
     »
     »
     »
Article Tools
Related Links
Related Stories
Related Topics
Future Product sections
Future Product tables

Bentley will enter the premium crossover segment in two years and perhaps add a sports car, using Volkswagen Group platforms and components. The British luxury brand also is likely to add a convertible based on its flagship Mulsanne sedan.

Continental: The Flying Spur sedan will be reskinned in 2013. Beginning in 2017, all three Continental models -- the GT coupe, GTC convertible and Flying Spur sedan -- will switch to a new VW Group platform that will be used for the next Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera.

Mulsanne: Bentley has released sketches of a convertible concept that would compete with the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. If approved, the convertible would likely go into production within two years, powered by a 512-hp V-8 engine.

Sports car: Bentley may build a four-seat sports car using VW Group architecture, engines and components. It could go on sale in 2015 or 2016.

Crossover: Bentley's crossover will go on sale in 2014, sharing the platform of the next generation Audi Q7 and a new Lamborghini crossover. It is expected to take styling cues from the EXP 9 F concept.

You can reach Diana T. Kurylko at dkurylko@crain.com. -- Follow Diana on Twitter


advertising
image Print   Send a letter Respond to Editor   Reprint Reprints        

COMMENTS

Have an opinion about this story?

Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print.

Or submit an online comment below

Readers are solely responsible for the content of the comments they post here. Comments are subject to the site's terms and conditions of use and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or approval of Automotive News. Readers whose comments violate the terms of use may have their comments removed or all of their content blocked from viewing by other users without notification.