Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Flying Spur]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-bentley-flying-spur/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-bentley-flying-spur/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2014-bentley-flying-spur/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Redefining Super Luxury On A Shrinking Planet

2014 Bentley Flying Spur - front three-quarter view

Anyone on Earth with access to the Internet, a television or radio for the last 20 years knows that China is no longer the poor stronghold for strict Communist ideals that it was for much of the 20th Century. (Well, at least not in some places.) Traveling to China twice in less than a month - first to Shanghai for a very international auto show and now to drive and review the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur - I've learned that there's no lack of personal wealth, at least in two of the world's largest cities.

And yet, even I think the scene before me is a little bit ridiculous. Here I am, slowly climbing up a hillside to reach a fortification at something called Zhuanduo Pass, where roughly a dozen pristine examples of Western decadence sit idling their hand-built 12-cylinder engines in the shadow of China's revered and awesome Great Wall. Not five kilometers south of here, I'd passed an old man in traditional all-black garb, literally carrying a bundle of sticks on his back from one side of a village to the other. Now as I look through the snug-fitting and silent side glass of the my $200,000+ palace on wheels, I'm more apt to see fat German tourists crisping in the hot Chinese sun while blowing the equivalent of an average Chinese monthly paycheck on lunch and a few Great Wall souvenirs.

Of course, it's nothing like the average Chinese person that Bentley is targeting with this new Flying Spur. There is a rapidly ballooning class of rich and super rich in the People's Republic these days; China can now lay claim to around 100 billionaires (in US dollars), as well as some 60,000+ individuals worth more than US$16 million and, famously, now more than 1 million millionaires. Considering that Bentley had a booming year in 2012 by selling 8,510 vehicles, the importance of what is quickly becoming the world's biggest luxury car market is easy to see.

And that's why, despite the cost of hauling me from Ann Arbor to Beijing and back, and despite the cognitive dissonance of driving a $200+ car through villages whose buildings are probably worth less in total, Bentley jumped through a whole lot of hoops to pull off what it says is the first-ever global vehicle launch in China. I've got to tell you, if this is what being a trailblazer feels like, I could get used to it.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley flying spurbentleybentley chinabentley continental flying spurbentley flying spurfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20578080/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/2014-bentley-flying-spur/20578080/article-detail.xml 20578080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bentley-flying-spur-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bentley-flying-spur-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



While many of us may never have the chance, or be willing to part with the hundreds of thousands of dollars required to own our own supercar, the experience of driving a supercar for the first time is incredibly memorable, and there is no surprise that it is something that is on the bucket list of millions of car enthusiasts around the globe. Fortunately, more and more boutique rental companies have been springing up to provide that first (and possibly repeat) experience.

The process for supercar rental isn't as complex as one may think, however it's a bit more of a process than booking your average budget rental car. Pricing can range from roughly $800 to $2,500 per day, so you're best to map out as much of your driving as you can. There are now supercar rental companies in many major cities, but the last thing you want to do is waste valuable hours on bad city traffic so we strongly recommend picking a destination for your drive.

Lou La Vie out of Miami will drop your rental to your requested destination, while other companies like Exotics Racing in Las Vegas have direct access to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and offer rental packages as brief as $249 for 5 laps in a Mercedes-Benz SLS. If you're wanting to go further afield, there are a few companies that will offer up rentals to challenge the dreaded Nurburgring if you are able to get there before it closes. If you desire a warmer climate, Ascari Race Resort offers driving experience days on their private track in Malaga, Spain with full instruction.

Whether you go local or abroad, one thing is certain you will never forget or regret your first experience in a supercar. The only advice we can offer is to be prepared to have any concept of speed you previously had to be shattered.

Click past the jump for a quick look at the supercar rental experience from Lou La Vie in Miami. A video on the Nurburgring follows.

Gallery: Vancouver Luxury Supercar Weekend 2012


Continue reading Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals

Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AscariAscari Race Resortexotic car rentalexotic car rentalsExotics Racinglou la vieNurburgringnurburgring rental carssupercar rental Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562991/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/rock-star-for-a-day-the-ins-and-outs-of-supercar-rentals/20562991/article-detail.xml 20562991 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/llv-2-of-13-1368546730_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/llv-2-of-13-1368546730.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Bentley Continental Le Mans Special Edition

Bentley is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two special edition models. Both the Mulsanne and Continental lines can now be fitted with six new specification packages to mark the event, each named after a famous racer from the automaker's past. Each package combines one select exterior colour with with special interior combinations that pay homage to the gents who took the company's cars to victory in France.

John Duff, Dudley Benjafield, Woolf Barnato, Tim Birkin, Glen Kidston and Guy Smith all get their own namesake packages. You can see the full run down in the press release below. So far, there's no indication as to exactly how much each pack will cost, but we have a hard time imagining a dollar figure scaring off any potential Bentley buyers.

Hit the jump for the full photo gallery.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne: Review

Continue reading Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions

Bentley Continental, Mulsanne get Le Mans limited editions originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mansbentleybentley continental gtbentley le mans special editionsbentley mulsannele mans Fri, 10 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564547/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/bentley-le-mans-limited-edition-models/20564547/article-detail.xml 20564547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bentley-continental-le-mans-special-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Ever wish the dream garage of epic cars you've collected in GranTurismo or Forza video games could come to life? Well, this undisclosed money banking millionaire seems to have made that happen by building quite possibly the most incredible car collection we've ever had the pleasure of drooling over!

While there could be some larger ones out there in size, the impeccable combination of supercars, exotics, race cars and rare rides shown in this video will simply blow your mind and make you insanely jealous at the same time.

Although the exact location of the private car collection remains unknown, having dozens of every desirable Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin under the sun parked in your driveway is bound to get noticed. Sources say the vehicles are housed in the Northeastern United States within a property that's described as a museum-like setting complete with a Ferrari F1 car driven by racing legend Michael Schumacher.

The number of outrageous vehicles in this priceless collection are simply too long to list, but some of our personal favourites include a Ferrari FXX Evo, Bugatti Veyron, Saleen S7, Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato Coupe and Roadster, handfuls of AMG Mercedes-Benz cars and packs of retired race cars.

You've waited long enough, it's time to click here and see this impressive collection of cars for yourself in the video below.

Gallery: Toronto Auto Show 2013 - Auto Exotica

Continue reading Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA

Intense supercar collection with exotics and racecars is largest in USA originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AMGaston martinbugatti veyroncar collectioncar collectorclassic car collectionexoticferrari collectionferrari fxx evoluzionehuge car collectionporsche collectionpricelessrace carrace car collectionrare carsupercarsupercar collectionsupercars Fri, 10 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564318/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/intense-supercar-collection-with-exotics-and-racecars-is-largest/20564318/article-detail.xml 20564318 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/garage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/garage.jpg <![CDATA[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In what must have looked and sounded to motorists on the M6 like an invasion of The Swarm, a parade of 50 enthusiast gems leaving a charity event were caught shooting down the on-ramp and merging into traffic. There were plenty of Porsches joining the 959 and Ducktail above, Aston Martins going back to the badboy V8 of the last millennium, a Ferrari Testarossa, a TVR and numerous other Easter eggs.

There were not, however, plenty of turn signals, with someone counting just five among the fifty engaging in proper use of the blinker. One reason put forth for that is the same reason we're posting this amazing video, which is from last Summer, below: "because supercar." Enjoy.

Gallery: Top 10 Supercar Reviews of 2012

2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible2013 SRT Viper2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR12013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 14:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20563955/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20563955/article-detail.xml 20563955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Loses its Head, Keeps its Bespoke Cool

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - front three-quarter view, top down

This is the 10th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT, the 5,500-pound (2,500 kg) shim that pried open the market for bespoke luxury costing over six-figures. We're into the second generation of the supercoupe that is still - and we think unfairly - derided as a grossly exaggerated Volkswagen, which to us is like saying the Hulk is just Bruce Banner in a tizzy. There are credible grounds for both statements, but in neither case do they accurately convey the chasm between the alpha and the omega.

Nevertheless, checking off the list of updated models brings us to the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, the moderately augmented version of the non-Speed GTC. Back to the notion of unfairness, it's probably just that to say the GT Speed Convertible is only "moderately" changed. It did, after all, take Bentley three years to engineer the changes that separate your 'basic' Bentley from the Speed variant, and although they might be imperceptible, they are numerous.

We were invited to drive the world's latest and fastest four-seater convertible for two days from Las Vegas to San Francisco. In a twist we never would have expected, it turned into a desperate hunt for thrills.

Continue reading 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleybentley continentalbentley continental gt speedbentley continental gt speed convertiblefirst driveFirstDrive Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549049/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/20549049/article-detail.xml 20549049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/bentley-continental-luxury-coupe-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/bentley-continental-luxury-coupe-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/bentley-continental-luxury-coupe-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bentley Continental GT - front dead-on view

Bentley may be all hot and bothered with plans for its finally approved ultra-lux SUV, but the marque's attentions may not solely be limited to a two-box range expansion. That's according to AutoExpress, which quotes company CEO Wolfgang Schreiber as being interested in launching a 'four-door coupe' variant of its popular Continental range (pictured). According to Schrieber, "I definitely wouldn't say no to the idea... with the new Flying Spur, we have a model that supports the Mulsanne, and a coupe with four doors could sit below that."

The more rakish sedan isn't tipped to launch before 2016 - the brand will be too busy launching the Flying Spur and furthering work on the as-yet-unnamed SUV to pull ahead the project. The plan would appear to make a lot of sense, as the additional bodystyle on the back of the Continental platform would likely command more money than the rest of the line (see also: Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe) while basically just being a new top hat on an existing architecture. This isn't the first time AutoExpress has promulgated this Bentley 4DC idea, however. Back in 2010, it offered a similar report, but at that point, it anticipated the model would be cheaper than the Continental, suggesting it would be based on a platform shared with the Audi A7.

AutoExpress notes the additional model would help Bentley achieve its ambitious sales targets to drive from last year's 8,510 units sold to 15,000 by 2018, though most of that volume still figures to come from the new utility vehicle.

Scroll down to watch the new 2014 Bentley Continental GT with its W12 engine in action.

Gallery: 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible: Detroit 2013







Continue reading Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game?

Bentley poised to join four-door coupe game? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gtbentley four-door coupefour door coupefour-door coupewolfgang schreiber Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547550/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/bentley-continental-luxury-coupe-sedan/20547550/article-detail.xml 20547550 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-bentley-continental-gt-v8-628-head-on_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-bentley-continental-gt-v8-628-head-on.jpg <![CDATA[Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/top-10-strange-rides-of-barrett-jackson-palm-beach-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/top-10-strange-rides-of-barrett-jackson-palm-beach-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/top-10-strange-rides-of-barrett-jackson-palm-beach-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Of all the Barrett-Jackson auction events that occur throughout the year, Palm Beach is easily the most peculiar of the bunch. Scottsdale is always more geared towards classics and charity cars, Vegas always brings out good hot rods, but Palm Beach consistently rolls out a certain kind of strangeness alongside the expected '69 Mustangs and Camaros.

Just to keep it interesting, we took a dig through the docket from last week's Palm Beach auction, and sure enough there were plenty of cars on the list that left us scratching our heads and wondering what poor soul shelled out the cash to bring these ugly ducklings home.

Click on our gallery to see our top 10 list of strangest vehicles sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013, then click through to watch a video covering the 2013 Barret-Jackson.

Gallery: Auction Cars: Barrett-Jackson 2013







Continue reading Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013

Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto showautoshowautoshow2013barrett jackson palm beachbarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013BJ2013car autctionscar showcarshowcollector car auctionscollector carscustom bentleycustom carscustom Ford F650custom limoford f650palm beach auctionpalm beach car auctionsema concept Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20539201/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/top-10-strange-rides-of-barrett-jackson-palm-beach-2013/20539201/article-detail.xml 20539201 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bj7-1365796871_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bj7-1365796871.jpeg <![CDATA[New Bentley Supersports coming in 2014]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




A report in Autocar says the next Bentley Continental Supersports will be ready for retail duty in 2014. If true, the coupe is meant to follow the same formula as the first generation, which means weight loss, honed reflexes and "improving braking power," that last one an eyebrow raiser because the Continental series already has some of the largest diameter brakes available on a production car.

A vulgar gain in horsepower isn't planned, however; the Supersports was never primarily about pure grunt, but rather being more connected to the grunt the Continental had. The previous Supersports (Bentley no longer offers it) put out 621 horsepower, but it's said that the coming model will move up to 650 hp, and that would put healthy distance between it and the 616-hp Continental GT Speed.

The Supersports would take a place at the head of the Continental line-up, but be briefly usurped there by a road-going version of the Continental GT3 race car if that comes to fruition. But whereas the street-legal GT3 car would be limited production, the new Supersports would be a series offering.

Scroll down to watch a review of Bentley's previous Continental Supersports.

Gallery: 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed






Continue reading New Bentley Supersports coming in 2014

New Bentley Supersports coming in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental supersportsbentleybentley continental supersportscontinentalcontinental gt3continental supersports Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20528162/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/new-bentley-supersports-coming-in-2014/20528162/article-detail.xml 20528162 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-bentley-continental-supersports-convertible-30_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-bentley-continental-supersports-convertible-30.jpg <![CDATA[This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy upwards of 250,000 vehicles may have been destroyed, but this particular Bentley Continental GTC may have had insult added to that injury as it was towed out of New York. While we don't know the exact details behind this vehicle being towed, the lack of concern for its well-being coupled with what appears to be water in the headlight of the $200,000-plus convertible, has us thinking this is a Sandy victim.

While most towing companies these days use wheel lifts or flat beds, this truck still has the old-fashioned system of hooks, chains and rubber straps. We're sure with as many cars that needed to be towed following Sandy, the city wasn't exactly concerned about damaging totaled vehicles, but you can scroll down to watch - and listen to - the abuse as its happens to this poor Bentley.


Gallery: 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Continue reading This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible

This is not how you tow a Bentley convertible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley continental gtchurricane sandytowing fail Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20525457/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/badly-towing-a-bentley-convertible/20525457/article-detail.xml 20525457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-continental-towing-fail.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Ever since the two-door Bentley Continental GT debuted in 2010, we've wondered how the coupe's new design and technology would carry over to the four-door Flying Spur model. We received official details and images a couple of weeks ago, but we've now had the chance to see the Spur in person here on the eve of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

It's a handsome sedan, this 2014 Flying Spur (which has officially ditched the Continental nomenclature, for what it's worth). And even more handsome in the metal. The stock photos don't do this big beast justice - especially in the rear three-quarter and profile views, where aspects of the car (namely its newly horizontal-shaped taillamps) can look a bit awkward.

More impressively, Bentley says that the new Flying Spur will be the "fastest, most powerful four-door" it has ever produced. Makes sense to us, especially considering the fact that the sedan borrows its twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 powertrain from the Continental GT Speed coupe. This twelve-pot mill is good for 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, able to propel the 2,472 kg (5,451-pound), all-wheel-drive sedan to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds. That's quick.

Of course, what's inside the Flying Spur's cabin will be just as impressive as what's under the hood, with every single luxury amenity you can think of available inside the leather-laden cabin. Both four- and five-passenger seating arrangements will be available, and like all Bentley models, the individual customization options will no doubt be endless.

Have a gander for yourself in the high-res image gallery above, and look below for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut

2014 Bentley Flying Spur makes its Swiss debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley flying spurautoshow2013bentleyflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor show Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20488183/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/2014-bentley-flying-spur-geneva-2013/20488183/article-detail.xml 20488183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bentley-flying-spur-1-1362439869_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bentley-flying-spur-1-1362439869.jpg <![CDATA[What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/#comments Filed under: , ,



The modern Bentley Boy finally has something fitting to wear underneath his scarf and ulster: the fragrance in the Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition or the Bentley for Men and Bentley for Men Intense scents. French crystal house Lalique designed a limited-edition flacon shaped like the Flying-B company mascot that contains an eau de parfum created by the French perfume house Robertet. That fragrance is "fine woody notes and exquisite leather" enhanced by orris butter. Only 999 flacons will be made, going on sale in April for 3,000 pounds (3,500 euro, $4,633 CAD) for a 40-ml bottle.

The other two options were created by French perfume house Firmenich. They also start with "fine wood and leather notes," with Bentley for Men getting an addition of cedar and patchouli, the Intense version throwing in African geranium to "take these notes to another level."

If that won't be enough to fulfill your lust for vehicular aroma, the full line also includes after shave balm and hair and body shampoo. When they go on sale in April at select retailers, prices will start at 24 pounds (27 euro, $37 CAD) for the shampoo and top out at 69.50 pounds (87 euro, $107 CAD) for the Intense eau de parfum. You can read more about them in the press release below.

Continue reading What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy

What's that smell? It's a Bentley Boy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley for menbentley for men intensecolognecrystaleau de parfumfragrancelaliqueperfume Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20476410/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/whats-that-smell-its-a-bentley-boy/20476410/article-detail.xml 20476410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleylalique_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleylalique.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Flying Spur pictures leaked early]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We can imagine that automakers are among the groups salivating at the prospect of a colony on Mars - perhaps a photo studio on the red planet will be far enough away from the terrestrial Internet to keep everything they've got from leaking all over the web. In the midst of Bentley's teasing for the next-generation Flying Spur, someone got in early on a set of photos and decided to share them with us.

The transformation is all about character, the super sedan's lines getting injected with a whole lot more of it. The family face of the Continental line is evident, the new Spur getting a more upright grille than before and a Mulsanne-esque undivided lower grille. The front fenders get narrow, horizontal vents, and behind that the character line that starts with at the hood shutline runs in a long arc to the rear door, then rolls up into haunches that terminate at the very back. Lower down, a character line cuts up the bulk up the sides. In profile there is a definite hint of this being a junior Mulsanne.

The only item we see at the moment that could take some getting used to are the horizontal taillights. Housing a large single element topped by curved red brows, our initial impression is that they lack the flow of the rest of the car. Inside, it's what you'd expect from a Bentley.

There's a chance we'll know more about it later today, the date Bentley planned to fill us in on the union of performance and luxury. Or, knowing the Internet, we might know more even sooner...

Continue reading Bentley Flying Spur pictures leaked early

Bentley Flying Spur pictures leaked early originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental flying spurbentleyflying spur Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20467551/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/bentley-flying-spur-pictures-leaked-early/20467551/article-detail.xml 20467551 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleyflyingspur2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentleyflyingspur2014.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Bentley has released another teaser video for its redesigned Flying Spur, and the next generation car is looking less like a grown up Continental GT and more like a junior Mulsanne. A viewing of the first teaser vid revealed a more upright grille, a three-spoke steering wheel, horizontal taillights and quarter panels with angles and curves certifiably lifted from the Mulsanne. After this second video, we can add lower door panels with a more aggressive shape, horizontal vents in the fenders and a rear end with the shape of proper haunches.

The English motorcar maker promises us we'll see more on February 20, when "performance and luxury unite." We'll be there in person when the "Camry for rich people" is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month. You'll find the videographic appetizer below.


Gallery: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Continue reading Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan

Bentley teases new Flying Spur sedan originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleycontinental flying spurflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showteaservideovideosyoutube Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20465936/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/18/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-sedan/20465936/article-detail.xml 20465936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/flyingspurtease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/flyingspurtease.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley SUV given green light by Volkswagen AG board]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bentley EXP 9 concept SUV live at Geneva Motor Show unveiling in 2012

The "will they, won't they" saga over Bentley's SUV plans appears to finally be over. They will. That's according to the German business newspaper Handelsblatt, which is reporting that the controversial SUV will be built after receiving the go-ahead from Volkswagen's board.

Known internally as "Falcon," the still-unnamed Bentley SUV will be based on the EXP 9 Concept that received wildly mixed reviews at its 2012 Geneva Motor Show unveiling. Since the EXP 9's unveiling, there have been a steady stream of leaks and rumors suggesting that the bold-faced vehicle will get a redesign prior to going into production, but it remains unclear how different the final vehicle will look.

According to Automotive News, Bentley is itself stopping short of confirming the green-light report, though it does admit that the SUV's production outlook appears "very positive." Production will likely take place in Slovakia at a plant owned by parent Volkswagen.

Seen as a key part of Bentley's plan to expand its sales volumes, the SUV is expected to arrive within three years under V8 and possibly W12 power, just like the brand's volume Continental GT range. Said to start at a cost of some 200,000 euros - just over CAD$270,000 - the Bentley will stare down a suddenly crowded segment of luxury utility vehicles, taking on newcomers like the Maserati Levante and as-yet unnamed Lamborghini SUV along with segment stalwarts like the Land Rover Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne.

Continue reading Bentley SUV given green light by Volkswagen AG board

Bentley SUV given green light by Volkswagen AG board originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley falconbentley suvexp 9 fexp9ffalcon Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:02:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20449282/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/bentley-suv-given-green-light-by-vw-board/20449282/article-detail.xml 20449282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bentley-exp-9-f-concept-geneva-1331323632_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bentley-exp-9-f-concept-geneva-1331323632.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Last time we saw the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur out testing, our only questions about the new car regarded its rear-end styling, and when the car would debut. Well now we know for certain that the car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're also getting a better idea of what the car will look like thanks to Bentley releasing a brief teaser video.

The easiest-to-spot detail that we see in this Flying Spur video is the car's horizontal taillights - the first such on a Bentley since the 1990s. We can also see that this hyper-luxury sedan will get a more squared-off front end than its Continental GT counterpart. But, from what we can tell, it will receive a similarly laid out interior, including the three-spoke steering wheel.

Scroll down to watch the video, and we've also attached the single-sentence press release in which Bentley promises to reveal more details about the car on February 20.

Continue reading Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut

Bentley teases new Flying Spur before Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley continental flying spurbentleycontiental flying spurflying spurgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showteaservideo Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20447738/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/bentley-teases-new-flying-spur-before-geneva-debut/20447738/article-detail.xml 20447738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur-teaser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bentley-flying-spur-teaser.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Bentley Mulsanne - front three-quarter view

Proving that there's no such thing as too much luxury, Bentley has released details for the updated 2014 Mulsanne that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Most of the additions are to improve rear-seat accommodations inside, with the addition of Comfort Specification and Entertainment Specification options.

The Comfort Specification adds some conveniences you might have in your living room, such as padded headrests, stowable footrests and seat cushions filled with duck down. Likewise, the new Entertainment Specification brings tech you might find in your home, including a wifi hotspot, seat trays that are now bigger to accommodate an iPad and keyboard and an entertainment system that gets a pair of eight-inch screens, a DVD player, wireless headphones and premium audio. Rear occupants in the 2014 Mulsanne will also get revised rear door panels with more storage and power-retractable curtains for both side- and rear windows.

Bentley is also offering up new paint and leather colors, too, and to finish it all off, Mulsanne customers will also be able to order a six-piece, handmade luggage set.

Scroll down for Bentley's press release on its enhanced 2014 Mulsanne.

Continue reading Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva

Bentley announces Mulsanne upgrades to be shown in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley mulsannebentleygeneva motor showmulsanne Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20436579/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/bentley-announces-mulsanne-upgrades-to-be-shown-in-geneva/20436579/article-detail.xml 20436579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-bentley-mulsanne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-bentley-mulsanne.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Looking cool in blue (better than the Grimace-purple we saw a few weeks ago), with strong, tailored bodywork and a one-percenter-approved face, the 2013 Bentley GT Speed Convertible is right at home with all the exotic metal on the floor of Cobo Center here at the Detroit Auto Show.

You've already read about (or should have) the 616-horsepower, 590-pound-feet-of-torque 6.0-litre W12 engine that hides under the hood of the GT Speed droptop, and you've no doubt remembered the ludicrous top speed of 325 kilometres per hour (202 miles per hour). Impressive stats, all.

All that's left, then, unless you've got a wild hair to reexamine the full-fat Bentley press release (available below), is to direct you to the oven-fresh gallery of live images that we've compiled, just for you.


Gallery: 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed: First Drive

Continue reading 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible runs topless through Motown originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 detroit auto show2014 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleycontinental gt speed convertibledetroitdetroit 2013gtc Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:34:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20429337/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/2014-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-detroit-2013/20429337/article-detail.xml 20429337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-conv-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-conv-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Top 10 automotive oddities of the past year]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/top-10-automotive-oddities-of-the-past-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/top-10-automotive-oddities-of-the-past-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/top-10-automotive-oddities-of-the-past-year/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



With every publication hammering through their "best & worst" lists we couldn't help but wonder about the top news-making announcements and launches this year that sparked conversations, debates, and sometimes heated arguments amongst the enthusiast fray. After careful consideration we have compiled our first-annual list of the Top 10 automotive industry curve balls that made car geeks worldwide take a step back and go "Huh?!?"

Click here to see the list of our Top 10 Automotive Oddities of 2012.


Gallery: Top 10 Strangest Cars Ever Made

10) Amphibian Motorcar9) Toyota Land Glider 8) Locomotive Car7) Peel P50 6) UK Custom

Top 10 automotive oddities of the past year originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwecoboostEvoqueFerrarifiskerFiskerKarmahuayraM5oddpaganistrangestrange newsTop10weird Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20410860/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/top-10-automotive-oddities-of-the-past-year/20410860/article-detail.xml 20410860 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fisker20911_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fisker20911.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley unveils 325 km/h Continental GT Speed Convertible]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-325-km-h-continental-gt-speed-convertible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-325-km-h-continental-gt-speed-convertible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-325-km-h-continental-gt-speed-convertible/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - front three-quarter view, purple

That purple haze all in your eyes is the 2013 Bentley GT Speed Convertible. The cynical view is, "Bah, take a GT Speed and cut the top off. There. Pass the salt, please...". But when you're Bentley, more than 90 years old, and charging these kinds of ducats, there's no reason to take the cynic's shortcut. So of course the Bentley GT Speed Convertible gets all of the Speed-family accoutrements: matrix radiator grille hiding a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-litre W12 with 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, eight-speed ZF transmission enabling 15 per cent better fuel economy, beefier lowered suspension, larger rifled exhaust tips, inlet manifold finished in black crackle and a Mulliner Driving Specification cabin.

Among the many refinements added to the convertible, though, are neck warmers in the seats, the 21-inch wheels unique to this car, class-leading stiffness - admittedly, it's a very small class, but its torsional rigidity of 22,500 Nm/degree is only 500 Nm below that of the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe. The stiffening required to achieve that number will undoubtedly have something to do with the 485-pound (220 kg) weight gain over the GT Speed Coupe.

Still, when the GT Speed Convertible weighs 5,500 pounds (2,495 kg), what's a few hundred between friends? More importantly, the weight doesn't scuttle performance: 0-60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.1 seconds, a tenth shy of the coupe. The gap stretches as you approach The Ton, the GT Speed Convertible needing just 9.7 seconds to get there, the coupe just nine seconds. Trust us, though, everyone will be too busy blasting along to notice. Everyone will want to pack light, however, because the Speed Convertible loses 3.5 cubic feet of trunk space. It remains the fastest four-seat convertible in the world with a 325 km/h (202 mph) top speed.

We'll see it live when it debuts for the world at the Detroit Auto Show. Look up and there's a high-res photo gallery, look down and there's a press release to get you prepared.


Gallery: 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed: First Drive


Gallery: 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Continue reading Bentley unveils 325 km/h Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley unveils 325 km/h Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleycontinental gtdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showgt speed convertiblegtcgtc speedw12 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20414425/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/01/bentley-unveils-325-km-h-continental-gt-speed-convertible/20414425/article-detail.xml 20414425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentleygtcspeed13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bentleygtcspeed13.jpg -1 2