The Flying Bentleys

 
In 1919, an engineering genius obsessed by speed, W.O. focused on his dream, creating a car bearing his name. That October the first Bentley engine came to life.
During the 1920’s Bentley went from strength to strength. Racing triumphs proved reliability, speed and incredible performance. These were the years of the Bentley Boys. Extraordinary adventures followed by extravagant victorious celebrations.
Five glorious Le Mans victories and a successful return in 2003 secured the sixth historical win.
Bentley unleashed some of its fastest and most powerful cars at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. The flying Bentleys include the 616 bhp and 202 mph Continental GT Speed Convertible (the world’s fastest four seat convertible) and two of Bentley’s 2003 Le Mans-winning Speed 8 race cars.
Instantly recognisable with their iconic British Racing Green livery, cars No. 7 and No. 8 secured a famous first and second at Le Mans, and are set to make a special reunion ten years on at Goodwood.  Brian Gush, Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, said:
“Goodwood’s atmosphere is unique and this summer we’re bringing even more speed to the Festival. The 202 mph GT Speed Convertible is set to turn heads in the supercar paddock as will our Speed 8 Le Mans cars marking the tenth anniversary of Bentley’s 2003 victory. It is also the ideal scene-setter for Bentley’s return to top-level motor sport with a GT3 race car later this year.
Away from the famous hill, 2013 will see Bentley’s biggest ever exhibition presence at Goodwood, including the opportunity to see the new Flying Spur; the fastest, most powerful luxury sedan in Bentley’s history.
The Flying Spur combines a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers. Power comes from Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine. Developing 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over its predecessor delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.
True to the unique heritage, contemporary Bentleys are capable of extraordinary speeds, exquisitely handcrafted and beautifully engineered.
It is this distinguished heritage that is the essence of Bentley. Passion and dedication. Then and now.
It is not without looking back into its remarkable history that Bentley can move forward. Embracing modern technology, while ensuring W.O. Bentley’s ambitions are not lost. Traditional craftsmanship, ultimate luxury and ambitious environmental policies.
Indeed this story is only just beginning.