Bentley News

GPS tracking devices have been used by a car theft ring in the UK to steal vehicles, largely targeting those parked at airports. The gang used an insider member at the airport and cloning devices to replicate 'keyless entry' transponders for the cars, attached the trackers, and then stole the vehicles weeks or even months later.Police had for some time been left "scratching their heads" over the crimes, a court heard during the trial of members of the ring, according to a report in The Telegraph.The thieves also targeted vehicles in traffic, causing minor damage to them and then directing them to a repairer who was part of the ring, and who would clone the car's key -- and also fit a tracking device that would allow the theft to take place some time later.Targeted vehicles included an expensive McLaren and Bentley Continental, but were largely mid and upper-level premium brands, including more common Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Range Rover and Land Rover models.The gang was uncovered after police became suspicious about the repairer, and fitted up a 'Trojan' vehicle with recording devices and their own tracking unit, then took it to the body shop. The thieves discovered part of the tracking unit in the undercover vehicle and reversed their attempts to clone its keys. But unbeknownst to them the recording devices were still monitoring all their conversations, including discussions of the Trojan vehicle.The court was told more than 100 of the vehicles stolen were tracked as having been shipped to East Africa for sale. Only one has been recovered.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Expected to become the firm's most popular model, the SUV was previewed by the EXP 9 F concept car at the 2012 Geneva motor show. But the concept sparked controversy after its styling didn't 'click' with potential customers, so the Bentley designers revisited the model 's styling.The teaser image reveals a redesigned front bumper that integrates four headlights in signature Bentley fashion rather than the concept 's two. The overall profile also appears rounder than the concept 's with fewer sharp and visually challenging lines and more soft curves. Essentially, it looks more closely related to the Continental range than the Mulsanne.The SUV will ride on the Volkswagen Group 's new large car platform which will be shared with the next generation Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, plus Lamborghini 's Urus SUV. Engine options will likely mirror those of the Continental initially, including the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 and 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, with hybrid and possibly diesel variants becoming available later in the model 's lifecycle.The new model will be built at Bentley 's Crewe facility in England. The factory is being upgraded to the tune of $1.45 billion over the next three years in preparation for the 3000 SUVs Bentley expect to build annually from 2016 onwards.

THE price tags at Nick Theodossi's North Melbourne prestige car showroom would plunge dramatically if calls for the scrapping of the 5 per cent tariff on imported cars and the luxury car tax are taken up by the government.As Joe Hockey yesterday confirmed the government would consider dropping the imposts after the departures of Ford, Toyota and Holden left no carmaking industry to protect, car buyers were contemplating savings of more than $10,000 on a $93,000 BMW 335i sedan, and significantly higher price cuts on six-figure vehicles.Dealers like Mr Theodossi, who have long opposed the protection given to the local car manufacturing industry, were cautiously welcoming the possibility that high-end brands such as BMW, Audi and Land Rover might soon be within reach of mainstream buyers. Mr Theodossi, 62, said he was yet to be convinced the government would follow the recommendation of leading economists and scrap the luxury car tax, but it would be a massive boost for the industry -- and consumers -- if it happened."I can't see the government scrapping it, but it would be fantastic if they did," he said. "Everybody could buy a Mercedes." After the Australian Automotive Association this week called for the scrapping of the tariffs on imported cars in the wake of the demise of the Australian car manufacturing industry, the Treasurer said yesterday the idea would be considered."The car industry is not going until 2017, but this is something that will certainly be considered by our review of taxation, which will occur in the next 18 months or so, and certainly before the next election," Mr Hockey said. The import tariff raises about $900m a year, and the luxury car tax about $400m a year.While the removal of the 5 per cent tariff on imported passenger cars could cut several hundred dollars or more off the cost of a mid-range car such as a Mazda 3, expensive cars that attracted the tariff and the luxury car tax could fall by thousands of dollars. Mr Theodossi said he thought consumers rather than dealers would be the main winners if the tax was abolished.His most expensive car in stock is a 2013 Bentley Continental Coupe, which although he can sell it for less, retails for $500,000 excluding GST. With fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km, it does not meet the government's fuel efficiency threshold of 7L/100km, and is taxed at a rate of 33 per cent on the portion of the price of the car above $60,316, making the luxury car tax (LCT) component of the price $145,095. The scrapping of the LCT would therefore reduce the price of the Bentley from $500,000, to $354,904. Trade Prestige Cars dealer Stephen Curtain said he believed the case for abolishing the imported and luxury car taxes was compelling."If they're charging the tax to try to protect Australian car manufacturers and there are now no Australian car manufacturers, it makes no sense to keep it." Mr Curtain predominantly deals in used luxury cars, but said he expected sales of new high-end cars to increase significantly if the tax was scrapped. "No doubt if someone knocks $8000 or $10,000 off the price of a car, that will drive up sales of luxury cars."Ateco Automotive executive chairman Neville Crichton, whose Sydney-based group owns dealerships that sell vehicles ranging from the Chinese-made Chery to Italy's Maserati, said he had no doubt that tariffs and the luxury car tax should be scrapped."The luxury car tax was put in place to protect the local producers with the (Holden) Statesman -- they don't make those cars any more," Mr Crichton said. "It's become a revenue situation rather than a protectionist tariff. I think the luxury tax is extremely unfair."He said car prices would plunge if they were scrapped. "Right now, if you look at a $600,000 Ferrari, close to 30 per cent of that is going to the luxury car tax. It doesn't take Einstein to work out that suddenly that $600,000 car becomes a $400,000 car," he said."It'll open the market up considerably." But he said BMW and Audi would be the big winners. "The brands that would certainly benefit would be Land Rover, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Maserati. There's still only a limited amount of people who would want to own a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. It would bring a lot of the BMW and Audi range into a normal car bracket again."ADDITIONAL REPORTING: SID MAHER, DARREN DAVIDSON, MARK SCHLIEBS 

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000LUXURY CARSAudi A8: Audi will refresh its A8 flagship sedan lineup by mid-2014, with subtle styling tweaks and interior details, along with shuffled drivetrain options. (Approximately $188,000-$249,000)Audi RS7 Sportback: Essentially a five-door hatch version of the existing RS6 Avant, the RS7 will arrive in February with sleeker Sportback styling than the wagon, and the same 412kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. 0-100km/h is the same 3.9 seconds too. (Approximately $240,000)Bentley Continental GT S: While Bentley prepares its first SUV model, there’s not much else in store for 2014 from the legendary Brit aside from powered-up new S models added to the V8 Continental GT lineup. (Approximately $380,000)Jaguar XJR: Jaguar will add the new XJR to its XJ big sedan lineup in the first quarter, with the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 performance flagship to sit above the existing Supersport range-topper. (Approximately $350,000)Lexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli: 2014 is set to be a big year for Maserati, with the new Quattroporte (Approximately from $250,000) arriving in V6 form in January, and V8 form in February, with the return of the smaller Ghibli sedan ( Approximately from $150,000) in March.Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Mercedes will cap its local S-Class sedan lineup in January, with the arrival of the $385,000 S63 AMG high performance model. The 430kW/900Nm twin-turbo V8 S63 will sit above the existing S350 and S500 models, and be joined by the diesel-electric S350 BlueTec hybrid and twin-turbo V6 S400 variants by June. (Approximately $250,000-$385,000)Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe: Mercedes’ upcoming S-Class Coupe is expected down under before the year’s end, with the yet to be officially revealed new model replacing the existing CL coupe models. A drop-top version is also planned, and a V8 and V12 petrol-only lineup is expected with an entry price north of $300,000 likely.Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid: The plug-in Panamera E-Hybrid is also due early in the year, with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and 70kW electric motor to enable 3.1L/100km fuel use with 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $296,900)SUV/4WDLand Rover Range Rover: Before mid-year, Land Rover will add a range-topping lineup (Approximately $250,000) with new hybrid versions of it and the Sport expected before the end of the year. (Approximately $102,000-$182,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAston Martin V12 Vantage S: Aston will add its fastest model this side of the ultra-exclusive One-77 in the first quarter of this year, in the form of the track-ready V12 Vantage S coupe. (Approximately $450,000)BMW M3 and M4: BMW’s new M3 and M4 mid-size performance heroes are set to arrive after mid-year, with the move to twin-turbo six power resulting in the fastest M3 to date, and matched by the renamed M4 coupe. (Approximately $124,000-$180,000)BMW i8: The i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is expected to arrive before the year’s end, blending grand tourer luxury with 4.4 second 0-100km/h acceleration and 2.5L/100km fuel economy. (Approximately $200,000)Ferrari 458 Speciale: The first of 60 Australian examples of Ferrari’s hardcore 458 Speciale are set to arrive before mid-year, with the lighter, more powerful track-focused special able to lap Fiorano 1.5 seconds faster than the old Enzo flagship. (Approximately $550,000)Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Jaguar will add the recently unveiled Coupe version of its stunning F-Type in the third quarter, with the 20kg lighter V6, V6 S and V8 S variants also expected to slightly undercut their soft-top counterparts on price. The Coupe-only F-Type R will sit at the top of the hardtop range, with the 404kW/680Nm spec V8 promising 0-100km/h acceleration in the order of 4.2 seconds. (Approximately $125,000-$200,000)Lamborghini Huracan: With the Gallardo now officially out of production, Lamborghini is keen to follow with its Huracan replacement to sit beneath the V12 Aventador models before June. The V10 Huracan is set to challenge Ferrari’s 458 with an uprated version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-litre V10 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From $428,000Nissan GT-R: Nissan will bring its latest incarnation of the GT-R performance coupe down under from March, with cosmetic upgrades the key changes for 2014. New LED headlights and taillights are changed for the first time since 2007, and mesh wheels keep Nissan’s giant-killer a fresh opponent for Porsche’s new 911 Turbo models. (Approximately from $170,000)Porsche 911 Turbo and GT3: Porsche will launch several key hi-po versions of the 991 911 to its Australian lineup in the first half of 2014, with the $359,800 Turbo and $441,300 Turbo S arriving first in coupe and convertible ($29,000 premium) guises, with the $294,000 track-oriented and now PDK-only GT3 soon after.Porsche 911 Targa: The new semi-convertible unveiled in Detroit will touch down in Australia before mis-year, with a new folding roof mechanism and all-wheel drive 4 and 4S versions. Both manual and PDK auto will be available, and prices will sit $2,300-$3,300 over existing Cabriolet models. (Approximately $247,900-$291,050)CONVERTIBLESAston Martin Vanquish Volante: For those who prefer their V12 Astons roofless and with a back seat, Aston will bring the Vanquish Volante to Australia in the first quarter of 2014. (Approximately $510,000)Bentley Continental GTC S: Like the hardtop GT, the soft top Continental GTC is set to score a powered up S model in 2014. (Approximately $420,000)BMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)   

There's rich, and then there's completely over-indulged. Undergraduate students at a university in Dubai stuff the carpark with a fleet of supercars that are their daily drivers. The American University of Dubai students turn up for classes in a range of exotic and expensive metal that looks like a convoy from a Top Gear episode.  Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Aston Martins, Bentleys, Porsches and Maseratis have all been photographed in the carpark by one of the students, Meeka Nasser, who has posted them on Reddit.Nasser has told media he was astounded by the high-end level of vehicles in the carpark. "Because $200,000 Cayennes and Range Rovers are a dime a dozen here, I only included a few of them in the album. Keep in mind, almost all of the students are between 18 and 24 years old, as the graduate programe is pretty tiny here. The students that drive the insanely expensive cars (Rolls Royces and Bentleys etc.) are usually local (Emirati) for those wonderin," he wrote.The American University in Dubai is a private university that has been operating in the United Arab Emirates capital for nearly 20 years, and aims to offer an American-style education to both Emirates residents and expatriates. Tuition starts at a base level of around $12,000 per semester.

The arrival of a baby usually means dad has to get rid of his beloved, impractical car. So news that Prince William has recently added a £250,000 ($456,000) Bentley to his garages is likely to make him the envy of many fathers-to-be up and down the country.The Bentley Flying Spur, which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will use for high-profile official engagements, is one of the world's fastest sedans with a top speed of 320km/h. But it's hardly economical, costing $215 to fill up and managing to use about 15L/100km.It's expensively fitted out, with a hand-crafted walnut interior, champagne cooler and the wi-fi internet capabilities. William and Kate are also understood to have opted for heated and massaging quilted-leather seats. Safety features include bullet-proof windows and super-hardened steel armour, contributing to its three-tonne weight.The couple were seen in the Bentley last week as they arrived for a reception at the Natural History Museum in London. It is being leased privately from Bentley, a common arrangement for official cars used by members of the Royal Family. Neither the carmaker nor Kensington Palace were willing to discuss how much the Cambridges' deal is worth or whether they have been given preferential rates. Read full story at www.news.com.au 

Every year Bentley visits the frozen north of Finland -- close to the Arctic Circle – to pit their powerful vehicles against the slippery surface of the region’s frozen lakes. The annual ‘Power on Ice’ event for 2014 sees their all-wheel drive Continental in a starring sub-zero role, punishing the icy track at full power.Watch the Bentley Power on Ice 2014 | video on the desktop version here.

If you need to ask the price, then you probably can't afford it. We're talking about the new Bentley Home furniture collection, inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley cars.Designed to furnish luxury homes and offices, the collection combines Bentley's inherent qualities of craftsmanship, heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the exacting design of one of Europe's leading furniture makers.This exclusive collection blends the finest elements of traditional and modern design, an exercise in subtlety rather than showmanship, incorporating functional performance with comfort and luxurious, sensuous quality. It captures the elan of the Bentley driver, through items that mirror the impeccable quality and attention to detail which is a landmark of the Bentley brand.The bodies of the new Richmond pieces are created with an embracing double shell and can be covered in either leather or a fine veneer of burr walnut. The same wide selection of veneers which is available for Bentley car customers is also available for most pieces in the collection.The wood is then carefully matched to a padded structure covered in a sophisticated light cashmere. Intricate details such as the leather braid around the contours highlight the soft and sinuous lines. The iconic quilted diamond pattern embossed in the leather interiors of a Bentley has also been interpreted into the unique designs of the furniture.

Bentley is expanding its Continental range with two new sporty editions based on its GT V8 coupe and GTC V8 convertible. These V-8 models are positioned as the sportier option for drivers, thanks to the lighter weight of their V-8 engines compared to the big W-12 mills also offered in the Continental, and the associated improvement in dynamics that come with carrying less weight over the front axle. The new editions, the GT V8 S and GTC V8 S, heat things up further by stiffening the suspension, sharpening the steering, freeing up the exhaust and raising output. The cars also get unique ‘S’ styling cues to set them apart from their regular GT V8 and GTC V8 brethren. At the heart of Bentley’s V-8 Continental models is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 engine. Normally, this engine delivers 373kW and 660Nm of torque but in the new S models output is increased to 389kW and 680Nm of torque, the latter of which is delivered at a mere 1,700 rpm. Delivered via a ZF eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, the increased power is said to offer effortless performance and smoother power delivery. There is also an S mode for the transmission, which sharpens the throttle response, speeds up shift times and allows gears to be held for longer.  Bentley claims a 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 309km/h for the GT V8 S and figures of 4.5 seconds and 308km/h, respectively, for the GTC V8 S. Simply incredible figures considering the coupe weighs 2295kg and the convertible a hefty 2470kg. 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S despite the gain in performance, Bentley is confident the engine will still be able to carry the big bruiser that is the Continental GT over a distance of 805km on a single tank of gas. EPA-rated fuel economy will be announced closer to market launch, though owners can expect a combined rating of about 10.6L/100km for the coupe and 10.9L/100km for the convertible. As mentioned, stiffened suspension has been installed and sees the cars lowered by about 10 millimetres. Spring rates, damper settings, the bushes and stabiliser bars have all been stiffened. Self-levelling air suspension is still featured, along with 20-inch wheels. Unique styling cues include more aerodynamic fascias front and rear, discrete side sills and a subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss. The 20-inch wheels are also unique to the S models and are also available in 21-inch dimensions. Subtle “V8 S” badges are applied to each front fender, and as with the other members of the Continental V8 family, the famous Bentley Wings badges feature a red centre and the exhaust tips have a 'figure 8' shape. Two exterior colours (Kingfisher Blue and Monaco Yellow) are unique to the cars. Inside, you’ll find all the Bentley hallmarks, such as soft-touch leathers, wood veneers and knurled chrome detailing. Additional “V8 S” badges are displayed on each sill tread plate. Most of the options are customisable and buyers can also opt for Bentley’s Mulliner Driving Specification, which adds a number of touches to both the exterior and cabin. Following a debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show next week, the Continental GT V8 S and its GTC convertible sibling will go on sale in early 2014. www.motorauthority.com