Photo: Bentley
In 2012 Bentley Motors revealed the brand new EXP 9 F concept, its first ever SUV in metal, leather and crystal. Silencing the critics, the guys in Crewe today unveiled their first ever teaser photo of the production model, which they say will deliver true luxury and performance, going on sale in 2016.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive at Bentley Motors, commenting at a press conference in London, said: “It will create a completely new segment in the SUV market.”
As expected, the criticized look presented in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show has been totally reinterpreted. Obvious changes have been made to the headlight design and grille, both of which go to the core of the Bentley brand but still present themselves in a modern way.
As a concept, the EXP 9 F was based on a platform called the PL71, which also underpins the Touareg and the Audi Q7. Going into production, the Bentley SUV is expected to have a W12 engine under its bonnet, offered in parallel with with diesel and plug-in powertrains.
The British company has vowed to keep production in Crewe, despite early rumors pointing towards the Bratislava factory where Q7s are assembled. After showing its eye-catching reinterpretad design to potential customers at private events, Bentley says it already has 2,000 preorders. Expectations are high, as plans are set in place to assemble 3,000 units per year.
The company is investing £800 million ($1.33 billion in the next three years. Crewe will become the "center of excellence for W12 engines" and will for the first time export these massive powertrains to other brands from 2014.
Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: “This is an important step, not just for Bentley but also for the UK manufacturing sector. This W12 centre of excellence is recognition of the long standing engine manufacturing expertise we have that has resulted in performance improvements across the model ranges over recent years. The production of this advanced engine and its future generations will bring new technologies and skills to Crewe.”
As expected, the criticized look presented in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show has been totally reinterpreted. Obvious changes have been made to the headlight design and grille, both of which go to the core of the Bentley brand but still present themselves in a modern way.
As a concept, the EXP 9 F was based on a platform called the PL71, which also underpins the Touareg and the Audi Q7. Going into production, the Bentley SUV is expected to have a W12 engine under its bonnet, offered in parallel with with diesel and plug-in powertrains.
The British company has vowed to keep production in Crewe, despite early rumors pointing towards the Bratislava factory where Q7s are assembled. After showing its eye-catching reinterpretad design to potential customers at private events, Bentley says it already has 2,000 preorders. Expectations are high, as plans are set in place to assemble 3,000 units per year.
The company is investing £800 million ($1.33 billion in the next three years. Crewe will become the "center of excellence for W12 engines" and will for the first time export these massive powertrains to other brands from 2014.
Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: “This is an important step, not just for Bentley but also for the UK manufacturing sector. This W12 centre of excellence is recognition of the long standing engine manufacturing expertise we have that has resulted in performance improvements across the model ranges over recent years. The production of this advanced engine and its future generations will bring new technologies and skills to Crewe.”
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