British automaker Bentley Motors unfortunately chose this ugly looking SUV over a rival for the Porsche 911, and we’re going to have to live with their decision. The EXP 9 F is primarily designed with arab and Chinese buyers in mind, as it features a long wheelbase and spacious rear area.
Today, Bentley detailed the powertrain for the future SUV, or at least the one that powers this concept that was also shown at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The flagship model offers up a 6.0-litre W12 engine which develops 600bhp and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The new 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo will also be available with 500 bhp, just like in the Continental GT, but there will also be a hybrid V6 system with 30 km (18 miles) of pure electric range.
"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxuryBentley SUV. Since we first showed EXP 9 F at Geneva, the response has been overwhelming. Everyone seems to agree that an SUV is a natural fit for Bentley. An exciting range of drivetrain options including a hybrid V6 are under active consideration but one thing is for sure, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned,” said Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxuryBentley SUV. Since we first showed EXP 9 F at Geneva, the response has been overwhelming. Everyone seems to agree that an SUV is a natural fit for Bentley. An exciting range of drivetrain options including a hybrid V6 are under active consideration but one thing is for sure, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned,” said Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.