Photo: original image by autoevolution
When Bentley said it was redesigning its SUV after the EXP 9 F Concept was not well received, we thought that shape was all that mattered. Apparently, we were wrong. It seems like Bentley is aiming to give its SUV the ability to hit 200 mph (320 km/h) and they are now adjusting the aerodynamics to serve this purpose.
Bentley recently told autocar that it is working to give its SUV a streamlined shape that would allow the car to offer a top speed of 200 mph. It seems like the Brits have lowered the roofline and reshaped the rear end. This was definitely a very tricky job, since the two aforementioned measures are well known for the negative effects on rear headroom and luggage capacity, respectively.
What’s more, Bentley engineers have paid close attention to the underbody, an area that many SUVs do not treat with aerodynamic respect. Once again, not a simple task when you have to design a floor able to witstand offroad trips.
Nonetheless, this nicely rounded top speed figure means that Bentley’s SUV will have to pack some serious mechanical stuff. The automarker hasn’t confirmed any engine yet, only revealing that its SUV will include a hybrid alternative. Still, such high power requirements lead us to believe that, while Bentley’s V8 could be on the list, the SUV will offer the company’s W12 engine in a high state of tune.
As for the timing, Bentley is set to showcase its SUV next year, before its market debut, which is scheduled for 2016.
Regardless of this, the 200 mph figure will place Bentley at the top of the SUV world. For instance, the Cayenne, with its 175 mph (282 km/h) top speed, will be left far behind. Somebody in Sant’Agata Bolognese is certainly paying close attention to this...
Via: autocar
What’s more, Bentley engineers have paid close attention to the underbody, an area that many SUVs do not treat with aerodynamic respect. Once again, not a simple task when you have to design a floor able to witstand offroad trips.
Nonetheless, this nicely rounded top speed figure means that Bentley’s SUV will have to pack some serious mechanical stuff. The automarker hasn’t confirmed any engine yet, only revealing that its SUV will include a hybrid alternative. Still, such high power requirements lead us to believe that, while Bentley’s V8 could be on the list, the SUV will offer the company’s W12 engine in a high state of tune.
As for the timing, Bentley is set to showcase its SUV next year, before its market debut, which is scheduled for 2016.
Regardless of this, the 200 mph figure will place Bentley at the top of the SUV world. For instance, the Cayenne, with its 175 mph (282 km/h) top speed, will be left far behind. Somebody in Sant’Agata Bolognese is certainly paying close attention to this...
Via: autocar
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