Photo: Bentley
The Continental GT, Flying Spur, Mulsanne, and Bentayga. There are four models in Bentley’s current lineup, and 2019 will see the advent of the fifth. On the sidelines of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the automaker’s head ruled out the oft-rumored sub-Bentayga sport utility vehicle in favor of an electric sports car. Indeed, ladies and gents, the EXP12 Speed 6e is happening!
As a brief refresher, the EXP 12 Speed 6e is an open-top interpretation of the EXP 10 Speed 6 fixed-head sports car unveiled two year ago in Geneva. The company’s electrified concept debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and Bentley refused to drop any details on the powertrain and battery. Mind you, it’s easy to guess what sort of goodies the production model will offer considering that Porsche is finalizing the Mission E all-electric sports car.
“What I can say is that a small SUV is no longer on the scheme. We’re favoring a car with a full electric powertrain,” said Wolfgang Durheimer to Autocar at IAA 2017. “We intend to be the leader in electrification in the luxury segment,” he added, which is a similar promise to Porsche’s Mission E.
As a brief refresher, Porsche’s all-new Cayenne shares its platform with the Bentley Bentayga. In a similar fashion, the Porsche Panamera borrowed the MSB architecture to Bentley, thus breathing new life into the Continental GT. It’s a no-brainer to expect the yet-unnamed electric sports car to borrow bits and pieces from the Mission E, which is scheduled to come to market in 2019.
Joining the plug-in hybrid, V6-powered Bentayga and Continental GT, the all-electric Bentley could develop approximately 600 horsepower from four electric motors. The all-wheel-drive model rumored to be called Barnato should offer a driving range of 500 kilometers NEDC (310 miles) or even more. Performance-wise, look forward to 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in an estimated 3.5 seconds, plus a top speed of 155 mph (255 km/h).
The subject is still open to debate considering Bentley hasn’t confirmed the body style of the car, with Mr. Sensible believing a coupe is the most likely scenario. But if the British manufacturer can make a case for a convertible version of the tentatively-named Barnato, then that'll work in the automaker's favor by upping the desirability of the future model.
Look for the production model to launch in 2019.
“What I can say is that a small SUV is no longer on the scheme. We’re favoring a car with a full electric powertrain,” said Wolfgang Durheimer to Autocar at IAA 2017. “We intend to be the leader in electrification in the luxury segment,” he added, which is a similar promise to Porsche’s Mission E.
As a brief refresher, Porsche’s all-new Cayenne shares its platform with the Bentley Bentayga. In a similar fashion, the Porsche Panamera borrowed the MSB architecture to Bentley, thus breathing new life into the Continental GT. It’s a no-brainer to expect the yet-unnamed electric sports car to borrow bits and pieces from the Mission E, which is scheduled to come to market in 2019.
Joining the plug-in hybrid, V6-powered Bentayga and Continental GT, the all-electric Bentley could develop approximately 600 horsepower from four electric motors. The all-wheel-drive model rumored to be called Barnato should offer a driving range of 500 kilometers NEDC (310 miles) or even more. Performance-wise, look forward to 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in an estimated 3.5 seconds, plus a top speed of 155 mph (255 km/h).
The subject is still open to debate considering Bentley hasn’t confirmed the body style of the car, with Mr. Sensible believing a coupe is the most likely scenario. But if the British manufacturer can make a case for a convertible version of the tentatively-named Barnato, then that'll work in the automaker's favor by upping the desirability of the future model.
Look for the production model to launch in 2019.
Google News