The Star Early Edition

Bentley beauty to debut in Geneva

Yes please Bentley, we’d pay good money for this one

- DENIS DROPPA

KNOWN for its ultra-luxury sports sedans, convertibl­es and coupés, Bentley is now targeting the supercar market with its EXP 10 Speed 6 sportscar.

Providing a major drool factor at this week’s Geneva motor show, the concept car is a high-performanc­e two-seater instilled with the brand’s typically handcrafte­d opulence. With a racing heritage that includes several Le Mans 24 Hour victories, speed is part of Bentley’s DNA so entering the supercar market isn’t too much of a paradigm shift for the luxury brand.

No engine details are given except to say that it will be a hybrid powertrain (probably a six-cylinder if we deduce correctly from the “6” in the nomenclatu­re) and that performanc­e goals will define a new segment benchmark.

“EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley’s future,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors.

“The showcar has the potential to be the new pinnacle luxury two-seat sportscar. It offers thrilling, driver-oriented performanc­e, complete with trademark modern Bentley luxury and effortless­ness.”

Cutting-edge 3D metal printing technology has allowed the grille mesh, exhausts, door handles and side vents to be delivered with micro-scale design detail precision. The iconic Bentley mesh grille, for example, is no longer a flat plane of latticewor­k but includes varying depth with a complex 3D geometry only visible when viewed at an angle.

The cabin combines traditiona­l Bentley craftsmans­hip with futuristic technology like a 12” touchscree­n.

 ??  ?? Bentley is to introduce its new EXP10 Speed 6 concept model at this week’s Geneva motor show.
Bentley is to introduce its new EXP10 Speed 6 concept model at this week’s Geneva motor show.

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