Why are they expecting such a huge demand you ask? CLSA Asia-Pacific estimates the number of millionaires will surge to 403,000 by 2015 from 173,000 in 2010.

These new millionaires are looking to differentiate themselves from the now common Mercedes and BMW. Interesting fact – The youngest owner of the RR Ghost is from India. The British marquee now plans to have a total of 6 dealerships in India by year end. Bentley, on the other hand want to have 4 by the year end.

IHS Automotive predicts that the number of super-luxury cars – including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce models – sold in India will jump to about 800 by 2020. Last year, the total was a measly 180 .

Both brands are also creating an awareness in the country to garner more customers. Bentley sponsored this month’s Indian Masters tournament of polo whereas Rolls Royce promoted its cars in the Maharaja of Jodhpur polo tournament

[Source: sfgate.com]

Ford unleashed a barrage of images and details of the Torneo Custom Concept that heralds the company into a new generation of passenger carriers and commercial vehicles. The Torneo Concept debuts a host of new technologies and driver assistance modules. The first models based on the Torneo concept will roll out in 2012. The new vans and light truck series is designed for European and Asian market customers.

Bentley has revealed the EXP 9 F luxury SUV concept at the Geneva show to ask customers and potential customers their feedback for a potential third Bentley model. Bentley’s research revealed that many of its buyers drive SUVs of rival brands. The EXP 9 F will be shaped carefully using the comments and inputs of its clients. It could be the most luxurious SUV in the world with benchmark-setting key performance parameters such as top speed and acceleration, credit to the 600bhp 6-liter W12 petrol engine.

Ford has finished premiering the B-Max mini MPV which essentially is a larger Fiesta hatchback with sliding doors and no B-Pillar. It is powered by the same 1-liter Ecoboost petrol engine, but due to the increase in length and height, interior room has vastly improved. The B-Max uses the same 1.5-liter diesel engine as the Indian Fiesta, thereby debuting the engine in Europe.

On the eve of the 82nd Geneva Motor Show, Rolls Royce has given the big old Phantom a much needed facelift, nine years after it first debuted. Although it is not a comprehensive facelift, it does include minor cosmetic enhancements, some more tech goodies and changes to the drivetrain. This the first makeover for the Roller that was unveiled back in 2003.

The Bentley Continental GT is powered by a 5,998cc twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 552 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 newton metres at 1,600-6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is a standard feature.

The Continental GT accelerates from 0 to 100kph in under 5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour.

Bentley Continental GT Image Gallery

Bentley Continental GT Technical Specifications

ENGINE

Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12

Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min

Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION

ZF 6-speed automatic with Quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift

Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)

Ratios:

1st . 4.17

2nd. 2.34

3rd. 1.52

4th. 1.14

5th. 0.87

6th 0.69

Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION

Steel monocoque

BRAKES

Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES

9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)

275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21 linked to option wheels)

STEERING

Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic

Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns

Turning circle: 11.3m / 37 ft 1in

SUSPENSION

Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.

Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.

Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 2746 mm / 108.1 in

Overall Length 4806 mm / 189.2 in

Width (across body) 1944 mm / 76.5 in

Width (including mirrors) 2227 mm / 87.7 in

Overall Height 1404 mm / 55.3 in

Fuel Tank 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons

Boot Volume 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft

Kerb Weight (EU) 2320 kg / 5115 lb

Gross Vehicle Weight 2750 kg / 6063 lb

PERFORMANCE

Top Speed: 198 mph (318 km/h)

0 – 60 mph: 4.4 secs (0-100 km/h: 4.6 secs)

0 -100 mph: 10.2 secs (0-160 km/h: 10.2 secs)

30 – 50 mph (50-80 km/h): 1.7 secs

50 – 75 mph (80-120 km/h): 2.9 secs

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle) *

Urban 11.1 mpg (25.4 litres/100km)

Extra Urban 24.9 mpg (11.4 litres/100km)

Combined 17.1 mpg (16.5 litres/100km)

CO2 emissions 384 g/km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle) **

City Driving 12.0 mpg (US)

Highway Driving 19.0 mpg (US)

Combined 14.0 mpg (US)

EMISSIONS CONTROLS

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval. ** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

EU 5 and US LEV 11

A day after Maserati’s arrival, Exclusive Motors will launch the New Bentley Continental GT in India with the powerful W12 engine. Mr. Satya Bagla, MD Exclusive Motors and Mr. Chris Buxton Regional Director, Bentley Motors (Middle East, Africa and India) will be present at the occasion.

The Continental GT is equipped with a 5,998cc twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which produces 552 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 newton metres at 1,600-6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is standard.

The Continental GT accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in under 5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour. It will cost approximately 2 crore rupees but the final price tag is determined by the level of customization the buyer desires.

Indian Autos Blog will be on ground zero, bringing you updates as the launch unfolds.

The 2012 Bentley has been designed to look like an aggressive sister of the old Bentley. It has a much sporty design coupled with stunning Mulsanne-like new head lamps with LEDs and a supporting unit.

The new Continental GT is powered a 6-litre, 12-cylinder (W12), twin-turbocharged powertrain mated to a new 6-speed producing 567bhp of maximum power and 700Nm of maximum torque. This car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 318km/h.

No details on pricing are out yet.

Bentley’s official dealer Exclusive Motors Pvt Ltd could take up to 6 months to deliver the car from the time of booking.

Exclusive Motors Managing Director Satya Bagla -

The price of the new Bentley Continental GT will be approximately Rs 2 crore upwards as the final price will depend on the level of customisation

The Continental GT is a four seater all-wheel drive car that has a 6 litre petrol engine lurking beneath the bonnet. The new Continental GT went on sale in September last year globally.

The revised GT produces 575PS and 700Nm of torque. A new six-speed Quickshift transmission helps it on its way and 100kph comes up in just 4.6 seconds. The car will accelerate till 197mph (318km/h).

Some of the features so to speak are touchscreen infotainment system, state-of-the-art navigation, Google Maps and entertainment, etc.

Source – Indian Express

I know of a handful of the Indian billionaires, some of which own car companies and a lot of which own steel companies. And there’s also an emerging market in the film industry as well.

- Regional director – middle east, Africa and India, Bentley Motors Chris Buxton when asked about potential customers of the insanely high priced Bentley Mulsanne.

Source – Financial Chronicle

Thanks to autoholiks, we’re able to bring you a report on the Bentley Mulsanne’s Indian launch.

The expensive vehicle was unveiled by Sir Richard Stag, Britain’s high commissioner to India and Chris Buxtonm, Bentley’s regional director in an event hosted at British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi.

The Bentley Mulsanne is the first Bentley after a long gap to have been built from scratch.

Chris Buxtonm, Britain’s high commissioner to India -

I think our expectations with Mulsanne has always been very strong. We don’t see the sales of the car but wait for its demand in the market. The moment I think would be strong we would probably be sold out, by the end of 2011. I think we have taken some interested parties, I showed some Indian customers the car last year. This market is a very strong market for our cars and it goes back to 1911 when we came into the market. So as I said there are about 700 big car drivers in India today.

Production of the Bentley Mulsanne will begin at the company’s facility in England during the second quarter of this year. Production here needs to be looked at from a exclusive car builder’s perspective.

Each Bentley Mulsanne takes two months at least to be completed. Customers can choose from a choice of 114 paint colors, 21 carpet colors, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hide!

Bentley Mulsanne – Technical Specification Summary

Engine
Type: Twin-turbocharged V8
Installation: Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Construction: Alloy heads and block
Capacity: 6750cc
Power: 512PS / 505bhp / 377kW at 4200 rev/min
Torque: 1020Nm / 752 lb ft at 1750 rev/min

Performance & Economy
0-60 mph in 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3s)
0-100 mph in 11.6 secs (0-160 km/h in 11.5s)
Max Speed: 184 mph (296 km/h)
Economy: 16.7 mpg (16.9 l/100km) Combined EU Cycle (figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval)
US EPA Cycle (fuel consumption figures will be advised following Certification)
CO2 emission: 393 g/km (figure is provisional and subject to Type Approval)

Transmission
Type: Rear-wheel-drive
Gearbox: ZF 8-Speed automatic

Body & Chassis
Length: 5575mm (219.49in)
Width (mirrors folded): 1926mm (75.80in)
Height: 1521mm (59.88in)
Wheelbase: 3266mm (128.60in)
Front Track: 1615mm (63.58in)
Rear Track: 1652mm (65.03in)
Wheels / tyres (standard): 9J x 20in. with 265/45 ZR 20 tyres
(option): 9J x 21in. with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres
Kerb weight: 2585 kg (5700 lb)

Bentley Mulsanne – Standard Feature Specification

Drivetrain

6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8
512PS / 505bhp / 377kW at 4200 rev/min
1020 Nm/752lbs ft at 1750 rev/min
Cam phasing and variable displacement – a first for the ultra-luxury sector

EU5 and LEVII emissions compliant

8-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift interface, sport mode and steering-wheel mounted paddleshift

Bentley Mulsanne Image Slideshow

can’t see anything above? visit the Bentley Mulsanne Image Gallery directly

Source – Autoholiks

Before we talk about the new arrivals, we thought it would be appropriate to comment on the Press Release that we received from Bentley in this regard. The press release categorically mentions that the Continental Flying Spur is the “Fastest car in the world” and that the difference in the two new cars only lies in the type of audio system used. With enough evidence to understand that the press release was prepared by someone not related in anyway to Bentley, we gathered some info that you might be interested in.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is aimed at the rear-seat occupying business magnate who is looking to get from A to B in luxury. The whole car is crafted to perfection, inside and out. Even though the basic design looks similar to the outgoing Flying Spur, Bentley is said to have made some major tweaks to the new model, resulting in better dynamics. However, we could notice only one change, wider chrome-meshed front bumper.

A plethora of combinations of single tone and dual-tone colours are available. The interiors reflect a generous amount of cattle sacrifices and rainforest depletion. Apart from these, the car comes with a custom made 1100 Watt Naim High-Fidelity amplifier that connects to 15 speakers.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Specs

• Engine Capacity : 5998cc
• Max. Power : 552bhp / 560 PS / 412kW @ 6100rpm
• Max.Torque : 650Nm, 479 lb-ft @ 1600rpm-6100rpm
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Max. Speed 194mph / 312km/h
• Acceleration 0 – 60mph 4.9 seconds
• Acceleration 0 – 100km/h 5.2 seconds

Bentley Continental Flying Spur ‘Speed’

Apart from being the fastest four-door Bentley, it’s also the most highly engineered Bentley ever. Unlike the standard Spur, this car is aimed at the business magnate who wants to get from A to B in luxury and fast.

The Speed’s engine develops 15% more torque and 9% more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimized by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system.

In order to distinguish it from the standard Spur, the front grille and lower air intakes are in dark-tinted chrome. The rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint the potential of this model. It comes with silver plated 20-inch multi-spoke alloys that run on Pirelli PZero performance tyres.

Improved agility and body control is achieved through up rated spring and damper settings as well as thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. To aid the car’s high-speed dynamics, the Flying Spur Speed’s self-leveling air suspension sits 10mm lower. The advanced electronic stability programme (ESP), up rated to ESP 8.1 for both models, is said to ensure better driver interaction and control.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur ‘Speed’ Specs

• Engine Capacity : 5998cc
• Max. Power : 600bhp / 610 PS / 449kW @ 6000rpm
• Max.Torque : 750Nm, 553 lb-ft @ 1700-5600rpm
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Max. Speed 200mph / 322km/h
• Acceleration 0 – 60mph 4.5 seconds
• Acceleration 0 – 100km/h 4.8 seconds

Source - Bentley

Regulars at IAB should have seen the Bentley Continental GT that runs on biofuel, which is the fastest and maddest car to wear the Bentley badge. It took me by surprise, but what Hamann sent us today, surpasses as the wildest Bentley till date. At least visually.

Hamann showed their colors by doing up a BMW 7 Series recently. They’ve shown no apparent signs of slowing down with the Imperator.

Hamann Imperator Image Gallery

Hamann Imperator features

• Larger air inlets
• daytime running lights
• newly designed front optimises the air flow and therefore reduces the lifting forces at the front axle
• new front and rear wings increase overall length by 70 millimetres
• new side skirts were fabricated to “calm the air flow at the sides”
• spoiler installed on the boot lid of the Bentley
• diffuser rear skirt for additional downforce
• ANODIZED 22 inch wheels
• carbon fiber and leather application in the cabin

Press Release