Video: See Bentley's record-setting 205 mph run on ice

When we first heard that Juha Kankkunen and Bentley had succeeded, a new ice-speed record on the coast of Finland set, we immediately wanted to see pictures of the action. The thought of just one race prepared Continental Super Sport convertible pen stroke is only 20 centimeters Baltic Sea ice is the kind of things that followed our daydreams. Fortunately, the car manufacturers run to slip as friendly as the world is a quick clip of the record-smashing, complete with angles from the sky, the ice and the cockpit.

Kankkunen be torn down old ice-speed record of 199.83 hours of 2007 miles in the set. At that time the World Rally Champion was on a cruise over to miss the 200 mph barrier, but shooting just his mark. He had no such problems this go-round. His drop-off head of a top speed of 205.48 hours clicked miles.

Interestingly enough, except for a set of winter tires, some safety kit and a few additions Aero, Continental Super Sport convertible that Kankkunen was used as a weapon of choice is essentially a collection of bones machine. Hit the jump to check the clip for you.

Rendered Speculation: Bentley looking to expand with entry coupe, crossover?

Rumors swirl on, incoming CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer Bentley, who previously served as director of research and development at Porsche looks at long and hard as to expand the luxury brand product line. Given Dürheimer experience make magic happen at Porsche, it seems likely that Bentley would be used in the platform for the Panamera sedan type, and that is exactly what the guys at Auto Express are suggesting.
The first new model, an ultra-luxe machine that would fit into the emerging four-door coupe segment. If so, expect a price tag in the mid-$ 250,000 range, and engine choices range from the tried and true W12 a new supercharged 4.0-liter V8.
These drives can also find their way into the engine compartment of a Bentley crossover, says Auto Express. As much as some might protest, a Porsche Cayenne, Bentley would be based at a price near the $ 200K mark seems a very real possibility ... as though an optional diesel engine, new to the mark.
Finally, the long-rumored entry-level (everything can be called by a $ 150,000 price tag entry-level?) Bentley coupe that would slot below the Continental GT is still a topic of conversation. Branching in one or all of these segments as a way to return seen over the 10,000-unit peak sales potential of 2007 to only 4616 units in 2009.
Head on over to see than to Auto Express, some rendered speculation on what these cars could look like.

Bentley sets new land ice speed record

The Baltic Sea is sitting off the coast of Finland, is a white desert of ice and snow in the winter part of the calendar. Local hero Juha Kankkunen, a four-World Rally Champion, the view across the length and sees a blank sheet on which he can make his mark. What exactly is the brand? It is 200 miles per hour ... on ice.
Kankkunen is no stranger to driving fast on less-than-ideal driving conditions. But his rally car never hit 200mph and he was not go to 70 inches worth of ice, four miles from the Finnish coast. This rapid Fin had been a shot at the 200-mph mark made in 2007 with a Bentley Continental GT. He was short, but its official rate of 199.83 hours did shatter miles the previous ice speed record of 184 km / h, which in 1995 was in a Bugatti EB110 Supersport set.
This time Kankkunen piloting the Bentley Continental Super Sport convertible, which offers 621 horsepower under the hood. The only changes made to the car included a roll cage, Pirelli winter tires help a rear parachute and some mild aero mods to the stability in the more slippery surface.
His Bentley gurgling at the start line like a British schoolboy who pushed just discovered Pop Rocks, Juha Kankkunen the accelerator to the velvety soft carpet in his super sport ice rocket. Thousand feet higher, and the world has a new record for driving fast on ice ... 205.48 hours miles. Onnittelut Juha yes Bentley!

Bond back in a Bentley for Carte Blanche

What Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Daniel Craig all have in common? Now, apart from the fact that they all played James Bond on the screen they are all pretty good-looking chaps. This bespectacled man with the bare cell phone holder on your belt, on the other side would not quite seem to be the movie star type. But then he must not be because he does not play Bond. He writes the books.
Jeffery Deaver, the man you see here is Iam Flemming's successor, and the author of the latest Bond novel Carte Blanche. And while 007 drives Aston Martins in the latest films in the new series of books - as in Flemming's original - he is behind the wheel of a Bentley.
Carte Blanche is in Dubai, where Deaver recently stopped to promote the new book and set out his new ride protagonists of the Bentley Continental GT. The latest of his 28 books - which include The Bone Collector, was for the screen with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie adapted - to 26 Starting in May 2011. That is, if we allow the possibility of our ideas in the images of 007 complete dash around the Emirates in the new Bentley have, but if you want a little visual image, you can through the pages of high-resolution image gallery below Flip, consequences the jump for the full press release, or head over to
www.007carteblanche.co.uk.

New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

Ultimate Factories will come back to the National Geographic Channel and the latest season chalk full of everything automotive action. Concert dates have camera crews start in Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley to show factories how to paint a Dodge Challenger, what it takes to build a Maserati engine and how Dodge is building (or is it built?) Viper Chassis and its 8.4-liter heart.

Ultimate Factories Airs on Thursday Evening 10 clock and the Dodge Challenger episode will start in February 3rd. But until then, a preview in the video after the jump.

Touring Superleggera ramps up production of Bentley Flying Star

Bentley Shooting Brake, anyone? Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera can be connected. The Milanese coachbuilder unveils the Flying Star at last year's Motor Show in Geneva, and our hearts have in this process. But since the shooting brake and opened debuted order his books, has been touring has made just three examples of their own creation.

No wonder, since the body shop says it takes 4,000 hours to transform Continental GTC (still have the previous model, we collect) in the long covered coupe. But thanks to increased investment in the form of new equipment and staff can now work Touring allegedly on up to five vehicles at once.

Each example still takes six months to complete, with production limited to 19 examples. Fortunate buyer can range from a series of adjustments, including the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 States in the tune of 552 hp (base) to 621 (Super Sports) state.

Review: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Do not press the start button. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the craftsmanship. Take it all in.
Start with the examination of the four polished bright organ-stop vent piston. The stainless steel studs located high on the dash are easy to miss a passing glance. However, each is charged with the important role of air power by shutting down one of the bulls eye vents. Decades ago, would have a smooth metal rods connected directly to the mechanical valve. Today, cut through with the physical connection between technology, sends a series of electronic micro-switch orders digital servos that treat the job. Understanding the importance of the ancient tactile mechanical movement, Bentley engineers meticulously the positive feedback of a polished steel rod just slides over smooth pull a soft leather flap felt replicated. Their performance is anything but flawless.
Commissioned to build a completely new flagship captures the essence of the brand Bentley - let the engineers and designers in Crewe nothing to chance - incomparably coach-built luxury and passion for performance and speed. The result is the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne.Electronics manage almost every aspect of the venerable 6.75-liter V8 of the Mulsanne, the firing order, the delivery of fuel. It Swirls systematically to life and immediately settled in a near-silent idle.
In contrast to the Onyx-over-saddle right-hand drive model we drove in the UK last year, these North American-spec Mulsanne Sapphire Pale color with a cashew interior (French Navy with contrasting color). The base price for all models is $ 285,000 (plus $ 2,595 destination), but a standard Mulsanne is outrageous. This model has a smattering of options, including 21-inch two-piece Polished Sport Wheels ($ 6.315), Naim Premium Audio ($ 7,415), Seat Ventilation & Massage ($ 3,000), Burr Oak Veneer ($ 4630), Adaptive Cruise Control feature (3270 $) and a flying 'B' hood ornament. Add in more attention, such as Ambient Interior Mood Lighting ($ 390) and a valet key ($ 250), and the bottom line on this gorgeous beauty is a bold $ 330,195. Let us assure you that the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne worth every single cent copper, galvanized by a third of a million dollars.
Wrap your hand around the polished stainless steel door handles (the inner sides have a tactile knurling to the finger tips of joy) and give it a firm tug. The door slides open and the interior spills out so that the flavor intense bouquet of a fine wine like. Bentley back its traditional tanning the hides in the Mulsanne cabin. The result is a rich and aromatic leather balm is different "painted" stands out from the synthetic leather smell in the car is most car interiors.The consuming and costly to treat, both driver-and passenger-focused. The steering wheel is not particularly meaty or sculptures, but the structure, grip and feel of the leather is so silky, it need not be. The twelve-way power-operated heated and massaging seats are as comfortable as your favorite chair, but without excessive reinforcement, and provide overly generous front-and-aft travel by rail. The eddy-liquefaction seat massage function should be illegal while the vehicle is in motion - its rhythmic pulsations could make an Insomniac unconscious on Red Bull at high noon.
Primary instrumentation is clear, but the many smaller "glass" buttons on the center console and center console will require some training (but so is your kitchen's spice rack). With the engine purring on the other side of the firewall, the eight-inch screen with high resolution awakens from its resting position behind a veneer plate in the middle of the dashboard and displays an easy-to-read version of the Audi Multi Media Interface. But it's hard to say.
Bentley's are designed around the driver, but not to think that passengers are mistaken, a little too short for International First Class relegated. While the passenger enjoys the same accommodations as drivers, passengers can relax in the rear (two-plus-one houses) with eight-way electrically-operated heated and massaging seats with lumbar support and memory. Not only are there four separate zones in the vehicle documents Climate control, but the rear seat passengers can move the passenger seat out of the way (as was whether the generous legroom simply not good enough). The different controls are all elegantly out of the way hidden in the center back above armrest.The Motors basic architecture has been around since the 1960s, serving both Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Do not worry, as the famous "Six and three-quarter-liter" was updated several times in recent decades as Joan Rivers. Today, the all-aluminum engine has been completely revised, with new, lighter pistons, connecting rods and forged camshafts. New control systems management of the twin-turbo engine includes variable valve timing and lift.
Bentley provides that the engine now produces 505 hp at 4,200 rpm - and the least impressive part of the story. More significant is the devilish (and insane) min 752-pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. Somehow, commendably toleration of power is a standard is a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel "paddles" for manual control. According to the automaker will achieve the Mulsanne Sedan 60 hours miles from a standing start in just 5.1 seconds. Keep your foot down to 11.6 seconds and the 5,700-pound four-door will be 100 mph hit (despite toting nearly twice the weight, the buffed beauty is faster than a Porsche Cayman S).
Once on the road, the sound of the engine and the exhaust system is extremely attenuated during steady driving, as if the engine is somehow in the vacuum of space. The lack of engine noise on the highway is scary, but understandable. As mentioned, the Mulsanne the first car in its segment to boast variable - valves close in four of the cylinders to maximize fuel economy during cruising. The drive train feature is not new, as many car manufacturers so-called "cylinder deactivation" technology over the years have adopted. However, we have never experienced such a transparent transition 4:00 to 8:00 cylinders operations (if Bentley had not put it in the written press release, we would not swear it happens). As a driver the car Bentley has made special provisions for those who want to change found behind the wheel suspension and steering responses to a rotary switch near the shift lever. Of the four modes (Bentley, Sport, Comfort and Custom), we found "Bentley", the preferred set of reports that the automaker engineers, since the choice selection. It seems an admirable balance between the chassis and unnecessary hardship offer swimmers. We stumbled potholes seem big enough to jump a motorcycle stage - the Mulsanne slid over each with poise and dignity.
When the road turned twisty, shaking the Bentley does not have. Despite its mass and weight, the flagship sedan handled impressively. We spent countless hours back on small two lane roads all the time amazed at how well the nearly three-ton Mulsanne himself. Although not directly marketed as such, would undoubtedly embarrassed the Mulsanne the majority of the self-proclaimed "sports sedan" in the market today. And then there is the immense power.
Wheel spin from a standstill is a breeze, but it is rather inappropriate (such as carriage wheels of 60-year-old women, regardless of their physical appearance). It is appropriate to show some restraint and leave with a gentle walk.
Instead, press the accelerator down about a third of his journey while driving on the highway and something emerges from the depths. An audible sound may not unlike that of a prehistoric mammoth in a grumpy old oak whiskey barrel is taken from the other side of the firewall. A low and deep curse is removed, but with authority. The change in pitch is heard by the entire front end of the Mulsanne lifting a few fractions of an inch, because all that weight back accompanied transfers. Then, without further ado, the big sedan is scored on the highway. The experience leaves surrounding vehicles in the distance, and grinning from ear in the Bentley-to-expected ear.As, with the Mulsanne powerful brakes. His iron rotors (two piece units) are 15.75 cm in diameter in front with six-piston calipers and 14.60 inches in the rear with two-piston calipers. The optional 21-inch wheels carry 265/45ZR21 Performance Rubber, affording the four-door a lot of liability. Stomp the brakes and the nose drops as the weight shifts forward (together with all other). Delay before testing, cinch belts fastened and secure loose items in the cabin. The brakes are very effective.
Without question, the Bentley Mulsanne offers an exceptional driving experience - as great as one would expect, particularly given its high price. The big four-door car is comfortable on the highway and capable in the corners. It accelerates quickly and bleeds the speed without drama. However, the mechanical operation of the machine is only part of his charm. There is so much more than adept transportation.The Bentley Mulsanne is almost a century of automotive history alcove. This heritage is deeply rooted in the aluminum body panels, concealed stainless steel jewelry and colored leather. Countless hours are trained in sewing, upholstery, hand-polishing and painstaking review of each pore.
The Bentley Mulsanne, probably the world's best luxury car is a piece of rolling art. It reflects the unique character, individuality, passion and financial value. The hand-made limousine, speaks volumes about his behind the wheel, but it's not a single word.

Guess Barett-Jackson bids, win prizes

For us, one of the best parts of watching the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona tried to process the contract long before the hammer falls to guess. For the fourth year in a row, you can contact us later in a head-to-head against the rest of the world classic car lovers enter for prizes in the auction bids fantasy game. Hagerty Insurance and Speed have teamed up to allow fans to try their hand at predicting the final price tag of some of the best metal on the planet.
All you need is about the imagination to offer on-site. You can submit your assumptions about multiple posts. Fantasy bidding wraps when the car hits the stage, and players gain points by closest to the actual contract, without going over. The player with the most points after the four days at home will, at the auction, you will receive a massive prize pack that includes a 46-inch Samsung LCD-3D high-definition TV and 3D Bluray DVD player.
The second place nets an Xbox 360 with Kinect and runner-up a Sony Cyber-shot digital camera nab. Even more impressive is fantasy candidates who are the most points each day a 32-inch Sony HD TV award, and players who know the next snap to get price gaveled the joy of owning a 16-gig iPad.
We will be partnering with speed for the duration of the auction, you bring up-to-date reports while Friday and Saturday, so stay tuned. Hit the jump for the press explosion.

Multi-platform coverage of Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
Dual screen experience includes three camera angles, 'Magnante MINUTES "& New interactive Facebook application
LIVE linear network coverage begins January 18; HAGERTY FANTASY BID STARTS January 20

SPEED.com is ready for a significant number of multi-platform coverage of this year's Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and "no reserve" auction. The lineup of live streaming from multiple camera angles highlighted the popular Hagerty Fantasy Bid game celebrates and original video content as part of SPEED 40-hour live coverage of the auction 40-year anniversary.
The program will begin Tuesday at 07.00 clock ET / 4 pm PT, while the Hagerty Fantasy Bid game starts on Thursday at the same time.
For the auction total of three live cameras are steaming with an optimized feed for Apple iPad, iPhone, iTouch and Android 2.0 applications, all of the action in and around the tent West World auction. presents "The Block" reporter Steve Magnante web-exclusive "Magnante Minutes' video blogs, while SPEED.com automotive editor Bob Golf collects the latest news, notes, reactions and personality storylines, the design of the collector car market place in Scottsdale, throughout the week.
An online chat, photo galleries, collectors car Trivia "Ask the Broadcast Booth" and a new speed record Facebook Barrett-Jackson Content Application capturing the entire interactive experience also tap.
Beginning with live coverage SPEED on Thursday 18 January, collector car expert Rick DeBruhl and Justin Bell, 30 cars at this year's interactive Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game. Once established, have imagination to guess bidders a chance to make the final "gaveled" price of each vehicle by several border crossing points (or log on speedfantasybid.com SPEED.com Barrett-Jackson Landing Page (http://www.speedtv.com / programs / Barrett -Jackson Automobile Auction /) for details). Fantasy bidding closes once a car rolls on the main auction block per car, with daily and overall prizes awarded during the game to the next guesstimated price of not more than the closing auction number. Incremental points are also assigned to the said rules base line.
"Our bid fantasy game the best and most popular multi-platform integrated package of speed and SPEED.com," said Kevin Annison, VP of digital interactive & Media. "We had almost a million fantasy bids during the four (Scottsdale, Arizona, Palm Beach, Florida, Orange County, California and Las Vegas, Nevada) Barrett-Jackson broadcasts in 2010. It's a great interactive game which is our audience more engaged. One of our goals is to continue giving away great surprise to increase our numbers and let the audience have fun with the show.
"We also offer a two-screen experience with our unique camera angles and content," Annison added. "And our new interactive Facebook application allows all users of our SPEED.com the auction experience on other platforms."
The grand prize for winning the Hagerty Fantasy Bid game, the player with the most points accumulated during four days of a 46-inch Samsung, 3D, LED, LCD, HD TV with a Samsung 3D, Blu-Ray DVD player. The game is runner-up wins a Xbox 360 games with interactive technology Kinect console while the third-ranked player grabs a Sony Cyber-shot digital camera. For those with the most points on a daily basis, is a 32-inch Sony LCD excellent high-definition television, while those who think the next gaveled price on every car to win a 16-gigabyte iPad.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction 2011 Scottsdale (Arizona) Coverage Schedule (All times Eastern; Schedule subject to change)
Tuesday, January 18 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event 7 - Midnight (Live) SPEED.com Live Streaming 7 - Midnight (Live)
Wednesday, January 19 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event 7 - Midnight (Live) SPEED.com Live Streaming 7 - Midnight (Live)
Thursday, January 20 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event 7 - Midnight (Live) Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game 7 - Midnight (Live) SPEED.com Live Streaming 7 - Midnight (Live)
Friday, January 21 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event 2 clock - Midnight (Live) Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game 2 Clock - Midnight (Live) SPEED.com Live Streaming 2 clock - Midnight (Live)
Saturday, January 22 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from 14.00 bis 01.00 Clock Clock (Live) Hagerty Fantasy Game bid of 14.00 bis 01.00 Clock (Live) SPEED.com Live Streaming of 2.00 to 01.00 clock clock. (Live)
Sunday, January 23 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event 2-6 Clock (Live) Hagerty Fantasy Game bid of 2 bis 6 Clock (Live) Live Streaming SPEED.com 2-6 Clock (Live)