Tag Archives: Bentley

NEW CARS

Bentley Torcal: 888 PS, 600 km Range and a New Era for Bentley’s Electric Luxury SUV

Bentley has entered a new era with the introduction of the all-new Bentley Torcal, the company’s first fully electric production model and one of the most significant vehicles in its 107-year history. With up to 888 PS, 1,350 Nm of torque, a claimed driving range of up to 600 km and an 800-volt electrical architecture, the Torcal combines Bentley’s traditional focus on craftsmanship and effortless performance with a radically new electric powertrain.

According to Bentley Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, the Torcal represents a template for the company’s future, regardless of whether the powertrain is electric, hybrid or combustion-powered.

“For 107 years, Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars – effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials, and a soundtrack with soul,” Walliser said. “Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters.”

The significance of the Torcal goes well beyond its electric powertrain. Bentley describes the new SUV as a blueprint for the next generation of vehicles from Crewe, introducing a new design language, new interior materials, advanced chassis technology and a different interpretation of luxury.

Bentley Torcal introduces a new design language

Designed in-house at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters under Design Director Robin Page, the Torcal adopts a low-slung and deliberately sleek SUV profile. Rather than simply translating familiar Bentley design cues into an electric vehicle, the designers have attempted to establish a new visual identity while retaining the proportions and details that have defined the British marque for generations.

Page describes the design philosophy through four distinct “reads”: proportion, graphics, surface language and detail.

The first is proportion. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and an upright front end give the Torcal a substantial road presence. Bentley calls this approach “upright elegance,” one of the company’s key design principles.

The long bonnet is another important element. Despite being an electric vehicle, the Torcal retains what Bentley calls an “endless bonnet,” reinforcing the impression of length and creating a visual connection with the company’s traditional grand tourers.

The second design “read” concerns the graphical elements of the vehicle. The front end draws inspiration from historic Bentleys, including the Continental T, but reinterprets those themes using modern lighting technology and a distinctive illuminated diamond grille.

At the rear, the design is deliberately clean and uncluttered, creating what Bentley calls the “prestigious shield” effect first explored through the EXP 15 concept.

The third element is the surface language. Instead of relying on numerous creases and decorative lines, Bentley has focused on large sculpted surfaces and carefully controlled volumes.

That philosophy is particularly obvious around the rear wheels. The cabin tapers towards the back while the body rises dramatically over the rear axle, producing what the designers describe as the “resting beast” effect.

Finally comes the detail. The diamond motif used on the grille appears throughout the Torcal, sometimes literally and sometimes hidden within textures, surfaces and patterns.

Bentley Torcal interior combines craftsmanship and technology

Inside, the Torcal continues Bentley’s traditional approach to luxury while introducing a number of new materials and technologies.

The dashboard remains inspired by Bentley’s famous wing-shaped architecture, creating a symmetrical cabin with a strong visual sense of balance. Leather, wool, veneer and aluminium are deliberately presented as tactile, authentic materials rather than simply decorative surfaces.

Physical controls remain an important part of the experience. Knurled switches and redesigned bullseye air vents combine traditional Bentley craftsmanship with modern technology, while frequently used functions remain accessible through the centre console and steering wheel.

The seats have also been completely redesigned.

Standard front seats feature 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable side bolsters and a new massage function. Bentley’s Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems are available as options, continuously modifying seat pressure distribution and temperature to improve comfort during long journeys.

The Wellness Seat Specification takes the massage function further by extending the massage area into the seat cushion, allowing the occupant’s legs, back and shoulders to receive treatment.

For rear passengers, the three-seat bench introduces Bentley’s first power-folding rear-seat system.

Merino wool and handcrafted materials redefine Bentley luxury

Bentley has used the Torcal to expand its approach to sustainable and unconventional interior materials.

One of the most interesting developments is a new 100 percent Merino wool automotive fabric created in partnership with British textile specialist Fox Brothers. The Somerset company has been producing fine wool fabrics since the 18th century.

Bentley says the new fabric is the world’s first 100 percent Merino wool automotive fabric and the first automotive wool fabric to receive Responsible Wool Standard certification.

Another new material is Ombré Walnut by Mulliner. The finish is created using up to 1,000 individually selected layers of responsibly sourced walnut off-cuts and recycled craft paper. The material is compressed, sliced to less than one millimetre in thickness and applied to the interior, creating a gradient that moves through several shades of walnut.

Sunburst Aluminium by Mulliner provides another link with Bentley history. Its three-way brushed pattern is inspired by the engine-turned aluminium dashboards found in historic Bentley models.

Customers can choose from 15 olive tan leather shades, including new Teal, Terra and Glaze colours. There are also 15 matching Dinamica colours, five Merino wool shades, six wood veneer choices, two technical finishes and six Piano finishes.

Bentley Torcal electric powertrain produces up to 888 PS

The numbers are extraordinary even by Bentley standards.

The Torcal is powered by two permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors, one at each axle. The motors feature dry-sump designs and are filled with oil for life.

The rear motor incorporates a locking differential with a multi-plate clutch on each output shaft, while the front motor uses an open differential.

In its most powerful Torcal S configuration, the electric powertrain produces up to 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of torque when Launch Control is activated.

That makes the Torcal S the most powerful Bentley yet in terms of torque.

The standard Torcal develops 821 PS and 1,194 Nm. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, equivalent to 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The Torcal S reduces the 0-60 mph time to just 2.8 seconds, or 2.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h. Top speed increases to 162 mph (260 km/h).

Despite those numbers, Bentley says the development team deliberately avoided making acceleration excessively violent. The objective was to deliver the effortless, progressive performance expected from a Bentley rather than simply chasing the lowest possible acceleration figure.

113 kWh battery and 600 km range

The Bentley Torcal uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and a battery consisting of 192 lithium-ion pouch cells connected in series.

The battery has a net capacity of 113 kWh and is covered by a 100,000-mile or 10-year warranty.

Bentley quotes a maximum driving range of up to 375 miles, equivalent to approximately 600 km.

Fast charging is another important part of the Torcal’s long-distance capability. At a 400 kW charging station, the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just under 20 minutes.

Bentley says that seven minutes of charging can add approximately 100 miles, or 161 km, of range under suitable conditions.

That combination of range and charging performance is particularly important for a vehicle designed around long-distance touring. The Torcal is intended to deliver the same effortless cross-country capability traditionally associated with Bentley’s combustion-powered grand tourers.

Fully active suspension gives the Bentley Torcal a “magic carpet” ride

The Torcal is the first Bentley to feature fully active suspension.

The system uses adaptive two-valve dampers capable of independently raising or lowering each corner of the vehicle in real time. The suspension continuously responds to road conditions and driver inputs to balance ride comfort and body control.

One of the most notable aspects of the system is that Bentley does not require conventional anti-roll bars. Instead, the active dampers can generate continuously adjustable anti-roll torque.

The result is intended to provide the comfort of a luxury limousine while maintaining the body control required from a high-performance SUV.

Electronic all-wheel steering is standard, with the rear wheels capable of steering by up to five degrees. This reduces the turning circle to 11.1 metres and makes the five-metre-long Torcal easier to manoeuvre in urban environments.

Bentley describes the vehicle’s dynamic range as extending from relaxed long-distance touring to agile high-speed driving and controlled off-road use.

The company says the Torcal can provide the comfort associated with a Flying Spur while approaching the dynamic character of a Continental GT Speed.

Powerful brakes and optional carbon-ceramic technology

The standard braking system uses 420 mm front discs and 370 mm rear discs.

Customers can upgrade to a Carbon Silicon Carbide, or CSiC, braking system featuring enormous 440 mm front discs and 410 mm rear discs. Bentley says the 440 mm front discs are jointly the largest in the world with other Bentley models.

Brake calipers are available in black, red and grey, while Mulliner provides three additional colour choices.

Bentley Torcal is five metres long but highly manoeuvrable

At approximately five metres in length, the Torcal is the shortest four-door model in Bentley’s current range, yet Bentley has prioritised interior space.

The luggage compartment provides 460 litres of capacity, while a further 90-litre storage compartment is positioned at the front.

The 11.1-metre turning circle, combined with rear-wheel steering, is intended to make the Torcal significantly easier to operate in city environments than its size might suggest.

The combination of a 600 km range, rapid charging and generous luggage capacity also reinforces its role as a long-distance luxury vehicle.

Four Bentley Torcal Experience Modes change more than driving settings

Bentley has taken the concept of driving modes beyond conventional suspension, steering and powertrain calibration.

The Torcal offers four Experience Modes designed to influence the entire atmosphere of the vehicle, including lighting, sound, climate, airflow and digital information.

Bentley Mode combines comfort, craftsmanship and driver focus.

Comfort Mode creates a calmer environment with fewer distractions. The system can hide almost all non-essential digital information, allowing occupants to spend less time looking at screens.

Sport Mode transforms the atmosphere with a more immersive soundtrack, more focused visual information and a more purposeful lighting environment.

Refresh Mode takes a different approach, increasing fresh-air circulation and brightening the lighting to create a lighter and more invigorating cabin environment.

Bentley Dynamic Symphony creates an artificial engine soundtrack with real instruments

One of the biggest challenges for Bentley engineers was replacing the emotional character of an internal-combustion engine.

Instead of simply reproducing a synthetic V8 soundtrack, the development team created what Bentley calls the “Dynamic Symphony.”

The sound uses real instruments, including drums, viola and bass guitar, to create a soundtrack inspired by the rhythm of Bentley’s V8 engines.

The result changes according to driver torque demand and vehicle speed. The soundtrack becomes more prominent in Sport mode, while drivers can switch it off entirely if they prefer a quieter experience.

Bentley has extended this philosophy to other sounds within the vehicle.

The turn-indicator sound was created from a recording of a hammer striking leather in Bentley’s upholstery workshops, while the touchscreen and digital assistant sounds were inspired by the sound of a crystal glass.

It is an unusual approach for an electric vehicle, but it reflects Bentley’s belief that sound should provide meaningful feedback rather than simply imitate an engine.

Naim audio system delivers up to 1,780 watts

Two audio systems are available.

The standard system delivers 620 watts through 16 speakers.

The optional Naim system increases output to 1,780 watts and uses 28 speakers. The system also incorporates kinaesthetic seat shakers, front headrest speakers and Dolby Atmos 7.1 technology.

The result is intended to make the cabin itself part of the entertainment experience.

Advanced driver assistance technology

The Torcal is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems supported by 25 radars, sensors and cameras.

The vehicle constantly monitors its surroundings and can react to changing road conditions. If the system detects an obstacle on a narrow road, for example, it can automatically reverse to a previously identified safe position to allow the obstruction to pass.

Additional systems assist with towing, garage parking and parallel parking.

The parking technology is designed to help avoid wheel damage, while remote parking can be controlled through an app. Drivers can also train specific parking manoeuvres into the vehicle.

Four radar-controlled powered doors can automatically open and close. Door closing can be triggered when a passenger fastens their seat belt, through the main touchscreen or, for the driver, by applying pressure to the brake pedal.

Curved OLED displays and augmented reality head-up display

The Torcal introduces curved OLED displays developed specifically for Bentley.

The screens offer deeper blacks and more vibrant colours while improving viewing angles and ergonomics.

Facial recognition can identify the driver and automatically load individual settings, including seat position, steering wheel position and driver assistance preferences.

A smartphone can also function as the vehicle’s key through Bentley’s Mobile Device Key technology.

The driver receives additional information through an augmented reality head-up display. Navigation instructions and driver assistance warnings can be projected directly into the driver’s field of view and aligned with upcoming turns or potential hazards.

Five wheel designs and a new Bentley emblem

Five wheel designs are available when the Torcal launches.

The standard model comes with 21-inch wheels, while the Torcal S receives 22-inch ten-twin-spoke wheels as standard.

Three additional 22-inch designs are available, including an aerodynamic wheel intended to improve efficiency.

Customers can select summer or winter tyres in 21- and 22-inch formats, while a 22-inch all-season tyre is also available.

The Torcal is also the first Bentley to feature the company’s redesigned emblem, originally revealed in 2025.

Bentley Torcal vs. Torcal S

Bentley launches the electric SUV in two primary configurations: the standard Torcal and the sportier Torcal S.

The standard Torcal produces 821 PS and 1,194 Nm, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The Torcal S increases output to 888 PS and 1,350 Nm with Launch Control, cutting the 0-60 mph sprint to 2.8 seconds and raising top speed to 162 mph.

The differences are not limited to performance.

The Torcal S receives black exterior brightware and mirror caps, dark rear lamps, a dedicated rear diffuser, sportier side sills and front bumper strakes, red brake calipers, S fender badges and black Bentley wing badges.

Inside, the S gets a dedicated colour split, quilt and stitching pattern, sports pedals, Piano Black veneer as standard, illuminated treadplates and dynamic waterfall mood lighting.

The standard Torcal uses satin silver brightware, a single-tone colour split and Open Pore Crown Cut Walnut.

Source: Bentley

NEW CARS

Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection Brings the Cosmos to Three Bespoke Continental GT Models

Bentley Motors has unveiled an exceptionally exclusive new collection created specifically for the Polish market, celebrating the legacy of one of history’s most influential astronomers and thinkers, Nicolaus Copernicus. Limited to just three vehicles, the Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection combines Mulliner craftsmanship, bespoke design and the astronomical themes of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

Developed by Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division in close collaboration with Bentley Warsaw, the collection is based on the sporting Continental GT S and Continental GTC S. Each car receives its own distinctive celestial-inspired colour palette, while a common astronomical design language connects all three models.

The result is a highly individual interpretation of Bentley’s grand touring philosophy, with each vehicle designed as a standalone collector’s piece.

The Copernicus Connection

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection takes inspiration from the Polish astronomer’s revolutionary heliocentric model of the universe. Rather than treating the three cars as unrelated special editions, Bentley has created a unified design concept centred around the celestial bodies that define our solar system.

At the heart of the collection is the “Copernicus Diagram”, an eight-piece luminary motif representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

The orbital-inspired design appears throughout the three Continental GT models, including the centre console, front and rear quilting panels, welcome lamps and tonneau cover. This recurring motif gives the collection a distinctive identity while reinforcing its connection with Copernicus and his astronomical legacy.

Three Cars, Three Celestial Themes

The three vehicles represent the Sun, Earth and Moon, with Mulliner carefully selecting exterior paint, leather, stitching, veneers and trim finishes to reflect the character of each celestial body.

Although each Bentley is visually distinct, the three cars share the same fundamental design philosophy: sophisticated detailing rather than excessive visual drama.

Bentley Continental GTC S ‘Sun’

The first member of the collection is the Bentley Continental GTC S ‘Sun’, a convertible finished in bespoke Manuka Orange.

The vibrant exterior colour is complemented by a Gravity Grey secondary hide and orange main-hide elements inside the cabin. Copper Stone veneer is used for the dashboard and door waist rails, while orange stitching and matching carpet binding reinforce the warm, solar-inspired theme.

The combination is intended to represent the Sun as the centre of the solar system, giving the GTC S a particularly vivid character while retaining Bentley’s traditionally restrained approach to luxury.

With its folding roof, the GTC S also provides the most open interpretation of the collection’s celestial theme, allowing occupants to experience the car beneath the same sky that inspired the design.

Bentley Continental GT S ‘Earth’

The second car is the Bentley Continental GT S ‘Earth’, a coupe finished in bespoke Nebula Blue.

The exterior colour sets the tone for an interior built around multiple shades of blue. Imperial Blue is used as the secondary hide, while Aegean Blue forms the main hide and extends across areas including the dashboard, seat side bolsters and headrests.

Galaxy Stone veneer adds another layer of visual depth, while the chrome specification and silver contrast seat piping provide additional highlights.

The centre console is finished in satin-painted Imperial Blue, completing the monochromatic blue theme and reinforcing the connection with Earth as the collection’s central planetary reference.

Compared with the warmer Sun-themed convertible, the Earth coupe takes a cooler and more sophisticated approach, using different materials and shades to create a more understated interpretation of the astronomical concept.

Bentley Continental GT S ‘Moon’

The third vehicle, another Continental GT S coupe, is the ‘Moon’.

Its exterior is finished in bespoke Moonstruck silver, chosen to evoke the distinctive surface of Earth’s natural satellite. Inside, the colour palette moves between dark Beluga and lighter Ice leather.

Ice leather highlights the outer sections of the seats and headrests, while the same contrasting treatment is applied to the centre console, dashboard leather and door inlay stripes.

The resulting cabin has a darker, more atmospheric character than the Earth model, with the silver exterior providing the visual link to the Moon.

Mulliner Turns the Continental GT Into a Collector’s Piece

While the exterior colours immediately distinguish the three cars, much of the appeal of the Nicolaus Copernicus Collection lies in the level of detail applied to areas that are less obvious at first glance.

Each vehicle receives bespoke treadplates, an individual fragrance and a dedicated key box. Owners also receive Copernicus Collection-inspired pocket squares and scarves.

Bentley has even created a special Spotify music playlist to accompany the collection, extending the astronomical theme beyond the physical vehicle and into the overall ownership experience.

This approach reflects the role of Mulliner within Bentley. Rather than simply applying a different colour or adding a badge, the bespoke division creates highly personalised vehicles where the exterior, interior, materials and accessories are conceived as one complete design.

671-HP Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid Powertrain

Despite their highly bespoke appearance, the three Nicolaus Copernicus Collection models are not merely static luxury objects.

All three are powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 671 bhp.

The performance-oriented specification is complemented by a titanium sports exhaust, giving the cars a more distinctive soundtrack than a conventional luxury grand tourer.

Bentley has also equipped the collection with an active chassis, 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke wheels finished in gloss black and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The combination of active chassis technology, large performance wheels and carbon-ceramic braking hardware gives the three cars the dynamic hardware expected from Bentley’s sporting Continental GT S family.

Luxury Meets Grand Touring Performance

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection illustrates the increasingly important role of bespoke personalisation in the ultra-luxury automotive market.

The Continental GT platform provides the performance and technology, while Mulliner allows Bentley to transform the cars into highly individual commissions with a narrative extending across every element of the vehicle.

In this case, that narrative is particularly appropriate for Poland. Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń and is widely associated with the development of the heliocentric model that placed the Sun rather than Earth at the centre of the planetary system.

Bentley has translated that scientific legacy into three automotive interpretations: the Sun, Earth and Moon.

A Celebration of Bentley Mulliner

Richard Leopold, Regional Director EMEA of Bentley Motors, highlighted the collaboration between Mulliner and Bentley’s European retailer network as an important part of the collection.

According to Bentley, understanding customer preferences, offering extensive personalisation possibilities and maintaining handcrafted British craftsmanship remain fundamental elements of the brand’s identity.

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection provides a particularly clear demonstration of those capabilities.

With only three vehicles produced for Poland, the collection is unlikely to be defined by conventional performance statistics or outright exclusivity alone. Its appeal comes from the combination of a recognisable Continental GT platform, an elaborate astronomical theme and the ability to create three cars that are visually connected yet individually distinct.

The Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection at a Glance

  • Models: Three bespoke Bentley Continental GT family vehicles
  • Themes: Sun, Earth and Moon
  • Body styles: Continental GTC S convertible and Continental GT S coupe
  • Powertrain: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid
  • System output: 671 bhp
  • Exhaust: Titanium sports exhaust
  • Chassis: Active chassis
  • Wheels: 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke, gloss black
  • Brakes: Carbon Ceramic Brakes
  • Design division: Bentley Mulliner
  • Market: Poland
  • Production: Three vehicles

Source: Bentley

News

Bentley Celebrates 80 Years of Crewe Production With Heritage-Inspired Continental GT Azure

Bentley is celebrating 80 years of automobile production at its legendary Crewe factory with a special tribute that brings together the past and present. At the British Motor Museum on August 29, members of the RREC—the International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts—will mark the milestone with a display of significant Bentley models spanning eight decades, from the 1946 Mark VI to the latest Continental GT.

At the center of the celebration will be two cars separated by 80 years but connected by the same philosophy: a heritage-collection Bentley Mark VI and a one-off Continental GT Azure created by Mulliner specifically to honor its historic predecessor.

The pairing offers a striking illustration of how Bentley’s interpretation of luxury has evolved since production began at Crewe in 1946.

Bentley Marks 80 Years of Production at Crewe

The story of modern Bentley production at Crewe began in the aftermath of World War II. The Pyms Lane factory was originally constructed in 1938 to manufacture Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engines, but in 1946 it took on a new role as a car manufacturing facility.

The first Bentley to emerge from the Crewe production line was the Mark VI.

That makes the 1946 Bentley Mark VI more than simply another model in the company’s history. It represents the beginning of an era that continues today, with every modern Bentley produced at the historic Crewe site.

For the 80th anniversary celebration, Bentley and Mulliner have chosen one particular Mark VI as the inspiration for a contemporary Continental GT Azure. The result is a modern grand tourer that deliberately avoids chasing contemporary styling trends and instead looks back to one of the most elegant Bentleys in the company’s Heritage Collection.

A Modern Bentley Inspired by a 1950 Mark VI

The inspiration for the anniversary Continental GT Azure is a two-tone green-and-black Bentley Mark VI with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner.

The historic Bentley is one of just 241 coachbuilt four-door, six-light saloons produced by H.J. Mulliner, which at the time operated as an independent coachbuilder.

Delivered in January 1950 to its first owner, William Lount of Alabastine Co Ltd., the Mark VI eventually became part of Bentley’s Heritage Collection in 2021.

Its distinctive combination of green bodywork and black roof became the foundation for Mulliner’s design of the anniversary Continental GT Azure.

Rather than reproducing the historic car literally, Mulliner has translated its visual character into the language of a modern Bentley.

The Continental GT Azure is finished in solid Barnato Green, complemented by a Mulliner Black contrasting roof. The combination immediately recalls the 1950 Mark VI while giving the contemporary Continental GT a distinctly traditional appearance.

Azure exterior brightware provides additional contrast, while the carbon-fibre Styling Specification adds a modern performance-oriented element.

Black-painted and bright-machined 22-inch ten-spoke wheels complete the exterior treatment. Black brake calipers and self-levelling Bentley “B” wheel badges provide the finishing touches.

The result is a Continental GT that looks contemporary at first glance but reveals its historical connection through carefully chosen details.

Bentley’s Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

If the exterior pays tribute to Bentley’s past, the interior demonstrates just how dramatically luxury-car technology has evolved over the past eight decades.

The 1946 Mark VI represented the height of British automotive luxury for its time. Its cabin featured Connolly leather, walnut veneer and wool-pile carpeting, while practical equipment such as an improved heater and demister reinforced its credentials as a long-distance grand tourer.

The modern Continental GT Azure takes those same ideas and pushes them into an entirely different technological era.

Its cabin is upholstered in rich Cricket Ball main hide combined with Beluga secondary hide. The deep red-and-black combination creates an atmosphere that deliberately recalls the classic Bentley interiors of the post-war era.

But the details are unmistakably modern.

Contrast stitching and piping, embroidered Azure emblems, diamond quilting and perforated leather demonstrate the level of craftsmanship now possible through Bentley Mulliner’s bespoke division.

These details aren’t simply decorative. They illustrate how Bentley has transformed traditional craftsmanship into a modern luxury proposition where almost every element of a vehicle can be individually specified.

Dark Walnut Veneer Connects Two Generations

One of the most effective links between the Mark VI and Continental GT Azure is found across the dashboard.

The historic Bentley’s burr walnut interior inspired the modern car’s dark stained burr walnut veneer, positioned over Grand Black piano veneer.

A chrome pinstripe separates the two materials and extends across the dashboard fascia and into the door waistrails, creating a continuous visual element throughout the cabin.

The Continental GT’s Rotating Display adds another clever connection between old and new.

At the press of a button, the driver can rotate the central dashboard section to reveal one of three configurations: a high-definition touchscreen, traditional analogue instruments or a plain veneer surface.

The analogue dials and veneer options are particularly appropriate for an anniversary car whose entire purpose is to celebrate Bentley’s history.

Bentley’s Definition of Luxury Has Changed—But Not Its Philosophy

The contrast between the two Bentleys is particularly interesting because it highlights how much the definition of luxury has changed since 1946.

The Mark VI delivered its occupants leather, wood, carpeting, improved heating and the ability to cover huge distances in comfort. The Continental GT Azure adds technologies that would have been unimaginable when the first Mark VI left Crewe.

The anniversary car features Bentley’s Front Seat Comfort and Wellness specifications, an air ioniser and a Naim for Bentley premium audio system.

In other words, the modern Bentley doesn’t abandon the principles of its predecessor. It expands them.

Comfort has become wellness technology. A high-quality radio has evolved into a concert-standard audio system. Hand-finished wood remains important, but it now shares the cabin with sophisticated digital interfaces.

That continuity is arguably the most important part of Bentley’s 80-year Crewe story.

Mulliner Shows What Bentley Bespoke Can Do

Bentley’s customers today have access to an enormous range of personalization possibilities, with almost 100 exterior paint finishes available across solid, metallic, satin, ombré and Spectraflair options.

Yet for this particular Continental GT Azure, Mulliner’s designers deliberately resisted the temptation to showcase contemporary trends.

Instead, they went back to the Heritage Collection.

The approach is significant because it demonstrates how Bentley can use its historical archive as a source of inspiration without creating a car that feels like a retro design exercise.

The Continental GT Azure remains unmistakably modern. Its proportions, technology, materials and performance are products of the 21st century. But its color scheme, wood treatment and interior palette establish a direct visual conversation with a Bentley built in 1950.

The Mark VI That Started the Crewe Era

The original Bentley Mark VI was powered by a 4,257cc six-cylinder B60 engine.

Despite its understated appearance, the Mark VI was designed to provide both performance and reliability. Some examples were capable of covering more than 100,000 miles, or approximately 161,000 kilometers, without requiring a major engine overhaul.

That level of durability helped establish the Mark VI as a capable grand touring automobile at a time when Britain was still living through post-war austerity.

The Mark VI’s restrained appearance also suited the era. Bentley offered an understated form of luxury rather than the flamboyance associated with some of its competitors.

Production continued until 1951, with 4,001 examples built. Of those, 3,171 received Bentley’s standard steel body.

The remaining cars were supplied as rolling chassis and could be fitted with bespoke bodies from independent coachbuilders.

That coachbuilt tradition is particularly relevant to the anniversary Continental GT because the specific Mark VI that inspired it was one of those bespoke-bodied cars.

A Meeting of Two Bentleys Eight Decades Apart

The decision to display the historic Mark VI and the new Continental GT Azure together is more than a convenient anniversary photo opportunity.

It creates a visual timeline of Bentley’s evolution.

The Mark VI represents an era when luxury cars were defined by coachbuilt bodies, hand-finished wood, leather interiors and mechanical engineering designed for durability.

The Continental GT represents a world of digital displays, advanced chassis technology, sophisticated comfort systems and virtually unlimited personalization.

Yet both cars were created around the same fundamental concept: a Bentley should make long-distance travel effortless while combining performance with exceptional comfort and craftsmanship.

That philosophy has survived even as the technology surrounding it has changed almost beyond recognition.

Anniversary Details Complete the Continental GT Azure

Mulliner has also incorporated a discreet but meaningful anniversary detail into the car.

The treadplates feature graphic outlines of both the Mark VI and Continental GT, accompanied by the inscription:

“Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of production in Crewe, 1946-2026.”

It is an appropriately understated detail for a car inspired by a brand whose most enduring designs have rarely relied on excessive decoration.

Instead, the anniversary Continental GT Azure communicates its significance through craftsmanship, color, materials and historical references.

Bentley’s Past, Present and Future in One Display

The RREC event at the British Motor Museum provides an appropriate setting for Bentley’s 80th anniversary of Crewe production.

Cars brought by club members from around the world will represent Bentley’s long manufacturing history, creating a collection that stretches from the post-war Mark VI through to the newest Continental GT.

Among them, the two green-and-black Bentleys should command particular attention.

One was created at the beginning of Bentley’s Crewe era, when the Mark VI introduced a new generation of British luxury motoring. The other is a modern Continental GT Azure, created by Mulliner to celebrate the legacy of that original car.

Eight decades separate them, but the connection is unmistakable.

The 1950 Mark VI demonstrates what Bentley luxury meant in the post-war era. The new Continental GT Azure demonstrates what the same philosophy looks like in 2026.

Together, they tell a much larger story about Bentley: a company that has changed dramatically in eight decades, yet continues to place effortless performance, exceptional comfort and meticulous British craftsmanship at the heart of its automobiles.

For Bentley, the 80th anniversary of production at Crewe is therefore more than a celebration of longevity. It is a reminder that the most valuable part of the company’s heritage isn’t a particular engine, body style or design detail.

It is the ability to evolve without losing its identity.

Source: Bentley