Bentley's 'new grand' face teases with a glimpse of bonnet

Bentley's image of its new model. Photo / Supplied

Bentley's Arnage replacement could come to New Zealand late next year, says Bentley Motors regional manager Ed Striebig.

The car - temporarily dubbed the "new grand Bentley" - is new from the ground up, Striebig says.

Bentley has so far released only this teaser image, which indicates it will adopt a clamshell-style bonnet tapering to the grille. The car will introduce a new face for Bentley, and heralds the next generation Continental, "as well as other new models which may emerge".

Striebig says this car does not share the Arnage's Rolls-Royce-derived platform, or any existing base, and confirms the Bentley platform may find an application elsewhere, though he won't say whether Bentley will opt for two, or four-wheel-drive.

Otherwise extensive use of lightweight materials for the re-engineered structure could remove up to 150kg, which Striebig says is largely offset by the car's increased size - it's up to 150mm longer - and more extensive use of luxury materials. "It's been a bit of a battle between the engineering and marketing people," Striebig says, "And we've found a balance."

Engines? Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen has said there is no diesel in the wings, and one would have to wait until the fuel was more widely accepted in the United States.

However, the company has access to the fruits of VW-group's R&D, and could source Audi's V10 and V12 engines, or the Bugatti W16 tested in a recent Arnage prototype. Meanwhile, it appears the new car will still get a 6.75-litre V8 turbo, this time Euro V compliant, with 1050Nm of torque expected. But, "it's an all-new drivetrain", Striebig says.

Bentley is being frugal with information as it leads into a teaser campaign culminating in a September launch. But the dealer network has seen the car, it's being previewed at the factory by VIP clients, and GM of NZ Bentley Lee Small says he's already fielding sales interest.

Striebig thinks the projected Downunder launch will take advantage of the economic upswing - "were we bringing it in today I'd have a different view" - and says it will address concerns that the outgoing car lacked technology and features now commonplace on more plebian vehicles, and on Bentley's less exalted models.