2025undefined minsShareBentley's first car LondonBentley Motor's third annual Sustainability Report showcases its major advancements in EVs Bentley launched its "Beyond100" manifesto outlining its commitment to becoming a sustainable luxury automotive brand.  Bentley Motors has published its third annual Sustainability Report on Earth Day reassuring its vision of delivering responsible luxury underpinned by sustainability The 2025 report outlines measurable progress across Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, from full electrification to advanced manufacturing and community impact Bentley's report highlights its pivotal move towards decarbonisation all Bentley models are now available as plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) underscoring the brand’s ambition to transition to a fully electric product portfolio by 2035.  Bentley is committed to introducing a new battery EV (BEV) or PHEV every year The final production of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine in 2024 marks a symbolic and strategic shift as the brand paves the way for its first fully electric vehicle – a luxury urban SUV to be unveiled in 2026.  “We are proud to launch our third Sustainability Report on Earth Day reinforcing our ambition to transition to net zero,” says Frank-Steffen Walliser “While we acknowledge the challenges ahead our dedication to responsible luxury remains steadfast we continue to redefine what it means to be a sustainable luxury brand.” The company’s wider electrification strategy is reinforced by supply chain and lifecycle emissions initiatives targeting net zero across operations and vehicle use phases At the company’s headquarters in the UK, Bentley continues to set the standard in sustainable manufacturing.  The site has run on 100% renewable electricity since 2017 and achieved carbon neutrality in 2019 — a status it maintained for the fifth consecutive year in 2024.  Investments in facilities have further strengthened this green transition.  Bentley’s Dream Factory also saw enhancements across three major centres: Bentley’s pursuit of sustainable luxury includes the use of advanced technologies to enhance traditional materials.  A key example is the introduction of AI-powered hide inspection which reduces leather waste and optimises interior production – demonstrating how digital innovation and craftsmanship can coexist The report also highlights Bentley’s focus on workforce development.  With its status as a UK Top Employer for 14 consecutive years Bentley is investing in skills to prepare its employees for the transition to electric mobility.  A five-year training programme is already underway with the goal of delivering 10,000 learning outcomes by 2027 These efforts support a culture of inclusion ensuring Bentley’s people are equipped for the future of sustainable mobility launched in 2024 with an initial £3m (almost US$4m) investment This year the company marked its first anniversary with the addition of three new partners:  This brings the Foundation’s partner network to ten organisations a significant milestone in Bentley’s mission to drive environmental regeneration and sustainable innovation “Bentley launched the Foundation 12 months ago with a £3 million donation for environmental projects worldwide,” comments Wayne Bruce Chief Communications and DEI Officer at Bentley Motors we have witnessed a series of major partnership successes that have already acted as a springboard to even greater achievements.  “As Bentley aims to be a leader in sustainable luxury mobility the Foundation will simultaneously strive to target next generation solutions to global environmental challenges.  we invite anybody to donate and join us in being a part of something truly extraordinary.” Each of the new partnerships reflects a unique area of focus: Other achievements in the Foundation’s first year include: a regeneration project of the Valley Brook River in Crewe is also underway The Foundation has also influenced internal innovation with alumni pitching bio-inspired ideas to Bentley’s design team.  As Bentley accelerates towards its vision of all-electric luxury the 2025 Sustainability Report illustrates the brand’s evolving role as a pioneer in environmentally and socially conscious automotive leadership Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.  Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand the profitability of sustainability & carbon credit standards… US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order looking to increase deep sea mining drawing concerns for undiscovered species living there… This week's top stories include Earth Day China's NDCs & Sustainability LIVE Dubai… Bentley, Celebrities Paris Hilton’s $500k pink Bentley is the ultimate Y2K Barbie dream ride and another $280,000 was spent at West Coast Customs to give it a makeover With a glitter dashboard and her initials in rhinestone this car screams affluence – and in the words of the former reality TV star – it’s ‘hot’ EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie  Celebrities’ cars often say a lot about them You take a tall guy like Shaquille O’Neal, and what do you get? Big cars Kim Kardashian likes things coordinated, so she had all of her cars spray painted grey to match her house. Michael Jackson had extravagant taste, and his Rolls-Royce Seraph matched that. so it only makes sense that her car would match that image Hilton has been seen with her pink Bentley for years She reportedly bought it back in the late 2000s and had it customized by West Coast Customs whether it be on Instagram or on the cover of magazines The car was already pink when she bought it but she added some additional touches that screamed ‘Paris Hilton owns this car’ How do you make a pink Bentley stand out even more plastering the PH logo all over the place certainly helps – and putting it into rhinestones wouldn’t hurt The dashboard is encrusted in diamante (a diamond simulant used for adornment) and that’s not all – the gear shifter is covered too the car’s value was boosted to up to half a million Not that Hilton is worrying about the pricetags She is also something of a gearhead herself “Lamborghini…Ferrari…Lexus…Range Rover…G-Wagen…Hummer…” Hilton’s daily driver at the time was a Chevrolet Suburban with tinted windows Ben Thompson is a Senior Content Writer at supercarblondie.com Ben has more than four years experience as a qualified journalist having graduated with a Multimedia Journalism degree from News Associates Penrith Panthers is delighted to confirm Col Bentley has been named an Honorary Life Member of the club Bentley was awarded the honour at Penrith District Rugby League Football Club's 2025 Annual General Meeting Col Bentley played 114 games for the club including the 1991 grand final when he helped the club win its first premiership He made his first grade debut with the Panthers in 1986 and quickly established himself as a reliable Bentley was a key figure for the Panthers as the club reached its first grand final in 1990 and then won its first premiership in 1991 Following a brief stint at Manly from 1993 to 1994 he returned to Penrith for his swansong season in 1995 before retiring Bentley also made significant off-field contributions to the Panthers working for the club in sponsorship and marketing across the 1980s and 1990s he was elected to the board of the Penrith District Rugby League Football Club Penrith Panthers congratulates Bentley on being named an Honorary Life Member Boss Hunting’s editors spend far too much time scouring the web: in search of the coolest gear and destinations worth trekking to across the globe In this week’s edition of Good Finds, we’ve got highbrow automaker collabs a cracking documentary about the Dakar Rally a natural wood dial watch with a fascinating design pedigree RELATED: Good Finds – Mercedes eBikes, Watch Safes, Puffer Jackets, & Moregoogletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS3'); }); View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bentley Motors (@bentleymotors) I know… how good can this surfboard really be And the answer (apparently) is pretty damn good But that’s owed more to Marnie Rays and Otter Surfboards than Bentley itself Featuring a Koa veneer finish – a mid-tone and straight-grained wood sourced from Hawaii selected at Bentley’s Woodshop in Crewe and traditionally used for the interiors of its high-performance grand tourers – it pays homage to traditional Hawaiian surfboard crafting methods.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS4'); }); The special one-off’s creation process was documented in a short film (see above) taking viewers from Bentley’s headquarters to Otter Surfboards’ workshop in Cornwall The surfboard was unveiled at a Marnie Rays VIP retreat and will be auctioned to raise funds for Surfability UK – a charity supporting inclusive surfing experiences Despite the fact that B.H. is soundly on Team RIMOWA we can’t help but admit how bloody cool this is advanced production techniques have been leveraged to create luggage that’s simultaneously durable and elegant The horizontal lines on the front and back panels have been stamped before they’re attached to the stabilised frame eliminating both visible rivets and points of weakness.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-ArticlesPOS5'); }); A leather-wrapped multi-stop telescoping handle and flat TSA lock complete the sleek exterior and foldable bag for used clothing make up the interior it also promises to develop a unique patina as time goes on The other unintentional theme of this week’s Good Finds Feast your eyes on this hot little number from Dennison which comes in either stainless steel or gold PVD over stainless steel A distinguished revival of the classic Dennison cushion case the Natural Wood Dial “channels the timeless refinement of the 1960s” with a case that measures 37mm by 33.5mm as well as an ultra-slim 6mm profile that offers “presence and effortless comfort.” Each piece’s natural wood dial is individually cut and finished to highlight its one-of-a-kind texture Dennison itself has a fascinating story: it began 175 years ago under Aaron Lufkin Dennison as “the name behind the names” – crafting watch cases for the likes of Rolex it’s been revived in that same tradition by Emmanuel Gueit who was born into a family of Swiss watchmakers and has notably designed iconic timepieces for Rolex Embarking on the ultimate test of endurance and determination as competitors push themselves and their vehicles to the limit in the Dakar Rally one of the most gruelling motorsport races in the world this jaw-dropping doco provides a near-unprecedented look at the dramatic heights of the Dakar Rally as well as up-and-comers like Sébastien Loeb There’s even an original soundtrack by French electro dons M83 DAKAR: Race Against the Desert will be available to buy and rent in Australia from May 14th the good people at Penfolds are hosting Trancend a unique 45-minute tasting experience in the heart of Sydney’s CBD Not only will Penfolds’ experts walk you through the history of the iconic winemaker and its most celebrated vintages but you’ll also be invited to visit the Penfolds Lounge wine bar pouring a carefully curated list of Penfolds’ best wines by the glass Transcend by Penfolds and the Penfolds Lounge are located within the Sydney Arcade While the immersive Penfolds experience quickly sold-out the Penfolds Lounge is open to walk-ins and offers many of the same wines from the tasting FWT 585 Cabernet Petit Verdot Merlot and our pick Sydney NSW 2000Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM); Saturday – Sunday (12:30 PM – 9:00 PM) Signup to the Boss Hunting Friday Newsletter If Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was bad for the auto industry that conflict might seem like a speed bump compared with the chaos unleashed by a Chinese invasion of Taiwan The much-anticipated Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is set to officially open this Saturday and the community is invited to come along to explore this enchanting new experience Well-known local musician Luke Vassella will provide entertainment between 8.30am and 12.30pm with lots of family friendly activities such as creating pedal-powered smoothies and trishaw rides.  Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the opening of this section meant people could now ride or trek all the way from Lismore to Casino.  “The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a game changer for tourism right across our region,” he said.  “It stands as a reminder of a bygone era and tells the story of how the railway once connected all our communities.  “The outstanding success of the already opened Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and Casino to Bentley sections highlights the real economic and social benefits this new section will bring to Lismore.  “One of the key considerations while constructing the trail was sustainability including salvaging more than 1600 tonnes of cast iron steel rail line “I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding the trail and happily report that although we received the grant prior to the COVID-induced inflation we managed to deliver the project on time and on budget.” Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the completion of the Lismore to Bentley section marked a significant step forward in the connection of the whole 132km trail “I was able to secure the entire $9.9 million needed to build this section of the rail trail because I knew it would become a world-famous tourist landmark,” Mr Hogan said “This trail provides a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors exciting way for people to explore our beautiful region.” “I’m proud to have supported this project and look forward to seeing locals and tourists enjoying everything the trail has to offer.” The Lismore to Bentley section is the third section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to open It connects seamlessly to the Richmond Valley section (13.4 km) which opened in March 2024 together forming the almost 30 km southern section of the Rail Trail.   Work is underway to secure funds for the remaining 20.9 km of the Lismore section between Lismore and Booyong.   the 132km trail will start at Murwillumbah before tracking south through the Tweed Valley to Crabbes Creek The 16.3km Lismore to Bentley section begins at the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station and connects to Nesbitt Park The trail then moves west through rich agricultural lands linking the hamlets of Tuncester and Leycester where it passes beneath the historic Back Creek Bridge It continues through Fernside and over the Oakey Creek Bridge at Bungabbee to finish at the Back Creek Bridge at Bentley.  the Lismore to Bentley section features 29 railway bridges and celebrates the local history and picturesque natural environment.  The section is constructed using compacted gravel for durability with asphalt and concrete sections at key entry points for improved accessibility or foot offering an active and alternative form of transport for locals and visitors.  and bridge structures line the wildlife and native landscaped corridor creating many striking pause points along the trail table and bench-style seating offer the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in a stunning natural environment.  PHOTO: The Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail stakeholders, including Lismore City Councillors and staff, Hazell Bros, Willow + Sparrow and O'Brien Electrical  & Plumbing. Lismore City Council acknowledges the Widjabul/Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, traditional owners of the land on which we work, live and play. We acknowledge their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Widjabul/Wia-bal people, their culture, their elders and community leaders past, present and emerging. There are no products in this category, please check back later. Wighton fends off Meaney and the ball is knocked loose by Katoa. Bentley-Hape pounces to score his first try of his NRL career. Subscribe to receive the latest news, sponsor offers and access exclusive content. The Bentley Continental GTC Speed convertible pairs a V8 petrol engine with an electric motor SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe What is it? The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is the convertible version of the new flagship Bentley coupe The first Australian customer deliveries will take place in the next few weeks The entry price is $639,800 (excluding on-road costs) but you’ll no doubt customise it to make sure it’s different to your neighbour’s Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Bentley’s local watering hole is about to reopen following nearly eight months of renovations Changing its name from the Bentley Hotel to a new identity as The Bentley, the pub shut its doors in May 2024 for the refresh – but is set to officially reopen next week on Tuesday, February 4. As part of the venue’s renovations, the beer garden, sports bar and bistro have all been updated – with the addition of a brand-new outdoor kids’ playground! Adding to the family friendly vibes, every Sunday will see the beer garden come alive with free kids’ entertainment – from face painting and crafts to petting zoos, games and even appearances from their favourite characters. (Grown-ups aren’t left out either – weekly programming includes pub favourites likes Chase the Ace, Jag the Joker, raffles and more, as well as live bands every Friday and Saturday night.) The space isn’t the only thing to get a refresh, with a similar new-look menu to accompany – although it still features plenty of familiar classics like parmis, burgers and steaks. And what’s a pub without a special? Tuesdays will be $25 steak nights, followed by parmies on Wednesdays and Pie Night every Thursday, plus traditional roasts every Sunday paired with acoustic live music in the beer garden to while away the afternoon. Although they’re swinging open the doors on Tuesday, the team will also be celebrating the reopening with a Welcome Weekend across February 28-March 3 – with a meat raffle and live music on Friday, and a weekend of giveaways, free kids’ face painting and balloon twisting, character visits, petting zoo and more. Press Release - 17042025 - Batur Convertible public debut.pdf (700 KB) View all Images Press Contacts Kanie Akram Marketing & Communications Manager – MEAI Region Full Match Replay: Storm v Rabbitohs – Round 8 Back Black wings and Black Edition for Continental GT and Flying Spur families Press Release - 15042025 - Black Edition Range.pdf (627.1 KB) View all Images Press Contacts Jonathan Smedley You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots released veteran starting linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley on Friday a three-time captain who was entering his eighth season with the team New England‼️Thank You for Everything‼️It's Been a Blessing 🖤🎱 The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Bentley totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, setting a career high with 122 in 2022. He tore his left pectoral muscle in Week 2 of last season and said last weekend at a season-ticket member event that he had recently been fully cleared Earlier in March, when the Patriots signed former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year $33 million contract that could be worth up to $37.5 million it sparked a question of whether Bentley's spot on the team was in jeopardy Then New England matched Las Vegas' two-year offer sheet for restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss that is worth up to $13.5 million which further increased the team's financial commitment at the position was scheduled to earn $4.35 million in base salary this season He also was set to earn per-game roster bonuses of $60,000 and had a $130,000 workout bonus; the team's voluntary offseason program begins April 7 the Patriots plan to adopt a more aggressive defensive scheme and that also could have contributed to the anticipated release of Bentley who was considered an ideal fit in the old Bill Belichick/Jerod Mayo scheme that placed a high value on run-stuffing linebackers who play downhill Bentley initially joined New England as a fifth-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2018. He was the first three-time captain in Boilermakers history. Australia's BIGGEST New Car WebsiteAustralia's BIGGEST New Car WebsiteNews Reviews Research Buy SellGuest User A second, less powerful V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain has been added to the Bentley Continental GT two-door, and Flying Spur sedan lineups Like the Ultra Performance version launched in September last year the new High Performance variant pairs a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with an electric motor built into the eight-speed dual clutch transmission the drivetrain has been detuned to produce a total of 500kW and 930Nm That’s down 75kW and 70Nm from the Ultra Performance Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now The 0-100km/h time in the Continental GT coupe is 3.7s while the Continental GT convertible and Flying Spur sedan both require 3.9s That’s a 0.5s longer wait in the Continental GT coupe and convertible Because the High Performance models use the same 25.9kWh battery as the Ultra Performance cars The Continental GT coupe is now capable of 85km of tailpipe emissions-free driving The Flying Spur sedan should be able to do at least 80km according to the WLTP standard Both the Ultra Performance and High Performance plug-in hybrids have more power and torque than the departed 6.0-litre turbo W12 Its 0-100km/h times sat somewhere between the Ultra and High Performance models The new High Performance is available in both core and Azure trims with the Speed and Mulliner specs exclusively powered by the Ultra Performance setup Azure models are distinguished by a different set of 22-inch machined alloy wheels The new High Performance plug-in hybrid variants of the Continental GT are available to order now in the UK Australian availability and timing have yet to be confirmed In the UK pricing for the High Performance Continental GT coupe starts from £202,400 ($428,000) or £34,200 ($72,000) less than the cheapest Ultra Performance model With the introduction of the High Performance V8 plug-in hybrid Bentley’s range is now available exclusively available with electrified eight cylinder drivetrains The Flying Spur was previously sold with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid system while pre-update versions of all three had the option of a non-electrified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 MORE: Everything Bentley Continental • Flying Spur Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees but he's too busy writing up some news right now In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person While China’s major automakers continue pushing the EV envelope with advanced tech and compelling price tags, a different breed of smaller manufacturers is still playing dress-up. Among the growing crowd of micro-EVs that unapologetically borrow from luxury brands like Bugatti This pint-sized oddity doesn’t just mimic a Bentley it also comes with a surprise under the hood: a range-extender powertrain At the front, it’s doing its best impression of a mini Bentley Bentayga featuring a large mesh-style grille and a pair of round LED headlights Move to the side or rear and the illusion fades a bit with a shape that’s closer to a Smart The tiny wheels and off-kilter proportions won’t have anyone second-guessing what it actually is More: Tiny Rolls-Royce And Maybach Clones Are The Cutest Things You’ll See Today What makes this vehicle a little more than just a visual gag is the inclusion of a small combustion engine that looks suspiciously like it was borrowed from a garden tool. In a video shared on Instagram by yaypan_lik it can be seen sputtering to life and making more noise than a vehicle of this size probably should the engine isn’t connected to the wheels; it only works as a generator to feed the battery This setup means the car is still powered by a fully electric motor, which is far quieter and presumably more efficient than the gas-powered backup. The hybrid system makes practical sense in places with limited EV charging infrastructure. Fittingly, the clip was filmed in Uzbekistan, where plug-in access might be less reliable. View this post on Instagram A post shared by OMONXON 91-210-10-00 (@yaypan_lik) More: $11k Homemade Cybertruck Is Both Hilarious And Impressive for those seeking an extra touch of fake exclusivity The electric motor is rated at 5 horsepower (3.5 kW), giving it a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). That puts it in the same performance bracket as heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami But a full charge reportedly takes 8 to 10 hours Of course, it’s not a real Bentley. It doesn’t drive like one, it doesn’t feel like one, and it definitely doesn’t come with the prestige. But for a few thousand dollars, it’s a bizarre, undeniably amusing way to get around the block. The real question is whether you’d choose this over a moped. And if your answer is yes, then maybe the tiny fake Bentley replica is doing something right Bentley’s new Black Edition models combine the dark daring and assertive visual impact of a Blackline specification with a 500kW powertrain and chassis combination oriented towards high performance Unique exterior features span the Continental GT and Flying Spur offerings including new gloss black ‘Winged B’ badges front and rear Mandarin brake callipers and Black Edition badging Production at Bentley’s Dream Factory will be limited to 400 examples total with Black Edition models featuring a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine paired with a high performance hybrid to deliver 930Nm of torque Additional features include a gloss black matrix grille and bumper grilles 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels are finished in gloss black though a duo-tone black and bright machined finish is offered as an option Black Edition Continental GT and GTCs feature a Harmony single headlamp design (and welcome animation) that recently made its debut on the core and Azure models Interiors feature an embroidered nameplate on the front seat headrests It can be found on all four headrests in the Flying Spur Black Edition treadplates and contrast stitching in a colour of the owner’s choice All models have the capability to travel 80km in electric-only driving Also included in the Black Edition specification is a sports exhaust which intensifies the charismatic snarl of Bentley’s 4.0-litre V8 engine at full throttle The Bentley performance active chassis technology of the new Black Edition models was previously limited to the Speed variants the system can send up to 100 per cent of the power to the rear wheels It also effects a marked difference in rear wheel steering calibration together with firmer damping and anti-roll bar calibrations More information on its Australian availability is available from your local Bentley dealership Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest car and motorbike news and reviews We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info Exhaust Notes Australia is independently owned and operated We are your destination for the latest automotive news and reviews from around the globe - we'll have some fun doing it - because nobody said we had to be serious all the time Contact us: info@exhaustnotes.com.au © 2012-2023 - Exhaust Notes Australia The threat of tariffs from Donald Trump is hanging over the manufacturer The boss of Bentley has warned the carmaker would pass on the costs of threatened US tariffs to buyers as the British luxury car brand reported a drop in profits because of weaker demand from China on Wednesday reported an operating profit of €373m (£314m) in 2024 the fourth-highest in the company’s 105-year history that was down more than a third from €589m the year before Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley’s chief executive since July, said it had been a “positive year despite the headwinds”, but added that the threat of tariffs from Donald Trump was hanging over the manufacturer. The US president last month said that tariffs of up to 25% on cars will force manufacturers to shift production to America That is unlikely in the case of luxury brands like Bentley whose cachet depends in part on continuous production at its factory in Crewe That means that price increases can be easier to impose on customers without hurting sales “We are assessing different scenarios on how to handle it but it would eventually be passed on to consumers,” Walliser told reporters Volkswagen’s premium Audi brand said on Tuesday it was considering “the extent to which we will have to pass on at least some of the tariffs to our customers in the form of price increases” and seeking a “sweet spot” between price increases and adjusting production “The market challenges definitely remain,” Bentley’s Walliser said “We have a very volatile political situation.” but declined to share the number of cars sold Executives claimed the company is shifting focus to “value over volume” targeting higher revenues from every car sold About 70% of all buyers pay for lucrative bespoke content including one buyer in 2024 who requested 3D-printed rose gold details inside a car However, Walliser did say the main reason for falling profits in 2024 was weakness in demand for cars in China. A slowdown in consumption in the world’s second-largest economy has weighed on sales of luxury goods Bentley finance boss Jan-Henrik Lafrentz said he hoped Chinese demand “will hopefully level out this year” Bentley in November said it will delay the end of sale of petrol cars to 2035, five years later than initially planned. Walliser said previous plans for electric cars were potentially “a little bit too bullish”. However, Lafrentz said Bentley expected its electric cars to be as profitable as its petrol and new hybrid models. “That’s a clear target,” he said. Press Release - 23042025 - Bentley at Auto China 2025.pdf (631.8 KB) 08/04/25 ProductNew High Performance Hybrid Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur – the daily supercar family expandsALL BENTLEY NEWS Please rotate your screen. Please sign in to your account to add a vehicle to favourite And for one special feature: a mountain landscape is presented on the seatbacks in "negative perforation" quilting, a first for Mulliner on any car. Essentially, the graphic is created by sections of the leather not being perforated, which is actually a pretty cool effect when you realise what's been done. Bentley Auckland says the idea for the car came from an "Extraordinary Journeys" trip for VIP guests back in 2023. It offered owners a chance to experience a collection of Bentley models on some of the "world’s most exceptional routes". On day 3 of the journey, after arriving by helicopter at a remote high-country station in Central Otago for lunch, the group started discussing the idea of creating something inspired by the view... or so the story goes. The final design took several months of work with Mulliner to sign off. The dashboard wears the exact coordinates (43,5950S, 170.1418E) of Aoraki Mount Cook's 3724-metre peak. Anthracite over Cyprus Duo-tone exterior paint references the rock above the tree line on the Southern Alps. Tussock is represented in Khamun contrast hand-painted pinstriping, with the Carbon Fibre Styling specification. The interior includes Open Pore Galaxy Stone on the centre console, with Kea Green accented leather, which has also been placed on the grab handles, and a six-o’clock steering wheel spoke; this has been curated to replicate the olive-emerald plumage of the mountain parrot. The vehicle is equipped with All Terrain specification, which includes a bespoke colour-matched Bentley Roof Box for additional storage, and 22-inch Azure Wheels in Beluga Gloss with Cyprus pockets. The Mullner Bentayga Aoraki is scheduled to arrive at Bentley Auckland in June 2025. How much? Officially POA, if you have to ask, etc. DRIVEN Car Guide is the first stop for any Kiwi looking to buy their next car. With in-depth vehicle reviews, latest motoring news, car comparisons, and ask an expert - drivencarguide.co.nz has all you need to know to buy your next car. Bentley held the international launch for its fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT in Switzerland Switzerland has 4400 mountains and some of the most serpentine roads in the world you are usually plunging into a valley or climbing to the skies These roads are frustrating or treacherous for much of the year: in summer they’re packed with vacationers in their campervans; in winter that’s when Bentley decided to hold the international launch for its fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime ShareThe first vegan venue awarded two hats in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, Potts Point’s seasonally driven Yellow restaurant, has delivered an early autumn surprise. Its owner, Bentley Restaurant Group has sold the plant-based fine-dining jewel Bentley Group co-owner Brent Savage said they haven’t offloaded the restaurant to an unknown operator; the sale is an old-fashioned management buyout Yellow’s long-serving head chef Sander Nooij has purchased the restaurant with his business partner Mark Hanover another local chef with fine-dining pedigree Hanover moved to Australia from Britain in 2012 before doing a stint at Quay and joining Gastro Park in Potts Point Sander Nooij and Brent Savage at Yellow.Andrea Veltom/BuffetYellow opened in 2013 as a French-leaning bistro with a predictably meaty arsenal before Savage spotted what he gambled was a pumpkin-sized hole in the Sydney dining market Menus at Sydney’s upper-end restaurants weren’t kind to their plant-based clientele “I knew that because my wife is vegetarian and everywhere we went she was offered mushroom risotto,” he said dipping its toe into the market as a vegetarian restaurant in 2016 before taking the full vegan plunge in recent years under the kitchen watch of its incoming co-owner The awards have always flowed thick and fast at Yellow and Savage praised Nooij’s technique and fermentation program “Every vegetable that comes out of that kitchen is from a small producer,” Savage noted “I’ve been here for five years,” Nooij said The plan is to freshen up the space and tread carefully with change although the chef hinted customers might be tucking into some even “more refined” dishes to go with the likes of black garlic emulsion and a cured eggplant dish one reviewer described as a lookalike for kingfish Yellow hasn’t repeated a dish in the past five years primarily because it is constantly changing the menu due to its devotion to seasonality and selecting what’s best on the day New Yellow owners Sander Nooij (left) and Mark Hanover at Yellow Andrea Veltom/BuffetThis seasonality and attention to detail as well as the intensive challenge of making vegan dishes from scratch are some of the challenges Sydney’s plant-based venues have struggled with in recent years (see below) “The food cost is lower [at plant-based restaurants] but the labour cost is higher,” Savage said And when a restaurant aims high with its food passionate demographic the restaurant’s lunchtime a la carte menu and $115 “We don’t want to raise the price point,” Nooij said Yellow’s new chef owners want to add more bang for the buck expanding its fermentation program and adding more house-made products While Nooij doesn’t have any dietary restrictions of his own he does believe veganism is a “morally superior” outlook and philosophy and consumers are spending more time thinking about what they eat Yellow has overcome the hurdle of enticing non-vegan diners by creating a menu that pushes beyond the ubiquitous mushroom risotto Yellow’s plant-based menu pushes beyond the ubiquitous mushroom risotto.Andrea Veltom/Buffet“Our goal is to create a dining experience that is not just for vegans but for anyone who values creativity refinement and the beauty of nature on their plates,” Nooij said “We just want to focus on our city venues,” he said When Nooij started to look at venues to open his own restaurant Savage and his business partner Nick Hildebrandt mulled over the idea of succession “It just made sense to hand over the baton,” Savage said Savage likens Yellow to Claude’s restaurant in Woollahra which eventually passed through four sets of owner-chefs “Even though it hasn’t been around that long I think it [Yellow] is a bit of an institution,” Savage said “Some people have said it’s their favourite Bentley Group restaurant.” Not for much longer Yellow will be unveiled by its new owners when it opens on Thursday this week it has been a tougher ride in suburbs such as Bondi Campbell Parade eatery Eden – where the spag bol was made from three different types of mushrooms – announced its closure just over a year ago the casual venue on Hall Street serving cauliflower steak with “creamy baconnaise” Flave even had an executive chef with credentials to hit the plant-based brief running having trained under celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay before spending a decade as the private chef to vegetarian ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney entrepreneur Amit Tewari ditched the exclusive plant-based pitch at the Randwick location of Soul Burger (Other locations in Glebe and Newtown remain branded as Soul Burger.) “I’m really proud of the part Soul Burger played in popularising plant-based burgers but ironically it then meant we were only catering to a specific market We wanted to create a novel burger concept that appeals to everyone –meat- and plant-eaters,” he said Perhaps the biggest blow to the plant-based movement was the 2022 closure of Bodhi restaurant at Cook and Phillip Park in East Sydney. Bodhi was a 34-year-old vegan pioneer that charted a path for the city. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox Beautiful, Blue-Eyed Babes! 35 Dog Breeds With Blue Eyes 11 Hairless (and Partially Hairless) Cat Breeds Why Is My Dog Shaking? From Over-Excitement to Medical Issues, Experts Break Down the Reasons Dogs Tremble BirdsAll BirdsCockatooChickenParrotThe 150 Best Bird Names Best Pet Chicken Breeds for Beginners (& Those to Avoid) Home/Pet NewsGolden Retriever Puppy Practicing His ‘Big Boy Bark’ Deserves All the ApplauseBentley is busy trying to perfect his bark An English Cream Golden Retriever puppy out on the grass We get to experience all new firsts as our babies grow and try new things If you don't have a human or pet baby at home, the next best thing is social media because we can live vicariously through other parents. And we get to see adorable things like this Golden Retriever puppy practicing his “big boys bark,” and it might be the cutest thing we've seen–yes We’re unable to load this content right now View directly on TikTok TikTok user Bentley the Golden Prince (@bentleythegoldenprince) shared the video of the English Cream Golden Retriever puppy practicing his bark It's so cute how focused Bentley is at trying to make his bark sound like he's older or bigger He's got the technique down to make the giant But he's not quite there in size to get the deep boom he's hoping for– which is “strong and scary.” It's hard for any Golden Retriever to seem scary because they're just adorable-like sweethearts but we can't fault him for giving it a go In previous videos of Bentley shared by his parents we get to see more of his adorable personality and it makes sense that he seems eager to grow up quickly But we love how puppy-like he continues to be View directly on TikTok One video shows the cute English Cream Golden Retriever peeking out the window while inside to spy on what's going on out there I've been nosey my whole life,” the text on the video reads 🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾 In the comment section, people praised Bentley for being exactly who he is. One wrote, “This is facts all the way around. This also implies the humans.” Another shared, “They’re always looking for new friends.” Someone else added, “Keep being yourself!” It's cute watching videos of sweet Bentley, and we're sure that in no time, he's going to have his “big and scary” bark down perfectly. LLC and respective content providers on this website Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website something it described as the “world’s first true luxury urban SUV” Posting a silhouette of the unnamed model it will launch in 2026 the new EV is rumoured to measure in at less than five metres long making it the smallest Bentley SUV to date and one of the most compact models in the brand’s history Created to live in the line-up below the Bentayga the new ‘urban SUV’ rides much lower than a typical SUV and its smaller size and weight will enable Bentley to fit smaller batteries saving even more weight and improving the drive Primed to sit on the Volkswagen Group’s latest PPE architecture underpinning the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron the new Bentley EV will come with an 800-volt electronic architecture that should ensure the batteries can be topped up at beyond 270kW for a 20-80 per cent charge of around 20 minutes Announcing the unnamed 2026 EV will be just one of 10 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models to be launched over the next 10 years, Bentley’s first EV was supposed to be on sale in 2025 before its release was pushed back a year due to the global slowdown in EV sales Bentley originally said it would transition to a zero-emission EV brand by 2030 but has since revised that cut-off to 2035 and confirmed it will continue investing in plug-in hybrids to ensure combustion engines are relevant beyond 2030 that instead of an outright declaration it will become an EV brand as of 2035 the brand has watered down its commitment to being an ‘ambition’ as part of its latest Beyond100+ strategy “Beyond100+ becomes our guiding light as we extend our ambitions beyond 2030 while maintaining our aim of a decarbonised future including offering only fully electric cars from 2035 and reinforcing our credentials as the British creator of extraordinary cars for over a century and beyond,” newly installed CEO Frank-Steffan Walliser said we were seriously impressed with the cabin materials and the overall construction of the hulking luxury SUV Bentley allows buyers to choose pretty much all the materials used on the inside That quality and selection are at the core of their vehicles' big price tags Just like how the exquisite interior craftsmanship and materials should attract the most selective of luxury buyers the Bentley Bentayga's available powertrains will be a great match for buyers who want smooth driving characteristics but plenty of power for whenever they put their foot down There are multiple powertrains available for the Bentley SUV starting with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque the five-seater version of the SUV with the V8 has a curb weight of 5,326 pounds so having all that power certainly helps move the big SUV around in a hurry Press release - 19032025 - 2024 FY Financials.pdf (635 KB) View all Images Press Contacts Matthew Reed Bentley’s US sales head Christophe George tops 26-year career with board appointment BENTLEY Motors has promoted long-time executive Christophe Georges to its board becoming board member for sales and marketing He now assumes full responsibility for sales He replaces Alain Favey who left the business in May 2023 Mr George has a 26-year career with Bentley lastly as global sales and marketing director He has held global positions ranging from director of marketing and product strategy to president and CEO of Bentley’s largest region holding that role twice for nearly 15 years he oversaw record sales and profitability while growing the retailer network to 60 dealerships Bentley chairman and CEO Dr Walliser said: “It is a pleasure for me to welcome Christophe to the Bentley board of management a promotion richly deserved following his expertise leadership and commitment to Bentley over such a long period “With his comprehension of international markets strategic understanding of our brand direction and deep-rooted knowledge of Bentley’s DNA Christophe is perfectly placed to realise our brand and sales ambitions as we continue to evolve our business.” Mr Georges said: “Bentley is in my blood and the company I joined in 1998 is very different to the one I am incredibly proud to be part of today “The journey so far has been extraordinary and I am relishing the prospect of continuing to work closely with my colleagues to provide fresh momentum and direction as we grow our brand and our entire sales and marketing operations.” first in the redesigned Continental GT coupe and convertible and then in the redesigned Flying Spur sedan Automotive News reports that Bentley’s global sales fell 11 per cent in 2023 but was still Bentley’s third-best sales year Centenary awards include three dealers with 100 years of continuous Ford partnership Fifth consecutive win for Volvo Cars South Yarra in 2024 awards Carbar BD specialist join S&P Global Mobility With that in mind, let's look ahead to the next wave of elite high school basketball talent with the latest rankings for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes We evaluate players on a variety of pillars: productivity It's the art of evaluating the present and future These rankings are subject to change -- and likely will -- as players evolve throughout their high school careers ESPN will hit the road to evaluate prospects and scout film with the goal of revisiting each class again in a couple months 1 recruit in the 2026 class. Notre Dame High SchoolStokes is no stranger to high expectations He has ranked among the nation's top prospects as an underclassmen built an extensive grassroots résumé and even played alongside Dybantsa "I'm ready to embrace the challenge and to be more of a leader as a senior," Stokes told ESPN "I plan to keep my circle small and prepare my body and mind for the offseason." Stokes has a college- and pro-ready frame blending excellent versatility fitness and athleticism stood out from an early age Stokes is an elite finisher in traffic with his physicality and explosiveness His accurate passing doesn't get enough credit people would look at me as a dunker and not as a playmaker," Stokes said and is capable of hitting either stationary or moving targets while playing on the move with his head up Stokes is also working on growing as a leader rebounding and flexibility on both ends allowed him to be a dominant force this season," Notre Dame High School (Calif.) head coach Matt Sargent said "His growth as a leader and focused competitor is where he really shined toward the end of the season." Stokes will work with longtime NBA trainer Chris Johnson and play in open runs Stokes will also try out for the 2025 USA Basketball U19 men's national team which is coached by Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and features Grant McCasland (Texas Tech) and Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame) as assistants The FIBA World Cup games run between June 26 and July 6 in Lausanne Stokes is navigating his recruiting patiently He recently visited Kansas and has another visit with Kentucky from May 15-17 1 ranking early in a recruiting cycle can be a blessing and a curse who was our top 2027 recruit this time last year At 6-foot-9 and 190 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan Oladotun is extremely versatile with strong character and academics He is on his way to becoming high school basketball's next great player and one of the most sought-after recruits ever from Maryland Oladotun will have his pick of any school in the country it's more surprising when a school hasn't offered him He has already made unofficial visits to UCLA and USC while also playing in the Kobe Bryant Mamba League Invitational last summer Shooting from distance has become a big part of Oladotun's game and his passing skills are beginning to emerge He has sound shooting mechanics with impressive range and he is a balanced shooter both off the catch and the dribble His length allows him to finish inside with body control His production is improving as he gets more comfortable playing on both ends of the floor but it's his long-term potential that captivates evaluators Oladotun has the markers of a special player "My dad tells me that he is not on my bandwagon yet," Oladotun told ESPN "He constantly says I have so much work to do and he and my mom constantly keep my grounded and humble and teach me scripture." 1 recruit in the 2027 class. Team DurantOff the court the 16-year-old has a variety of well-rounded interests including playing piano but his love for basketball stands out to those around him where Kevin Durant's father Wayne Pratt serves as the program director and U-17 coach "[Oladotun] is a gym rat," Pratt told ESPN He reminds of Kevin at the same stage in the sense that if there's a gym Kevin has worked with him on his balance and he mentioned that (Oladotun) picks things up quickly 'This might be the closest thing to me this young.'" was born in Nigeria and played at Wagner before transferring to Pensacola Junior College (Fla.) and then eventually Virginia Tech And Oladotun's mother is a librarian at a local elementary school He credited his family -- along with Team Durant education director Shanay Howard -- for helping him balance the demands of school and basketball especially now that he is playing on the travel circuit "I believe he should average a double-double he's around the same level of skill as Kevin at the same stage Lusakueno had a fantastic freshman season under Sharman White at Pace Academy where he averaged 14 points and nine rebounds over his final 15 games while making 32 starts he is ready to make it his own team as a sophomore He is also active outside the high school season participating in two USA Basketball junior minicamps in addition to a busy travel schedule He has as much upside as any recruit in the 2028 class when combining physical tools growing basketball IQ and character traits He also has basketball bloodlines: His father "Bentley has a unique skill set for being 6-foot-8," Don Showalter "He can score at all three levels being a good 3-point shooter mid-range scorer and finisher around the basket Bentley has real knack for knowing where the ball will come off the rim making him a particularly good offensive rebounder." Lusakueno is a multi-positional defender who has the awareness to either guard bigger and stronger players He runs with purpose and finishes in tight spaces with touch His shooting and ballhandling skills are in their infancy he understands how he can best impact winning in the paint "Bentley's a dynamic player and person," White "He gives earnest effort and seeks out improvement His greatest skill right now is his versatility." Nissan Qashqai N-Design hybrid 2025 review Jaecoo J7 Summit SHS plug-in hybrid review Ford’s wide-reaching recall and BYD’s Ferrari-beater – 02 May 2025 Car news today: Amarok prices dropped to take on rivals flying cars and fluff-wrapped electric SUVs We sample Auto Shanghai 2025’s curious standouts | Opinion MG S5 pricing and features: ZS EV replacement undercuts BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 Car news today: Electric Isuzu D-Max confirmed for Oz MG S5 EV cuts BYD Atto 3’s grass and more – 30 April 2025 China’s Zeekr to release Hyundai Palisade and Volvo XC90-rivalling Lynk & Co 900 plug-in hybrid 29 April ’25: Mazda drops CX-90 pricing BYD Shark 6 arch-rival’s price cut: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV arrives with more driving range and lower entry cost 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL vs 2025 Ford Everest Sport review: 4WD grudge match on and off-road 2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail vs 2025 Toyota Prado Kakadu comparison Discover the Best Large SUVs for Australian Families Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL 150 Series vs 250 Series comparison Discover the Best Small Cars for Australians Discover the Best Midsize SUVs for Australian Families Nissan X-Trail Ti-L E-Power vs Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid 2023 comparison See all comparisons Bentley enters new territory with its flagship Continental GT plus electrification The new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever And it does so without the Brit brand’s famed W12 12-cylinder engine Cue a spoon clattering onto one’s saucer; monocle falling from the eye and an outraged clipped English voice declaring “Preposterous!” The giant 12-cylinder’s been put out to pasture replaced by what Bentley calls its ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ which “is better than the W12 in every respect.” I suppose they must say that as this twin-turbo 4.0L V8 with electric motor backup is the sole powertrain offered in the new fourth-generation Conti – it’s plug-in or nothing But the stats do a solid job backing the claim Fuel economy’s dropped from the W12’s drinking problem 14L/100km to a respectable 10.3L/100km; CO2’s plummeted due to the imperfect and nonsense way plug-ins are tested; while power and torque figures are a quite ludicrous 575kW and 1000Nm there’s no on-paper measure for the way a dozen cylinders make you feel There’s something very Lord of the Manor about a hulking W12 under an elegant bonnet “Mine’s bigger than yours,” means something to those who happen to shop in the upper echelons of ultra-luxury grand touring land Bentley’s upfront about electrification very much being exploited for performance gains first After an all-too-brief test drive of the new range-topping GT Speed (lesser models will follow) It’s a harder sell ditching pure combustion in impractical Ferrari and Lamborghini hypercars but silent electric wafting in a Bentley-badged grand tourer makes rather lovely sense We saddled up these new Contis at a Japanese private test track which is part of the ultra-exclusive Magarigawa Club ultra-luxurious facility housing a 22-corner 3.5-kilometre circuit with an 800m straight and 250m elevation change Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring Nordschleife add to the driver’s delight to test the $581,900 (plus on-roads) GT Speed in these salubrious surroundings It makes the circa $360,000 Club joining fee look reasonable value The drop-top GTC Speed ups the fiscal outlay: $639,800 before charges for wind in the hair GT’ing Its seven-bow fabric roof is deployable in 19 seconds The soft lid can be optioned in a choice of seven difference colours including But given the rag-top is slightly slower (3.4sec 0-100kmh) and has an electronically limited v-max (285km/h) it’s the full-welly coupe we sample for our first taste of this plugged-in fourth generation and with this driver cocooned in leathery loveliness swift silent progress with barely a peep filtering into the cabin masterfully ticks that box offering 81km of range between charges and allowing 140km/h to come up before bringing in the V8 As long as the throttle’s not pushed beyond 75 per cent because the sound and performance – for something weighing a scarcely believable 2.5 tonnes with driver on board – is endlessly addictive and the e-motor another 140kW and 450Nm shove up the backside The funny way these things are worked out means a 575kW/1000Nm combo There’s no dramas putting this down on the track – all-wheel-drive and a squillion smart computations with traction control see to that – yet there’s nothing brutal nor vulgar about the acceleration but covered in a more gentlemanly rather than feral manner and good grief the ton and then double ton are up in a heartbeat Throttle response is standout and this thing just pulls and pulls, a proper torque monster, as a good Bentley must be. Yet I’m constantly reminding myself it’s as lardy as a Ford F-150 truck Coming onto the lengthy main straight I paddle shift down a few cogs – it’s a honed Porsche eight-speed PDK incidentally – and the V8 offers lovely little pops Nothing artificial here; the aural accompaniment is true blue through the exhausts I see almost 240km/h on the head-up display before jamming on the anchors Blessedly they’re up to the task for a few laps the fronts 420mm ventilated rotors with 10-piston callipers behind 22-inch rims They certainly needed a cool down afterwards but 440mm (front) and 410mm (rear) ceramic brakes are optional for those regularly planning track time You come for the acceleration and stay for the handling and composure There’s ample sophistication to help this behemoth through the track’s tighter turns with a fair deal of agility I’ve never lost control of a 2.5-tonne car on a race track The platform is shared with the Porsche Panamera and gifted four-wheel steering twin-chamber air springs and active anti-roll working its magic in corners Grip’s impressive despite the hefty forces going through the tyres and thanks to heavy batteries under the boot floor there’s a 49:51 rear-biased weight distribution Only when you ask to change direction in a hurry does the mass really reveal itself One minor off-line rumble-strip trip plus greediness on the throttle had its big bum unsettled reminding me that more measured inputs are preferred all this sporty playing gives maximum regen back to the car’s sizeable 25.9kWh battery perhaps they could use a domestic socket and the battery’s full in 8.5 hours A heavy-throttle fang on a mirror-smooth track is hardly representative of how this GT Speed will handle Aussie blacktop But as we don’t really ‘Grand Tour’ as much as our European cousins (no South of France nor the Swiss Alps on our doorstep) perhaps it best makes its case in clogged Sydney and Melbourne traffic Having 81km electric-only range will bring smooth and silent serenity with zero tailpipe emissions – no smoke in the big smoke Used this way it could be remarkably efficient But when there’s no soulful engine in play with neat touches like a subtle integrated boot spoiler and diamond-like crystal effect jewellery in the front and rear lights this is the first single headlamp Bentley since 1959 party-piece rotating 12.3-inch touchscreen and three-dimensional textures (in leather) for the trim The ventilation knobs are called organ stops and pushing and pulling them in and out is probably the most satisfying action devised for a car It’s a four-seater, but those in the back are a bit hard done by. Of course it’s still dripping in luxe, but space is tight and the sloping roof isn’t a friend to headroom. The boot, too, is more small hatchback sized than GT. But then if you have offspring and luggage, you’ll surely take the Bentayga SUV The drop-top GTC does bring some relief in the headroom department though exposure to the elements does obvious come with the loss of Bentley’s superb climate controlled closed-cabin environment The hair ruffling option also introduces the phenomena indicative of convertible exotics: the occupants become the strong focal point virtually anywhere and any time the roof is stowed Shrinking violet owners best opt for the relative privacy of the coupe The safety suite appears comprehensive enough but no public road drive meant we couldn’t test it while Bentley Australia’s warranty of three years (and unlimited kilometres) is too stingy There’s no confirmation on service prices, but if previous packs are anything to go by, count on just over $10,000 for the first five years. If you want cheap servicing, buy a Toyota a bespoke joy (for those with deep pockets) is getting Bentley’s coachbuilding artisans Mulliner involved in your Conti build This means choice of body and hide colours and additions such as drinks cabinet or personal monogramming Browsing the selection box I never knew I wanted genuine stone across my dashboard The catalogue also shows nasties such as pink carpets and turquoise seats Dropping the W12 loses Bentley its huge displacement point-of-difference this new GT Speed plug-in hybrid is a compelling follow-up act Some traditional buyers may get snooty about it The new car adds versatility to the drive experiences and the potential for far better economy with an 81km electrified ride Of course it’s too expensive and too heavy but the chassis and powertrain smarts add to the theatre brought by the exterior beauty and richly-appointed executive suite interior Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews Bentley puts end date on W12 engine production Bentley Continental GT Speed 2022: swansong to the W12 arrives next year 12 November ’24: Zeekr’s electric people mover priced from $135,900 Bentley EV range: ‘Five in Five’ plan to kick off with all-new SUV Bentley brand “totally compatible” with electrification Bentley Flying Spur 2022: plug-in hybrid coming to Australia early next year Bentley Bentayga 2021: arrives in Australia with 770Nm V8 engine Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411 Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353 AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed factory options and/or non-standard accessories © Copyright Chasing Cars | All rights reserved An updated draft scheme and master plan for the Bentley Redevelopment project have finally been released for public comment The 110 and 66-page documents outline the major urban renewal initiative aimed at transforming the neglected 30-hectare site in Bentley into a ‘vibrant Two community information drop-in sessions will also be held in October, with dates and details to be published on DevelopmentWA’s website in the coming days The failure to secure a suitable developer for the now-dumped Bentley 360 project has fuelled local frustration with parts of the site—including where the Brownlie Towers complex was demolished in 2019—remaining abandoned for years Extensive sand mining at the site before the 1970s has also caused challenges but State Lands and Housing Minister John Carey is confident the new government-led project will succeed “This project will provide a major boost to Perth’s long-term housing supply potentially delivering between 800 and 1,000 new homes including a mix of social and affordable housing options,” Mr Carey said “Given the significantly changed market conditions DevelopmentWA is preparing the site for future development based on these post-pandemic impacts.” The draft Master Plan details that approximately 12 per cent of the site will be dedicated to public open space It also specifies that one in seven homes will be allocated to social and affordable housing as well as low-rise buildings up to four storeys and mid-rise buildings up to six storeys Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley is encouraging the community to actively participate in the consultation process “By engaging the local community in this consultation process we are ensuring that Bentley’s future is shaped by those who live and work here,” Ms Beazley said “I encourage all residents and stakeholders to provide their feedback ensuring that the final plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community.” “[Development WA’s] vision for the Bentley Redevelopment Area aims to revitalise and reconnect the redevelopment area and surrounds through the promotion of positive change that creates a diverse and sustainable residential community which fosters inclusion and connectivity,” the report stated “[The development] may include restaurants/cafes and small shops which offer local amenities to support the residential population in the immediate area and provide active frontages that promote natural surveillance of the streets and public spaces.” As the Western Australian Planning Commission has already approved Stage 1 of the subdivision application which includes 46 residential lots and two development sites work is expected to commence on-site in early November 2024 You can view and provide feedback on the plans at developmentwa.com.au or visit their office in person at Mia Yellagonga Tower 2 The public comment period for the draft will close on November 16 Get your Local Examiner Digital Edition straight to your InboxName*Email* Are You a Human Mountain Mantras explores the world of Himalayan cooking beyond the ubiquitous momo Jessica Shaver2 / 4Goat curry thakali khana.Jessica Shaver3 / 4Bathup noodles with dried beef.Jessica Shaver4 / 4Panipuri.Jessica ShaverPrevious SlideNext Slide14/20How we score Measuring some 2500 kilometres and boasting many of the world’s highest peaks the Himalayas have long commanded awe and wonder You’ll find elements of the mystic and the spiritual – and even hip-hop culture – at Mountain Mantras a Bentley eatery serving the food of Bhutan and Nepal Colourful prayer flags dot the utilitarian yet comfortable dining room The towering mural facing the car park was spray-painted by the Holistic Graffiti Society crew Running the show is Bhutanese couple Karma Tshering and Nirmaya Suppa While Tshering’s name chimes with the Himalayas’ reputation of being somewhere to get closer to God his wife’s cooking is a reminder of how enjoyable earthlier delights can be Mountain Mantras owners Nirmaya Suppa and Karma Tshering.Jessica ShaverTender bone-in goat curry potent with cardamom highlights the Indian influence on southern Bhutanese cooking where masala spice mixes anchor richly flavoured dishes this goat curry is best admired in a thakali khana set ($27) that includes rice pappadum and house-made achar pickles heaped on a formidable platter for one Similar to Japanese tsukemono and Korean banchan whether it’s the savour of dried mustard green leaves or the comfort of fried matchsticks of potato brightly stained with turmeric Each thakali also includes gulab jamun: the Indian subcontinent’s favourite fried milk dumpling The dumpling might be the restaurant’s sole dessert option not least because it’s served with a syrupy ghee made by patiently simmering butter until it surrenders into honeyed finger-sized pork sausages ($17) quietly humming with Sichuan pepper that I’m filing under “the stuff of beer snacking dreams”; and the lollipop chicken ($18) which are superb fried chook drumettes that we all hope that “boxing chicken” will be I didn’t think I’d find panipuri ($13) on the menu nor did I expect the potato and tamarind water filling inside each fried wheat sphere to be as incendiary as it was Wiser eaters would have interpreted the fire burning in their mouth as a stop sign it’s safe to say that the kitchen here isn’t in the business of toning down spice There’s a comforting thwack of warming turmeric and ginger in the milky jhol broth that you can have your momo dumplings ($17) served in Thickly sliced beef book tripe ($20) arrives doused in a thick While cheery staff happily decode and explain menu items they say little in the way of heat warnings: not because they’re sadists but because the crowd here is largely Bhutanese and Nepalese and/or know what they’re in for The Bentley eatery is hiding in plain sight Jessica ShaverOther carb options include wholewheat roti (more baked chapati than a flaky laminated prata) and selroti: a sort-of fried Bhutanese children wear like edible bracelets that they peck at through the day as you’d hope when visiting an Asian restaurant although Mountain Mantras’ carte stars two dishes rarely sighted locally One is lafing ($14), a yellow, steamed wheat “noodle” made over two days. It’s similar to the dim sum classic chee cheong fun and is also used as a spring roll-style wrapper to secure an incendiary payload of peanuts crunchy noodles and – of course – chilli before being sliced into sensible pieces It’s a winning example of Tibet’s influence on Northern Bhutanese cooking 14.5/20ReviewThis 12-table BYO restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but it’s one of Perth’s most exciting new openingsAdvertisementWhile Mountain Mantras is classified as a (very good) Bhutanese and Nepalese restaurant it’s evident that this is food that’s been heavily influenced by neighbouring countries is a common theme for the cuisines of many border nations Another common theme is food writers bloody-mindedly trying to determine the citizenship of individual dishes as well as pen these dish’s unauthorised biographies But instead of looking at menus and debating who-owns-what with questions pondering what-do-we-have-in-common this feels like a mantra more people would do well to embrace If anyone’s after an example of how wonderful sharing culture can be Vibe: a pulse-quickening journey into the wide world of Himalayan cooking masala tea and other Himalayan drinks supplemented by soft drinks and BYO (there’s a decent bottle shop in the same group of shops) THE Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour is fast approaching and recent years have seen German cars – Audi Mercedes and Porsche – be the cars to challenge for the victory in Australia’s GT3 classic But Bentley bucked that trend in 2020 when Jules Gounon Jordan Pepper and Maxime Soulet guided their M-Sport-run Bentley Continental to a popular 12 Hour win at Mount Panorama By the time Gounon had won the 12 Hour in 2020 aged 25 he was already a winner of the Spa 24 Hour – but it was an unflappable final stint on the Mountain that showed what the young gun was truly capable of The son of former Minardi and Simtek Formula 1 driver Jean-Marc Gounon’s relentless pace late in the race and his management of a potentially disastrous puncture on Conrod Straight just before his final stop saw he and his co-drivers become Bathurst champions “It was an amazing race,” he said in the aftermath “Obviously after Saturday I never thought we’d have the pace to win the race but I think the track came to us towards the end of the race TICKETS: Buy your tickets to the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour “It was really, really tense at the end because I had a puncture before the last stint so the team was really scared after the puncture of (Raffaele) Marciello. I was behind Marciello, I think it was one lap after so I was trying to push a bit and suddenly I had a big noise, an explosion. “You have those days where everything comes together for you; you see the rain dropping after I passed the line. Thanks to the racing gods I can say it was a good one. “When you get a puncture while leading in the last hour at Bathurst, it’s not a nice moment. It was a matter of trying to keep the car away from the kerbs, the debris, so it was tense still; not flat out but trying to manage the problem. “It’s amazing for us, amazing for M-Sport, I think the new car showed potential last year and we’ve never had a big win except Paul Ricard, so it’s a big one for us.” And indeed, Gounon has continued to do big things at the 12 Hour in the years that have followed, claiming two more wins in 2022 and 2023 with Kenny Habul and Luca Stolz in the SunEnergy1 Mercedes AMG team. The trio return this year aiming to win their third Bathurst 12 Hour in four years. The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will be held across January 31-February 2. The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour is a V8 Sleuth advertising partner CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFacing VFL-side Sandringham led by a pair of goals from North Launceston duo Brad Cox-Goodyer and Brandon Leary Sandringham's Zac Greeves got the scoring underway toe-poking a ball in the goal-square through the big sticks The Devils were quick to reply through with Keegan Lowe kicking a classy 40 metre goal on the run They followed with a goal less than 60 seconds later who converted a tight snap to put the Devils in front Brandon Leary kicked two for the Devils against Sandringham Picture by Phillip BiggsThis time it was the Zebras who got a response Samuel Latreille burst out of a stoppage on centre-wing and kicked long to Oliver Moodie in a one-on-one The Devils and Zebras once again traded goals with Tasmania's Kai Cameron snapping a goal out of the ruck and Sandringham's Ned Maginness responded with a goal of his own after winning a high-contact free kick Scores were even at quarter-time with neither team playing with much fluency The second term was dominated by the Devils thanks largely to the efforts of Cox-Goodyer in the forward half Fletcher Hooker receives the ball for Tasmania Picture by Phillip BiggsHe kicked his first goal of the game after taking a juggling mark on the boundary His second of the day showed a lot more grit barreling in going for a loose ball and earning himself a high-contact free-kick Sandringham's lone goal for the quarter came from Flynn Gregor who reaped the benefits of disappointing Baxter Norton The Devils' pressure was a standout in their first-half performance not allowing the Zebras to have a lot of uncontested football Jack Dolliver scored a goal to close out the quarter for the Devils after he marked on the goal-line This goal gave Tasmania a 13-point lead at the main break Kingborough talent Mitch Brouwer opened the scoring in the third with 50m set-shot The Zebras were desperately in need of a reply and they got it from Robert Amendola who won a holding-the-ball free-kick and finished the set shot Devils players huddled together at three-quarter-time Picture by Ryan BentleyMuch like they did all day the Devils had an answer though This time time it came from Josh Wolfe who won a holding free-kick in the ruck and slotted the set-shot Sandringham's Charlie Richardson then got on the goal scorer's list a much deserved reward for his efforts throughout the day At this point the Devils had only allowed six scoring shots thanks largely to North Launceston defender Theo Ives who played as the spare for much of the day taking the Devils into three quarter-time as 29-point leaders Sandringham's Oliver Moody made it interesting at the start of the fourth kicking a goal from 50m to bring the margin back down to four goals The Zebras had much of the run of play in the fourth and were taking advantage of the Devils playing more conservatively But they couldn't put it on the scoreboard This made Baker Smith's first goal of the game all the more costly for the Zebras Smith would then go on to kick a second right on the full-time siren putting the finishing touch on the Devils' first senior win I was born and raised in Tassie and enjoy telling the stories that local sport has to offer. Contact me at ryan.bentley@austcommunitymedia.com.au Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Luxury carmaker says it will reveal its first electric model – an ‘urban SUV’ – in 2026 Bentley Motors has said it will continue to sell fossil fuel cars until 2035 – five years later than previously planned – as the luxury carmaker announced its first electric vehicle will be an SUV The British brand said it would reveal its electric “urban SUV” in 2026 Bentley, owned by Volkswagen, is the latest carmaker to delay the shift from polluting petrol and diesel to electric-only propulsion, as growth in sales of electric cars has slowed in some key markets. Toyota, Volvo and Ford have also changed plans for electric models in response to a slower shift Luxury carmakers such as Bentley are insulated from some of the difficulties faced by mass-market producers whose customers have been affected by higher interest rates and inflation. Bentley cars start at about £170,000, and can cost up to £1.7m for one-off vehicles built to be billionaire’s showstoppers Yet even luxury companies believe some buyers are put off buying electric cars because of poor charging infrastructure Bentley had already revealed plans to continue to produce plug-in hybrid cars which combine a petrol engine and a small battery that can be recharged by cable That decision was made by Bentley’s former boss Adrian Hallmark who has since moved to lead another British brand who joined Bentley as chief executive in July said the company was maintaining its aim of a decarbonised future He said it needed to “adapt to today’s economic market and legislative environment to initiate a major transformative phase for tomorrow” The company is now aiming to offer only fully electric cars from 2035 The exact date of the last petrol car to roll off Bentley’s factory line is likely to depend on demand across the world The first electric model will be smaller than Bentley’s only SUV, the enormous Bentayga. That was launched in 2015 after decades of focus on saloons that can be driven by a chauffeur, or grand touring coupes. Free daily newsletterGet set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning The electric SUV will be made in Crewe, where Bentley employs 4,000 people. Battery cars offer some distinct advantages to luxury carmakers: electric motors make very little noise compared with the contained explosions of internal combustion, and they offer smooth and rapid acceleration. It is likely Bentley would – at first – be reliant on imported batteries because of relatively slow progress in building a factory in Britain. Press Release - 2804205 - Bentley x Marnie Rays surfboard.pdf (732.6 KB) View all Images View all Videos Press Contacts Wayne Bruce This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page By Cam Tait / Friday For a company that doesn’t know the meaning of 'light' Bentley sure knows how to put together a world-beating race car the British marque was unstoppable at Le Mans winning in 1924 (101 years ago!) with the gorgeous 3.0-litre before claiming three victories on the bounce in ’27 Bentley would triumph once again at La Sarthe this time with a fully-fledged prototype driven by Le Mans legends Tom Kristensen you’d expect Bentley’s big old brute to have been put through a crash diet stiffened beyond belief and adorned with some ginormous aero appendages was a very Bentley take on the track-inspired special the company did have a good go at lightening the Conti forged 21-inch alloy wheels and the removal of the rear seats all contributing to a 100kg reduction but when a standard Continental of the era was a little over 2.3 tonnes the weight-saving measures weren’t necessarily transformative Bentley’s rather good at disguising weight so for the GT3-R it stiffened the anti-roll bars springs and dampers to keep the body in check It also received torque-vectoring - the first application in a Bentley - which modulates the inside rear brake mid-corner to help bring the nose to the apex while the stability control was tweaked to be a little less intrusive Couple that with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that had been dialled up to 580hp and 516lb ft of torque and you got the raciest Bentley road car in decades the team bunged on a boot spoiler and some front canards and devised a suitably sporty green-on-white colour scheme to bring the GT3-R in line with the race car the visual tweaks proved divisive and many felt the look wasn't on brand Nearly all of the 300 examples left Crewe in white yet somehow the original owner of this particular car managed to persuade Bentley (presumably with a whole load of money) to ditch colour scheme for something a touch more demure So here the standard white makes way for Anthracite Grey while the green has been replaced with copper hue and the GT3-R stickers removed altogether The interior’s been kitted out by Mulliner with orange-over-black leather If only the standard car could have looked like this The Pie & PistonChat about everything else… MotorsportsWin on Sunday, talk about it on Monday SupercarsNot all cars are created equal EventsMeet your hero Matt Bird in person The LoungeNeed to get something off your chest? View all forumsPistonHeads AuctionsSign up to our emailsGet the hottest news and promotions sent straight to your inbox PistonHeads® is a registered trademark of CarGurus Ireland Limited CarGurus UK Limited is an introducer appointed representative of CarFinance 247 Limited (FRN: 653019) CarFinance 247 Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance intermediation CarFinance 247 Limited is a credit broker and not a lender Australia's BIGGEST New Car WebsiteAustralia's BIGGEST New Car WebsiteNews Reviews Research Buy SellGuest User now without the W12 and with electrification at its core Join 1000s of buyers using the power of Australia's leading new car destination to save time The Bentley Continental is the quintessential Bentley of the modern era From the inception of the first generation back in the late 1990s to its public release in 2003 the Continental has remained the Bentley to have the new 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed has ditched its iconic W12 engine and gone the way of a plug-in hybrid To put in numbers just how successful the Continental has been for Bentley the 100,000th example of the model will be built early in 2025 So for the British brand to ditch its iconic 12-cylinder engine and go hybrid is a huge risk but to not embrace change and remain stagnant The fourth-generation Conti brings with it a lot of firsts: a new V8 twin-turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain that is shared with Porsche an entirely new architecture underneath the car that allows for more than 80km of pure electric driving and a whole new generation of interior technology systems WATCH: Paul’s walk-around video of the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed Its also the first time that Bentley has launched the Continental GT Speed coupe and convertible prior to the base models Perhaps taking a note out of Porsche’s playbook and going for the top-spec variants first the Continental GT Speed will appeal to Bentley loyalists and those who want the flagship with the best performance first up instead of having to wait for the gradual rollout of lesser grades Before we get into the technical details of the new Continental because there are some significant departures in that department as well Bentley says the new Continental’s design is akin to a ‘resting beast’ Bentley designers took inspiration from the form of a ‘tiger stalking its prey’ which is also why the biggest design change to the front of a Bentley model in a very long time is debuting with the fourth-generation Continental the last Bentley not to have four round headlights at the front was made in 1959 so it’s been a very long time since we’ve seen Bentleys with with single headlights In many respects and given the significant departure from what was before the new new headlights define the new face of Bentley There is an element of simplicity to the new frontal design with cleaner and more muscular lines that Bentley says give the car a more aggressive and focused look it’s not just a regular headlight but more like a piece of fine jewellery Get up close and you will notice a very distinct cut crystal effect and illuminated pattern below the projectors Bentley says these highlights are only for the GT Speed while other Continental variants will have their own distinct design The rear of the Continental presents the same theme of muscular simplicity There is no longer a deployable spoiler in the bootlid with Bentley designers having gone for a clean aero surface instead The diamond-cut effect smoked grey tail-lights themselves blend beautifully with the new rear bumper and exhaust system There will be a variety of wheel choices for the new Continental but the launch cars pictured here were on 22-inch GT Speed-specific rims Two variants of the Bentley Continental will be offered at launch To see how the Bentley Continental GT lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Bentley and Rolls-Royce interiors are the benchmarks of the automotive industry Both brands allow customers to basically build an interior from almost any material (including stone) and customise to a degree that is unrivalled by any other brand while the new Continental GT Speed is a significant design and mechanical change from its predecessor being more of an evolution than a revolution There remains the same level of incredible craftsmanship as before with new options of dark tinted and black chrome colour schemes that replace the bright surfaces on the inside which Bentley says will give the car a far more modern look There is the option for new 3D patterns in the doors and in the seats – which we found incredibly comfortable – and the brand has kept its rotating display so you can have the widescreen touchscreen option or three analogue gauges It’s a nice way to have a digital detox and bring back some of the old-school elements of what made these cars so special the back seats are not made for adults on long commutes It will do the job for when you have some guests or kids that need the space for quick trips but this is essentially a two-seater with option for two additional temporary occupants The interior has a unique wrap-around feel that Bentley says is meant to be like a cocoon It’s certainly an incredibly comfortable place to be and it’s an ideal car to be in for eating up long highway miles or going out for a leisurely drive on any given day We also got to briefly experience the Continental convertible which has the same roof mechanism as the previous model It opens and closes at up to speeds of around 48km/h The Continental has always lent itself well to a convertible body and the new fourth-generation car is no different There are a whole array of new interior features which we hope to experience on the vehicle when it arrives in Australia over the next few months but a particular one worth noting is the new air-conditioning system that Bentley claims has a particulate matter filtration function using air ionization your Bentley will ionize the air if it feels the quality is below standards removing particulates before it enters the cabin It also has some clever technologies for automatically switching to recirculation when entering bad air quality areas like tunnels Bentley manages to blend its benchmark interior quality craftsmanship with a host of technological features you’d probably not expect Although we are yet to confirm if it will be available in Australia the new connected services app allows you to park your Bentley remotely and then summon the car back to you Owners can manage plug-in hybrid charging as well as cabin preconditioning for those particularly hot or cold days This means that apart from turning on the air-con before you even step inside your Bentley you can now turn on the heat seaters as well Bentley has also decided that it wants to own the in-car infotainment journey rather than passing it on to Apple or Google for its mirror systems (which it supports) you can download the Spotify app directly into your Bentley which means you don’t have to have a phone connected to the car We find this scenario rather unnecessary and unlikely to get much use We had extremely limited time with the new Continental and as such didn’t get to experience the car’s infotainment system as much as we would’ve liked but we were impressed by the speed and quality of the screens Bentley is fortunate enough to have access to other Volkswagen group product technologies so we anticipate a smooth and bug-free experience To see how the Bentley Continental lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Bentley has been the biggest seller of 12-cylinder engines globally with the W12 sent to the history books and replaced by the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in powertrain which the company co-developed with Porsche While admitting that working with Porsche on the project proved challenging what the end result has bestowed upon us is the most powerful Bentley ever launched This sees a combined power output of 575kW and 1000Nm of torque which is claimed to send the new Continental from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h Matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission the new V8 engine is simpler than the one that came before it There are no twin-scroll turbos or additional complexities which means it can now run leaner (and hotter) for better efficiency This is all because the electric powertrain helps compensate for where the engine previously had to fill in the gaps The V8 by itself develops an impressive 441kW but it’s the addition of the 140kW e-motor that sits within the gearbox that changes the Continental’s character entirely Thanks to its Samsung-supplied 25.9 kWh battery the Continental is able to drive in electric mode for over 80km This electric powertrain – with its 450Nm of torque – is enough to get the average owner around their daily commute without ever engaging the V8 The different modes in the vehicle will allow the driver to pick how much power is deployed or whether the battery charge should be held (particularly useful in Europe where designated electric-only zones are mandated) You can also charge the battery entirely using the V8 engine though this would defeat the purpose of using clean energy to charge the battery at home You can plug the car in at home and it will charge on AC power at 11kW which means in just over two hours of charging per night the Continental can essentially act like a full-blown EV and then when the times comes to have some fun or go for a longer commute the V8 engine will be ready and willing to take over Bentley was very keen to point out to us that the new powertrain is significantly better than its iconic W12, not just in terms of efficiency and fuel economy, but also in performance. The company sees the main competitors to the Continental as the Ferrari Roma and Aston Martin DB12 both of which lack an electric motor and are as such outdone by the Bentley in terms of power and torque We flew to the outskirts of Tokyo to a billionaire-owned private racetrack resort called Magarigawa Notwithstanding the venue being perhaps one of the most spectacular driving experiences you can ever have the Continetnal simply didn’t suit the track’s many blind corners or its tight and unforgiving characteristics it became evident that the nearly 2.5-tonne Bentley Continental is an engineering marvel With its AWD system incorporating super-fancy torque vectoring technologies and an electronic limited-slip differential the large battery sits behind the rear axle and under the boot floor we have a continental GT with a rear-biased weight distribution of 49:51 front:rear the car is inherently more mechanically balanced than any of its predecessors In the driver’s seat we found the new Continental super responsive and very There is a sense of instant torque thanks to its electrified powertrain and while nobody needs a car that goes from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds if you’re spending close to $700,000 on such car But if you’re expecting a car with blistering performance This is an incredibly fast GT that brings a super luxury experience but it’s not going to go head to head with a Porsche 911 GTS or Ferrari 296 GTB for outright performance Though we didn’t get to really experience the Continental on any rough road surfaces we used the track’s ripple strips to test the car’s new 48-volt active electric anti-roll control systems in combination with the new dual-valve dampers It’s fair to say the new Continental can be super stiff in Sport mode and even more comfortable in Comfort The steering and overall feel of the car was very assuring The electric powertrain and the V8 engine worked harmoniously together and we could barely feel when one was kicking in over the other The eight-speed transmission also worked a treat The V8 engine turns itself off when needed and because it no longer has a starter motor its reignition is super smooth and barely noticeable You can force the Continental to preserve its battery for later or use both powertrains for maximum performance and you can pick EV-only mode which will see the car use up all its battery before reverting to the engine You can stay in EV mode until you hit 75 per cent of throttle or get to speeds above 140km/h One thing we do miss from the new Continental is the W12 and the previous-generation’s V8 exhaust note and engine sound the new one still crackles and pops in sport mode but it’s overtly silent the majority of the time Bentley says it resisted any temptation to add artificial noise keeping all that you hear completely organic with not even a speaker enhanced sound track inside the cabin While we appreciate the authenticity of the experience it only highlights the unfortunate world in which we live in today where regulators have tried their best to kill any enjoyment one could find from the automobile Bentley has also introduced a set of new active safety systems the Continental can apparently monitor up to five cars nearby meaning it can navigate its way around traffic and drive semi autonomously We will remain skeptical of such claims until we get to test them in Australia The new Continental has not been independently safety-rated at this time and is unlikely to be in the future given the limited number of cars sold We would take an educated guess that given Bentley is part of the Volkswagen group of brands its safety and occupant protection systems are world-class and it would achieve the highest score for occupant protection There is currently no information around servicing costs or service intervals for the new Bentley Continental The fourth-generation Bentley Continental is a masterpiece of engineering and the dawn of a new product cycle for the British brand The ability to offer the best of both worlds in terms of low-emission motoring with electrification as well as driving enjoyment via a higher performance V8 is no easy feat But to put that all together in a super luxury and highly personalisable package that makes you never want to leave the cabin is yet another feat that only a brand like Bentley could execute While Rolls-Royce sits on the super luxury side of the equation and brands like Ferrari Lamborghini and even Aston Martin try and tackle the performance mantle there is no better GT in the world right now than the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Interested in buying a Bentley Continental GT? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Bentley Continental GT Submit Your ReviewFind a 2024 Bentley ContinentalFrom $452,670 excl