From Bentley Media
An exciting new Bentley – the EXP 9 F SUV concept – is set to make its international debut at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed1 . Combining stunning performance with exquisite luxury in the Bentley tradition, the new vehicle appears both as part of the Supercar Run up the iconic Goodwood Hill and on the Bentley Motors stand. Bentley is set to have its largest ever presence at the world-famous event, running from Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July, displaying a mix of contemporary and classic Bentley models.
A vision of the company’s future, the EXP 9 F SUV concept, makes its UK premiere at the Festival. EXP 9 F highlights the marque’s desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world, and the concept car combines a stunning interior at the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with a clean, muscular exterior. With an exciting range of drivetrain options under consideration, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned.
Supporting these debutants is the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (MDS) – a new driver-focussed edition of the Bentley flagship that reaffirms its sporting credentials. Featuring sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21 inch alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior, the MDS provides an even greater degree of driving enjoyment without compromising the Mulsanne’s legendary comfort and refinement.
The new Continental GT V8 also appears on both the Bentley stand and on the Goodwood Hill. With an all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, this remarkable Continental combines classic Bentley power and torque with an exceptional power-to-emissions ratio in the high luxury sports car sector.
With 507 PS and 660 Nm of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). Meanwhile, fuel efficiency systems and pioneering cylinder deactivation technology results in outstanding fuel economy and CO2 performance together with a range of over 500 miles on a single tank.
Joining the modern Bentley models on the Hill are two cars from the Company’s Le Mans heritage. The Bentley Speed 8, victorious at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours, makes two runs per day, as will the 4½-litre supercharged “Birkin Blower.” Fresh from completing the Mille Miglia for the third time, the car was raced extensively by renowned Le Mans winner and Bentley Boy Tim Birkin of the 1920s.
Driving duties for the past and present Bentley models will be shared by three modern-day Bentley Boys. Le Mans legend Derek Bell MBE will be joined by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen together with Guy Smith, who drove the winning Speed 8 across the finish line at Le Mans in 2003. All three star drivers will be on-hand throughout the Festival to meet visitors.
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Pictured above, Derek Bell and Juha Kankkunen with Bentley at Goodwood Festival of Speed