Motoring: Bentley’s new convertible; and more

CONCEPT cars displayed at motor shows around the globe are always a little misleading. They can be design showcases or test beds for new technology or simply wild creative expressions of what could be.

Some go on to be instant classics such as the Audi TT or Range Rover Evoque while others… well let’s just say they aren’t quite so successful.

Bentley’s recent record in this department is not brilliant. The mighty Falcon 4×4 it displayed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show blew the minds of some onlookers while others were rather less than enthusiastic.

The company still says a 4×4 is in the production pipeline but whether it will resemble the off roader seen in Switzerland is debatable and most industry watchers think not.

The company appears to be on safer ground with its latest showpiece, which it is branding the “ultimate expression of British automotive luxury”.

The model in question is the Bentley Grand Convertible, which the company says is the most sophisticated open-top car it has ever created.

The company has chosen to display the car at the Los Angeles Motor Show, surely the greatest market for convertible cars anywhere outside the French Riviera.

Immediately iconic but somehow understated despite its size, the car oozes style and sophistication. It is fashioned entirely by hand from the very finest materials and Bentley claims it has no equal in roof-down motoring.

Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Los Angeles, said: “This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways.

“We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car – if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece.”

Resplendent in Sequin Blue, originally a bespoke colour created from a single sequin from a customer’s haute couture gown, the Grand Convertible features a silver ‘liquid metal’ finish to the bonnet and windscreen frame. Contrasting the rich blue body work is the Bentley directional wheel design, handed to the left and right sides of the car and finished by hand before being polished to a high shine.

The wheels hint at the enormous power and torque that wait under the bonnet. With 537 PS (530 bhp/395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque from Bentley’s powerful 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, the Grand Convertible promises the luxury of effortless performance to match its unparalleled style.

As cossetting as it is breath-taking, the interior of the Grand Convertible is a showcase for the abilities of Bentley’s master craftsmen. Inside, 14 naturally tanned leather hides are merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors in a cabin sized for four adults.

Following the Los Angeles Auto Show, in December the Grand Convertible will travel to Miami for Art Basel, the world’s premier international art show for Modern and contemporary work. We await production details – and the price tag!

Prince Harry a major pull for female motorists

A NEW poll conducted to celebrate the launch of the fashion-inspired special edition SEAT Mii by MANGO city car, shows that the women of the UK have very clear ideas about who they want to have travelling alongside them.

Prince Harry rises to the top, with a quarter of those questioned wanting the dashing Royal next to them as they drive around the city. Some things don’t change though, as David Beckham shows his undying appeal, coming a close second with 21%. However, Posh didn’t fare as well with just 6% saying they’d like Victoria beside them.

It seems no one wants to find out what the X-Factor of their driving might be, with Simon Cowell getting a mere 8% of the vote. Even Harry Styles failed to set hearts aflutter, receiving a measly 5%.

The Prime Minister will be hoping he proves more popular in next year’s slightly more important poll than the 3%.

Amongst the ladies, Jennifer Lawrence leads the way with 18% of those asked choosing the Hunger Games star as their ultimate female car companion. Prince Harry’s sister-in-law Kate Middleton (17%) beat Beyoncé (10%), so maybe a little bit of Royal gossip is a clincher for some.

When questioned about the age-old driving battle of the sexes, the poll goes on to show that women are more confident than they have ever been about their motoring abilities, with 70% considering themselves to be far more skilled drivers than the men in their lives. And to add insult to injury to the men who still think they’re King of the road, 49% of women believe they have a better sense of direction than their male counterparts.

I think not. To defend the male species, we may not always go the right way but we always know where we’re going is right!

Ferrari 458 not just special in name

CUSTOMERS – at least those with deep pockets – are going to extraordinary lengths to buy the Ferrari 458 Speciale, luxury car finance specialist, Magnitude Finance, has revealed.

Earmarked as a potential collector’s item, some prospective buyers have been told a £20,000 deposit will put them on a list of ‘possible clients’ but not guarantee an order.

With production of the V8 458 expected to end in March, others have been informed they are unlikely to receive one now unless they choose a very high number of optional extras that would push other customers off the waiting list.

Tim Marlow, Director of Magnitude Finance, said: “One client ordered the car many months ago but he was subsequently advised to increase the options he selected to guarantee delivery simply because others are prepared to go pay over the odds to get one new.

“We have another client who has successfully secured the car using our finance and he said between placing his deposit and the balance, the agent he bought it from contacted him on five occasions to say others wanted to buy it if he changed his mind.”

Magnitude Finance said demand for the car was so high because it is the last naturally aspirated V8 458 to be made, contributing to it being seen as a future classic.

Being the first to own the car also carries with it a particular esteem for Magnitude Finance’s high net worth clientele.
 
“With approximately 200 coming to the UK, it is seen as being a potential collector’s item,” added Marlow.

“Everyone we speak to sees this as the next appreciating model over the long-term like the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia 16M before it so demand is really high.

“To ensure it is as sought after as possible and command the highest price in years to come should they decide to sell, they want to be the first and only name on the logbook.”