Bentley considers diesels, hybrids British luxury car maker Bentley is considering offering hybrid and diesel versions of its vehicles, according to a report by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Bentley, a Volkswagen subsidiary, currently sells the a number of sedans, coupes, and convertibles under the Continental, Arnage and Azure nameplates. The company also plans to add the Brooklands coupe to its lineup for the 2008 model year. Bentley would no doubt be able to borrow diesel technology from the Volkswagen Group, such as the twelve-cylinder diesel powerplant used in Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Producing 510 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the powerplant was sourced from the R10 Le Mans racing car. VW is also planning hybrid power for its Touareg SUV, according to a recent report. Source: LLN
This could mean only one thing, the new Audi V12 TDI is being shopped to potential buyers/customer clinics, or it will be soon. Yikes. A Bentley hybrid, what the hell for? Pointless. M
I can't see Bentley doing diesels, it makes sense but doesn't suit the Bentley brand! Hybrids could work, if there were performance versions, like Lexus ones, the yanks would buy them!
I would expect Bentley to be the last carmakers to make diesels or hybrids - I'm rather surprised at this news. I agree with Marcus, unless petrol becomes ridiculously expensive (it probably will never become expensive for the rich), I don't see these selling very well... Especially amongst those who want to dissassociate themselves from frugality and thriftiness.
I don't really think diesel engines are something for Bentleys. Bentleys are all about comfort and quiet cabinets. Diesel engines make disturbing noises at ideal and would ruin the "Bentley experience"
Even though diesels are much quieter nowadays, you can definitely hear a diesel car when you are standing outside. Would it be acceptable to hear a diesel rumble next to a CGT?? What's next, a Phantom Tdi? I remember reading here somewhere that Ferrari were contemplating diesel power. How ridiculous. Hope I won't have to eat my words in the future
