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Bentley Reveals Its EXP 9 F Luxury Performance SUV Concept

Discussion in 'The Bentley Lounge' started by HighestOfHigh, Mar 5, 2012.

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HighestOfHigh Global Moderator

BENTLEY REVEALS EXP 9 F – A PINNACLE LUXURY PERFORMANCE SUV DESIGN CONCEPT

- EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show
- Potential for third Bentley model-line alongside Mulsanne and Continental ranges
- Bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV
- A fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability
- 6.0 litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine and 8 speed transmission

(Geneva, 5 March 2012) Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d'Auto. The Company's designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.

Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

Today a global luxury brand with a network of 160 dealers from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Bentley has an increasingly diverse customer base spanning every continent. For many customers, a dramatically styled, Bentley all-wheel drive SUV which combines a spacious, versatile cabin and commanding driving position, with Bentley's hallmark power, performance, advanced technology and hand crafted luxury, would be a natural choice both on and off-road.

"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations." Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

BOLD, DYNAMIC, SPORTY DESIGN

- Key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F with innovative detailing

- Sculptured flowing surfaces emphasise power, muscularity and robustness

From a designer's perspective, EXP 9 F was a dream project, the chance to create a completely new type of Bentley. From the very beginning, the design team had a clear vision for the new Bentley SUV, as Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains:

"EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley's sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition."

A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The 'hewn from solid' design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the 'visible engineering' of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and 'rifled' inner surface finish.

The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley's Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8's high-tech racing alloys.

At the rear, the swooping lines of the tailgate avoid utilitarian overtones in favour of a distinctly sporting profile, while the ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate offers a high level of versatility when grand touring. The bold design language of EXP 9 F is complemented by twin exhaust tailpipes with 'rifled' inner surfaces, their elliptical shapes echoing those of the rear light clusters.

The rear lights are inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines, uniquely designed so that they glow from within, spreading their light outwards.

INTERIOR – A FUSION OF LUXURY WITH UTILITY

- Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British 'sporting' luxury craft detailing

- Contemporary use of touchscreen and tailored interface technologies

- Fresh interpretation of traditional handcrafted materials with highly durable surfaces

- High degree of practicality including versatile rear cabin layout and full-width, two-piece tailgate

Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes – technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance – and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology, as Dirk van Braeckel explains:

"The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley's craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way."

Traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury, yet the way they are used sets a fresh and contemporary interior ambience. Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT 'virtual' instrumentation.

Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.

The upright dashboard design features a full-width, one-piece wood veneer with a subtly negative surface and instruments with a configurable display. Traditional Bentley 'bulls eye' vents have a 'rifled' gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance. The centre console is a blend of functionality and supreme ergonomics with dynamic, architectural layers which help to create a central spine to the cabin. The frame of the console is also a structural component with integrated, sculpted grab handles.

The flowing roof design with a panoramic glass panel is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars, expressing both strength and lightness.

Rear seat passengers can chose between business mode, with generous legroom complete with fold-down keyboard and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet or a more reclined position with powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies. When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create a larger loadspace for sports equipment or luggage.

The EXP 9 F seating is 4+1, with a rear armrest lifting to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. Seats feature a diamond-quilted 'shoulder line' in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket.

At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table. Bespoke picnic hampers are stowed neatly to either side of the loadspace when not in use, but are located on rails for easy access. An awning extends over the tailgate to protect those seated there; two umbrellas fit either side of the rear luggage area for when the rain clouds sweep in.

COMMANDING DRIVING POSITION AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE

- Inspired blend of traditional analogue and TFT touchscreen technology

- Bespoke interface engineering – tailored to the individual with driver-selectable instrumentation modes

As befits a Bentley, the EXP 9 F design concept features a near-infinite choice of driver information and entertainment options. However the design and electrical engineering teams sought to avoid creating a cluttered or confusing driver and passenger environment, presenting only the information that each user needs, when they need it.

As a result, EXP 9 F places key driver information such as 3D navigation in a central TFT panel directly in the driver's line of sight, where it is flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials. Meanwhile controls that are shared between driver and front seat passenger, such as cabin temperature, air vents and entertainment are presented in the central touchscreen and console. The TFT screen deploys from the full-width metal trim to provide a fully integrated extension to the glass surface of the centre console

Three different driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Off-Road – are selectable according to the road environment and type of journey. Thus the driver information TFT panel would be able to switch between satellite navigation on the motorway to a 'sump cam' when negotiating a bumpy track.

BENTLEY POWER AND PERFORMANCE

Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company's recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.

Whilst EXP 9 F is primarily intended to investigate new design territory – and all drivetrain options remain under consideration – any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance the marque is renowned for. The W12 6.0 litre powertrain, for example, could develop 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with key performance indicators like the top speed and 0-60mph sprint time all setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector.

EVALUATION, REFINEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING

When the first generation Continental GT was unveiled in 2003 it represented the renaissance of Bentley as a global luxury icon, subsequent launches such as Mulsanne, Continental Flying Spur saloon and the new Continental GT have seen the Bentley brand growing from strength to strength.

EXP 9 F represents the chance to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be – literally – new terrain for the brand. Bentley's experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.

Customer and public reaction will be analysed following the unveiling of EXP 9 F at Geneva 2012, with the aim of refining the concept further. Above all, Bentley will be listening carefully to the reaction of customers and potential customers throughout the world, prior to making any definitive commitment to production.

"A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn't necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon – it could equally well be an SUV. What's important is that it should be true to Bentley's brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers." – Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.

- http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/...rformance-suv-with-exp-9-f-concept/#continued

HighestOfHigh, Mar 5, 2012

#1
- Like x 6
klier Member

Congrats Bentley, the fugliest SUV I have seen in some time. But the interior is very nice though, I must say.

Mulsanne-level ugly.

klier, Mar 5, 2012

#2
- Like x 2
Merc1 Premium Member

Oh no, that simply will not do. Its very unsightly.

M

Merc1, Mar 5, 2012

#3
SCOTT27 Contributing Member

It is in a giant crate at Geneva. To me it looks like Bentley did years back for customers such as the Sultan of Brunei etc and customised Range Rover's to be Bentley's by giving them typical Bentley features. The new Range Rover due this Summer and now driving about with little disguise in latest pictures should apparently rest easy.
Now you know why BMW would rather have an X7 SAV in place of a Rolls-Royce based model. Because it just sticks out and not in a good way.

SCOTT27, Mar 5, 2012

#4
Centurion Contributing Member

Nice Chinese rip-off of a Bently SUV. Now show me the real Bentley SUV by VAG...................wait.

:t-banghea

Centurion, Mar 5, 2012

#5
Tarek Well-Known Member

Hahaha..

Tarek, Mar 5, 2012

#6
hoffmeister_fan Well-Known Member

So it looks like the Q7, a Mulsanne, and a Range Rover had a bit of menage a trois, and yielded this.... a front that a mother would only love with its unseemly large circular intakes, a tried and true body from Range Rover with some modern day Bentley design cues, and rear of a Q7, again, with Bentley cues.

BUT.....these are only sketches. The front of the Mulsanne was hideous at first to me, now I love it. The interior from the sketches looks positively sumptuous. Going to have to wait till we see some more real life pics to make a proper judgment.

hoffmeister_fan, Mar 5, 2012

#7
hoffmeister_fan Well-Known Member

Just realized that most of the pics are of the actual car and not sketches. Well, I'm still going to have to wait to see pics from the Geneva show to make a final conclusion.

hoffmeister_fan, Mar 5, 2012

#8
mini_cooper4 Well-Known Member

Is this for real ??
Talk about ugly fronts and this is the KING !!!!
What a stunning interior :icondrool Geez how can they ruin the front soooo much...

mini_cooper4, Mar 5, 2012

#9
wookieecrisp Active Member

Oh dear... it looks like a Subaru and a Continental GT have decided to mate...

klier said: ↑

Mulsanne-level ugly.

Which would make it beautiful

wookieecrisp, Mar 5, 2012

#10
speed_kills Active Member

It has a nice interior, the outside can go back to the drawing board.

speed_kills, Mar 5, 2012

#11
SCOTT27 Contributing Member

I wonder if they thought it was a good idea to bring in the English footballers and their wives and girlfriends to design their ideal car which is the outline of a Range Rover with Bentley detailing that looks if it was designed using crayons.
But given the market not only footballers and their partners but every Rich Bitch from Beverly Hills to Bahrain will be wanting this as the must have luxury accessory . So it will sell in high quantities of Cayenne proportions. And no doubt we will see one in Bond.St. Again with a Louis Vuitton wrap and again badly parked. Then again it could be Bentley's Maybach moment.

I will have a proper look tomorrow. Chris Bangle is in Geneva.

SCOTT27, Mar 5, 2012

#12
Merc1 Premium Member

What a disgrace. Its actually disgusting.

M

Merc1, Mar 5, 2012

#13
- Like x 2
mini_cooper4 Well-Known Member

As I've said in the ML's thread... there are people that like ugly cars because they see something special in some of them
I gotta go and see my doctor as I'm starting to like this car in a strange way

mini_cooper4, Mar 5, 2012

#14
tristatez28lt1 Well-Known Member

More pictures:

tristatez28lt1, Mar 5, 2012

#15
Mr. Mercedes Premium Member

mini_cooper4 said: ↑

As I've said in the ML's thread... there are people that like ugly cars because they see something special in some of them
I gotta go and see my doctor as I'm starting to like this car in a strange way

Money doesn't buy taste.

Mr. Mercedes, Mar 5, 2012

#16
tristatez28lt1 Well-Known Member

[video=youtube_share;t5jeWj7m6sA]http://youtu.be/t5jeWj7m6sA[/media]

tristatez28lt1, Mar 5, 2012

#17
Cashmere Well-Known Member

My eyes are bleeding. How the heck did this get approved?

Cashmere, Mar 5, 2012

#18
hoffmeister_fan Well-Known Member

Yeah, real life pics aren't doing it any favors. That front has too much presence that it's just obscene.

hoffmeister_fan, Mar 5, 2012

#19
HighestOfHigh Global Moderator

The overall shape is great, but the problem is the front. The rear isn't bad, but outdated. The fog lights are way too huge. The interior is excellent.

Hopefully they can change the front bumper and fog lights for the production model.

HighestOfHigh, Mar 5, 2012

#20

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