Date:22/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/22/stories/2007082252190200.htm

Back Bentley to introduce Continental GT Speed

Azure range also in the pipeline

Mayur N. Shah

Mumbai, Aug. 21 Bentley Motors will be launching the Continental GT Speed in India. The latest model from the Bentley stable will be launched in December this year, said Mr Satya Bagla, owner of Exclusive Motors (the sole Bentley dealership in the country).

It will be available for the select few at a cool sum of Rs 2.15 crore only! According to an international press release, the new model is a potent addition to the company’s highly successful Continental model series.

It will add on to the existing six model-line up that is available in the country, the primary ones being the ‘Continental’ series and the ‘Arnage’ series. The company will also be introducing the Azure series (convertible range) in September, senior officials said.

The latest coupe model (Continental GT Speed) is the most powerful of all Bentleys ever and the first to top 200 mph (322 km/h) with a 600 bhp W12 engine. It springs from 0-60 kms/hr in 4.3 seconds only. Inspiration for the GT Speed came from the legendary ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923.

Among all Bentley models, the Flying Spur is the most popular Bentley model in India, said senior officials. Ever since the company established its local presence in 2003, it has been promoting the Arnage and the Continental series largely; now the Brooklands and Azure are available for the select few but since global production is limited to a few hundreds, the model is not available for display but can definitely be ordered by the prospective customer, said a senior official.

Super luxury models have slowly carved out their niche in the country. Factors such as exclusivity and the Government rules like ‘no homologation required’ for such high end models has made their presence felt in a slow but steady phase, said experts.