October 6, 2003

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Feature:
Bentley in resurgence
Story and photos by Tony Whitney

Half Moon Bay, California - One of the most confusing scenarios experienced by followers of the world auto industry in recent years has been that involving fabled British automakers Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

With the UK auto industry facing extinction and several manufacturers only surviving thanks to takeovers by major international auto corporations during the 1990s even legendary upscale makers Rolls-Royce and Bentley looked like they might disappear forever. Initially, there was a tussle for ownership of the hallowed brands by German manufacturers BMW and Volkswagen/Audi, after several other industry luminaries pondered the idea for a while. What developed during this period confused even the most savvy automotive journalists and industry observers, but the final result cleared up the mess and placed Rolls-Royce in the hands of BMW while Bentley became part of the vast VW/Audi group.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley had been virtually a single company for several decades, often producing "badge engineered" versions of the same vehicle. The standards were always kept up, but it was inevitable that sooner or later, the resources of major players in the world auto business would be needed to keep these nameplates afloat.

I recently attended a program in the US aimed at showing automotive media people just what's happening at Bentley these days and the news is good, but first a little history.

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The company was founded by the legendary Walter Owen "W.O." Bentley, who was something of an engineering genius and no slouch as a race car driver in his day. He was involved with locomotives and aircraft before he took to automobiles and one of his developments was an aluminum piston for the WW1 Sopwith Camel fighter, judged by some to be the best aircraft of the conflict. The 1919 Bentley EXP1 was a landmark automobile and many more outstanding designs followed - along with a string of victories at the demanding Le Mans 24-hour race in France. Bentleys were always sporty cars, even the large sedan and touring models.

Like so many companies that grew fast and allowed engineering to take precedence over finances, Bentley hit fiscal trouble in the late 1920s and in 1931, the company almost sank without trace, only to be rescued by rival Rolls-Royce. The union between the storied names produced some great cars over the years, though Bentley purists never quite accepted them as "proper" Bentleys. Be that as it may, Bentley survived and even prospered and its origins were never forgotten. To this day when Bentley enthusiasts and corporate people get together over dinner, the traditional toast is always "W.O."

Back in 1931, the takeover of Bentley by Rolls-Royce was described as "the best thing that ever happened to the company" and if that was so, then the more recent acquisition by VW/Audi was even more fortuitous. It did no harm at all that then VW/Audi boss Dr. Ferdinand Piech was a Bentley enthusiast and owned several vintage models.

With Rolls-Royce and Bentley separate companies once again, the time was ripe for the latter to regain its former status as a key manufacturer of luxurious, refined, high-performance automobiles. With the research and development resources of VW/Audi to call on, not to mention excellent existing platform and powertrain technology, Bentley is set to become a major player once again. A racing program was initiated with the aim of again winning the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race, just like the big Bentley roadsters (described as racing trucks by rival Bugatti) did back in the 1920s and 1930s. It didn't take long for these lofty ambitions to be realized and after a couple of exploratory seasons, Bentley won at Le Mans earlier this year.

Some of the models that have been marketed by Bentley in recent times were developed during the old Rolls-Royce partnership, but as time goes by, more individuality will emerge, along with some very advanced VW/Audi-inspired technology. The upcoming Continental GT is a superbly styled two-door coupe which will surely become a car of choice for those lucky enough to be able to afford the best. The dramatically beautiful car (what a contrast to the latest Phantom from Rolls!) is being touted as the fastest 4-seater coupe in the world with its 550 horsepower 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine, 6-speed transmission and four wheel drive. I've only sat in this car so far and that was an experience in itself. The cockpit is so elegantly trimmed with fine woods and leather it was great to just sit there and enjoy the visual feast. Reportedly, the car will be priced well under the usual "supercar" level and the final sticker should be close to that of the rival Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe.

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During the Bentley program, I did get to drive a big Arnage sedan a fair way up the California coast and back. This was my first experience with the car and I found it surprisingly fast and agile for a large and heavy luxury sedan. I was happy to find I could whip along the winding highways (California Highway 1 is especially demanding) with an agility that came almost as a shock. They do say, though, that Bentleys have always been a bit "sportier" than equivalent Rolls-Royce models and I can believe it after my Arnage experience.

Like the Continental GT, the Arnage is superbly trimmed with opulent burr walnut and the finest leather (other materials can be selected on order). Some of the wood trim parts were almost of 2X4 size and imparted a wonderful feeling of luxury and quality. Driver and passengers are superbly insulated from the brash world outside.

I drove both the T and R versions of the Arnage, the "R" being the base model, if "base" is the word for a car in this lofty class. Both cars come with a 6.8-litre twin turbocharged V-8 which develops 400 horsepower for the R and 450 for the T. The two Garrett turbos are quite small and this accounts for the impressive lack of the dreaded "lag" larger turbos often exhibit. This engine goes back a while now and was used as early as 1970 in a simpler form. The four-speed automatic transmission must be a very rugged unit indeed to deal with all that power and torque. Future Bentleys in this size class will no doubt make use of powerplants from the VW/Audi empire. It's worth remembering that the group could make V-8, W-8, W-12 and even W-16 engines available to Bentley in the years ahead.

Almost incredibly, the T will zip up to 100 km/h in less than six seconds despite its 5,700 lb bulk. Top speed is said to be well in excess of 250 km/h and I'd bet the car is very stable and reassuring at that pace. Safety features, while we're on the subject of top speed, include front and rear side air bags in addition to curtain air bags for front and outboard rear passengers. There's also a new electronic traction and stability control system.

Clearly, Bentley is alive and well and looking to become more than just an obscure, rarely-seen, upscale car brand. Most of all, I was impressed with the Bentley people I met at the media familiarization program. They have a very clear view of where Bentley is going and exactly where they want to position the brand. Most of us will never be able to afford one of these fine cars, but motoring enthusiasts everywhere can rejoice in the fact that the legendary "winged B" badge is going to be around for a long time yet.

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