LA Auto Show: Bentley Grand Convertible: Comments

[William Maley]

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Bentley is using the LA Auto Show to gauge the reaction of their latest concept car, the Grand Convertible. If you're wondering why Grand Convertible looks like a drop-top Mulsanne, you're not that far off. The Grand Convertible is a drop-top version of Mulsanne Speed, which means its packing a 6.75L Twin-Turbo V8 producing 530 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque.

Outside, the Grand Convertible is draped in a Sequin Blue with a "liquid metal" hood and windshield frame. The tonneau cover is done in a burl walnut veneer. The interior is covered in Beluga leather with blue cross-stitching.

"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," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley Chairman and CEO.

Source: Bentley

Press Release is on Page 2

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BENTLEY GRAND CONVERTIBLE REDEFINES THE LUXURY OF OPEN-AIR DRIVING

• The most sophisticated and elegant convertible
  
• Developed to signify Bentley's intentions for the future
  
• The ultimate expression of the British luxury automobile
  
• On display at the Los Angeles Auto Show from 19th November alongside the new Mulsanne Speed sedan
  

(Los Angeles, 17th November 2014) The ultimate expression of British automotive luxury is imagined with the Bentley Grand Convertible, the most sophisticated open-top car ever created by Bentley. Iconic yet understated in style and fashioned entirely by hand from the very finest materials, this unrivalled flagship of luxury represents the ultimate in powerful, sensuous roofless motoring.

Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Los Angeles, commented: "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."

The Bentley Grand Convertible will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show from 19th November 2014.

Powerful, Refined, ExquisiteResplendent 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 legendary 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. 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. Bright blue is used to highlight the extraordinary skill of Bentley's trim specialists, with Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand through the linen-coloured leather. The light hide is contrasted by the sleek elegance of Beluga leather around the top of the doors and extending back to the rear tonneau, framed in polished chrome.

The tonneau itself provides the most significant example of Bentley craftsmanship at its finest. Replete with book-matched, mirror-finished and dark-stained Burr Walnut, the tonneau features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Fashioned entirely by hand, this expanse of veneer is only paralleled by the creations of the world's best furniture makers, and is finished with elegant parallel lines of chromed steel.

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.

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[balthazar]

The exterior design on the current Bentleys is so tepid, it just doesn't look expensive (and I see them all the time in central NJ).

 

I do like the 'boat deck' treatment around the pass compartment. They've come light years ahead from this archaic garbage:

[Drew Dowdell]

I still want to drive one of those old beasties one day.  

 

I drove a new Bentley back in September and honestly I wasn't all that impressed for what the car was at that price. I'd rather have an S-Class for less money or I'd get a Kia K900 as my daily driver and save even more. 

[balthazar]

Bentley, for the money, is a monster rip off.

[G. David Felt]

Am I supposed to be Impressed? I honestly think there are far superior auto's out there for less money.

[William Maley]

Bentley, for the money, is a monster rip off.

 

And yet I still want.. Granted after the massive depreciation hit. 

[smk4565]

It is grand, and it is a convertible.  There is something to be said about a car like this or the Phantom Drophead that is a 2 door convertible about the size of a Chevy Suburban.  It is so ridiculous, but that is the point, it stands out as being unique.  The boat decking is sweet too.  The downside is the S-class has more technology than what a Rolls or Bentley has, and the S-class has as much power and costs less, and an S-class convertible is on the way too.  So if buying the better car or better value, it is S-class all the way, but the Grand Convertible and Phantom Drophead have that over the top ridiculousness that none other can match.

[balthazar]

s-class isn't in the same league as the RR/B pair. It's also completely pedestrian in appearance (never mind the new s-coupe (OHNOZIDIDNT!) wears the same nose as a $30K cheap/quickie car). 'Technology' is tough to brag with down at the Club, too, but 'presence' is obvious a mile off. s-class has zero.

[Drew Dowdell]

Eh, the S-class may not have presence... but it does have gravity... as it should for a 5,000lbs sedan.  It is conservative, but has gravitas. 

I like the current one far more than the prior version.