Bentley is planning to restore the Azure convertible as well as Brooklands coupe, according to the company’s CEO Wolfgang Durheimer. There are plans for a lot more Continental variations as well as a variety of hybrids, too.
Durheimer said: “I’m genuinely persuaded that we have a great deal of chances with our existing design lines. In Crewe you utilized to see a extremely great convertible called Azure – we likewise had it [a Mulsanne Convertible concept] as a hidden vehicle in Pebble beach in 2011. I hear from our clients that there is exceptional demand for a vehicle like this, as well as if we do the Azure, the Brooklands just comes automatically.”
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The original Bentley Azure was introduced in 1995, based on the flagship Continental R, before it was replaced in 2006 by a new design utilizing the Arnage platform in 2006.
As part of this second-generation model, Bentley likewise introduced a Brooklands Coupe utilizing the exact same platform. This type of three-bodystyle variety for the present Mulsanne is clearly what Durheimer has in mind over the coming years. We likewise understand that a performance-oriented Mulsanne speed is because of be revealed at the Paris motor show in October. Durheimer likewise suggested that a six-cylinder Mulsanne might be on the cards for China, saying: “nearly 100% of Mulsanne purchasers in China have drivers.”
Durheimer has plans for the Continental line-up, too, however wouldn’t be drawn on precisely what they were. “We have identified some new concepts for derivatives on the Continental line,” he said.
Bentley is likewise keen to minimize emissions, confirming that a diesel-powered version of its forthcoming SUV would be crucial for Europe. Durheimer likewise said: “We want a plug-in hybrid in 90% of the variety before the end of the decade.”