Bentley has premiered three new models at the Moscow International Auto Salon (MIAS) this week. This year sees Bentley's largest ever showing at the MIAS, a reflection of the growing importance of the Russian market in the car industry, including the luxury car industry.
Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT Speed makes its world debut in Moscow as the fastest car Bentley has ever produced for mass production. The performance model can achieve a top speed of 205 miles per hour, and can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in 9.0 seconds. It has a lower chassis than its standard Continental counterpart, as well as stiffer suspension and enhanced spring, steering, and damping systems.
It has Bentley's familiar 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, but enhancements give the engine a much higher torque ratio for the GT Speed. The engine is joined to a new ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission. Performance is further enhanced by the powertrain's advanced engine management.
The all-wheel drive GT Speed has Bentley's Mulliner Driving Specification as standard; and its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system has been modified for increased wheel slip at high speed and greater torque recoup after a system intervention.
Mulsanne Executive Interior
Having debuted as a concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Show, the Mulsanne Executive Interior's Moscow appearance is its first since going into production. A new set of specifications for the existing Mulsanne luxury saloon, the Executive Interior comes in two versions - Theatre and iPad.
The iPad version features for its rear passengers two electrically-operated veneered picnic tables to be used as writing surfaces. The passengers can also press a button, and release two twin iPads with wireless keyboards.
The Theatre version provides its rear passengers with an entertainment center where they can watch DVDs or TV on an HD LED 15-inch center screen or on two 8-inch screens in the front headrests. They can also use the Apple Mac computer mounted on the boot.
Continental V8
Making their Russian debuts are the newest Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible. These are powered by a new 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 567 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 188 mph. It is capable of traveling 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Speaking of Bentley's showing at the MIAS, company CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer said in a statement, "These three models illustrate the strength and breadth of the Bentley brand and are sure to appeal to automotive enthusiasts across the region. In 2011, our sales in Russia increased by 45 percent, making Bentley the best-selling luxury car brand, and the recent establishment of a new, exclusive sales company, Bentley Russia, is a reflection of our commitment to strengthening and expanding our presence in the market, attracting new customers and enhancing the brand experience for existing Bentley owners across the region."
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