Electric Cars

Cars

Car Show

Car Maintenance

Racing

English

Cars

Bentley Explores Off-Road Segment with New Bentayga 'X' Concept

Slide 6
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 1

Bentley, traditionally renowned for its opulent and high-performance road vehicles, is making an audacious foray into the rugged terrain of off-roading with the debut of its Bentayga 'X' concept. This strategic move underscores a growing industry trend where luxury automakers are exploring adventurous segments, broadening their appeal beyond conventional performance. The Bentayga 'X' serves as a crucial initiative for Bentley to gather vital market and customer feedback, potentially shaping the future trajectory of its product offerings in an evolving automotive landscape.

This innovative concept is not merely a stylistic exercise; it boasts substantial engineering enhancements designed to tackle demanding environments. Drawing inspiration from the Bentayga Speed, the 'X' concept integrates specialized off-road components, including bespoke forged wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, a significantly wider stance, and an elevated ground clearance. These modifications, combined with a robust powertrain and advanced suspension system, position the Bentayga 'X' as a formidable contender in the burgeoning luxury off-road vehicle market.

Bentley's Venture into Rugged Luxury

Bentley is expanding its horizons beyond the realm of traditional luxury performance with the introduction of the Bentayga 'X' concept. This initiative follows the brand's recent focus on high-performance models like the Continental GT Supersports and Continental GT S, but marks a distinct pivot towards off-road capabilities. The Bentayga 'X' is presented as a concept car specifically crafted to elicit customer and market responses, indicating Bentley's serious consideration of entering the adventurous luxury vehicle sector. This move aligns with a broader industry trend, where other high-end manufacturers such as Lamborghini with its Huracán Sterrato and Porsche with the 911 Dakar are also exploring specialized off-road variants, suggesting a lucrative niche in the market for sophisticated, yet capable, all-terrain machines.

The strategic unveiling of the Bentayga 'X' concept signifies more than just a new model; it represents Bentley's keen observation of shifting consumer preferences and its readiness to adapt. By deliberately designing the 'X' to stimulate feedback, the company aims to thoroughly understand the demand for such a vehicle. This exploratory phase is crucial for Bentley to assess the viability of producing more off-road-centric vehicles, ensuring that any future production models meet the exacting standards of both luxury and rugged functionality. The concept's debut reflects a forward-thinking approach, where market research directly influences product development, allowing Bentley to potentially redefine its brand image and cater to a broader, more adventurous clientele seeking unparalleled luxury and capability.

Engineering for the Unpaved Path

The Bentayga 'X' concept is engineered for challenging terrains, building upon the high-performance foundation of the Bentayga Speed. This off-road variant is equipped with bespoke features that distinguish it from its road-focused siblings. It rides on large 22-inch forged single-piece wheels paired with specialized off-road tires, enhancing grip and durability on uneven surfaces. To further improve stability and handling in demanding conditions, the 'X' concept boasts a 120-mm wider track. Additionally, a 55-mm increase in ride height significantly boosts its ground clearance, allowing it to navigate rough obstacles with greater ease. These specific modifications highlight Bentley's commitment to creating a vehicle that combines its signature luxury with genuine off-road prowess, ensuring it performs exceptionally well beyond paved roads.

Under the hood, the Bentayga 'X' concept utilizes a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a unit shared with other high-performance vehicles within the VW Group, including the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne. This robust engine delivers an impressive 641 horsepower (650 PS), distributed to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The driving experience is further refined by an advanced air suspension system and Bentley's innovative 48-volt electric active anti-roll control system. These technologies work in concert to provide a balance of comfort and control, adapting to various terrains and driving styles. Additional features, such as a roof rack equipped with four powerful spotlights, underscore its utility for nighttime off-road excursions, while the absence of a rugged bumper or snorkel emphasizes its role as an exploratory concept, allowing for a focused assessment of core off-road modifications.

Roadster Showdown: Honda S2000 Takes on German Rivals
Cars

Roadster Showdown: Honda S2000 Takes on German Rivals

Bentley's Bold Step into Off-Roading: The X Concept
Cars

Bentley's Bold Step into Off-Roading: The X Concept

Mazda CX-5 Reaches Production Milestone, New Model on the Horizon
Cars

Mazda CX-5 Reaches Production Milestone, New Model on the Horizon

Cars

1972 Saab Sonett III: A Poetic Masterpiece on Wheels

Slide 5
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 1

Embrace the unique charm of a bygone automotive era with the 1972 Saab Sonett III. This delightful, albeit unconventional, coupe, a testament to Saab's distinctive engineering philosophy, is now gracing the virtual showrooms of Bring a Trailer. With its spirited V-4 engine and lightweight chassis, this vehicle offers a driving experience that is both engaging and distinctively Saab. Despite the passage of time and some minor imperfections, its allure as a collectible remains undiminished, appealing to those who appreciate automotive oddities and the legacy of a much-missed brand.

Vintage Swedish Sportster: The 1972 Saab Sonett III Up for Auction

In a world increasingly dominated by conformity, the 1972 Saab Sonett III stands out as a charming anomaly. This specific model, featuring a vibrant orange exterior paired with a brown interior, harks back to the distinctive aesthetics of the 1970s. It is one of the last models produced before the introduction of U.S. low-impact bumper regulations, which subtly altered the vehicle's original styling. Currently listed for auction on Bring a Trailer, this Sonett III showcases a unique blend of Swedish ingenuity and Italian design flair.

Conceived as an export-oriented coupe, much like Volkswagen's Karmann Ghia, the Sonett utilized a standard production platform adorned with a more stylish body. However, true to Saab's reputation, its underlying mechanicals possess an intriguing individuality. Underneath its sporty facade, the Sonett III features a conventional front-wheel-drive layout, powered by an unusual 1.7-liter V-4 engine, originally sourced from the Ford Taunus. This compact powerplant, delivering approximately 73 horsepower, is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, designed to maximize its spirited performance.

The car's exterior was a collaborative effort, with initial styling penned by Italy's Sergio Coggiola, a former Ghia designer, and subsequently refined by Saab's in-house design team. The result is a visually striking coupe with features such as pop-up headlights and a distinctive power bulge on the hood. While its front-wheel-drive configuration might not lend itself to aggressive track performance, its exceptional lightness, weighing under 2000 pounds, ensures a lively and stable ride.

This particular 1972 Sonett III has accumulated 43,000 miles on its odometer and is described as being in fair, though slightly worn, condition. The seller notes some minor issues, including non-functional stereo and wipers, but highlights recent maintenance to the ignition system. Such details only add to the character of this vintage collectible, presenting an opportunity for enthusiasts to engage in the rewarding pursuit of restoration and specialized care, ideally with the assistance of a Saab expert.

The auction for this distinctive Swedish classic is scheduled to conclude on February 3rd, offering a rare chance to acquire a piece of automotive history that continues to captivate with its unique personality and engaging driving dynamics.

The enduring appeal of the 1972 Saab Sonett III serves as a compelling reminder that true automotive character transcends mere statistics. In an era where efficiency and standardization often overshadow individuality, vehicles like the Sonett III stand as vibrant testaments to a time when engineering eccentricities were celebrated. Its quirks and minor imperfections are not flaws, but rather integral components of its charm, inviting owners to forge a deeper connection with their machines. This particular Saab beckons not just as a mode of transport, but as a project, a hobby, and a conversation starter, illustrating that the most rewarding automotive experiences often lie beyond the conventional, in the realm of the truly unique and passionately preserved.

See More
BMW's Subtle Logo Evolution: A Nod to Tradition and Future
Cars

BMW's Subtle Logo Evolution: A Nod to Tradition and Future

Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R Confirmed to Continue Beyond 2030
Cars

Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R Confirmed to Continue Beyond 2030

The End of an Era: Lexus LC Discontinuation Announced
Cars

The End of an Era: Lexus LC Discontinuation Announced

Cars

Slide 18
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
Slide 18
Slide 1

In the thrilling world of high-performance roadsters, a compelling showdown once unfolded between a bold Japanese entrant and established German powerhouses. The 2000 Honda S2000, a symbol of precision engineering and driving purity, squared off against the formidable 1999 BMW M Roadster, the luxurious 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK, and the agile 1999 Porsche 718 Boxster. This comparison was not merely about raw power or luxury appointments; it was a testament to the diverse philosophies of automotive design and performance, where the S2000, despite a notably different price point, proved its mettle against Europe's finest.

The Iconic Roadsters: A Detailed Look

Circa the late 1990s and early 2000s, the automotive landscape witnessed a fascinating rivalry among these four convertible sports cars. The Honda S2000, introduced in 2000, quickly garnered attention for its high-revving 2.0-liter engine, producing an impressive 240 horsepower, and its exceptionally precise six-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight chassis and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution offered an unparalleled driving experience focused on driver engagement and track-day capability. This Japanese marvel, often celebrated for its mechanical harmony, represented a pure, unadulterated approach to sports car design.

On the German front, the 1999 BMW M Roadster stood as a muscular contender. Powered by a potent inline-six engine, it delivered robust performance and a more aggressive driving character, embodying BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos. Its distinctive styling and raw power made it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking thrills and a visceral connection to the road.

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK, on the other hand, presented a different proposition. While still a spirited roadster, it leaned more towards luxury and comfort, featuring a retractable hardtop that offered both open-air exhilaration and coupe-like refinement. Its supercharged engine provided smooth acceleration, making it an appealing choice for those who valued elegance and everyday usability alongside performance.

Finally, the 1999 Porsche 718 Boxster (known then simply as the Boxster) completed the German trio. As a mid-engined sports car, it was renowned for its sublime balance, communicative steering, and engaging handling. The Boxster's flat-six engine produced a distinctive sound and eager power delivery, cementing its reputation as a driver's car that excelled in winding roads and spirited drives.

The photo collection curated by Jim Caiozzo for Car and Driver captures the essence of these magnificent machines, showcasing their exterior designs, interior details, and dynamic presence. Each image highlights the distinct personality of the BMW M Roadster, the Honda S2000, the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and the Porsche 718 Boxster, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that went into each model. These photographs serve as a vivid reminder of a golden age for roadsters, where performance and style converged to create automotive legends.

This historic comparison serves as a reminder that automotive excellence isn't solely defined by price tags or country of origin. The Honda S2000 demonstrated that innovation and a clear vision could allow a newcomer to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with revered European marques. For automotive enthusiasts, this era of roadsters underscored the joy of diverse driving experiences and the relentless pursuit of engineering perfection. It teaches us that true performance and driving pleasure can emerge from unexpected places, constantly challenging preconceptions within the industry.

See More