Bentley Opens its Crewe Headquarters to the Public with New Design Exhibition

If you're a petrol head and live in or are considering a trip to England, you may want to make plans to visit Bentley's headquarters in Crewe and check out a new design exhibition called "An Unbroken Line", which offers a rare glimpse inside the company's usually secret studios.

The exhibition follows the development of a Bentley from the first sketch right through to the final product, and includes drawings from the prototype phase of models such as the new Continental GT that are being shown to the public for the first time ever.

Furthermore, the exhibition also captures key moments of the company’s lineage with signature characteristics that define a Bentley to this day such as the positioning of the headlights, the use of inverted needles on the dashboard and the pronounced ‘powerlines’ that sweep down the flanks of the car.

Dirk van Braeckel, Bentley’s Director of Design and Styling, commented: “What I particularly like about the exhibition is the sheer number and variety of interesting objects we’ve been able to bring together for the very first time, it is quite a collection. It is also fascinating to see just how talented the early Bentley designers really were - the beauty of their concept sketches and sheer precision of their technical drawings still inspires my own team to this day.”

VIDEO: Bentley Continental Supersports' Run at Goodwood Hill Climb Course

Bentley's latest model, the Continental Supersports that utilizes an E85 capable 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 621HP, was one of the newest sports cars to participate at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5). Behind the steering wheel of the Continental Supersports was former Le Mans racer and honorary "Bentley Boy" Derek Bell. Follow the jump to watch the Bell tackling the challenging 1.16-mile Goodwood hill-climb course in the fastest and most powerful car in Bentley's 90-year history.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed The Super Sports Car 600bhp, 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

Introduction of the new Bentley Continental GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) Bentley Continental GTC Speed model. It is Bentley's most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed Models' from the 1920s.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

The GTC Speed's 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of

lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine's flat torque curve. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the 'crackle black' finish to the intake manifold.The Continental GTC's steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimises 'scuttle shake' but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels.The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

The GTC Speed's cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround.
These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and 'Speed' logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley 'B' brake pedal.