Redesigned 2015 AUDI A8 makes debut at NAIAS

• Audi A8 and S8 models redesigned for more sportiness, performance and luxury.
• More powerful 4.0T engine increases from 420 to 435 horsepower
• New front fascia and rear design including newly designed lights give Audi A8 model line an even more dynamic stance

The Audi A8 sedan receives an even more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence. The rear of the A8 and S8 receive a new tail lamp and a new tailpipe design that further support the sportier exterior. The S8 also receives an available sport exhaust that allows passengers to audibly experience its powerful drive train.

“The Audi A8 sedan represents the pinnacle of Audi progressive luxury,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our flagship model was chosen by more customers every year since its introduction and the new 2015 A8 model line will continue to build upon that success.”

The new 2015 Audi A8 and S8 will arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2014. Highlights include:

Design and Body
For 2015, the Audi A8 and S8 receive new front and rear designs that give all of the models a wider, more dynamic stance. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8/S8 continues to provide exceptional rigidity and performance characteristics.
• Dynamic new front fascia including standard new LED headlights, hood,
Audi Singleframe® grille, bumper and splitter design combine for greater presence on the road
• New tail lamp and trapezoidal tailpipe design (oval quad tailpipes on S8)
• New selection of 20” wheels and five new exterior colors

Technology and Driver Assistance System Features
Audi continues to offer industry leading technology that improves the driving experience for drivers and passengers alike including Audi Side assist and Audi pre sense® plus. The Audi MMI® navigation plus system that includes Google Earth mapping, Google Voice local search functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices continues to be a benchmark for the segment. New driver assistance systems for the 2015 A8 model line are:

• Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between the lane markings through active steering adjustments should the vehicle drift across the lane markings
• Secondary collision assist automatically applies the brakes following a collision to help avoid possible secondary collisions
• Night vision assistant already offers pedestrian detection. Now animal detection is able to highlight larger animals such as deer and help provide a warning to the driver if the animal is in danger of entering the path of travel
• Head-up display for ease of viewing vehicle speed, navigation, automatic cruise control, Active lane assist and Night vision warning information projected onto windscreen
• Audi park assist (late availability) which will help steer the car into a parking space

Improved Performance
All of the A8 model line engines offer excellent efficiency and performance.

The A8 TDI in particular continues to offer a great alternative for those wanting impressive efficiency without compromise, while the S8 impresses with its 520 horsepower. The A8 3.0 TFSI continues to be the entry into the A8 model range and the W12 represents the pinnacle of luxury. The new electromechanical power steering provides greater comfort and agility, while improving fuel efficiency. Changes to the 2015 engine offering include:

• A8 4.0T V8 increases horsepower from 420hp to 435hp
• W12 6.3 liter engine now with Cylinder On Demand technology

Higher Level of Luxury
Luxury equipment such as available 22-way front and rear comfort seats with 5 different massage functions as well as heating and ventilation capabilities are just some of the elements that make the A8 interior the benchmark in the segment. New optimized elements that add to its luxury feel include:

• Significant acoustic measures for a quieter cabin and driving comfort
• Optimized trunk packaging for improved space and usability

The Audi S8 – Design and Body
The updated Audi S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design that further complements its exceptional performance characteristics.

• New interior design selection: Vermont brown leather interior paired with Carbon twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning elegance and craftsmanship
• Updated front fascia design with larger air intakes in the lower bumper and reduced use of chrome accents give a sportier look. New sport exhaust with wider oval quad tailpipes, rear diffusor and side sills in addition to the front and rear tail lamp changes round out the dynamic design of the Audi S8

Bentley débuts new Flying Spur in Milan

• Flying Spur luxury sedan makes Italian debut
• New model unveiled in style at exclusive event in Milan
• More powerful 625 PS W12 engine and luxurious, hand-crafted cabin
• ‘Bentley Home’ collection inspired by interiors of Bentley models

Bentley today celebrated the market debut of the new Flying Spur luxury sedan and the ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection with Italian customers, at an exclusive event held at Bentley Milan.

The Flying Spur, with its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, is expected to build on the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor.

Luca Marzio Garavaglia, General Manager, Bentley Milan, comments on the debut: “The new Flying Spur is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, while also featuring enhanced cabin technology and even higher levels of comfort and refinement.  The car was highly-praised by the world’s media, and we anticipate it being a great success in Italy.”

The Flying Spur is the fastest road-going luxury sedan in the world, powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine.  It develops 625 PS, sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

A touch-screen infotainment system with mobile connectivity, including Wi-Fi, allows the driver and passengers alike to interface with the car and the outside world.  A Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote give rear-cabin occupants control over an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat.

Bentley Milan also presented the new ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection, which is inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley models.

Designed to furnish luxury homes and offices, the collection combines Bentley’s inherent qualities of craftsmanship, heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the exacting design of one of Europe’s leading furniture makers.

Italian customers interested in finding out more about the new Bentley Flying Spur should visit Bentley Milano, Via Ettore Ponti 8, Milan or www.bentley-milano.com

Juha kankkunen drifts Bentleys in Finland

• Flying Spur debuts at high-adrenaline winter driving experience
• Motor sport legend Juha Kankkunen leads Bentley team in Finland
• More dates added to meet demand for 2014 programme
• Bentley luxury experience on and off the ice

Bentley returns to the snow-covered wilds of the far north of Finland this winter with a new and extended edition (6 February-6 March 2014) of its Power on Ice driving experience and the opportunity for even more guests to spend time developing advanced techniques with the four-time World Rally Champion and honorary ‘Bentley Boy’, Juha Kankkunen.

A further highlight of Power on Ice 2014 is the debut of the new Flying Spur sedan on the series of challenging and exhilarating snow and ice circuits especially designed by Kankkunen, who in addition to his 23 world rally victories, has twice broken the world ice speed driving record behind the wheel of Bentley’s Continental cars.

Acclaimed for its exquisite levels of craftsmanship and luxury, the new Flying Spur effortlessly combines this refinement with all the potency of Bentley’s 6.0 litre W12 twin turbocharged engine delivering 616 bhp (625 PS) and a 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed that makes it the world’s fastest luxury four door production car.

A state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, constantly adjusting the levels of power to the front and rear wheels depending on available traction, ensures the Flying Spur delivers optimal grip regardless of road or weather conditions and is one of the very few ultra-luxury sedans capable of conquering this kind of ‘off-piste’ driving challenge.

“The Flying Spur is going to be an excellent addition to the Power on Ice experience and we’re looking forward to showing what it is capable of. There’s going to be something special about driving a luxury car you’d expect to see in Monte Carlo or London across the snow and frozen lakes,” comments Kankkunen.

The Flying Spur will join an array of Bentley Continental GT coupes in Finland (powered by the company’s 6.0 litre W12 and 4.0 litre V8 engines) and Kankkunen will work with Bentley’s own factory-trained driving experts who will offer in-depth tuition designed to allow drivers to broaden their range of driving skills when faced by testing road and weather conditions.

Away from the thrill of learning how to drive the Bentley of their choice at high-speed on ice, the four-day adventure in Finland offers guests the chance to unwind in the exclusive and luxurious surroundings of the Ruka Peak resort.

Situated just 60 km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, the resort offers a wide selection of hotel and private chalet accommodation options and the mountain resort is widely believed to offer some of the finest, unbroken views of Finland’s spectacular winter scenery. Open fires, saunas, first class local cuisine and flying to and from Helsinki by private jet help to complement the first class experience.

Latest A8 hits the salesroom starting at £58k

Flagship Audi featuring a host of technological advances and engine upgrades becomes available for UK ordering

• New generation A8 range now available to order priced from £58,800 OTR – first UK deliveries in January 2014
• Even more power, greater fuel efficiency for the majority of models – all now comply with EU6 emissions regulations
• Increased use of cylinder on demand technology
• Unique new MatrixBeam LED headlights improve safety

Confirmation of UK pricing this week has paved the way for even more elegant, more technologically sophisticated and more fuel efficient new generation Audi A8 models to plot a course for the UK. Available to order now starting at £58,800, and due to arrive here in January, the latest Audi luxury flagship range combines revisions to its weight-optimised, predominantly aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body with a raft of technological advances including new MatrixBeam LED headlights and an upgraded line-up of EU6-compliant engines.  

Subtle resculpting of the bonnet, the single frame grille, the bumper and the lower edge of the headlight units has sharpened the frontal view of the new generation A8. At the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the S8 now incorporates two rhomboid tail pipes. New chrome elements, new high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car.

The visual appeal, visibility and active safety of the new generation A8 can also now be enhanced by new headlights employing MatrixBeam Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology which sets new benchmarks.

The high-beam function in these unique headlights uses 25 individual LEDs per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while always brightly illuminating the road. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi MatrixBeam LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system with MMI Touch to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation, and can recognise and act on route data, such as corners and road classifications.

New dynamic indicators boost safety

Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering lights, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic indicator lights, the latter comprising blocks of LEDs arranged in a strip which are sequentially illuminated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards, in the desired turning direction. This ‘sweeping function’ makes it even clearer to surrounding road users that the A8 is about to turn.

The even sleeker new standard and long wheelbase bodies house a choice of seven petrol and TDI engines linked to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, all of which now comply with forthcoming EU6 emissions regulations, and the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 290PS to 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 420PS to 435PS and now incorporates fuel-sparing Cylinder on Demand technology, the highly efficient 3.0 TDI increases from 250PS to 258PS and the 4.2 TDI gains 35PS, taking it to 385PS. Its already mighty torque output is also increased by 50Nm to a prodigious 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft).

Thanks to significant modifications to components such as the injection and exhaust gas recirculation systems and the turbocharger, and the integration of an active exhaust gas aftertreatment system using AdBlue exhaust treatment solution, both TDI engines are now classified as ‘clean diesels’.

Cylinder on demand now also for W12

The luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-litre, 500PS petrol engine continues to occupy the top rung in the A8 line-up. It boasts best-in-class combined fuel consumption of  24.1 mpg, corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometre, thanks in part to a newly adopted version of the cylinder-on-demand system developed especially for this model. At low loads, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders.

The 520PS S8 fulfils a different brief as the ultimate Audi sports saloon. Its 4.0 TFSI engine blasts it from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, yet cylinder on demand technology also permits up to 29.4 mpg, corresponding to 225 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is now also employed in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, ensures excellent acoustic comfort by using precise antiphase noise to combat intrusive noise in the cabin while cylinders are deactivated. Active engine mounts also dampen vibration.

At the other end of the spectrum, the overtly efficiency-focused A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a system output of 245PS and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62 mph with a range of roughly 1.9 miles. Available in standard and long-wheelbase body styles, the A8 hybrid returns up to 44.8mpg and as little as 144 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The saloon owes its sporting character as much to its sophisticated chassis as to its responsive engines and its lightweight shell. The Audi drive select system, which adjusts the operating characteristics of various controls and functions, is standard. It also influences the standard adaptive air suspension, which is available with sport settings on request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive, and can be enhanced by a dynamic steering option which varies boost as a function of the speed driven. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro. These can also now be combined with new high-tech 20-inch alloy wheels with high-strength polymer spokes.

In the lavishly trimmed and very comprehensively equipped interior, customers can choose from a new range of upholstery and inlays in new colour schemes. Additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unicum, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable.

Enhanced specification for UK models

In the UK, the A8 is offered with a choice of three specification levels – SE, SE Executive and Sport Executive – all of which not surprisingly already include the many luxuries expected at this level. SE models have now been further enhanced by 18-inch alloy wheels in a new design, electromechanical power steering and all-LED headlights with a high-beam assist function. The lighting and steering upgrades carry over into the SE Executive variants, while the top ranking Sport Executive models gain the new MatrixBeam LED headlights and Mobile Phone Preparation – High with Audi connect. This feature brings internet-based services such as Google Earth, Google Street View and online traffic information to the car, and also establishes a wi-fi hotspot for connection of multiple handheld devices to the internet.

Particularly indulgent interior options include a Bang & Olufsen audio system, front seats with ventilation and massage settings, relaxation seats with powered footrests, electrically adjustable, individual rear seats, a continuous, leather-covered centre console (exclusively for A8 L models) and power-assisted door closure. The Audi exclusive personalisation range offers additional options for particularly discerning customers.

On a more practical footing, the options list also includes an advanced new ‘Technology wheel’, which through silicone foam bonding of a forged alloy for the inner section and injection moulded, impact-resistant plastic for the outer cladding, reduces the weight of each wheel by around 25 per cent, or approximately 4.4kg to boost agility and efficiency still further.

The portfolio of advanced optional assistance systems has also expanded to include Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking, and the head-up display, which projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windscreen. The night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

The new generation Audi A8 – UK OTR Pricing

T3 magazine names AUDI A8 winner of inaugural COTY tech awards.

Audi luxury saloon wins inaugural Car of the Year Award in influential technology magazine’s annual honours list

• Technology-focused magazine’s annual Gadget Awards recognise particularly innovative products
• Inaugural Car of the Year Award goes to Audi A8 luxury saloon described as ‘an outstanding example of innovation and design’

Technology aficionados at the UK-based T3 Magazine have added a new ‘Car of the Year’ category to their annual Gadget Awards, and Audi is proud to be the recipient of the inaugural award for the A8 luxury saloon.

Presented recently at a high profile ceremony in London that also honoured many other ground-breakers from the worlds of computing, mobile communication, photography, audio and visual entertainment, the awards are allocated not only on the strength of verdicts from a panel of nine tech-savvy journalists, but also based on over 500,000 votes cast online on the T3 website.

Kieran Alger, T3 Magazine Editor-In-Chief, summed up the intensity of the competition for the awards and the calibre of the winners by saying: “This year’s awards have been the hardest fought yet. Every single winning product is truly an outstanding example of innovation and design.” In its citation the A8 is described as ‘a tech-head’s dream motor’, and Editor Luke Peters closes by saying “you know a car’s good when you don’t want to get out of it”.

The primary focus of the Car of the Year award is not surprisingly technological merit. Singled out for particular praise in the A8 are its advanced adaptive air suspension system, its Audi connect technology bringing internet-based services such as Google Earth navigation and Google Street View to the car and creating a mobile wi-fi hotspot, and its ‘unrivalled entertainment systems’.

Built around the advanced, predominantly lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the Audi A8 range has recently been further enhanced by subtle styling revisions, equipment upgrades and improvements to engines, all of which now meet tougher EU6 emissions limits applicable from 2014.

New MatrixBeam LED headlights

Of particular interest to the gadget lovers at T3 will be the futuristic new MatrixBeam headlights and dynamic indicators which become standard equipment for some new generation A8 models. The 25 individual LEDs in each MatrixBeam headlamp unit can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation, meaning that the on-board computer can mask specific sections of the high beam by dimming or deactivating individual diodes when it detects other vehicles travelling ahead in either direction.

The lighting system in the A8 also uses predictive route data from the navigation system to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation, and can recognise and act on route data, such as corners and road classifications.

The dynamic indicators comprise blocks of LEDs arranged in a strip which are sequentially illuminated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards, in the desired turning direction. This ‘sweeping function’ makes it even clearer to surrounding road users that the A8 is about to turn.

Cutting edge features are also very much in evidence in the engine bay of the new generation A8. This can now be filled by a wide range of EU6 emissions-compliant units including the latest 435 PS twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI or naturally aspirated 500 PS 6.3-litre W12 FSI engines, both now incorporating fuel-sparing Cylinder-on-Demand technology, or by a hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine with an electric motor.

FRANKFURT - Bentley GT V8 S

• GT V8 S coupe and convertible take centre stage in Frankfurt
• Flying Spur W12 showcases latest Bentley technology
• Mulsanne flagship completes vehicle line-up
• New Bentley luxury leather goods collections

Bentley adds a characterful new member to the Continental family with the world premiere of the new GT V8 S at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, the V8 S models feature an uprated version of Bentley’s twin-turbo, 4.0-litre engine that now develops 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) of torque together with careful suspension modifications and a selection of new exterior and interior features. Complementing these two dynamic new models in Frankfurt is the pinnacle of Bentley luxury in the form of the flagship Mulsanne and the all-new four-door sedan Flying Spur.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:

“Our new V8 S models are an exciting addition to the Continental family. The increased power and torque combined with dynamically-focussed suspension sharpen the performance capabilities of our V8 grand tourers with no compromise to the luxury and quality that all Bentleys typify. These are cars with huge character and agility, enhanced even further by a distinctive V8 soundtrack.”

A distinctive and dynamic new Continental

Building on the success of the acclaimed Continental GT V8, the new V8 S models feature a more powerful version of Bentley’s 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine developing 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 KW) at 6,000 rev/min and an immense peak torque of 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) at a mere 1,700 rev/min. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Bentley all-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear-biased torque split ensures effortless delivery of the increased power, providing exhilarating yet smooth performance. The GT V8 S coupe sprints from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) and onto a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h). The performance of the GT V8 S convertible is equally impressive, reaching 60 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.7s) and a top speed of 191mph (308km/h). This increased performance is not at the cost of the efficient engine’s fuel economy capabilities, with both coupe and convertible able to cover over 500 miles (805 km) on a single tank of fuel.

A suite of enhancements to the Continental chassis provide greater agility and body control to match the engine’s higher output, whilst maintaining the car’s renowned ride comfort and refinement. A more sporting setup sees ride height lowered by 10 mm front and rear while spring rates, bushes and the rear anti-roll bar are stiffened. Recalibrated damping, steering and ESC complete the package for an exhilarating and involving driving experience.

Sharp and stylish design touches are introduced to match the new models’ enhanced sporting pace. A package of lower-body styling features accents the purposeful stance offered by the lowered suspension through an aerodynamic front splitter, discrete side sills and elegant rear diffuser, all finished in Beluga gloss black. New signature 20-inch wheels are exclusive to the V8 S models, and feature an open-spoke design that provides a clear view of red-painted brake calipers. “V8 S” fender badges complete the understated but sporting appearance. The visual appeal of the new car is matched by a stunning V8 exhaust note that can be amplified further with an optional new sports exhaust.

Inside, the cabin of the V8 S models presents a thoroughly modern interpretation of Bentley luxury. Available with a range of striking duo-tone interiors, customers select interior trim from the full range of seventeen hide colours. The GT V8 S coupe also features a unique contrast centre stripe for the hide-trimmed roof lining, matched to the colour of the main hide. Knurled chrome detailing to the gearshift lever and ventilation controls provides a perfect contrast to Piano Black veneers, while discreet “V8 S” badges are displayed on each sill tread plate.

The new GT V8 S coupe and convertible arrive in Bentley dealerships from early 2014.

Bentley’s all-new luxury performance sedan

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur continues its successful market introduction following its global debut in March this year.

Behind the athletic exterior design and immaculate interior application of luxurious leather and wood lie a host of advanced acoustic and electronic technologies. A bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. With an optional Rear Seat Entertainment suite including two 10” LCD screens, DVD players, wireless headphones and an on-board hard-drive jukebox, plus the options of full Wi-Fi connectivity and an 1100W Naim for Bentley premium sound system, the new Flying Spur is the perfect place for work or relaxation on the move.

Powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history with 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation Flying Spur ensures a remarkable 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

A pinnacle specification for the Bentley flagship

Completing the prestigious line-up in Frankfurt is the Bentley Mulsanne, presented with the very latest specifications. A range of new luxury features has been added to the Bentley flagship for 2013, offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options. The Comfort Specification, including cossetting headrests, comfortable footrests and soft duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm the Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Meanwhile, the Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in-car technologies to transform the rear cabin in to a luxurious office or cinema, complete with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard, and an on-board Wi-Fi router. The Entertainment Specification is further enhanced with twin, eight inch LCD headrest screens, incorporating a 20 GB hard drive and DVD player, played through a ‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system, while two sets of Bluetooth headphones and a dedicated remote control allows comfortable enjoyment of the system.

Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

European premiere for new luxury leather goods

Bentley’s new luxury capsule Handbag Collection also makes its European debut at Frankfurt. Unveiled at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, the new collection is a reflection of the essential values for which Bentley is renowned worldwide: an exquisite design aesthetic, highly skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail and dynamic performance. The Bentley Handbag Collection transfers the functional luxury of our cars into an accessory that women can cherish.

Available from October 2013, the Collection features two distinct models – The Barnato and The Continental – and both draw inspiration from styling elements from the Bentley model range. As with a road-going Bentley, extensive attention has been dedicated to the execution of the details; the metal furniture with the typical knurled signature finish enhances luxury and the sense of craftsmanship unique only to the world of jewellery, in true Bentley style. Further information can be found at www.bentleyhandbagcollection.com.

The Bentley stand will also feature examples of the new Bentley Home Collection, an exclusive collection of furniture and homeware developed in conjunction with renowned furnishing brand Club House Italia. The state-of-the-art collection combines traditional elements in contemporary contexts combined with Bentley’s legendary style and exquisite craftsmanship to enhance today's residential, commercial and executive office interiors. The partnership will offer rare pieces using the finest materials and finished of wood, leather, steel and glass.

Bentley expands presence in Sweden with new city centre showroom

• Bentley expands presence in Sweden with new city centre showroom
• New Stockholm premises represent long-term investment in the region and bring the brand closer to main customer base
• Malmö location continues as service and pre-owned sales centre
• New showroom opening coincides with regional premiere of Flying Spur luxury sedan

Bentley today announced the opening of a new dealership in Stockholm, expanding the luxury British marque’s presence in the Swedish market.

The new showroom is located on Grev Turegatan, a major thoroughfare located in one of Stockholm’s main designer shopping districts, bringing the brand closer to its main customer base in the city and representing a significant long-term investment in the region.  Bentley’s current premises in Sweden, located in the southern city of Malmö, will continue to serve customers in the south of the country, operating as an official Bentley aftersales and pre-owned sales centre.

Filip Larsson, Managing Director, Bentley Stockholm, commented: “The opening of our new showroom in Stockholm is a great moment for Bentley in Sweden.  With their all-year round, effortless driveability, Bentley cars have always been extremely popular with customers here.  Bringing our sales centre closer to our main customer base will strengthen Bentley’s position in Sweden even further.”

During the dealership’s official opening, Bentley Stockholm also presented the new Flying Spur to local customers for the first time.  The new model blends effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology.  It is powered by Bentley’s 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, and permanent all-wheel drive ensures the Flying Spur puts all 625 PS to the road, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

Bentley sales in Europe during the first half of 2013 grew by 22 per cent compared to the same period last year, and the company has ambitious plans to achieve further sales growth, through new model introductions like the Flying Spur and significant expansion of its dealer network.