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Global Concepts (Part 1)
Bentley Hunaudieres
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The four-wheel-drive Bentley Hunaudieres is named after the straight at the Le Mans race circuit where Bentley claimed five victories between 1924 and 1930-and established its reputation. The car's underpinnings can be traced to the Lamborghini Diablo, also part of the VW empire. The styling of the carbon-fiber and light alloy body is like nothing Bentley has ever done-or probably ever considered. The Bentley's 8.0-L W16 engine, which is mid-mounted and produces 463 kW (623 hp) and 760 Nom (561 lboft), is made up of two banks of eight cylinders at an angle of 72° in the shape of a "W" based on the Volkswagen's VR principle, with a cylinder angle of 15°. The car is described as a "sports car study" and it is unlikely-but not impossible-that it will enter production. But the engine could well form the basis of future Bentley power units, providing immense power and torque without the need for high revs or boosting. The engine uses variable camshaft timing and provides 85% of maximum torque from 1500 rpm, which conforms to the traditional Bentley ethic of very quiet, linear power delivery. Double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars is used front and rear, and the chassis is a steel spaceframe with carbon-fiber plates. The transmission is five-speed manual. Apart from its badges, name, and mesh radiator grille, the concept is thoroughly un-Bentley like. Inside, walnut is noticeable by its absence, but there is plenty of leather. Engine-turned aluminum is used extensively for the dashboard. A radical technology development is elimination of exterior mirror; instead, two color displays are linked to small cameras placed behind the front wheels to give nearside, offside, and rear views.
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