Report: Bentley going diesel and hybrid next year

When you think of hybrids, Bentley is one name that most likely wouldn’t cross your mind. Well that’s about to change. According to the Dow Jones Newswires, the Volkswagen owned luxury auto maker is considering hybrid and diesel engines within the next two years. Bentley CEO, Franz Josef Paefgen, said the first decisions concerning installing hybrid and diesel engines in Bentley models will be made this year.

Bentley, at the Geneva Motor Show, unveiled their new Brooklands Coupe, which is probably anything but environmentally-friendly with its 6.75 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 530 horsepower. Nonetheless, its a start in helping out the environment and driving in ultimate-luxury style.
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DieselRules - 3/9/2007 12:59:49 AM

+2 Boost

Cool!
Can I order a Continental GT with VW's V-10 TDI (with 6-spd Tiptronic and AWD, like the Phaeton) please!
Configure it for Bio-diesel.

chewy - 3/9/2007 2:10:01 AM

+2 Boost

How about the V12 TDI. 500 hp + 738 lb-ft of torque and better fuel economy than the V10 TDI. That would make for one awesome Bentley.

Lexus - 3/9/2007 2:45:09 AM

-3 Boost

This crazy now Bentley is jumping on the Hybrid bandwagon, unreal.........

Agent63 - 3/9/2007 10:01:33 AM

+1 Boost

It's a new wave of cars to come. I'm sure Bentley will build diesel and hybrid ultra luxury cars very well. It is just an engine therefore build quality for it's cars should not be affected. UNLESS, so much funding has gone to designing these power plants that they have to cut costs and downgrade for parts. But it's highly unlikely. I bet it will be the quietest diesel ever too!. Imagine the hybid, all you can hear is the road if you get UNlucky.

-Agent63

1970toyotamarc - 3/9/2007 11:37:21 AM

+1 Boost

and another one......

S4cabriofoxone - 3/10/2007 12:06:01 AM

-1 Boost

I think it's interesting that the Lexus fans aren't recognizing the "diesel" in the title, and only talking about how Bentley is "copying" Toyota with a *RUMORED* hybrid.

If this goes through, which I doubt (even the diesel is doubtful), you all know that no hybrid Bentley would compete with a Lexus, right? The closest would be LS600hL vs. Flying Spur Hybrid (if that happens), and even that is far-fetched, at an estimated $90K price difference (my estimate- LS600hL @ $100K and Flying Spur H at $190K).

M53R - 3/10/2007 1:33:54 AM

+1 Boost

Thats exactly what bently buyers want! A car with great MPG and is enviromental friendly! This is getting pathetic!

Lexus - 3/11/2007 9:32:18 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder who is next in coming Toyota/Lexus hybrid? ha..ha...ha......ha