Bentley has surprised the Geneva Auto Show with a new concept car - the EXP 10 Speed 6, which is the little brother to the Continental GT.
The new car takes Bentley's classic feel and aura, and brings the company well into the 21st century, with 3D printed accents and a 12-inch touchscreen in-dash infotainment system.
"EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley's future - a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. The show-car has the potential to be the new pinnacle luxury two-seat sports car," said chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, Wolfgang Dürheimer. "It could be a future model line, alongside the Continental GT and redefining the pinnacle of another market sector, and the styling of the EXP 10 Speed 6 could influence the expansion of the Bentley family. This is not just a new sports car concept - but the potential Bentley sports car - a bold vision for a brand with a bold future."
Unlike many Bentley coupes before it, the EXP 10 speed 6 is a two-seater, rather than a 2+2. It also looks much more like a muscle car than other Bentleys. Of course it does keep many classic Bentley trademarks, such as the large rear haunches that sit over the rear wheels.
The car, however, is firmly focused on the future. Apart from the new features mentioned before, the car includes the new headlight style found in many new Bentleys.
One of the largest concerns that many people have with new Bentleys is the fact that often the interiors of its cars are a little old-fashioned. While they certainly are built with great materials, the design and technology is a little old, especially when compared to other car-markers in the auto industry.
The EXP 10 Speed 6, however, addresses this. It offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel with large leather and metal paddles. It also offers a digital gauge cluster rather than the older analog dials that are found in other Bentleys.
It's unusual for companies to reveal whether or not a concept car will make it to full production, but in this case it seems as though it will. Pricing and release details have yet to be revealed, however.
It is likely that we will see more about the technical details of the car as time goes on, with the Geneva Auto Show taking place from March 4-5. While we don't know too much about the engine, the 6 in the name suggests a six-cylinder.
Photo: Bentley
