Bentley plans to highlight its centenary celebration with the release of a new limited series car.
CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer confirmed that he is seriously considering the release of a £1 million or $1,530,000 worth hypercar, believing that the move is great timing to highlight the event.
"Our centenary would be a good time to create a new limited series car," said Dürheimer in an interview with TopGear.com.
He added that there's even a strong possibility that the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car will reach an actual production phase, eventually transforming the car towards a realized state.
"That project will be investigated intensively in Crewe within the next month," said Dürheimer. "The question is, do we build the standard car you would expect in that segment? Or do we go with lots of carbon fiber and lightweight components?"
The decision to build the car was highly encouraged by not only the people from the press but also from Bentley customers who believe that the concept car is distinctly different to the current Continental GT. It is further expected that the two-seater EXP 10 Speed 6 is the company's best bet to rival other luxury vehicles such as the Aston Martin DBS and the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
"A Bentley is not an easy company to get right," said former Bentley design Chief Luc Donckerwolke. "We have to design cars that appeal to a 30-year old in China who is chauffeur driven and a 60-year old in Europe who like to drive himself. We realized a couple of years ago there is an opportunity to spark more emotions and make Bentley a poster on a young boys wall. Do this and you discover the values of Bentley at a younger age."
In 2014, Bentley enjoyed record global sales of up to 11,020 cars which is an increase of up to 9 percent compared to its sales performance in 2013. The company expects that the number will have a yearly increase of at least 3,000 which shall be credited to the new Bentayga SUV.
Should Bentley decide to pursue the production version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 by 2018 which shall be considered as the company's fifth model line, the move is expected to generate yearly sales of up to 20,000.
"Limited series cars can work, as long as everything under the skin is untouched," added Dürheimer.
