China is, perhaps surprisingly, a big market for Bentley. Since starting Chinese sales in 2002, sales have grown tenfold, making the Asian country Bentley’s third-largest market. Stats reveal that 421 Bentley’s were sold in China in the year 2009 alone. And so it makes sense that the brand would offer a couple of China-exclusive special editions, both of which has been unveiled today at 2010 Auto China Motor Show.
Bentley Continental GT Design Series China Edition
To make sure they’ve covered the bases – at least for this year – Bentley have produced a Special Edition China model of both the Continental GT and the Flying Spur (and no doubt a Mulsanne next year). As one might expect from the name, the new Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur Speed are distinguished largely by cosmetic changes. You can see the Orange and Magenta exterior colors, which make their debut on the Design Series China models. Inside, the cars get a unique, three-toned leather interior with accent and insert colors.
The Bentley Continental GT Design Series China is a cosmetic job with unique colour and trim options. The main focus is on the interior, where Bentley designers have put together a three colour trim which blends a main leather hide colour with accent and insert colours to interior detail such as seat belts, floor mats and seat piping. Included in the options is – for the first time – magenta and orange for the highlights which can also be specified as an exterior colour – Orange Flame and Magenta Metallic. And you get badges. Of course.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed China
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed China is more about pampering to China’s love of opulence. The setup on the Flying Spur Speed leans towards the sporty so Bentley are making the Flying Spur Speed China a more cosseting place to be. They’ve softened up the suspension and retuned the exhaust so it’s a chunk quieter. Thankfully they’ve left the oily bits untouched so the big Bentley still frightens supercars, but it now does so in opulent peace. Also in the mix on the Flying Spur Speed China are a pair of Flying B badges on the C Pillars and some bespoke treadplates emblazoned with ‘Speed China’. Buyers also get a set of bespoke cushions with Bentley logos and a display case for the ignition key. Otherwise, the W-12 powered drivetrains of both cars have been left untouched.
Although pricing details have not yet been revealed, we can assure these exclusive cars made solely for the Chinese market will bear some of the most expensive price tags ever.
