Bentley will unveil a high-performance, front-engined two-seater sports GT concept at the Geneva motor show in March. The concept will offer a peek into a new model which will rival sportscars from the likes of Aston Martin and Ferrari. The concept is likely to be powered by a specially configured version of the 500bhp Audi-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
Bentley is likely to say that the car’s main purpose is to test the reaction of potential buyers, but the new model was first mentioned as a production possibility by returning CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer at a press conference in 2014. Our sister publication, Autocar UK, understands that the car is likely be positioned beside the Continental GT, not below it.
Dürheimer also revealed the possibility of a sedan between the Continental Flying Spur and Mulsanne, and there have been suggestions since, of a more compact SUV than the forthcoming full-sized Bentayga, which is due to hit international markets next year.
The GT, certain to be designed in Bentley’s Crewe studio, would probably use the Volkswagen Group’s MSB flexible architecture, designed for cars of all formats positioned above the Audi range. Its front mid-engined engineering layout would likely be informed by Bentley's recent experience with its successful GT3 racing cars.