Bentley unveils hybrid sports car concept

Bentley Motors

Bentley has taken the covers off a surprise new concept car at the Geneva motor show. Called the EXP 10 Speed 6 (catchy, no?), the model points towards a future two-seater supercar.
The Speed 6 follows the principles of classic British sports car design, with its long, swooping bonnet and cabin situated towards the rear. A production version would likely rival the likes of the Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

It is being shown at Geneva to gauge reaction to what would be something of a departure for the Crewe-based carmaker, and to start a dialogue with customers on what exactly they want from a Bentley sports car.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: "EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley's future – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. The showcar has the potential to be the new pinnacle luxury two-seat sports car.

"It could be a future model line, alongside the Continental GT 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."



A production version, which is expected to be revealed within the next three years, would go on sale for around £120,000, if it were to be positioned alongside the Continental GT Coupe.

Bentley has revealed little about the Speed 6 other than it has a hybrid powertrain under the bonnet. The system uses an Audi 4.0-litre V8 – as also used in the Continental GT – with around 500bhp. Performance figures haven't been released but expect the car's top speed to surpass 200mph, with Bentley claiming the Speed 6 is "set to challenge competitors and define a new segment benchmark".

The cabin is an exquisite showcase for the talents of Bentley's army of craftsmen. It's a compelling mix of traditional fixtures and modern tech, with quilted leather and cherry wood intermingling with curved touchscreens and polished metalwork. It looks like a fifties spaceship, though in the best possible way.

The Speed 6 is joined at Geneva by the recently face-lifted Continental GT, which is available to order now.