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Bentley Project Hunaudieres - A Sports Car Study |
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In March 1999 Bentley wowed the world at the Geneva Motor Show with its latest sports car study - Project Hunaudieres. This study explores the future of the Bentley marque. It combines uncompromising technical standards and traditional British craftsmanship. The name Hunaudieres refers to the famous high-speed straight at Le Mans where the Bentley legend was born in the 1920s with five victories in the "vingt quatre heures du Mans". |
The power and charisma of the Bentley marque, which have grown over the years, are reflected in the contrast between two themes - a powerful sports car and extraordinary luxury. The classic British racing green, so typical for Bentley sports cars, has been newly interpreted. New pearlescent effects lend the study an unmistakable lustre. Project Hunaudieres has a 16-cylinder engine with an 8.0-litre capacity. The engine has an output of 623bhp and a maximum torque of 561lb.ft. Thanks to variable camshaft timing, 85% of the torque is available at as low as 1,500rpm. The engine is made up of two banks of eight cylinders which are fitted at 72 degrees to form a "W", based on VW's VR principle with a cylinder angle of 15 degrees.
The body - a combination of alloy and carbon fibre The conceptual basis for project Hunaudieres is the mid-engine construction hich has been used in a Bentley for the first time. The engine was located in the middle of the vehicle as a result of the positioning of the passenger compartment. This can clearly be seen in the design of the body.
A noble heart both inside and out - an engine shows its power
Emphasis on design - an arched body A continuation of the dynamics of form and line characteristic of mid-range sports cars is linked to an interpretation of the classic Bentley radiator. The familiar picture of a Bentley radiator can be seen in the air inlet opening and the honeycomb shape of the grille which have been adjusted to suit the proportions of the flat front end. The diameter of the pair of modern headlights has been reduced to a minimum - nothing in the design of the front end distracts from the joint effect of the powerful form and the dominating grille motif. This link between tradition and innovation is a hallmark of the Bentley design. In the roof area, an understated window frame and the tank flap made from aluminium bear witness to the harmony achieved between a powerful sports car and extraordinary luxury. The end of the flowing line is at the rear, the upper part making a nearly symmetrical shape with the aluminium bumper and framing the tail light cluster.
The interior - a composition in threes The instruments are located behind the six-spoke steering wheel in an engine-turned aluminium surround. Two colour displays are fitted in chrome rings to the left and right of the display for engine revs and speed. They are linked to two small cameras behind the front wheels and thus replace the exterior mirrors. The aluminium central console, which is a centrepiece of the interior, contains the classic Bentley "bullseye" vents as well as a completely new form of display and operating elements for the control of the air conditioning and radio. The desired control unit is moved into position at the push of a button.
The running gear - two aims: sportiness and comfort |
Cylinders:
Maximum Power: Construction: Bore x Stroke: Capacity: Compression Ratio: Maximum Torque: |
16
623bhp @ 6000rpm W: 2 x 72 degrees 84.0mm x 90.3mm 8004cc 10.75:1 561lb.ft @ 4000rpm |
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