What's this then?
Bentley has revealed the name of its forthcoming luxury SUV. It is to be called the Bentayga.
Gesundheit!
Thank you. Wait, no, that is the name of the Bentley SUV.
Really? Where did that come from? Let me guess - it's probably some really powerful Norse god.
No, it is named after a mountain peak in Gran Canaria that is really popular with mountain climbers and offers "spectacular panoramic views of a rich and diverse landscape" for those who make it to the top. It is known as the Pillar of the Sky apparently.
Ah, so Bentley is aiming for the (well-heeled) lifestylist then?
It would seem so. The Crewe company does describe the Bentayga as introducing "Bentley's renowned modern British luxury to limitless destinations with an impressive combination of on and off road performance."
Yeah but it is just an Audi Q7 underneath right?
Ah but the Audi Q5 doesn't exactly have the reputation of best on-road manners and look what Porsche was able to do with the platform for the Macan.
Ok point taken. So what else do we know?
Only what we knew (or guessed) before. It gains a corporate front end after the EXP 9 F concept went down like a lead balloon; we suspect it will have a 600hp V12 flagship along with V8 and hybrid options; and it will be revealed at some point this year - either at the Geneva show in March or Frankfurt in September - before going on sale next year.
Paul Healy - 12 Jan 2015