With the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept, Bentley has created a one-off experimental design to gauge customer response and feedback for possible styling influence for all future models to come.
Although there has been no confirmation from the company, the production version of the car will most likely use Volkswagen’s (VW) MSB flexible architecture which is designed for all cars above the Audi range in the VW group.
Bentley has revealed that the concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain, but nothing more specific. The production version, however, is likely to sport a reconfigured version of the Audi-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, as with all cars in the Bentley range. The company has confirmed that the new car’s performance goals, including top speed, are set to challenge competitors and define a new segment benchmark.
The overall design of the 10 Speed 6 takes inspiration from the aerodynamic shape of an airplane fuselage and wings with the short front overhang, low grille, long bonnet and wide rear. The front of the car also features a new interpretation of the classic Bentley grille and headlights. The concept even sports 3D metal printed parts such as the front grille, door handles, exhausts and side vents.
The front grille mesh is manufactured with varying depths for a more three-dimensional look than the current traditional mesh, which is made from a flat plane of latticework. Likewise, the headlight glass is textured to imitate the look of the quilted leather inside the car. In part, the concept is testing customer reaction to the idea of using machined parts as well as handcrafted ones.
The interior is set to display similar styling, with the wood sections on the door featuring quilted patterns milled directly onto the cherry wood section, and each diamond shape filled with a copper centre.
The interior also features a 12-inch curved touchscreen and a new dashboard layout.
Underlining the fact of its GT capabilities, the car sports space behind the front seats for a bespoke four-piece luggage set.