A more indepth look at the new Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

(Photo by Bentley)

Cool Hunting.com had the opportunity of a more indepth look into the Bentley EXP9. Watch the video below as Darren Day, the Senior Interior Designer at Bentley Motors and one of the lead designers on the concept, walked them through the car's impressive details in CH's exclusive video at the exclusive New York debut.



Bentley Motors also released the powertrain details for the concept vehicle. Basically, Bentley’s recently launched 500bhp, 4.0 litre petrol V8 as well as a groundbreaking powertrain for the luxury SUV segment – a V6 plug-in hybrid. With a potential 30km range in full electric mode and CO2 emissions of 130g/km, the V6 hybrid would still be capable of a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of less than 5 seconds.

Regardless, I'm still on the fence about this...

What happened at the 2012 New York Auto Show?

First and foremost... I know I talked a good game about attending this car show, but financially I couldn't attend. Yes, New York is my hometown and I'm typing from Atlanta, GA. But I do have financial common sense- meaning I wasn't going to piss away my money to pay my mortgage to attend an auto show where I knew that Auto Blog (the top automotive blog out- which means they hire photographers who know the difference betweeen manual and automatic) This year, I'm being a bit smarter with the shows I attend, meaning I won't attend smaller shows or auto shows. I rather put money towards attending bigger car shows and automotive rallies where you have to search hell and high water to get the photos. And unlike blogs that have automotive sponsors but can't write an original automotive post to save their lives (Think of a certain DJ that has sponsorship from Ford), I won't plagerize Auto Blog's words. Paraphrase- yes. Plagerize- no. You might ask what's the difference- plagerizing is a glorified word meaning "stealing". Paraphrase means to borrow aspects from the original source, and giving them credit.

The famous Auto Show tour made it's stop in one of the most important cities. Besides the fact that I'm from New York, New York is one of the most important cities because the manufacturers do have special unveilings at this stop, and every manufacturer shows up to New York, even if they're based out of the country, and even if they don't have anything new to show.

The 2012 New York Auto Show fell a little short this year. Every car that was shown either had minor enhancements or the major enhancements has been shown previously this year at another auto show (except Atlanta's auto show).

(If you're wondering- the guy kissing the vehicle is the reason why the Viper is back. His name is Ralph Gilles, President of SRT and obviously a great salesman)

The biggest debut of the entire show was Dodge bringing back the Viper and it will be available later this year. It has 640 horsepower with a V10 engine. Autoblog says that it is not as powerful as the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F12, however it is more powerful than the Lamborghini Aventador. The previous two statements summed up everything that you need to know about the Dodge Viper. The MSRP will be announced soon, but until then, just drool over the photo.

Honerable mentions include...

New Yorkers got to see what their new yellow taxis will look like

Porsche unveiled the Cayenne Diesel. It was originally available overseas, and this is the first time it arrived in the United States. Auto Blog says the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, rated at 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the automaker says it will run to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 135 mph. The Cayenne Diesel is rated to tow a segment-leading 7,716 pounds and boasts a highway range of 740 miles thanks to its 28 mpg highway rating.

Fisker showed off their Fisker Atlantic- a more affordable version of the Fisker Karma. Fisker thinks the Atlantic is a more family friendly car. This isn't the type of vehicle where you'll allow your four year old to drop juice in.

Chevrolet made the Impala attractive again, by borrowing the looks of the Camaro and applying it to the once drab midsize sedan. Great move of Chevy's part, and that would definitely increase sales, especially if they still offer the Impala in the SS trim level.

Hyundai released TWO editions of their popular Santa Fe CUV, and it looks sooo much better. The sport edition can fit 5 people and the Hyundai Santa Fe LWB can fit 7 people. It's like when GMC released the Envoy and the Envoy XL.

Jeep presented the Altitude trim level for the Grand Cherokee, the Compass and the Patriot. The Altitude trim level is a blacked out trim level. Black exterior, black interior, with black wheels. Purrrrfect.


But the most important unveiling from the entire auto show...

Shelby presented the most powerful production car ever to come out of Carroll Shelby's mind- the 1000. The muscle coupe comes in two options – the 950 horsepower street version and the track-only 1100+ horsepower S/C. Shelby is only willing to produce 100, each of them at the MSRP close to $200,000. Some say that this is too much power for a Mustang- but you have to remember- the Shelby edition has been around as long as the Ford Mustang, although Shelby took that 37 year hiatus, folks are still buying them. Ford Mustang fans are as hardcore as New York Yankee fans, Dallas Cowboy fans, and Los Angeles Lakers fans. It's not for everyone to understand but Shebly fans and Mustang Fans will understand.

Bernie ends the gossip about Fabolous and the Bentley EXP 9 Concept

Photo jacked from Fabolous' Twitter

Earlier today, based off of the photo above, a non-automotive blog that is known for having 90% of their stories to be false (Media Take Out) reported that New York Rapper, Fabolous, purchased the Bentley EXP 9 Concept SUV. Now, what they failed to realize is that Bentley, or any manufacturer wouldn't sell a concept vehicle, ESPECIALLY one that hasn't been confirmed for production. I'm pretty confident that Fabolous can afford the Bentley SUV once it hits the production line, but I know for the fact that Bentley will not jeopardize their brand for Fabolous to have a full size prototype. If you want to play the game "What If" to understand what I'm talking about, let's play.

What if Bentley sold Fabolous the SUV as is... If they sold it, and something happens to Fabolous while he's operating said vehicle, then they sold him a faulty vehicle, and Fabolous could sue Bentley, win, and be the owner of the company. That's why concepts are just that- a concept. It's not meant for the public to try, even if about 15% of the public can afford it. Fabolous is considered "the public" because regardless of his net worth, he is still a consumer, and he doesn't have the power to "green light" concept vehicles.

Basically I just said "Fabolous can afford the Bentley EXP 9, but Bentley isn't stupid enough to sell a prototype to risk their brand"

Oh, and no matter how hard you try, the Bentley EXP 9 will not hit the metro Atlanta area. Yes Atlanta does have an auto show, but it's a lower tier auto show. A lower tier auto show doesn't have any original unveilings and the cars that's shown that the current year Atlanta show has been shown in New York, Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles the previous year. What has been shown in 2012 at the Atlanta Show was seen in New York in 2011. I don't rank auto shows, I just attend them... as media.

Did'ya hear about the Bentley SUV Concept?

You know this is major news if non-automotive outlets are reporting this- even if they don't have the slightest clue of what they're talking about.

The only thing about the Geneva Motor Show that everyone is talking about is the Bentley EXP 9 F (the correct name for the Bentley SUV). Bentley was nice enough to send out a press release, and with that- I will enclose the meat-and-potatoes of the release.

Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The ‘hewn from solid’ design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the ‘visible engineering’ of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and ‘rifled’ inner surface finish.

The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley’s Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8’s high-tech racing alloys.

Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT ‘virtual’ instrumentation.

Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.

Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company’s recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.

Watch the video, and then I'll give you my two cents...



The interior lives up to its name- plush and uber luxurious. However, that exterior needs work. First of all, a boxy front end doesn't look good on a SUV. It's like they took the Bentley Arnage front end and slapped it on a SUV. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The rear looks like the Range Rover Sport, but with different tailpipes and lights. This SUV looks like two different vehicles- Boxy in the front, curvy in the back. If anything, Bentley should have taken the front end of the Continental GT/Flying Spur and kept the rear.

I hope that Bentley will fine-tune this concept before it hits the production line.

If I ever bought a Lamborghini, it would be the LB736

(Note: this would be a graphic design project, because this is not a photo. The magic of Photoshop)

My favorite automotive enthusiasts at Autoblog.com stumbled across an article speaking of the rumor buzzing around the automotive world. I'm not one to gossip, but the world on the street is that Lamborghini has a surprise at the Bejing Auto Show in April. Lamborghini may be releasing the LB736, an SUV that shares the same platform as the Audi Q7. The official engine work might be a V10 engine that could produce anywhere from 550-700 horsepower. (I heard several different numbers)

Autoblog continues to say that the body is reportedly standard Lamborghini-issue aluminum and carbon fiber, with a goal of a curb weight under 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds), and the completed project will go on sale in 2015. There's a suggestion that it might also come to Geneva instead of Beijing, but since the image is a Photoshop – and, frankly, most of this is speculation – don't be suprised if what we see now is not exactly what we ultimately get... whenever it debuts.

I think I'm in love, but we all know I say that every other week.

Bernie's Top and Bottom Picks from the NAIAS

NAIAS or the most important auto show- the North American International Auto Show is currently taking place in Detroit, Michigan. Despite Detroit being the home of the "Big Three", almost all automakers use this show to show off what they've been working on in hopes to have the next great automobile.

I wasn't fortunate enough to attend the NAIAS this year (I'm currently back in school), however, in true Bernie fashion, I bring to you my top picks from the North American International Auto Show.

Number 5... The Dodge Dart. This particular car, I'm not looking at it from whether or not I would buy one, but I'm looking at it from Dodge's standpoint. Dodge hasn't had a strong compact car/economy car/clown car/funsize car since the Neon, and that was awhile ago. During that era, Dodge dominated it so maybe the Dart would be a solid move on Dodge's part. Let's be real, if you combine the Avenger and the Caliber together, it still didn't make the noise that the Neon made.

Number 4... The Chevy Tru 140S. This looks better than the Chevy Cruze, but sadly, according to Autoblog, it would perform just like the Cruze. *sad face* That means the Tru 140S will have the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and it'll put out 150 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Which means it'll look better than it performs.

Number 3... Acura NSX. I've never described a vehicle as being sexy and I'm not a fan of vehicles that barely clear the ground, nor have I been a fan of exotic cars. However, if Acura gives the thumbs up and I had the money to purchase this, believe me, I would snatch this up in a heart beat. But if it suffers from the "Chevy Tru" disease (I look fast, but my performance sucks), then I would leave it on the lot.

Apparently because of NAIAS, Acura gave the green light to the NSX which will be produced in 2015. Acura, call me to test drive, I'm available. But if it has less than 300 horsepower, then lose my number.

Number 2... The Bentley Continental GT V8. I Love Bentley. They took their best selling vehicle and figured out how to make it better. They reduced the engine power from the W12 to a V8, lowered the horsepower, thus increasing the MPG. I'm huge on horsepower but Bentley hasn't been stingy with it. Bentley kept the design but made the Continental a stronger vehicle. The difference is- it's roughly $10,000+ less than the W12, you lose about 60 horsepower, but the 0-60 is still the same, plus it gets better gas milage to over 20 mpg. Let me stop, because I'm starting to sound like a car salesman.

Number 1... Of course it's the Ford Shelby 50th Anniversary Edition. But I hear that Carroll Shelby wants to back away from creating the Shelby Mustangs as a whole vehicle, and focus on making the parts to convert a Mustang into a Shelby Mustang. That means he wants to make more money. Either way, I love the car and I'm still working on getting one... or being perfectly content with a Mustang 5.0 GT.

I do have one honorable mention, and it goes to Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz has been paying attention to "what's hot in the streets" so to speak and everyone knows that all trends start in the streets. One trend is matte painting a vehicle, and Mercedes picked up on it. Offering high end vehicles in white, flat silver, dark grey, and black and possibly expanding the color palette down the line. It's a great idea, and I commend them being ahead of the curve, but... As a person who has been in the streets (a.k.a. car shows around the country), I've seen many matte vehicles. BMWs have been the most popular, followed by other imports, and I've seen a matte black Lamborghini, plus Jim Jones does have a matte black Audi. I don't think a matte Mercedes Benz will go over well. If they sell more than 9, I will be surprised. I'll give Mercedes an A for effort, but BMW should have came up with that idea since they would have profited more.


Now for my bottom picks...

The Cadillac ATS that everyone was wetting their pants over. Why? It looks just like the Cadillac CTS and usually Cadillac can crank out different designs in their models. I hope Cadillac isn't turning into Nissan. Which brings me to my next bottom pick...

The "Newly Modeled" Nissan Pathfinder. It's newly modeled all right. It looks just like the Murano and Rogue. What's the difference? I won't find out for myself until I can corner Nissan at an auto show in March and April.

Chevy Node 130R. Remember when the present design of the Chevy Camaro was just a concept? Again, that's what this looks like to me, but it probably won't perform like the Camaro.

Lexus LF-LC. That grille... That grille... That grille...

And finally, the Buick Encave. Normally I'm sympathetic towards the Encave because Buick's clientele are folks over 50 and the Encave was the shred of hope for a younger audience. However, the length seems squished and the bumper looks off.


I hope that the vehicles I listed above will strut their stuff at the 2012 New York Auto Show, because I'm going this year...

Photos: AB and NAIAS

Car Show Coverage: Bernie's Picks from the LA Auto Show

Since the Lakers aren't doing anything, they were gracious enough for the LA Auto Show to be held at the Staples Center. Anyway, since 1909 LA has had the Auto Show and as each year progressed, it grew to be one of the most important auto shows in the world. Thousands upon thousands get to feast their eyes on the such debuts like the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket, 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, my new lover- the 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 and my new in-laws- the 2013 Ford Mustang GT and Boss 302 Edition Mustang.

When you don't go to an auto show, you're forced to see what other news outlets covered. Sadly, some of the LA news outlets can't cover a car show to save their life and I'm wondering how they got the passes to begin with. But thankfully, folks like autoblog.com, Dub Magazine, and motortrend.com, I was able to find out what showed up and what photos were produced. And the part of the show I thoroughly enjoy, although it would have been better if I was there, photos from different news sources and my commentary.

Sadly Chevrolet decided to unveil the Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible the same year that Ford releases the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Now, the Shelby is lighter, faster, and avoids the gas guzzler tax unlike the Camaro. So I'm rolling with my boy-toy, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Is it bad that every time I type out his full name, I have a stupid looking grin on my face? Some folks like the weight and the larger size of the Camaro, but I've driven both and I adore the performance of the Ford Mustang to the Chevy Camaro, Jadakiss sounds better coming out of a Mustang, and Ford was smart enough to hire Derek Jeter as a Spokesmodel. Need I say more?

The only difference I see with the Ford Flex, is a little minor tweaking in the front. I don't know if they did any tinkering with the performance and the interior. One thing I can say about it, it's a very deceiving vehicle. It doesn't look big on the outside, but when you step inside and drive it, it's very spacious. I didn't drive it far enough to give it a great performance grade, but yes it is roomy.

After seeing these photos, if you want a Jaguar XKR-S Coupe, you will be S.O.L. since they've been sold out since the announcement of them coming to the States. (Note: Only 25 were coming to the US.) Specs include a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 rated at 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. With a standard six-speed paddle-shifted automatic, acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill takes just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is 186 mph and the MSRP is sitting at $138,875. The 25 people who ordered this are some lucky folks, because this is a cute car.

The one vehicle that will do GREAT in Atlanta... According to the AJC, food trucks are becoming more and more popular. So to restaurant owners looking for a new food truck, the Nissan NV2500 HD is the truck for you. (Note: If I was in LA at the time at this show, I probably would have spent more time at this food truck. I'm a fat girl trapped in a curvy body.)

I was a bit confused by the Infiniti JX. Infiniti claims that it's designed to fall between the FX and the QX but the size appears to be a smidgen smaller than the QX. It's almost like it's pointless. If you're going to make multiple SUV's, make sure there's a sizeable difference between them. The Infiniti FX and EX are extremely too close in size, then the Infiniti QX and JX are almost twins as well. Then again, Infiniti is a division of Nissan and I'm still trying to figure out a major difference between the Rogue and the Murano.

The Surprise Design of the Show: The 2013 Ford Escape. I'm happy that they followed the design of the Ford Explorer, and applied it to the former fugly Ford Escape. It looks better than the previous designs, but I would still rather the Edge over the Escape. Autoblog.com hit the nail on the head when they said that "the new Escape looks like a super-sized Focus."

My pick for the Concept Car and I have my fingers crossed for it to make it to production... The Jaguar C-X16 Concept. If it does make it to the production line, it would be a hybrid with 468 horsepower and 505 lb-ft torque, which is good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Impressive...

However, Land Rover needs to go back to the drawing board for that DC100 Concept. Sorry, but that thing is ugly. You can't even defend it by saying "it was the angle that was photo was taken". Sadly, that angle above was the most flattering angle and that's not saying much... AT All. Motor Trend said that the DC100 was one of the cars that was under a sheet, well, Land Rover should have left the sheet over it.

At first glance, I said "Oh, a Lotus", but apparently this is a Mastretta MXT, built on the same platform as a Lotus. When you look at this car, you automatically assume that it's a fast car, well think again. The specs read as follows, The current powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged affair, good for 247 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 257 pound-feet of torque peaking at 3,950 rpm. I get more horsepower out of my Envoy. Nuff said.

Of course, Dub Magazine wasn't too far behind and they had their area as well... I'm not going to say much about their photos because most of those cars were at SEMA and plus it's obvious that they used photoshop because they used the "Sharpen" tool a little too much...

(This is NOT Justin Beiber's car)

(The Escalade from Long Island that I saw at SEMA)

(We all know they were going to come)

God I love looking at great looking cars. Is that a legitimate job title "Person who looks at hot cars?" That sounds as busy as "Famous for doing nothing". I meant it when I said that the LA Lakers aren't doing anything, because you and I both know that the New York Yankees will be back to work long before the Lakers.

P.S. Chrysler was kind of quiet at this show... Other than the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket, the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, and the Fiat 500 Abarth. And those three cars were just special editions.

The Bentley Mulsanne Executive Concept: Probably more expensive than an office on Fifth Ave...

Making it's debut at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt, The Bentley Mulsanne Executive Concept made some people redesign their life goals to include this vehicle in their plan. From the exterior, the Bentley Mulsanne has the same unfortunate boxy shape that it's known for, but the interior is what separates the Executive Concept from all the other Mulsannes.

Per the good folks at Bentley, the Bentley Mulsanne Executive Concept offers key entertainment and business features such as:

- Two electric-powered, foldable wood veneer picnic tables in the rear cabin, each with Apple iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboards.
- The twin iPads enable the Apple Media Centre to play video files and music, provide access to personal and work e-mail as well as the internet (via W-Lan).
- Apple Mini Mac stored in boot compartment enables integration of iPad with Bluetooth keyboard and iPod acts as control panel in rear console.
- Roof console with 15.6 inch High Definition LED dropdown monitor. Plays videos (from both DVD changer and Mac Mini) and watch Television.
- Comfort, control and storage features

- Illuminated rear centre console fitted with twin, individual armrests offers true, spacious 4-seat configuration.
- Rear console also houses Apple iPod (control panel), two cupholders, tissue box and large stowage area.
- Apple iPod controls – Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system, Apple Media Centre, plays music and access to internet.
- Two USB connectors provided for the Apple system and one Apple interface connector for the iPod.
- Bespoke control keys on rear console operate picnic tables, reading lights, control HD LED screen and select video and audio options.
- Armrest contains Tibaldi pen and Privacy Telephone handset.
- Bespoke bottle cooler in rear centre console with illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door.
- Additional, multi-directional reading lights are provided for each rear passenger and can be operated with Apple devices.
- Sophisticated mood lighting in the rear centre console (using multiple soft glowing LEDs) ensures the stowage areas are lit and the docking station and cupholders are also illuminated for extra convenience.

Owning a Bentley is prestigious enough, but to have a luxurious office on wheels is enough to make any CEO jealous. Again, only time will tell if whether or not will this Bentley concept will come to life. Too bad that they didn't offer the Executive Concept with the Flying Spur...