The DNA of Bentley

Book excerpt: Bentley has a fabulous history of racing and of prestigous road cars. But the new owner of the company is the Volkswagen Group, which has a history-as the name translates-of building basic transport for the people. Bentley has already been back to Le Mans for its new owner-and won. But will the cars win on the boulevards of Monte Carlo and San Francisco? Will they preserve, enhance, or destroy the great motor brand of the 1920s? So far the signs are good, with the launch of the Continental GT-a 212-mph coupe.This book looks at how you keep faith with an old image while bringing it up to date. The designers have to worry about legislation, fashion, and competitor pressure while creating the best car of the day. Author Richard Feast has talked to early Bentley designers and stylists to set the scene for the Bentley heritage under VW.- Detailed analysis of Bentley heritage by design professionals- From WO Bentley to VW Group via Rolls-Royce - the history of the brand- Examination of the design cues that make up the DNA of Bentley- Judgment on the just launched Continental GT - Speculation on the models of the futureAbout the AuthorRichard Feast is both former European editor and international editor of Automotive News, the authoritative business newspaper of the motor industry. Earlier, he was an editor at Haymarket Publishing in the UK, initially at Autosport, before launching What Car? in 1973. He has a reputation for thorough research and strong opinions about the rights and wrongs of the automotive industry. Feast was the author of Kidnap of the Flying Lady, published by Motorbooks in 2003, revealing how BMW and VW acquired Rolls-Royce and Bentley.