Bentley Reveals World's Most Advanced In-Car WiFi

The system can draw signals from up to three mobile networks at a time.

Luxury isn't just about rich leather and plush carpets these days. It means cutting-edge on-board technologies as well. And Bentley knows that at least as well as any other automaker, which (we gather) is why it's rolled out what could be the most advanced connectivity system in the business.

Billed as “the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system,” the new Bentley Advanced Connectivity system allows occupants to stay connected at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, accessing entertainment and business applications alike.

That includes Bentley Skype for Business for secure video conferencing, as well as high-definition streamed media for the viewing and listening pleasure of all those on board.

Developed with Viasat and housed in the trunk of the vehicle, the system uses a multi-channel virtual private network that can aggregate from up to three different mobile network operators for uninterrupted connection, even at highway speeds. That could make the difference between making that online meeting or having to miss out while on the road – of potentially particular importance for those who've worked to afford their Bentley, instead of inherited their fortune.

Bentley says it will offer the system on all its vehicles starting next year. The British automaker currently offers the Continental GT coupe (with a new convertible expected soon to follow), the Flying Spur sedan (based on the same and soon to be replaced), the Bentayga (its first crossover SUV), and the Mulsanne limousine. No word on pricing or specific-market availability, but considering the $200-350k for which its vehicles typically sell, we doubt many customers would bat an eye at shelling out for the added tech.

The New Bentley Bentayga V8 Features The World’s Biggest Brakes

The smaller engine will make the V8 Bentayga cheaper than the flagship W12 model, but still by no means “affordable”.

When the Bentley Bentayga was first revealed in 2016, it set a new benchmark for performance and luxury in SUVs. At the time, it was the fastest SUV in the world before the Lamborghini Urus arrived on the scene last year. Bentley has now expanded the Bentayga range with a new V8 gasoline model, and while it isn’t a rival to the Urus in terms of performance, it should at least be cheaper than the extortionate W12 model - but still by no means what we would consider “affordable.”

No price has been revealed, but if you have to ask you clearly won't be able to afford it. Featuring a 4.0-liter displacement and a pair of turbochargers, the latest addition to the Bentayga family develops 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. That may pale in comparison to the 6.0-liter W12 you get in the flagship model, but it’s still more powerful than the V8 in the previous Continental GT and has the same output as the Porsche Panamera Turbo. No prizes for guessing where the engine was sourced from, then. All that power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, sending 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle.

The new V8-powered Bentayga can hit 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and tops out at 180 mph, compared to the four second sprint time and 187 mph top speed of its twelve-cylinder counterpart. In terms of design, the new V8 version of the Bentayga looks practically identical to its W12 and TDI siblings. It inherits the quad exhaust from the TDI, and can be specified with optional carbon ceramic brakes for the first time. According to the automaker, these are the largest brake discs to ever be installed in a Bentley and the largest front brake system available on any production car, measuring 440 mm with ten-piston calipers at the front and 370 mm at the back.

Red brake calipers for the regular iron brakes emphasise the Bentayga V8’s performance. 11 wheel designs are available, including an all-new 22-inch five-spoke design with black painted and polished finish. Inside, the V8 Bentayga’s swanky hand-crafted cabin has been updated with a new high-gloss carbon fiber trim replacing traditional veneer surfaces, along with an optional wood and hide trimmed steering wheel. There’s also a new “Cricket Ball” color option for the leather seats “inspired by the traditional and instantly appealing deep chestnut hue of a new cricket ball”, as well as a choice of 15 interior colours and five two-tone themes.

Bentley Reveals World's Most Advanced In-Car WiFi

The system can draw signals from up to three mobile networks at a time.

Luxury isn't just about rich leather and plush carpets these days. It means cutting-edge on-board technologies as well. And Bentley knows that at least as well as any other automaker, which (we gather) is why it's rolled out what could be the most advanced connectivity system in the business.

Billed as “the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system,” the new Bentley Advanced Connectivity system allows occupants to stay connected at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, accessing entertainment and business applications alike.

That includes Bentley Skype for Business for secure video conferencing, as well as high-definition streamed media for the viewing and listening pleasure of all those on board.

Developed with Viasat and housed in the trunk of the vehicle, the system uses a multi-channel virtual private network that can aggregate from up to three different mobile network operators for uninterrupted connection, even at highway speeds. That could make the difference between making that online meeting or having to miss out while on the road – of potentially particular importance for those who've worked to afford their Bentley, instead of inherited their fortune.

Bentley says it will offer the system on all its vehicles starting next year. The British automaker currently offers the Continental GT coupe (with a new convertible expected soon to follow), the Flying Spur sedan (based on the same and soon to be replaced), the Bentayga (its first crossover SUV), and the Mulsanne limousine. No word on pricing or specific-market availability, but considering the $200-350k for which its vehicles typically sell, we doubt many customers would bat an eye at shelling out for the added tech.

Bentley Reveals World's Most Advanced In-Car WiFi

The system can draw signals from up to three mobile networks at a time.

Luxury isn't just about rich leather and plush carpets these days. It means cutting-edge on-board technologies as well. And Bentley knows that at least as well as any other automaker, which (we gather) is why it's rolled out what could be the most advanced connectivity system in the business.

Billed as “the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system,” the new Bentley Advanced Connectivity system allows occupants to stay connected at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, accessing entertainment and business applications alike.

That includes Bentley Skype for Business for secure video conferencing, as well as high-definition streamed media for the viewing and listening pleasure of all those on board.

Developed with Viasat and housed in the trunk of the vehicle, the system uses a multi-channel virtual private network that can aggregate from up to three different mobile network operators for uninterrupted connection, even at highway speeds. That could make the difference between making that online meeting or having to miss out while on the road – of potentially particular importance for those who've worked to afford their Bentley, instead of inherited their fortune.

Bentley says it will offer the system on all its vehicles starting next year. The British automaker currently offers the Continental GT coupe (with a new convertible expected soon to follow), the Flying Spur sedan (based on the same and soon to be replaced), the Bentayga (its first crossover SUV), and the Mulsanne limousine. No word on pricing or specific-market availability, but considering the $200-350k for which its vehicles typically sell, we doubt many customers would bat an eye at shelling out for the added tech.

Bentley Bentayga To Tackle One Of The World's Toughest Events

It'll be the first time any Bentley has competed in the annual event.

Bentley has just announced that its Bentayga SUV will take part in the International Pike’s Peak Hill Climb for the first time next June 24th. In fact, it’ll be the first time any Bentley vehicle has taken part in the annual event. Of course, it’ll be the W12-powered Bentayga with 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque that’ll take on the treacherous 12.42-mile course in Colorado Springs. All of that power is distributed to all four wheels, something that’ll surely come in handy with what the SUV will be up against.

With a total of 156 corners of ascending asphalt, Bentley’s goal is for the Bentayga to navigate the course faster than any other SUV. The chosen Bentayga is already being prepped at Bentley’s motorsport department at its headquarters in Crewe, England. The work is being headed by Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. “Since its launch, the Bentayga has set the luxury SUV benchmark with its unique combination of bespoke British craftsmanship, performance and grand touring ability,” Gush said. “We hope to set another benchmark at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by conquering the most demanding mountain road course in the world.”

Bentley has not gone into further detail regarding upgrades being made to that chosen Bentayga, but we imagine there are quite a few. And yes, it was bound to happen at some point for an SUV, and a hardcore luxury one at that, to enter Pike’s Peak. We can’t think of a better one to be the first. More details to come.

Bentley Reveals World's Most Advanced In-Car WiFi

The system can draw signals from up to three mobile networks at a time.

Luxury isn't just about rich leather and plush carpets these days. It means cutting-edge on-board technologies as well. And Bentley knows that at least as well as any other automaker, which (we gather) is why it's rolled out what could be the most advanced connectivity system in the business.

Billed as “the world’s first super-fast, reliable and secure in-car WiFi system,” the new Bentley Advanced Connectivity system allows occupants to stay connected at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, accessing entertainment and business applications alike.

That includes Bentley Skype for Business for secure video conferencing, as well as high-definition streamed media for the viewing and listening pleasure of all those on board.

Developed with Viasat and housed in the trunk of the vehicle, the system uses a multi-channel virtual private network that can aggregate from up to three different mobile network operators for uninterrupted connection, even at highway speeds. That could make the difference between making that online meeting or having to miss out while on the road – of potentially particular importance for those who've worked to afford their Bentley, instead of inherited their fortune.

Bentley says it will offer the system on all its vehicles starting next year. The British automaker currently offers the Continental GT coupe (with a new convertible expected soon to follow), the Flying Spur sedan (based on the same and soon to be replaced), the Bentayga (its first crossover SUV), and the Mulsanne limousine. No word on pricing or specific-market availability, but considering the $200-350k for which its vehicles typically sell, we doubt many customers would bat an eye at shelling out for the added tech.

Mercedes Beats BMW As World's Second Most Valuable Car Brand

But neither could catch the winner for the sixth year in a row.

Mercedes-Benz has reason to celebrate because it took down arch rival BMW as the world’s second most valuable car brand in the BrandZ Top 100 Most Value Global Brands List. Every year, brands in all sectors, including automotive, are ranked according to their financial values, so the results very much matter. However, neither Mercedes nor BMW was able to take down this year’s winner. Toyota has managed to retain its title as the world’s most valuable car brand for the sixth year in a row.

Automotive News reached out to some industry analysts for comment and one crucial factor in Toyota’s favor was this: “SUVs remain desirable products to those who put a high value on their safety and power.” This couldn’t be truer for Toyota, a “brand (that) is incredibly reliable and represents fantastic value and quality.” In fact, Toyota has placed number one in the study in 11 of the past 13 years. It came in second place in 2010 and 2012. Mercedes has typically come in at either third or fourth place, behind BMW. Aside from SUVs, what worked in Mercedes’ favor this year? Strong sales in China, Brazil and Russia. It also launched the new E-Class, which has been very successful so far.

As for BMW, its drop to third place can be attributed to a slight drop in US sales in 2017. However, that does not at all mean BMW is in trouble. Quite the opposite, in fact. It’s still a major player in the auto industry and remains very healthy financially. The third major German luxury brand, Audi, came in at number seven, behind Nissan (6), Honda (5), and Ford (4). Volkswagen managed to return to the list at number 10 following a two-year absence. It’s now worth about $6 billion, up from $5.1 billion last year. Not a bad comeback considering it’s still dealing with the after-effects of Dieselgate.

Completing the top 10 list is Audi (7) and Maruti Suzuki (8). Below is the full list with the automakers’ values in billions. 1. Toyota $29.99 billion 2. Mercedes $25.68 3. BMW $25.62 4. Ford $12.74 5. Honda $12.70 6. Nissan $11.43 7. Audi $9.63 8. Tesla $9.42 9. Maruti Suzuki $6.38 10. Volkswagen $5.99