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Bentley History in this book

Bentley Brooklands Coupé
(2007 onward)

Considerations of substituting the relatively old Bentley Continental R and its derivatives by a model targeting at the market niche of "Super Sportscars" were aborted by Bentley. Not least because such might have ignited some ‘in-house concurrence’ affecting the brilliant sales success of Bentley Continental GT and the soon to be launched Continental GT 'Speed', too. Better chances were seen by creating a model for the field of huge, enormously powerful Coupes and thus offering a version with a spacious cabin as an alternative to the Continental GT's less opulent 2+2 design.

Sharing the well-proven platform that was known from the 4-door Bentley Arnage T at the Geneva Show 2006 a 2-door coupe was shown. This one was christened ‘Bentley Brooklands’ and first deliveries were promised from 2007 onward. Inevitably in later years there will be some confusion because the name ‘Brooklands’ had been used previously – though in the 90s it had been the model designation of a 4-door saloon. The power-plant under the bonnet was the familiar V8-engine that provided acceleration for the Bentley Arnage T – but with the difference that the coupé’s engine was significantly more powerful. Compared with the 4-door saloon’s 500 bhp the 2-door coupe was recorded with 530bhp and a torque of 1,050Nm. Subtle changes had improved the free-flow of the air induction system, re-calibrated engine electronic modules in conjunction with re-set valve-timing and a sports exhaust had their share in the increased, too, a well as new twin turbochargers supplied by Mitsubishi.

A pleasantly stretched silhouette, especially the well proportioned side-view, had been achieved by a low roofline. It was half an inch (13mm) lower than that of the Azure drophead coupe and almost 2 inches (47mm) lower than that of the Arnage saloon. The elegant coachwork encapsulated an passenger compartment that offered opulent space. Not only for driver and front seat passenger but in this model for those passengers, too, who opted for the impressively comfortable rear seats. In combination with a boot's capacity that was more than sufficient there was no need for any compromise even with a fair amount of luggage. The Bentley Brooklands was an excellent coupe in every respect. Lifetime production was limited to 550. – And those who were familiar with the marque's history detected a faint echo from the glorious past: The Rolls-Royce Camargue had been the last "big Coupé" and some 500+ had been built – though only a single one of these had been made as a Bentley Camargue.

Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration; aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,761 cc; aluminium alloy cylinder heads, Bosch Motronic ME7 1.1 engine management system, twin Garrett T3 turbochargers with intercooler and boost-valve, 530 bhp/395kW at 4,000 rev/min, max torque 1,050Nm (774lb.ft) at 3,250 rev/min; 6-speed ZF automatic transmission with locking torque converter, semi-automatic function allowing manual gear selection; double wishbone suspension front and rear with computer-controlled adaptive coil springs and electro-hydraulic dampers, anti roll bars, automatic ride height control with auto load compensation, Bosch 5.7. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Hydraulic Brake Assistant (HBA) and Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution (EBD), traction control Automatic Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), aquaplaning detection; ventilated disc brakes measuring 420x40mm front and 356 x 28mm rear, (optional: cross-drilled carbon/silicon carbide brakes); wheelbase 122.68in (3,116mm), track front 63.39in (1,610mm), track rear 63,31in (1.608mm); tyres 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero on 16-spoke two-piece aluminium alloy wheels 8.5Jx20-inch (optional: 5-spoke, two-piece aluminium alloy sports wheels), tyre pressure monitoring system; max. speed 184mph/296km/h, 0 – 60 mph in 5.0 seconds.

(1 Photo: Courtesy of Bentley Motors Cars)