Downsizing is the name of the game right now in the automotive industry and not even the most prestigious brands can escape it. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, at least not for Bentley.
For a brand with sporty genes it’s a shame that the closest thing to a sports car in its lineup is the Continental, a line of coupes and convertibles that weigh well in excess of 2 tons (4,409 lbs).
However, that may change in the future, as Car & Driver reports that Bentley is considering the addition of a fourth model line, most likely to be a smaller coupe positioned below the Continental and powered exclusively by V8 engines.
Such a car would represent the cheapest access ticket to the Bentley world and would act as a competitor to higher-spec versions of the Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 or the upcoming McLaren P13.
In my view, a small Bentley coupe would help the company from a financial point of view and will make it more visible. Of course, with that comes the question of exclusivity, but I’m sure Bentley will know how to slap a steep price tag on the coupe to make sure it doesn’t become as commonplace as a 911. What do you make of it?
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: Bentley Continental design sketch pictured