Link (http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=102316)
(http://img183.echo.cx/img183/9093/bentleysuv8if.jpg)
Automotive DNA - Bentley's Big Ute: Building on the power of a marque
GREG KABLE
Published Date: 5/9/05
Think Bentley, and regal luxury and hugely powerful coupes come to mind, right? That?s the way it?s been for decades. However, if plans being hatched at parent company Volkswagen come to fruition, you might have to add ?sport/utility vehicle? to the image of what Bentley represents.
Despite denials from Bentley officials, AutoWeek sources learned the famed British carmaker, in a radical departure from its traditional line, is weighing the possibility of producing a large, high-end SUV to go up against the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. If approved, the Bentley SUV would represent a major change in species, indeed.
Codenamed BY616, the luxurious, leather-lined four-wheel-drive vehicle is one of many proposals put forward by VW in recent months as a means of further advancing the renewed Bentley brand.
DNA SWAPPING
Bubbling up from the great primordial ooze that is platform sharing, a number of vehicles in VW?s corporate family have like mechanicals, including VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Despite loud pronouncements to the contrary, word is that a study group within Bentley is looking at the feasibility of making an ultra-high-end sport/ute. Which prompts us to ask: Is nothing sacred?
Plans call for building the five-seat Bentley SUV on the same chassis as the seven-seat Audi Q7, itself a variation on the Porsche Cayenne/VW Touareg underpinnings.
The call for the new Bentley follows the success of the Touareg W12 Sport, a 6.0-liter 450-hp W12-power?ed version of the VW SUV. Produced in a limited run of 500, the $100,000 four-wheel-drive Touareg sold out within a month of its announcement last September, some 330 of them heading to the Middle East, traditionally one of Bentley?s strongest markets.
The new Bentley is conceived to sit at the top of Volkswagen Group?s four-wheel-drive ranks, towering above the Touareg and the Q7 and priced at $160,000 to $200,000. Annual production should be 2000 units.
In keeping with Bentley?s tradition of building big and muscular-looking cars, the BY616 gets oversized dimensions that, if production is granted, will see it line up directly against the Range Rover. Initial proposals call for a vehicle stretching to more than 16 feet in length and 69 inches tall.
Insiders tell AutoWeek that solid high-speed stability, composed ride characteristics and taut body control would automatically be top priorities if the Bentley gets the green light. Suggestions are the BY616 wouldn?t feel too different from the Arnage in overall on-road feel.
Standard items include permanent four-wheel drive and air springs, the latter providing variable ride height; a transfer case and low-range gearing has been rejected on weight-savings grounds and because not too many Bentley customers are likely to want to go off-road in a big way.
As with the Continental GT and Flying Spur, the BY616 is conceived to run a 6.0-liter W12 engine, both for performance and for production efficiency. Unlike in its coupe and sedan siblings, however, the four-valves-per-cylinder unit is designed to do without turbocharging, meaning power drops from 650 hp to 450 hp, as in the Touareg W12 Sport. Despite the drop, and with weight well above 4400 pounds, performance would be quite impressive, even by Bentley?s exulted standards, if the Touareg?s 0-to-62-mph time of 5.9 seconds is anything to go by.
We also learned that Bentley is discussing the possibility of giving its ute hybrid power, the standard 6.0-liter W12 being boosted with the addition of electric power. Such a setup is being readied for the Q7, according to Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn, making it easily adaptable to the Bentley.
One of the biggest hurdles to a possible go-ahead for the Bentley SUV is where to build it. Bentley is already eying VW?s underused Dresden plant?home to the slow-selling Phaeton?to boost its production capacity.
The big concern, of course, is the potential damage the addition of an SUV could do to Bentley?s blue-chip image. Traditionalists likely will be outraged at the notion of a lofty four-wheel-drive, terrain-traversing model wearing the time-honored Bentley crest. But Bentley?s customer base has changed dramatically in recent years, and there are signs the majority of new Bentley owners may actually welcome such a move.
?The average age of Continental GT buyers is below 50,? says a Bentley source based in North America. ?Many don?t have any preconceptions of what a Bentley should be, except that it must make a bold visual statement.?
So should Bentley do this?
it really looks like a jacked up continental gt. They should differentiate it better stylisticly
Quoteit really looks like a jacked up continental gt. They should differentiate it better stylisticly
Thats just a rendering.
IIRC, not the first time Bentley is making an SUV, although maybe the first regular production model.
The Sultan of Brunei actually has a few customized Bentleys as SUVs, shooting brake wagons etc.
But the thing in the pic above looks vulgar. They should stick to cars and leave SUVs to VW... rokon.gif
"How many more Mr. Speaker? How many more?"
A-ha! This is just what we need. I knew that there was something missing from the large range of Luxury SUVs currently being offered.
Can you say "Bling Bling"?
Quote"How many more Mr. Speaker? How many more?"
LOL!!! BANG.
If they make it luxurious enough then why not. But I have never heard the term "body control" and Bentley in the same sentence in a positive way before, lol.
QuoteIIRC, not the first time Bentley is making an SUV, although maybe the first regular production model.
The Sultan of Brunei actually has a few customized Bentleys as SUVs, shooting brake wagons etc.
But the thing in the pic above looks vulgar. They should stick to cars and leave SUVs to VW... rokon.gif
Like I said, this is just a rendering. The production version, if Bentley went ahead with it, would be much nice and more appealling.
QuoteQuoteIIRC, not the first time Bentley is making an SUV, although maybe the first regular production model.
The Sultan of Brunei actually has a few customized Bentleys as SUVs, shooting brake wagons etc.
But the thing in the pic above looks vulgar. They should stick to cars and leave SUVs to VW... rokon.gif
Like I said, this is just a rendering. The production version, if Bentley went ahead with it, would be much nice and more appealling.
I don't know, I think it would be much bad and less appealling. :lol:
QuoteQuoteQuoteIIRC, not the first time Bentley is making an SUV, although maybe the first regular production model.
The Sultan of Brunei actually has a few customized Bentleys as SUVs, shooting brake wagons etc.
But the thing in the pic above looks vulgar. They should stick to cars and leave SUVs to VW...? rokon.gif
Like I said, this is just a rendering. The production version, if Bentley went ahead with it, would be much nice and more appealling.
I don't know, I think it would be much bad and less appealling. :lol:
Bentley usually makes beautiful cars, so I think we can assume they'd make a beautiful SUV. :praise: :lol:
Is nothing sacred?
QuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
On the other hand, if Aston Martin were to make an SUV, that would go against their brand identity.
QuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
QuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
Some things should just be avoided. What's next a Ferrari SUV?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
I'd be inclined to suggest that the Infiniti FX outhandles it, but the Cayenne certainly does it with better ride comfort.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
I'd be inclined to suggest that the Infiniti FX outhandles it, but the Cayenne certainly does it with better ride comfort.
And more comfort across the board while providing more sport than the Infinit...this from Car and Driver.
"The payoff for the crusty ride is a shocking resistance to body roll compared with any ute, save perhaps the Cayenne. The FX45 tied the Cayenne for champ of the skidpad at 0.85 g"
I know that's just a rendering, but if it is built the Bentley people better be more creative than that.
QuoteI know that's just a rendering, but if it is built the Bentley people better be more creative than that.
I'm sure they would be.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
I'd be inclined to suggest that the Infiniti FX outhandles it, but the Cayenne certainly does it with better ride comfort.
And more comfort across the board while providing more sport than the Infinit...this from Car and Driver.
"The payoff for the crusty ride is a shocking resistance to body roll compared with any ute, save perhaps the Cayenne. The FX45 tied the Cayenne for champ of the skidpad at 0.85 g"
That means it's far better than any other SUV, except maybe the Cayenne, which it's only slightly better than. It doesn't mean that they think the Cayenne handles better.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
I'd be inclined to suggest that the Infiniti FX outhandles it, but the Cayenne certainly does it with better ride comfort.
And more comfort across the board while providing more sport than the Infinit...this from Car and Driver.
"The payoff for the crusty ride is a shocking resistance to body roll compared with any ute, save perhaps the Cayenne. The FX45 tied the Cayenne for champ of the skidpad at 0.85 g"
That means it's far better than any other SUV, except maybe the Cayenne, which it's only slightly better than. It doesn't mean that they think the Cayenne handles better.
Body roll is an essential part of handling, and they praised the Cayenne over it.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIs nothing sacred?
I see nothing wrong with them making an SUV...they are makers of sport touring cars, so an SUV could be sporty and a touring car.
Just like the Porsche Cayenne. Porsche had always made nimble, fast, sporty cars, and the Cayenne is no different. :rolleyes:
I dont see something wrong with the Porsche Cayenne..it is easily the most nimble SUV out there.
I'd be inclined to suggest that the Infiniti FX outhandles it, but the Cayenne certainly does it with better ride comfort.
And more comfort across the board while providing more sport than the Infinit...this from Car and Driver.
"The payoff for the crusty ride is a shocking resistance to body roll compared with any ute, save perhaps the Cayenne. The FX45 tied the Cayenne for champ of the skidpad at 0.85 g"
That means it's far better than any other SUV, except maybe the Cayenne, which it's only slightly better than. It doesn't mean that they think the Cayenne handles better.
Body roll is an essential part of handling, and they praised the Cayenne over it.
They only said that body roll resistance wasn't "shocking" compared to the Cayenne. They didn't say that the Cayenne had less body roll.
to me adding an SUV to Bentley would cheapen their appeal.
Quoteto me adding an SUV to Bentley would cheapen their appeal.
thank you
QuoteQuoteto me adding an SUV to Bentley would cheapen their appeal.
thank you
why? Bentley is now known for providing a sedan (Arnage soon to be the Spur) and coupe (continental GT) that are fast GT cars. I see nothing wrong with them making a performance SUV with a big engine that combines exceptional comfort.
Does Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
QuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
QuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
QuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
It's common knowledge that if you want to make a quick buck in America, you add an SUV to your lineup. It would be "selling out".
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
Would you consider the Porsche Cayanne exclusive?
QuoteWould you consider the Porsche Cayanne exclusive?
nope, but what does that have to do with anything?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
QuoteQuoteWould you consider the Porsche Cayanne exclusive?
nope, but what does that have to do with anything?
It's the same car, for one, and it was also a vehicle intended to just make some easy money for a brand in which it was completely unrelated to any of the other vehicles there.
QuoteQuoteQuoteWould you consider the Porsche Cayanne exclusive?
nope, but what does that have to do with anything?
It's the same car, for one, and it was also a vehicle intended to just make some easy money for a brand in which it was completely unrelated to any of the other vehicles there.
Ah, the aroma of the almighty buck. :ph34r:
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
The VW Phaeton.
That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
The VW Phaeton.
That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car.
Exactly. People wont dislike the car, 'just because they know where its based off of'. If they can give the Cayenne's performance with Bentley luxury, they will have a winner.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
The VW Phaeton.
That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car.
Exactly. People wont dislike the car, 'just because they know where its based off of'. If they can give the Cayenne's performance with Bentley luxury, they will have a winner.
You agreed with what I said while I criticized the Continental GT, yet you still think that there should be a Touareg-based Bentley SUV.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
The VW Phaeton.
That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car.
Exactly. People wont dislike the car, 'just because they know where its based off of'. If they can give the Cayenne's performance with Bentley luxury, they will have a winner.
You agreed with what I said while I criticized the Continental GT, yet you still think that there should be a Touareg-based Bentley SUV.
Just what does that mean? I asked you what architecture the Continental GT was based off, and you said VW Phaeton. To which I responded "exactly." THe Conti GT is doing extremely well, which further undermines your argument that the SUV would be a flop.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDoes Bentley really need to make an SUV? rokon.gif
I see nothing wrong with them doing it if it helps them increase their volume which would enable them to stay alive longer and be profitable. If the SUV is a GT car with sportiness, it would fit in right with the brands heritage.
No, it does not. Building an SUV would serve the purpose of selling well, not building upon brand heritage at all. Responding to trends is the opposite of building through heritage, which is why the brand image would be cheapened.
If its a sporty SUV that is a GT, just because its an SUV, doesnt mean it cant be Bentley.
Why should it be? They wouldn't add it because it belongs in the Bentley lineup, they'd add it to get some easy profit. And that's what cheapens the image.
It doesnt cheapen the image. Bentley is all about high end, sporty, GT vehicles. If an SUV can fit the persona, how does it cheapen the image?
Answer this: Why should Bentley have an SUV?
Because it will bring in more profits to a high end brand that doesnt have much volume. If that SUV is very exclusive, sporty and is a GT car, I see nothing wrong with them making it.
There you go. Building a vehicle just to increase sales volume/profits cheapens the image of a high-end brand like Bentley, whether the vehicle is "very exclusive" (unlikely anyway) or not.
Why is it unlikely to be exclusive? And making an SUV that fits Bentley's criteria doesnt cheapen their image.
It's unlikely to be exclusive unless they price it extremely high ($150K+), at which point it would flop anyway because the Cayenne would be the same vehicle for half the price.
And Bentley's "brand criteria" has nothing to do with it. Not only is an SUV addition recognized as just a way to get some easy profit, but directly sharing a vehicle with VW is also not going to fly well with anyone who knows anything about cars.
So tell me, where does the Continental GT get its basic architecture from?
The VW Phaeton.
That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car.
Exactly. People wont dislike the car, 'just because they know where its based off of'. If they can give the Cayenne's performance with Bentley luxury, they will have a winner.
You agreed with what I said while I criticized the Continental GT, yet you still think that there should be a Touareg-based Bentley SUV.
Just what does that mean? I asked you what architecture the Continental GT was based off, and you said VW Phaeton. To which I responded "exactly." THe Conti GT is doing extremely well, which further undermines your argument that the SUV would be a flop.
You said "exactly" in response to my post, in which I said that "That car was also intended as a quick way to increase Bentley's sales volume, but at least it's a car." And I said earlier in this thread that anything intended as a quick way to increase sales volume cheapens brand image.
And yes, the Continental GT has been selling well, and I never said otherwise. However, I said that the SUV would flop if it were priced above $150K, because there are three other versions of the vehicle far more similar than the Continental GT and the Phaeton.
I'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
QuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
QuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
QuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big.? What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell.? The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in
one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big.? What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell.? The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big.? What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell.? The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
we're not talking about selling less than thar
per year. I'm talking about in their entire lifespan. If you cant answer the question if a 6K production run car is exclusive, then I dont know...perhaps you only consider an Enzo or MC12 exclusive.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
we're not talking about selling less than thar per year. I'm talking about in their entire lifespan. If you cant answer the question if a 6K production run car is exclusive, then I dont know...perhaps you only consider an Enzo or MC12 exclusive.
This is still part of the reason I don't object to the Conti GT as much as this SUV. If they don't want to make many of them, they're risking damage to the brand's image with little gain, and if they make a lot of them, they move the brand into the mainstream.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big.? What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell.? The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
we're not talking about selling less than thar per year. I'm talking about in their entire lifespan. If you cant answer the question if a 6K production run car is exclusive, then I dont know...perhaps you only consider an Enzo or MC12 exclusive.
This is still part of the reason I don't object to the Conti GT as much as this SUV. If they don't want to make many of them, they're risking damage to the brand's image with little gain, and if they make a lot of them, they move the brand into the mainstream.
Why would they lose if they only made a few of them? They could employ the same strategy they use with all their other cars. Are they losing money on the Conti GT? No theyre not, and it is a very limited production car. Why cant this SUV be the same?
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big. What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell. The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
we're not talking about selling less than thar per year. I'm talking about in their entire lifespan. If you cant answer the question if a 6K production run car is exclusive, then I dont know...perhaps you only consider an Enzo or MC12 exclusive.
This is still part of the reason I don't object to the Conti GT as much as this SUV. If they don't want to make many of them, they're risking damage to the brand's image with little gain, and if they make a lot of them, they move the brand into the mainstream.
Why would they lose if they only made a few of them? They could employ the same strategy they use with all their other cars. Are they losing money on the Conti GT? No theyre not, and it is a very limited production car. Why cant this SUV be the same?
Because an SUV does not at all fit into the Bentley line, sporty or not, and its presence would hurt its brand image no matter how many they made. It's easily recognizable as a quick way to get some profit, and that's not the type of brand Bentley buyers are interested in.
Once again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI'm not going to hit reply, because its getting too big.? What I said is that if they give this car Bentley looks and luxury, and give it the performance of the Cayenne, it will sell.? The two cars (potential Bentley SUV and Cayenne) could potentially be as different as the VW and the Conti GT.
Of course it will sell, but it won't have the exclusivity that you mentioned that it would have earlier. It can't sell well AND be exclusive. ;)
And its lack of exclusivity, like the Continental GT's, has hurt the brand image. The fact that it will be an SUV will be even worse.
The continental GT is exlusive. Just not as exclusive as an Arnage.
Quotenice catch! I see a lot of these around...theyre sort of not exotic anymore for me.
Once again...that all depends on your neighborhood. I'm sure people in rural areas dont see a lot of them. But they are still exclusive. Having a run of 6K cars is exclusive. Just because you see a lot of them in one area doesnt mean its not exclusive. Its all in context. I see a liot of Ferrari 360 Modenas, but theyre still exclusive.
Many rural areas wouldn't typically see a Mercedes S-Class, that doesn't make it exclusive.
Tell me this...the Bentley has a run of about 6K cars-is that exclusive or not? If I liver near a Ferrari dealer and see ferraris all the time that they become like 'common cars' does that make them mainstream and not exotic?
The Ford GT has a run of 6K cars. Is it exotic?
Lots of mainstream cars have low production, many in fact selling less than that per year. It doesn't make them exotic.
we're not talking about selling less than thar per year. I'm talking about in their entire lifespan. If you cant answer the question if a 6K production run car is exclusive, then I dont know...perhaps you only consider an Enzo or MC12 exclusive.
This is still part of the reason I don't object to the Conti GT as much as this SUV. If they don't want to make many of them, they're risking damage to the brand's image with little gain, and if they make a lot of them, they move the brand into the mainstream.
Why would they lose if they only made a few of them? They could employ the same strategy they use with all their other cars. Are they losing money on the Conti GT? No theyre not, and it is a very limited production car. Why cant this SUV be the same?
Because an SUV does not at all fit into the Bentley line, sporty or not, and its presence would hurt its brand image no matter how many they made. It's easily recognizable as a quick way to get some profit, and that's not the type of brand Bentley buyers are interested in.
I think we're losing sight of the real question. It's not so much will a Bentley SUV sell, it will. The question is: is it appropriate for Bentley to produce an SUV, and the answer is no. It was not appropriate for Porsche to produce an SUV, nor would it be appropriate for Lambo to produce an SUV. What's next, a Ferrari pickup? Some brands should stick to their tradition of producing ridiculously expensive and great CARS and realize that the SUV craze is not their arena. Bentley is one of them.
QuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
QuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
QuoteQuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
When you made the comparison, it appeared that you were saying that an SUV would work for Bentley because it isn't supposed to be as sporty as Porsche or Ferrari, which suggests that an SUV wouldn't work for them.
Anyway, I don't think any of the three should have an SUV, but both sides have stated the same reasons over and over, so we might as well call this off, and you can just admit that I'm right.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car.? If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care.? The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
When you made the comparison, it appeared that you were saying that an SUV would work for Bentley because it isn't supposed to be as sporty as Porsche or Ferrari, which suggests that an SUV wouldn't work for them.
Anyway, I don't think any of the three should have an SUV, but both sides have stated the same reasons over and over, so we might as well call this off, and you can just admit that I'm right.
Or we could call off the argument and admit no one was right ;)
Everyone has their own opinion. To state your opinion doesnt mean you won the argument.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
When you made the comparison, it appeared that you were saying that an SUV would work for Bentley because it isn't supposed to be as sporty as Porsche or Ferrari, which suggests that an SUV wouldn't work for them.
Anyway, I don't think any of the three should have an SUV, but both sides have stated the same reasons over and over, so we might as well call this off, and you can just admit that I'm right.
Or we could call off the argument and admit no one was right ;)
Everyone has their own opinion. To state your opinion doesnt mean you won the argument.
Um, I was kidding. ;)
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car.? If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care.? The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
When you made the comparison, it appeared that you were saying that an SUV would work for Bentley because it isn't supposed to be as sporty as Porsche or Ferrari, which suggests that an SUV wouldn't work for them.
Anyway, I don't think any of the three should have an SUV, but both sides have stated the same reasons over and over, so we might as well call this off, and you can just admit that I'm right.
Or we could call off the argument and admit no one was right ;)
Everyone has their own opinion. To state your opinion doesnt mean you won the argument.
Um, I was kidding. ;)
I didnt realize ;)
A regular post about an SUV turns into a 80 reply monster :o
At least the argument is over.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteOnce again, I wont hit reply because this thing is getting to big.
Bentley buyers are interested in the top of the line, ultimate exclusive, ultra luxury, ultra fast, ultra everything car. If an SUV fits those things, I dont think they would care. The fact that it is an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
Yet you said earlier in this thread that you didn't have a problem with the Porsche Cayenne.
No I dont at all. Porsche created an SUV that has all the attributes of a Sports car except the size of it, and thus created the Porsche of SUVs which is fine. If you would read my post, I said that an SUV wouldnt hurt its brand image, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari.
What I mean by that is that people arent going to look at Bentley and say an SUV is diluting the brands sporting heritage, simply because its not as sport fixated as say, Porsche or Ferrari. I in no way said in that post that I was against a Porsche SUV. Sompe people are against it, like die hard porschephiles, but I never said that I myself was against it.
When you made the comparison, it appeared that you were saying that an SUV would work for Bentley because it isn't supposed to be as sporty as Porsche or Ferrari, which suggests that an SUV wouldn't work for them.
Anyway, I don't think any of the three should have an SUV, but both sides have stated the same reasons over and over, so we might as well call this off, and you can just admit that I'm right.
Or we could call off the argument and admit no one was right ;)
Everyone has their own opinion. To state your opinion doesnt mean you won the argument.
Um, I was kidding. ;)
I didnt realize ;)
A regular post about an SUV turns into a 80 reply monster :o
At least the argument is over.
But where will I get my posts from now? :lol:
I'd better write something controversial. Even better, you do it, and I'll reply. ;)
Lol, I think I should make up for it by posting more topics. Oh, btw, GMPenguin hasnt answered any of our guesses for the GTCC. What do we do if there is no answer for 24hrs?
QuoteLol, I think I should make up for it by posting more topics. Oh, btw, GMPenguin hasnt answered any of our guesses for the GTCC. What do we do if there is no answer for 24hrs?
Wait, I guess.
We'll need to come up with a system for that. Perhaps a system in which mods take turns being told the answer by the topic starter to keep things moving faster is needed, I'll talk to GMPenguin and TurboDan (the other mod-powered members there).
I hope it never gets built. Last thing the world needs is another ostentatious SUV.