Author Archives: Lee Neesham

Bentley Motors unveiled its sector-defining Bentayga SUV at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. A car that it officially describes as being the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious, and most exclusive SUV in the world. The Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless performance and everyday usability.

This is an all new car for Bentley and when production starts early next year it will give Bentley an all important third line of vehicles (after the Continenal and Mulsanne lines) creating an all important sustained boast in sales and secure the future of Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe. Bentley has been slow at delivering its SUV but now it’s here it certainly won’t disappoint.

Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Frankfurt commented:

“The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

As one of the first projects I was involved in at Bentley, it’s very exciting to see this pivotal car in its ‘sheet metal’ and one that I can’t wait to see on the roads. It’s fantastic to be involved with a company and a project in this exciting time in its history.

Bentley unveils its latest concept in early March at the Salon International De L’auto 2015. This is officially called EXP 10 Speed 6 concept and showcases Bentley new and future design language as envisaged by Luc Donckerwolke and Sang Yup Lee who head up Bentley’s design team.

The concept is officially described as a British interpretation of a high performance two seater sports car, drawing from the racing success of the company’s early years to the international Motorsport success of today. Bentley have fused its iconic design cues with progressive craftsmanship techniques and modern technologies to create what is arguably one of its most exciting and beautiful cars.

Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Geneva commented:

“Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the EXP 10 Speed 6 is the ultimate expression of our vision for Bentley’s future – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. This one car showcases modern automotive design, highly skilled British handcrafting, the finest materials and advanced performance technology. This is not just a new sports car concept – but the potential Bentley of sports cars – a bold vision for a brand with a bold future.”

I have worked on numerous projects during my time at Bentley but this one has been the pinnacle of my time there. It is also the project that I have invested most time in. For nearly a year I did little else but work on this car from its initial gestation, through various volume studies and styling concepts to creating and managing the build of the finally exterior design CAD model. That was a fantastic year!

Bentley unveiled one of its most luxurious cars yet when it brought it to the Los Angeles Auto show on 19th November 2014. It is one of the most sophisticated open-top cars ever created by Bentley and showcases their unparalleled skills in building cars entirely by hand in the finest materials. This Grand Tourer is intended as a highly exclusive, limited edition, collectors piece for some of Bentley’s best customers.

Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Los Angeles, commented:

“This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways.”

This was a car that was a long time coming, and one that I worked on as far back as 2009, when the Mulsanne, its larger sibling, was initially launched. It is a beautiful car, cleverly imagined, that I am very proud of to have been integrally involved with.