Bentley throws out the rule book as it enters a new electric era
Should it be built, it will not look exactly like the show car, however, nor will it be the first electric Bentley. That will be a new SUV that is smaller, sportier and faster than the manufacturer's petrol-powered luxury SUV, the Bentayga. This new SUV – to be unveiled late next year and as yet unnamed – will nonetheless exhibit some of the bold styling displayed on the EXP15.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Vince McMahon involved in car crash
Vince McMahon was involved in a car crash last week. The WWE co-founder was issued a misdemeanour summons for reckless driving and following too closely resulting in an accident after the vehicle he was driving went into the back of another car before hitting a guardrail. The incident happened in Connecticut at around 9am last Thursday (24.07.25) and according to a crash report obtained by TMZ, the 79-year-old businessman was travelling northbound on Route 15 in Westport when his 2024 Bentley ran into the back of a 2023 BMW 430 before hitting a median wooden-beam guardrail. Debris from the collision then flew into the left side of the two-lane road, and a third vehicle, a southbound Ford Fusion then ran into it. The force of the impact was so severe, the airbags were deployed on both Vince's car and the BMW and all three cars had to be towed from the scene. All three drivers were wearing seatbelts and no major injuries were reported, though the guardrail suffered around 30 feet of damage. Photos from the scene of the accident showed the car belonging to Vince - who will appear in court next month - sustained severe damage on both sides near the front wheels, while the driver-side fender was scraped, dented and detached, and glass from a rear tail light was missing. The accident happened the same day that Vince's friend, Hulk Hogan, died at the age of 71, and he later paid tribute to the wrestling legend. He wrote on X: 'The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. "He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. "His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consummate performer. "He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. 'He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, 'Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.' Today, we pray for him.' Vince stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE in June 2022 amid an investigation over allegations he had paid a former employee $3 million to hide their affair. The investigation ended in November that year, and the following January he was unanimously elected executive chairman of the board. However, he resigned from WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, a year later after he was sued by ex-employee Janel Grant for "physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking", allegations which he denied.
The Australian
3 days ago
- The Australian
What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Ever-stricter speed limits, emissions controls, noise requirements and rising prices make life hard for those who live behind the wheel. Thankfully, there are a few sanctuaries where speed is celebrated, roaring engines are met with enthusiasm and incredible rare cars are everywhere. The best of them might be the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Set against the grand backdrop of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England, it draws more than 200,000 people to celebrate the full spectrum of motoring. From vintage race cars to legendary F1 machines, road cars and outlandish concepts, Goodwood has it all. MORE: Bold plan to seduce millionaires As soon as you step through the iconic gates of Goodwood, you're immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive evolution. Leading car manufacturers from around the world showcase cherished historic models alongside modern metal and revolutionary conceptsthat will shape the roads of tomorrow. I stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere and watching historic cars conquer the iconic hill climb, and thought the event couldn't get any better. However, one moment sealed it in my memory forever. I strapped into the passenger seat of a Bentley Continental GT Speed for a ride up the hill. Bentley's GT Speed launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, and being in the thick of it was nothing short of heart-pounding. We hit over 180 km/h through corners, tyres screeching as the road tightened and twisted beneath us on the charge uphill. It was an unforgettable experience, one countless people dream of having. For me, it stands out as a truly prominent moment I will forever cherish. MORE: Jet pilot tech to change Aussie cars But it was the slow parade back down the hill that captured my perception and revealed what makes this event truly special. As we crawled back towards the tent where the Bentley would be placed back on display, crowds lined the return route, and people began stepping closer. Phones came out, kids pointed, and some even leaned in for a better look, almost close enough to touch it. No barriers, no aggressively attentive marshals telling people off — just genuine excitement. This is what makes it so unique. With unrestricted access, you are free to wander through rows of priceless machinery, talk to drivers and engineers, and soak in the atmosphere. It's a weekend for anyone and everyone. Whether that's claiming a long-sought-after autograph, turning your gaze skywards for an incredible aerial display, or staring in bewildered awe at a multimillion-dollar car as it muscles its way up the Goodwood hill. The sound is also truly unforgettable. You hear everything from the thunderous growl of classic V8 muscle cars to the high-pitched shriek of modern F1 engines to the crowd's cheer of approval. There's even the whizz of hyper-electric performance cars that may not sound as appealing, though their looks more than make up for it. MORE: Why 'dumb ute' incentives don't make sense The event also has a rally stage, an off-road area, a supercar corral, a concours, an auction, and an exhibition for vendors. The enthusiasts who attend the event in their wide variety of classic cars, sports cars, and supercars make the parking lot one of the best car shows you'll ever see. Goodwood is brilliant. If it isn't on your bucket list, I'd highly recommend adding it. Whether you're a lifelong racing nut or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine, Goodwood has a way of pulling you in. Even if you don't know your GT40 from your GR Yaris, it's hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere. Read related topics: Climate Change James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia. Life Australia's answer to the dramatic sci-fi universe Westworld has been unveiled and it has to be seen to be believed. Life The battle for the dollar of the everyday Aussie between some of China's biggest manufacturers has exploded amid profanity-laced tirades and accusations of copycat products.
The Australian
3 days ago
- The Australian
Bentley's EXP 15 concept previews luxury brand's electric future
Bentley's drive for the future is as bold as its vehicles. A daring new concept car, the EXP 15, paves the road ahead for a brand that has juggled tech and tradition for decades. Though Bentley originally planned to release its first EV in 2025, we are still waiting to see what form that car will take. Like many brands, Bentley has pushed back its electrification plan to make sure it delivers something customers are ready for. Bentley's EXP 15 concept. Picture: Supplied Bentley factory in Crewe. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Jet pilot tech tested for drivers The company is now focusing on a new goal of offering a complete line-up of electric vehicles by 2035. A key detail in the company's strategy is to ensure that the Bentley Dream Factory in Crewe is fully operational for EV production by the time they start rolling out their first EV product. Bentley has recently opened a new paint shop and an 'Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch', marking a significant milestone in transforming the 85-year-old site for a new era of electrification. Bentley says the new facilities aim to set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible, and high-value manufacturing operations. it is now shifting its focus to constructing a new logistics centre, with the completion timeline aimed for later this year. We still don't know much about the new full-electric vehicle being launched in 2026, except that it is a luxury urban SUV. Bentley's factory in Crewe. Picture: Supplied The brand prides itself on attention to detail. Picture: Supplied Bentley recently revealed the EXP 15 concept electric vehicle, which gives us the best idea yet of what the brand's first EV might look like. The EXP 15 draws design inspiration from the marque's renowned 'Blue Train' Speed Six of 1930 and features an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain that will ultimately replace its iconic V8 and W12 engines. Bentley's EXP 15 concept points to an electric future. Picture: Supplied The EXP 15 concept has bold styling. Picture: Supplied MORE: Luxury vans to shock Australia With its radical three-door layout and emphasis on tactile controls, the EXP 15 offers an exciting preview of Bentley's commitment to performance and luxury in an electric era. Bentley's design director Robin Page said the car is an opportunity to explore new approaches. 'It's clear the SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market (through four generations of Continental GT), but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' he said. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box design, and others again something more elevated. 'The EXP 15 falls somewhere in between, with raised ride height and a sloped fastback-style roof line, but many familiar elements from Bentley's two-door and four-door models.' At the front, slim vertical LED lights frame a bold new take on Bentley's iconic upright grille. Bentley has chosen to retain the upright grille as a way to maintain one of its most iconic design elements. Although electric vehicles do not require a grille for cooling, Page noted that the grille would evolve into a form of 'digital art.' EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) Behind it, it retains Bentley's signature 'endless' bonnet line, but rather than hiding a combustion engine, it conceals two luggage compartments beneath piano-hinged covers inspired by the 1930 Bentley Gurney Nutting coupe. The top of the bonnet also debuts Bentley's new logo. At the back of the car, the pillars beside the rear window taper inward, giving it a sleek 'boattail' shape that enhances the wide rear wheel arches. The tailgate features two high-mounted spoilers that connect seamlessly to slim, C-shaped tail-lights. These lights frame a new design element known as the 'Prestigious Shield,' which showcases the Bentley badge. Inside, the EXP 15 features a radical three-door, three-seat layout, which takes inspiration from the one-off 'Blue Train' Speed Six. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: The best car of the 21st century There's a single door on the driver's side in true coupe style, while the passenger side gets a two-door saloon set up. How does this configuration make logical sense? Well, according to the brand, it does. Here's why. Bentleys are traditionally bought by people who like to drive themselves and occasionally be driven. The least important seat in the car is the front passenger's, so it's been replaced with a luxury pet bed or additional luggage storage space. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) The dashboard is shaped like the Bentley wings and includes physical tactile switches, as customers are increasingly tired of digital buttons and prefer the responsiveness of physical controls. Bentley has not released specific technical details about the EXP 15's powertrain, but the confirmed all-wheel-drive electric system, likely featuring two motors, suggests that Bentley's future EVs will uphold their legacy of both performance and luxury. Although the EXP 15 is just a concept and won't be arriving at any dealerships in Australia, we can expect to see features from this innovative design integrated into the luxury brand's first electric vehicle. James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
