Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept debuts in Geneva

The mean and muscular machine you see here is called the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6, and it’s a concept for a “sector-defining two-seater sportscar” from Crewe that could spearhead a potential new model line to run alongside the Continental GT.

Looking at the vehicle’s shape, it’s our guess that the Conti GT is its base, but visually, the disparities are sufficient to justify a separate model. A long, low nose is punctuated by a slim-bordered mesh grille with a ‘6’ motif, while the Bentley ‘big-small’ headlamps are oval-shaped and feature LED rings.

Behold it from the side and you’ll appreciate how much tauter, sportier and more compact it looks than the Conti GT. A striking fastback profile complements side gills and Bentley’s trademark prominent rear haunches – this is shaping up to be a true-blue Bentley sports car.

As sporting as its intentions may be, the interior remains luxury GT-like – a narrow, sloping centre console languishes amidst a sea of chrome, quilted leather and solid straight-grain cherry wood.

The 12-inch portrait-oriented touch-screen is curved at the top, and the instruments swing up into view as the car is started with the ‘B’ button on the side of the gear lever. The rear quarters, trimmed in Poltrona Frau leather, feature two compartments designed to house a specifically-designed four-piece luggage set.

Knurled surfaces are present throughout; they’re created with steel and copper to result in a two-metal 3D texture. Copper also features on some exterior elements; its use signifies the performance hybrid potential of the concept’s new powertrain.

The Crewe crew has already unveiled a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on the Mulsanne’s 6.75 litre twin-turbo V8 (the venerable ‘six-and-three-quarter’), so is the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept hinting that the VW Group-sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 is next to be hybridised? Or will another, smaller engine be employed?

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