How Bentley Shaved 97 Pounds Off the Bentayga to Create a Track Monster
The Bentayga Apex Edition, a limited release from Bentley, is turning heads not just for its opulent design, but for Bentley's audacious move to make their 5,660-pound luxury SUV a contender on the race track. Announced as the most dynamic Bentayga yet, this exclusive variant is a testament to Bentley's commitment to blending luxury with performance in unprecedented ways.
At the heart of the Bentayga Apex Edition's transformation is its significant weight reduction and bespoke enhancements. By integrating 22-inch carbon fiber wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, Bentley has managed to shed 97 pounds off its hefty frame. This reduction in unsprung weight directly translates to improved handling dynamics, allowing this mammoth SUV to grip and corner with surprising agility.
Despite its track-ready enhancements, the Bentayga Apex Edition remains true to its roots with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that boasts 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, the Bentayga Apex Edition may not have drastically improved its straight-line speed compared to its sibling, the standard Bentayga, but its refined aerodynamics and reduced weight yield a noticeable advantage in terms of performance and driver feedback.
The question then arises: who is this vehicle for? Bentley seems to be breaking new ground with the Bentayga Apex Edition, targeting a niche market of affluent buyers who seek the ultimate blend of luxury SUV comfort and track performance. It's a bold strategy that might redefine what's expected from the high-end SUV segment.
Moreover, the Apex Edition represents a unique intersection in the automotive world, being built on the MLB Evo chassis shared by the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and the Lamborghini Urus Performante. This lineage not only emphasizes the Bentayga's performance pedigree but also underlines Bentley's engineering prowess in creating a vehicle that can hold its own against established performance SUVs.
As we look to the future of luxury vehicles, the Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner symbolizes a shift towards more versatile, performance-oriented options within the high-end market. Though some may question the necessity of turning a luxurious SUV into a track-ready machine, Bentley's venture into this realm is a bold assertion of the brand's capabilities and vision for the future of luxury motoring.
In conclusion, the Bentayga Apex Edition is more than just a lighter version of its predecessor; it's a glimpse into the evolving landscape of luxury vehicles where performance and opulence converge seamlessly. Whether it resonates with Bentley's traditional clientele or not, there's no denying the impressive engineering feat Bentley has achieved with this limited-edition vehicle.