Performance and design inspire Bentley's vision of the future

The Continental GT3, also presented at the auto show, explores the potential of the Continental GT in its most extreme form. [Photo/China Daily]

Bentley presented its EXP 10 Speed 6 and Continental GT3 Racer at the Auto Shanghai 2015 from April 20 to 29.

The EXP 10 Speed 6 concept is a British interpretation of a high performance two-seater sports car featuring a combination of modern automotive design and exquisite handcraftsmanship.

From the early successes on the track in the company's fledgling years to the international motorsport achievements of today, "speed" is part of the British automaker's DNA. This heritage is presented in the concept car and the GT3 Racer showcased in Shanghai.

"It could be a future model line, sitting alongside the Continental GT and redefining the pinnacle of another market sector. The styling of the EXP 10 Speed 6 could influence the expansion of the Bentley family. This is not just a new sports car concept; there is a real possibility that this could be the next Bentley sports car－a bold vision for a brand with a bold future," commented Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors.

Joining the new Bentley model lineup at the auto show is Bentley's Continental GT3, which takes a break from the 2015 season preparation.

The Continental GT3 is Bentley's purest expression of speed. The racecar explores the potential of the Continental GT in its most extreme form, exploiting the performance and endurance of Bentley to create an ultimate speed machine.

The Bentley team Absolute Racing will bring GT3 to GT Asia 2015, entering 12 races in South Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia and Thailand.

"We introduce Bentley Motorsport program here as China is Bentley's second largest market. We are confident that our Chinese customers will continue to have passion for this great brand", said Dürheimer.

2014 was a challenging year as the growth of the global luxury market continued to slow down. However, Bentley had a remarkable year in the past 12 months, enjoying a 22 percent increase within Greater China region despite those challenges.

As economists predicted, China market will be even more challenging in 2015 amid an economic slowdown and government efforts to curb extravagant spending, especially for super luxury auto sector. Facing the situation together with other luxury brands, Bentley aimed at a robust long-term development by providing its customer with its exclusive bespoke service and high standard customer care.

According to Bentley, car owners are able to choose from over 100 optional features, over 110 paint colors, six paint finishes, 24 stitching and piping colors, nine veneers and many more options when customizing their Bentleys.

Through its more advanced Mulliner bespoke service, customers are able to choose whatever features, colors, leathers and veneers they like rather than choosing from certain options. As long as the customers' requirements meet quality and safety standard of the products, and follow the local laws, Mulliner will try their best to realize customers' dream. Moreover, the cars are all hand-made by Mulliner.

Bentley Studio counts as another highlight of Bentley services.

It helps interact and communicate with Chinese consumers and send feedback to Bentley's department for bespoke services in the headquarters in Crewe, in the United Kingdom. More Chinese consumers have started to tailor-made their Bentley with many innovative ideas, which also brought new elements to the brand.

For the SUV enthusiast, another piece of good news comes to the Bentley SUV, which is named as Bentayga. Obviously appealing to the Chinese customers, it will be launched later this year.