Few of you know that the British automotive giant Bentley would hardly have survived to this day and would delight us with its wonderful models, if it were not for the help of a competitor company, Rolls Royce.
This dark and confusing story happened in the 30s of the last century, when the Bentley company was in a state of bankruptcy, its workshops were idle without orders, employees did not receive salaries, the Walter Owen Bentley business began to gradually die. But then the following happened...
The British automotive company Bentley, specializing in the production of luxury cars, has existed since 1919, when entrepreneur Walter Owen Bentley, together with engineers F. Barges and G. Varley, developed their first car and named it after Walter Owen - Bentley.
But back to 1930, when the legendary Bentley company lost its independence and priority in the global car market. Orders for a luxury car declined, Bentley's workshops stood up, the company was in a state of bankruptcy for a long time due to incorrect marketing policies and old "boring eyes" bodies and engines that did not correspond to the latest trends in automotive fashion, the founders of which were considered to be the British.
And then the notorious English trait of the northern character intervened - prudence and solidarity in difficult times.
Gathering all his strength into a fist, the finally bankrupt Bentley company was saved by another car company, its British competitor, the auto giant Rolls-Royce. Through the mediation of Napier, Bentley became part of the elite automobile company Rolls-Royce. From that moment on, a new stage began in the history of Bentley, which in no way belittled the previously achieved high position in the automotive high society.
In 1955, the Bentley Company of Rolls-Royce introduced the new legendary S-1 series (see my photo), demonstrating the ultimate technical endowment of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, a model called the S-1.
The Bentley S-1 model was a copy of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost model and was equipped with a 6-cylinder 4.9-liter engine with an automatic transmission. And no matter how beautiful the Rolls-Royce is, Bentley still looks much more elegant and stricter now.
Not so long ago, I already told you about the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud - 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III -. Today we will talk about the Bentley S-1 ... But back to the Bentley.
Bentley S-1: based on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
Released: 1958
Engine size: 4900 cc
Engine power: 137 hp
Number of cylinders: 6
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Number of seats: 5
1.
Oddly enough, but even a cursory glance at the Bentley S-1 gives the impression that this is a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost ... And this is partly true. 
2.
Behind the body of Bentley and Rolls Royce are the same 
3.
But still, the wings of the Bentley are more elegant 
4.
Yes, and the front fender of the Bentley S-1 is more interesting in design 
5.
And of course, the most basic difference from Rolls Royce is single headlights 
6.
Oh yes, the Bentley is beautiful 
7.
It's basically a Rolls Royce though. 
8.
If not for Bashki's nameplate 
The progenitor of the Bentley S-1 was the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Royce was produced from 1955 to 1966. During this time, 7868 copies of the Silver Cloud of various modifications were produced. This was the most successful classic Rolls-Royce in its entire life, according to the company's customers. The latest versions of the Silver Cloud were already devoid of that classic rigor and elegance.
Characteristics of this model Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, details about the car -
Released: 1955
Engine size: 4900 cc
Engine power: 165 hp
Number of cylinders: 6
Maximum speed: 171 km/h
Number of cylinders: 5
Number of produced cars: 2238
Technically comparing two completely identical and so different cars - the Bentley S-1 and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, we can conclude that the Rolls-Royce has a maximum speed of 1 km / h more than the Bentley S-1. This symbolic inequality of two identical cars was made not by chance - Rolls-Royce took the bankrupt Bentley company under its financial tutelage in order to maintain the leadership of British cars in the world market.
9.
More about Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud - 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I - 
10.
Unlike the Bentley S-1, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost has straight fenders and twin headlights. And perhaps that's all. All major differences end there. 
11.
And yes, this is not a Bentley, but a Royce Royce. Although what's the difference. 
12.
I don’t know about you, but personally I really like the more expensive version of the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost - Bentley S-1 in terms of design 
These are the same and at the same time different two legendary cars.
By the way, which of the cars did you like more - Bentley or Rolls-Royce?
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost - 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer -
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud - 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III -
Bentley S-1 or how Rolls-Royce helped its competitor - Bentley S-1 1958 -
Rolls-Royce increased sales in Russia and set a record -
Here's some more sweetness...
Bugatti Type 57 - Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Cabriolet - 1935 -
Rolls-Royce Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster - 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster -
Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe 1930 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe -
Jaguar E-Tape - 1961-1975 Jaguar E-Tape - The story of the ugly duckling -
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta - 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta -
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud - 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I -
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars officially presented its most powerful car at the Geneva Motor Show. Mind-blowing 624 horsepower coupe Rolls Royce Wraith will accelerate it from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds and will cost more than $ 300,000, it will go on sale a little later, but definitely already this year. The car was designed to change people's perception of the famous luxury brand, chief executive Torsten Müller-Otvös told Drive May.
"I'm sure the car will bring a lot of new customers to the brand," he said. And she has no competition. Wraith bears a resemblance to the continental version of the Bentley GT Grand Touring model, but Mr. Müller-Otvos especially likes to point out that he does not see it as a rival.
"Do I see Continental as a competitor? Definitely not," he said. "We operate at a different price point, with prices firmly over £200,000. "But I wouldn't be surprised if some existing Bentley customers buy the Wraith. Many people in this segment don't see the Continental as an exclusive anymore."
Attack on an opponent. Bentley board member in charge of sales and marketing, Kevin Rose, acknowledged that for the Bentley brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are not a direct competitor, with their best-selling models starting at around £130,000. That's kind of true because we're not in the same price bracket, but a lot of ours and their customers have six or seven cars, so a lot of them will have both Rolls and Bentleys," he told Drive.
But I winced to hear they don't think of a super-luxurious Bentley," he said as he showed off the automaker's latest models, a redesigned Flying Spur, ahead of Tuesday's official unveiling. Flying Spur Bentley's Flying Spur could rival the Rolls-Royce Goust. Indeed if Wraith encroaches on territory Continental GT made up of ultra-luxury sports cars, yet the new Flying Spur offers a decent alternative to the Rolls-Royce Goust. Unlike the previous Flying Spur, which was essentially a stretched version of the Continental GT, this car was built from scratch and the connection to the Continental GT was completely severed.
But we don't compete too much," Mr. Rose said. "We compete on friendly terms. They dominate their segment of the ultra-luxury car market, we dominate our higher price segment. Which is a little narrower. Consequently, Bentley sold 8,510 vehicles last year while Roll-Royce sold 3,575. Bentley's sales are also growing faster than Rolls-Royce's in recent months. Bentley's sales grew 22% last year, following a 37% increase in 2011 and an 11% increase in 2010. By comparison, Rolls-Royce, which is owned by the BMW Group, saw sales growth of around 1%, significantly slower than its 31% growth rate in 2011 and 150% growth in 2010.
Mr Müller-Otvös said he was optimistic about the future, however, as the ultra-luxury car segment is growing in line with the rise of the ultra-wealthy. Müller-Otvos also noted that the new V12 on the Wraith should help change attitudes towards Rolls-Royce in general, as the company currently sells a slightly less powerful and modern Phantom. In general, when we make a new model, we intend not to impress the public with just pure power and luxury. We also want to add new facets to the brand," he said. I wouldn't be surprised if even Ferrari owners, tired of cars that aren't comfortable enough for everyday driving, want to switch to our new coupe. But the Wraith is a more gentlemanly Gran Turismo. The car is quite sporty, probably not the right definition for a Rolls-Royce.
Even before the premiere, they dubbed the main competitor of Bentley Bentayga. And although the Rolls-Royce SUV turned out to be significantly more expensive, these two models will compete, which means they can be compared.
For starters, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is 20 cm longer than the Bentley Bentayga at 5341 mm in length with a wheelbase of 3295 mm versus 5141 and 2992 mm, respectively.
Design is subjective. Someone liked the strict style of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and someone liked the neoclassical appearance of the Bentley Bentayga.
The interior trim of both SUVs is dominated by leather, wood and aluminum. Larger dimensions, of course, make the Rolls-Royce more spacious inside, and it also has more trunk volume - 560 liters versus 430.
Both Bentley and Rolls-Royce have equipment like a virtual instrument cluster, head-up display, 360-degree cameras and night vision systems.
Of course, premium SUVs received original accessories. So, Cullinan is equipped with folding seats in the trunk, and for Bentayga you can order sets for a picnic or elite hunting.
Both cars are powered by 12-cylinder turbocharged engines (although the Bentayga has a V8 and even a diesel) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6.0-liter W12 Bentley develops 608 hp. With. and 900 Nm, and the 6.75-liter Rolls-Royce V12 - 570 hp. With. and 850 Nm.
Bentayga is more powerful and lighter, and therefore it is able to accelerate to hundreds in 4.1 seconds and develop 301 km / h. The dynamics of the Cullinan is still unknown (expected about 5.5 s to 100 km / h), and the maximum speed is 250 km / h.
Both cars have adaptive dampers and air suspension with variable ground clearance. The Bentley SUV was also equipped with active anti-roll bars.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan starts at $325,000, while the Bentley Bentayga can be purchased for $195,000. Of course, the price difference is significant, but this is not the most important factor in this segment.
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At first glance, all of these lavishly equipped luxury chariots aim their branded mighty grilles at the same lucrative market niches. In fact, they differ significantly in approach, environment and attractiveness. The Bentley Flying Spur is an old-school, five-seat sports car that combines a superbly finished vintage interior with a highly efficient chassis and transmission. Mercedes S600 looks like a dressed up S300. However, in its exquisite detail, one can see a summary of the Technological Bible. The Rolls-Royce Ghost S2 combines a recognizable icon that is trying to impress with talent full of ideas. But the trio share one quality - fuel gauges, synchronously leading to suicide - which once again proves that weight, resistance and a heavy right leg are the sworn enemies of efficiency.
Despite a recent update, the Bentley remains the oldest car ever, and he knows it. The compactness of the package belies the Spur's generous 5299mm length. A rigid suspension has been installed to ensure a low seating position and speed, and the weight of 2.4 tons suggests that the hull is still made of Sheffield steel. The driver's seat is stiff, shapeless and under-adjustable, and the beautifully finished (deliberately vintage-inspired) interior lacks modern conveniences such as shift paddles, driver assistance systems and an advanced infotainment system. This vintage car is charming and interesting in its own way. For a lower price, the S600 offers richer equipment, an infinitely smooth ride and an extra half meter of cabin space. But it will take a long time to find such a long and luxurious car that will get you from point A to point B faster than a bad, black Bentley.
Alps
On a three-lane highway heading towards the Tyrolean Alps, the Mercedes S-Class handles speed more easily. Wide, well balanced and firmly grounded, the car feels confident even when negotiating hydroplaning areas, wide expansion joints and ribbed surfaces. Anyone who finds themselves behind an ugly two-spoke steering wheel will come to the rescue: customizable cruise control with automatic braking function, automatic prompting for lane selection, a night vision camera and an impressive electronic control unit that scans the roadway with three cameras and with the help of springs and adjustable shock absorbers smooth out bumps.
With the length of a Bentley, the S600 is huge inside and its seats are very comfortable. If you wish, parking will be done fully automatically. When needed, the heating system will warm the surface of the door panels and center console, while the intelligent lighting system will outshine its rivals in variety, range and sensitivity. Despite the fact that the Mercedes is incredibly comfortable and safe, it is also attractive.
It's unexpected to hear such praise for the Ghost S2. Making a big difference is the optional Dynamic Driving Package, which performed surprisingly well on the car with 19-inch winter tires. Quick responses from the thick-rimmed steering wheel, improved stabilizers, a controlled air suspension and retuned dampers all add a bit of precision and extra stability to the car. The slight lack of calmness that made early versions of the Ghost frown at high speeds is gone - body roll and "peck" under braking are now better suppressed. Despite all its mass and inertia, Ghost began to accelerate more confidently. Another update is powerful LED headlights with integrated turn indicators. With the exception of more comfortable seats, the cabin hasn't changed much, so instead of a tachometer, it's still the same useless power reserve indicator.
Can these limousines be driven?
The picturesque mountain range that connects the southern edge of Bavaria and a thin stretch of Austria spoils visitors with ramifications of promising roads. Avoiding the radar-laden freeways, we drive southwest on a curved B-road, passing through a couple of small passes and occasionally driving on dangerous back roads with narrow sections for a single car. On all sharp turns and, in addition, steep climbs, Flying Spur has established itself as the undisputed leader. After all, it's the only one with all-wheel drive. This active safety bonus allows it to be unbeatable in terms of traction and traction. Throw in 800Nm of torque spiced up with a 6.0-litre W12 and it becomes clear why Benz and Rolls are having a nightmare with Bentley taillights receding into the distance. An 8-speed automatic transmission is responsible for the distribution of speed. It desperately lacks the push-button controls that would help it cope with steep descents, where even a very powerful composite braking system would hiss with exertion one way or another.
Despite the Dynamic Driving Package, there comes an hour when Rolls prefers to slow down, and that moment comes sooner rather than later. With the ESP security system turned on, the Ghost quickly began to "slow down". However, turning it off, you will find that you control the Titanic along the upper forks of the Thames. It's like wearing a tailcoat to compete in a decathlon - there's no point trying to talk Rolls into being a ridiculous sports car. Although Bentley also claims the term "waftability" (the unique feeling of light movement characteristic of Rolls-Royce), you can not say that it suits the Ghost better - as soon as the road begins to narrow and the corners twist, Rolls chooses a smooth ride. The highest torque of 770 Nm was at a low 1500 rpm, forcing you to be careful with the steering wheel and throttle in sharp turns. The car even uses a satellite navigation system to avoid unnecessary gear changes. In this limousine, more than in the other two, a relaxed driving style will be rewarded with overall sophistication and luxurious privacy.
Like the W12 found in the Spur and the 6.6-liter V12 crammed into the Ghost, the 6.0-liter V12 that powers the S600 isn't exactly a new device. The three valve stemmed from the original 5.5 liter V12 that was first introduced in the Maybach 57 in 2002. At 530 hp, the twin-turbo engine can't match the 571 hp. the Ghost or the even more muscular Bentley with 625 hp, but with 830 Nm of torque, the relatively light Mercedes is far from a slacker. In acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds, he overtook the rival from Goodwood by 0.3 seconds. While the S600 and Ghost show 260 km/h on the speedometers, the third musketeer can reach 320 km/h under certain circumstances. Such high rates of speed rarely make a big difference, but controllability and stability always do. And here Benz has to struggle from time to time to keep up. While the S63 AMG is available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the comfort-focused S600 doesn't, so ESP kicks in - especially when trying to keep up with the Flying Spur.
Luxury has many facets, and these three giants take on most of them with pretentiousness. Space? The Mercedes is hard to beat here, and that sentiment extends to the rear seats with plenty of legroom and headroom. Equipment? All the credit goes back to Benz, which won't even charge extra for all these top-notch amenities. Ergonomics? Winning by a narrow margin goes to a BMW-inspired car from Rolls-Royce, which is made to order and has an improved version of the iDrive system. The driver's seat in the S600 is fully loaded with touchpads, buttons and rotary controls. However, their labyrinth is difficult to navigate, and some of them are questionably useful. Holiday feeling? If you like Teutonic styling fused with over-the-top technicality (automatic buckles, rear seat airbag, air freshener dispenser, etc.), then go for a Mercedes. If you prefer the atmosphere of a gentlemen's club, then a beautifully made and tastefully equipped Bentley will be just right. However, to underscore true presentability and opulence, nothing beats the Ghost's exhilarating rear doors, eye-catching theater passenger seats and a tasteful yet functional driver's seat.
Can a V12 limousine be economical?
Economy is definitely not the main characteristic in the Super League. However, it is foolish to neglect the fuel consumption, which made itself felt after all three cars drove back to Munich at night. If Mercedes consumes an average of 13.9 liters per 100 km, then the Ghost SII barely has enough 15.7 liters, and the most drinking Bentley, which asks for all 18 liters.
It will be more difficult to save when buying the cars themselves. The cheapest (if it is appropriate to use such a term here) will be the S600 model, which is sold at a price of 197,000 Euros. The Bentley costs 214,000 Euros without extras, but when you add big wheels, a panoramic roof, good leather, an entertainment complex and a carbon-ceramic braking system, the figure easily reaches 273,000 Euros. It remains Ghost for 303,000 Euros in the basic configuration. Count on 400,000 Euros if we are talking about the dance-vocal specimen presented in this review.
To confirm the fact that these 12-cylinder engines occupy the top niche among the most vibration-balanced powertrains, we put a coin vertically on each engine idling. The coin remained standing on all three engines. Regardless of the type of car it drives, the W12 engine is the sportiest. It sounds a little rough at the strain, raspy at full load, and loud at partial load. To live up to expectations, the UK-built engine (which started life more modestly in the VW Phaeton in 2002) needs 6,000 rpm. The power limit comes at 6200 rpm, just like in a 6.0-liter Mercedes, but the similarity ends there. Mercedes S600 will give maximum power from 4900 to 5300 rpm. Designed and manufactured in Munich specifically for the Ghost, the V12 engine needs 5250 rpm to achieve maximum power. The attached seven-speed gearbox runs exceptionally smoothly. The high status is emphasized by the absence of selector paddles and the possibility of choosing a control program. In Benz, you can change gears with your fingertips or lock the program in Dynamic mode. The Spur remains the only competitor with an 8-speed transmission that has an additional gear ratio for better distribution of torque and speed.
We expected a light ride, easy shifting and normal suspension setup. We have all of this, although to varying degrees. The surprise for us was the overall power of the braking system, using large discs that are enough to handle even a heavy road train. Equipped with optional carbon-ceramic brake discs, the Bentley (wrapped in 21-inch summer tires) effectively absorbs kinetic energy at quite high speeds, resulting in dynamic braking without any fading. The S600's 300kg superiority pays off with shorter braking distances and reaction times. Even Rolls-Royce, which focuses more on looks and absolute peace of mind, prides itself on a strong and well-balanced braking system. The brake pedal only needs a little pressure to start the process. Another common advantage of our giants can be called unshakable directional stability. All three models are virtually immune to the effects of crosswinds, bad weather and changes in road surfaces. Tight turns won't be a problem either, but our 36-cylinder convoy had to slow down hard on every tight entry.
Conclusion
So which luxury car is the best? Who will get the victory? Benz takes the lead. Undoubtedly, he has the most upscale salon, and he will spoil you with a bouquet of unsurpassed devices. This is an exciting high-speed cruiser that will save you enough money to buy a house by the sea.
A werewolf man can stock up on a Bentley, a car that is essentially two in one: a smart and stylish four-door model, genetically related to the Continental GT Speed, and an adherent of the traditional British character and art that is usually instilled in buyers who find the Jaguar XJR too mundane .
However, the oligarch will almost always reach for the keys to the Ghost. Why? Because he will want the best car of the best, the most representative and prestigious, perhaps the loudest, giving the proletariat every reason to revolt.
We all remember how in 1998 the owners of Vickers decided to get rid of the assets of Rolls-Royce Motors. Of the contenders for the luxury brand, they were most impressed by BMW, which already produced engines and components for Rolls-Royce and Bentley limousines. However, the final price of BMW, which amounted to 340 million pounds, was outbid by dealers from Volkswagen AG, who offered a little more - 430 million pounds. It seems that the British are happy, but the machine-building Rolls-Royce Group plc (production of equipment for aviation, ships and power equipment) decided that the rights to use the Rolls-Royce trademark and logo will still go to the “Bavarian motors”, with which the company has long been connected business relationship. Although VW had acquired the rights to the famous "Spirit of Ecstasy" and the design of the grille, designed in the style of an ancient temple, without the logo and name, it was not able to produce Rolls-Royce cars. Over the past 15 years, Bentley has proven in practice how successful it is . If in 1998 the company managed to find buyers for only 414 limousines, then in the past 2013 there were more than 10,000 of them (before that, the sales record was in 2007 - 10,014 units). Thus, the increase compared to 2012 was 19%. Operating profit recorded in the status report grew even more rapidly. If in 2011 it was 8 million euros, then in 2012 it was already more than 100 million euros. The noble “daughter” of BMW is not yet able to withstand the onslaught of Bentley. Last year, Rolls-Roys sold only 3630 cars on the planet - an increase by 2012 was about 2%. There is no mention of income at all. For the first time, the mark of 1000 cars was exceeded relatively recently, in 2007. The commercial success of Bentley did not go unnoticed in the camp of competitors. Rolls-Roys Motor Cars CEO Thorsten Müller-Otvos compares his brand to "a jewel in the British royal treasury." In a similar way, they look at their "daughter" in Bavaria. “This brand is a jewel for the concern. We are very pleased with the income,” says a BMW representative. Businessmen from Munich consider the comparison of Rolls-Roys with Bentley incorrect, because for them Rolls is an order of magnitude higher class. The Bavarians always voice this when critics point to the success of their main counterpart. “Compared to the same Phantom, any Bentley car is almost a mass product,” BMW retorts. - Buyers of Rolls-Roys appreciate the high cost of the car and a small number of produced copies. All this is a kind of proof of our exclusivity, our customers do not want to see similar cars on every corner.” Wealthy buyers from the US, China and the Middle East are not stingy to lay out 400,000 euros for a limousine. And according to Mr. Müller-Otvos, the company has no intention of going down in price positioning. However, Stefan Bratzel, an auto expert at the Bergisch Gladbach Specialized Higher School of Economics, considers these words of a top manager of Rolls-Roys a banal excuse. In his opinion, it is necessary not only to follow traditions, but also to improve the products of a respected brand. According to experts, Volkswagen outperformed its rival in terms of improvement. With the Continental GT, Bentley bridged the gap that existed between German business limousines and the luxury segment. The brand has created an independent family, one step below Arnage. Rolls-Roys tried to strike back by building a giant Ghost in 2009, but the number of units sold is far behind the Continental GT. Bentley's next move was the announcement that in 2016 the company will release its own SUV. According to rumors, several buyers have already left pre-orders for the novelty. A year later, a hybrid version will hit the market, which is aimed at wealthy customers in the US and China. There is little such information from Rolls - only the 102 EX electric limousine, which was introduced back in 2011, as well as the Phantom with a pure electric drive, now lost in the brand's museum. So who makes their cars better? When it comes to the number of units sold and the development of the model palette, the cup, of course, goes to VW. Yet Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of BMW, cannot be considered a loser. In the Luxury segment, there are other challenges and criteria by which the success of the company must be measured and, above all, traditions that exist regardless of fashion cycles. Independent experts urge to evaluate the company's success not only and not so much by the operational profit that both luxury brands receive. In their opinion, operational profit serves only as a reassurance for shareholders and in order not to scare away the buyer. There is more to this story...
